Carolina Panthers to Start Andy Dalton as Quarterback

The Carolina Panthers, based in Charlotte, have announced a significant change in their lineup as they prepare for their next game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head Coach Dave Canales has confirmed that veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will start in place of Bryce Young. This decision follows the team’s struggles in the first two games of the season, where they have yet to secure a victory.

Canales stated on Monday that moving forward with Dalton is the best decision for the team, which has faced difficulty in its offensive plays, recording an 0-2 start to the season. Following a detailed review of game tapes and consultation with General Manager Dan Morgan and Assistant General Manager Brandt Tilis, the decision gained organizational-wide support.

“I owe it to everyone involved in the team—from the coaches and staff to the players— to make the most informed decisions each week,” Canales said. He emphasized the importance of each player stepping up, particularly in high-impact positions like quarterback, to improve the team’s performance.

While Canales still holds confidence in rookie Bryce Young, the team’s initial picks of the 2023 NFL Draft have managed just 204 passing yards and 13 points, converting only two out of twenty-two third-down attempts during their initial games.

Dalton, a seasoned player with 163 career starts and a record of 83-78-2, is seen as a source of stability and experience for the Panthers. With 246 touchdowns and a passer rating of 87.6 over his professional tenure, Dalton brings a wealth of experience to the field. Last season, during his stint with Seattle, he managed to pass for a season-high 334 yards in a single game.

The Panthers, who have been significantly outperformed with scores of 73-13 so far this season, are hopeful that Dalton’s leadership will aid them in their upcoming match against the Raiders, as they aim for their first win of the season in Week 3.