Before Week 3, the season looked dismal for the Carolina Panthers, who had struggled to generate any offensive momentum with just one touchdown to their name. However, a critical decision at the quarterback position during their game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium marked a potential turnaround in their fortunes.
A Change at Quarterback
The Panthers decided to bench Bryce Young, their former No. 1 overall pick, after enduring persistent struggles that had carried over from his rookie season into his sophomore campaign. With Young under center, the Panthers had failed to find a steady offensive rhythm, managing only a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Young himself.
In Young’s place, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton stepped in and immediately began to rewrite the narrative for Carolina. Dalton seized the opportunity, leading the Panthers down the field in their first drive without Young. The drive spanned 70 yards over nine plays, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to running back Chuba Hubbard.
An Immediate Impact
The Raiders, however, were quick to respond. Alexander Mattison powered his way into the end zone with a 2-yard rush, bringing the score level once again. Undeterred, Dalton launched another impressive drive, marching 75 yards before connecting with wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown pass. This extended the Panthers' advantage to 14 points.
Dalton continued to shine, delivering his third touchdown pass of the day to wide receiver Adam Thielen on a 31-yard strike. By halftime, Carolina had already put 21 points on the board, surpassing their combined score from the previous two games. Dalton's first-half performance saw him complete 15 of 22 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns, nearly eclipsing Young’s combined passing yards from Weeks 1 and 2.
The Statistical Comparison
Dalton’s immediate impact was underscored by the struggling statistics of Young. In Weeks 1 and 2, Young had 31 completions on 56 attempts for 245 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. To further highlight the disparity, Dalton was just 34 yards shy of surpassing Young’s cumulative passing yards in less than one half of play.
Throughout this season, the Panthers' only touchdown prior to facing the Raiders had been a modest 3-yard rush by Young. By contrast, Dalton’s first appearance saw a revitalized Carolina offense, as he demonstrated the experience and poise that have marked his 14-year career in the NFL. With 83 wins, 78 losses, and 2 ties as a starter, Dalton’s NFL journey is decorated with 38,511 passing yards, 246 touchdowns, and 144 interceptions.
A New Hope for Carolina
Young’s overall record before being benched stood at 2-16 across 18 starts, accumulating 3,122 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions—a stark comparison to Dalton’s seasoned resume. The Panthers hope that Dalton’s veteran leadership will continue to drive the team forward as they seek to change the course of their season.
The game against the Raiders could well be the turning point the Panthers have been waiting for. With Dalton at the helm, the team showed glimpses of the offensive potential that had eluded them in the early weeks. As they move deeper into the season, the Carolina Panthers will be looking to build on this newfound momentum and navigate their way out of the struggles that have plagued them thus far.