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Andy Dalton Led Panthers To First Victory In 2024

The Carolina Panthers shook things up by naming Andy Dalton their starting quarterback for Week 3, replacing former top overall pick Bryce Young. The change worked for the struggling franchise, as they broke through the win column this season by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 36-22.

In that victory, the veteran from TCU became the first quarterback to have over 300 passing yards and at least three touchdowns in a game this season. Dalton finished with 26 completions out of 37 attempts for 319 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Dalton completed his first touchdown pass to running back Chuba Hubbard five minutes into the game. Before the first half ended, he found Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen in the end zone, stretching Carolina’s lead to 21-7. With Dalton in the zone, the Panthers tallied 15 passing first downs and 7.8 yards per completion.

That’s all the Panthers needed, as the Raiders never threatened to steal the victory. The 27-7 third-quarter Carolina lead after an Eddy Piniero field goal proved insurmountable.

As he plays the final season of the two-year contract he signed last year, the Panthers might keep Dalton longer if he continues to deliver these numbers. Having him start could also reignite Young’s confidence as he learns from the bench and takes over once the Panthers have built a solid roster around him.

However, while that’s the long-term goal, Dalton and the Panthers can earn their second win this season by beating the visiting Cincinnati Bengals next week.

-Lance Fernandez

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