Panthers win in Las Vegas: Andy & Co.

Source: TonyaJameson / Tonya Jameson

Andy Dalton was initially brought in to be a veteran backup and mentor for Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall draft pick from last year. However, after just two games, Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales made a bold decision, benching Young and elevating Dalton to the starting role, a move that sent ripples through the NFL.

“The way this game unfolded is exactly how you hope it would go,” Dalton remarked after leading the Panthers to victory over the Raiders, improving his record against them to 4-0. “Not every game will be like this, but today showed us the potential we have.”

Now sitting at 1-2, the Panthers have struggled since last season, with a dismal record of 3-17 and having been outscored 73-13 in their first two games against the Saints and Chargers. With frustration building among the Panthers’ receivers regarding Young’s performance, Canales believed Dalton gave the team the best chance to succeed.

Dalton looked revitalized, showcasing the skills that earned him the nickname “Red Rifle” during his prime. He completed 26 of 37 passes for over 300 yards and three touchdowns—the first NFL quarterback this season to achieve such a feat. In his four career starts against the Raiders, Dalton has now thrown for a remarkable 1,027 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In the first half alone, Dalton racked up 212 yards and three touchdowns, a much-needed boost for a Panthers offense that had managed only a single field goal in their previous two road games.

Canales, celebrating his first win as head coach, deflected questions about Dalton’s role, emphasizing the collective effort of the team. “I felt like everyone came ready to play,” he said, noting that he had family in attendance. “This group is serious and focused. I’ve had to adjust my high-energy style because they just want to know what we need to do and execute it.”