Before Week 3, the Carolina Panthers managed only one touchdown this season, but in their first drive without quarterback Bryce Young, they found the end zone. This marked their first victory since December 31, 2022, and their first away win since the end of the 2022 season, as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 36-22 at Allegiant Stadium.
After struggling in his rookie year, Young was benched at the start of his sophomore season. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton stepped in and made an immediate impact, becoming the first quarterback this year to exceed 300 yards and throw three touchdowns.
Dalton quickly got the offense rolling, leading a 70-yard drive in nine plays that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass to running back Chuba Hubbard. The Raiders responded with a rushing touchdown from Alexander Mattison to equalize the score, but Dalton quickly regained the lead for Carolina with a 75-yard drive that included a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
The Panthers extended their lead by 14 points, with Dalton showcasing his ability to involve multiple receivers, throwing his third touchdown of the day to Adam Thielen on a 31-yard connection before halftime. The 21 points scored in the first half surpassed their total scores from the first two games combined.
Dalton completed 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards, exceeding Young’s total yardage over his first two games by 74 yards. Young had previously thrown for 245 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in his first two outings, including a pick on his opening drive.
At this point, the starting quarterback position appears to be Dalton’s to keep, following the team’s disappointing start with Young under center. Before this game, Carolina’s only touchdown this year was a 3-yard rush by Young, with their other scores consisting of just two field goals.
In his NFL career spanning 14 years, Dalton holds a record of 83 wins against 78 losses as a starter, amassing 38,511 yards, 246 touchdowns, and 144 interceptions.