Before Week 3, the Carolina Panthers had managed only one touchdown this season, but their first series without quarterback Bryce Young resulted in a scoring play. The Panthers secured their first victory since December 31, 2022, and their first road win since the end of the 2022 season by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 36-22 at Allegiant Stadium.
Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton took over the starting role after Young struggled through his rookie year and into his sophomore season. Dalton made an immediate impact, becoming the first quarterback this season to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Dalton quickly got the offense moving, leading a 70-yard drive in nine plays on the game’s opening series that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass to running back Chuba Hubbard. The Raiders responded in the first quarter with a rushing touchdown from Alexander Mattison, but Dalton quickly retook the lead.
He orchestrated a 75-yard drive, connecting with wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown. The Panthers extended their advantage to two touchdowns with Dalton throwing his third touchdown pass of the day, this time to Adam Thielen on a 31-yard completion before halftime. The 21 points scored in the first half by Carolina surpassed their total offensive output from the first two games combined.
Dalton concluded the game with 26 completions on 37 attempts for 319 yards, showcasing a performance that exceeded Young’s total in his first two games this season. Young had completed 31 of 56 throws for 245 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions in those games.
At this point, it seems Dalton has firmly secured the starting quarterback position.
Prior to Sunday’s game, the Panthers’ only touchdown for the year came from a 3-yard scramble by Young, with their other scores consisting solely of two field goals.
Before being benched, Young recorded a 2-16 record in 18 starts, totaling 3,122 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Dalton, with 14 years of NFL experience, holds a career record of 83-78-2 as a starter, accumulating 38,511 yards, 246 touchdowns, and 144 interceptions.