Six days after the Carolina Panthers benched the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the decision paid off as the Panthers earned their first win of the season behind veteran Andy Dalton.
From the start, the Panthers simply operated at a different level with Dalton at quarterback. The Panthers drove down the field and scored on their first drive of the game, getting themselves off to a great start.
With Dalton’s lead, the Panthers racked up 437 yards of total offense. Dalton completed 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and Chuba Hubbard on touchdown passes.
After scoring 13 points in their first two games with Bryce Young at quarterback, the Panthers scored 36 points in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Panthers hadn’t scored 30 points in a game since Christmas Eve last year.
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For the first time this season, the Panthers’ offense not only looked competent, but explosive. Carolina faced a Raiders defense that had given up over 300 yards of offense in each of its first three games after facing two tough defenses in the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers, but it certainly looked like a completely different offense with Dalton at the helm.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales hadn’t initially planned to bench Young after Carolina’s loss to the Chargers last week, but Canales opted to make the controversial move after reviewing film and determining it was the best decision for the team.
Canales knew that leaving Young on the bench was a difficult decision, but one that would bring the team a victory that would ultimately boost morale.
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The Panthers haven’t completely moved on from Young, but it was clear they weren’t playing at the level they wanted to in the first two weeks with him under center.
Ultimately, Canales is a first-year head coach working for a Panthers organization that has recently had a short tenure with head coaches. Canales wasn’t part of the organization when they drafted Young, and if the Panthers don’t start winning, he might not get a chance to prove himself or get another opportunity next season.
Canales could also lose the locker room or his culture if he doesn’t get the win, which wouldn’t help him either.
After earning their first win of the season, the Panthers now turn their attention to their Week 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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