Las Vegas, NV— Quarterback Andy Dalton was initially brought in as the veteran backup and mentor for Bryce Young, last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick. However, after just two games, Panthers coach Dave Canales made the surprising decision to bench Young, elevating Dalton to the starting role—a move that sent ripples across the NFL.
Dalton responded with a standout performance on Sunday, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Panthers to their first victory of the season with a 36-22 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders.
“This is how you want a game to unfold,” Dalton said after improving to 4-0 against the Raiders. “Not every game will go this way, but today showcased our potential.”
With this win, the Panthers improved to 1-2, having faced a tough start to the season with a combined score of 73-13 against the Saints and Chargers in the first two weeks. Frustrations had mounted among Carolina’s receivers regarding Young’s performance, prompting Canales to believe Dalton offered the best chance for success.
The 36-year-old quarterback looked more like his prime self, completing 26 of 37 passes and becoming the first NFL quarterback this season to achieve a 300-yard, three-touchdown game. Dalton’s success against the Raiders continued a trend; he has thrown for 1,027 yards and 10 touchdowns in four career starts against them.
In the first half alone, Dalton racked up 212 yards and three touchdowns, reviving a Panthers offense that had managed only a field goal in its previous two away games.
Canales, celebrating his first win as a head coach, emphasized the team’s collective effort. “Everyone showed up ready to play,” he said, noting the focused demeanor of his players. “I’m used to a high-energy vibe, but this group is all about execution.”
Chuba Hubbard also had a significant impact, rushing for 114 yards and catching five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Diontae Johnson contributed with eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.
“We played as a unit today,” Hubbard said. “We’ve faced a lot of challenges early this season, but by trusting the coaching staff and each other, everything fell into place.”
On the other hand, it was a disappointing outcome for the Raiders (1-2), who were hoping to build on last week’s 26-23 win against Baltimore but instead reverted to a performance reminiscent of their low expectations this season.
Gardner Minshew finished the game completing 18 of 28 passes for 214 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The Raiders’ running game, which ranked last in the league, managed only 55 yards.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy faced criticism for his conservative play-calling, which drew boos from the crowd. His cautious strategy became a focal point, particularly as his former quarterback, Justin Fields, thrived with the Steelers this season.
The Raiders’ defense struggled to contain Dalton, Hubbard, and Johnson, particularly with star defensive end Maxx Crosby limited due to an ankle injury sustained against the Ravens.
“The scheme wasn’t effective today, and we didn’t execute as we needed to,” said Raiders coach Antonio Pierce. “We didn’t show the effort we’ve had in previous games.”
Carolina jumped ahead quickly, scoring touchdowns on two of their first three drives to take a 14-7 lead—marking their first touchdown on an opening drive in 20 games. They maintained control, entering the fourth quarter with a 27-7 advantage, ending a 20-game streak without leading in the fourth quarter.
This matchup was notable not only for the gameplay but also as a historic moment: it was the first game between teams with female presidents, with Kristi Coleman representing the Panthers and Sandra Douglass Morgan leading the Raiders.
Up Next:
Panthers: Plays the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at home.
Raiders: Plays the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at home.
