The Carolina Panthers delivered an impressive performance, recording their highest points since Week 16 of the 2022 NFL season in a dominant victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton shone in his role, stepping in for Bryce Young after the first two games of the season.
Dalton propelled the offense to achieve more yards and points against the Raiders than in the team’s first two matches combined.
In the first half, Dalton started strong, completing 5 of 6 passes on the opening drive and connecting with running back Chuba Hubbard for a 6-yard touchdown, marking the Panthers’ first touchdown on an opening drive in 20 weeks—tying for the longest streak in the league.
On their third offensive series, Dalton continued to impress, going 4-for-4 and converting a crucial 3rd and 14 by finding Diontae Johnson for a 23-yard gain. Shortly after, he made a key 35-yard connection with rookie Xavier Legette, setting up another touchdown pass to Johnson, extending the Panthers’ lead to 14-7.
Before halftime, Dalton found Johnson again for a 35-yard gain on third down, leading to a pinpoint touchdown pass to Adam Thielen for a 31-yard score, giving the Panthers a 21-7 advantage at the break. Dalton completed 15 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, while the Panthers managed 256 total yards, more than in their first two games combined.
In the second half, Carolina extended their lead with a 43-yard field goal from Eddie Pineiro, bringing the score to 24-7. Johnson surpassed 100 receiving yards in the third quarter, contributing to another field goal by Pineiro to make it 27-7.
Heading into the fourth quarter with a 27-7 lead, this marked the first time the Panthers had led going into the final period since Week 17 of the 2022 season. Running back Miles Sanders increased their advantage with a one-yard touchdown early in the fourth, making it 33-7.
Pineiro added another field goal, a 26-yarder, to stretch the lead to 36-15. Hubbard concluded with 114 rushing yards, alongside 55 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Johnson finished the game with eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Dalton became the first quarterback this season to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. Under offensive coordinator Canales, the Panthers ran 68 plays, garnering 24 first downs and a total of 439 yards of offense, a stark contrast to their first two games where they totaled 101 plays and 352 yards.