Andy Dalton, who plays quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, appears calm and bold as he poses for pictures with his partner and friends at Allegiant Stadium before Sunday’s match.
That composed demeanor was actually what Coach Dave Canales believed would happen when he substituted rookie Bryce Young in favor of the 36-year-old veteran.
Dalton performed expectedly as he threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 36-22 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The coach believed the Carolina Panthers, stung by two blowout defeats, required a veteran availability to jump-start their offense. The team hasn’t had it easy, as they struggled hard, scoring just 13 points in their first two matches.
The top pick in the 2023 draft, Young, had given poor figures that contributed to the 0-2 start.
Quarterback Andy Dalton set the tone at an early stage that led to a touchdown drive on the opening serious that broke a 20-game streak where the Panthers were unable to score on their first possession. His three touchdown passes were the most that the team Panthers ever recorded from a quarterback since Cam Newton did it in 2015.
Carolina again posted its first 300-yard passer, 100-yard rusher, and 100-yard receiver with Dalton at the helm since Week 8 of 2022.
