Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, at the ripe age of 36, found himself relishing in a series of firsts during Sunday’s matchup. The newly anointed Panthers starting quarterback took the field for the first time in nearly a year, replacing former No. 1 pick Bryce Young. In his debut as Carolina’s starter, Dalton orchestrated a magnificent performance that resulted in the team’s first win of the season. This victory also marked the inaugural head coaching triumph for Dave Canales, who surely savored the moment.
In a dazzling display of skill and efficiency, Dalton became the first quarterback this season to amass over 300 passing yards along with three passing touchdowns in a single game. Reflecting on his stellar performance, Dalton exclaimed, “I mean, it felt great. Obviously for me to get an opportunity to be out there and for it to go the way it did, couldn’t have drawn it up any better.” The quarterback praised his teammates’ unwavering dedication and unity on the field, highlighting the team’s unyielding resolve throughout the contest.
The Panthers wasted no time asserting their dominance, notching a touchdown on their opening possession for the first time in 28 games. Dalton, caught up in the thrill of victory, admitted post-game that he had been oblivious to Carolina’s lackluster history on opening drives – a blissful ignorance that likely fueled his stellar performance.
Accompanied by a well-rounded offensive effort, Dalton delivered a masterful 319-yard passing display while running back Chuba Hubbard spearheaded the ground game with a solid 131-yard performance. The Panthers’ offense clicked in unison, scoring on seven of 11 competitive possessions – a stark contrast to the paltry 13 points mustered in their earlier matchups with Young at the helm.
Dalton’s triumphant return to the starting lineup not only revitalized the Panthers’ offense but also invigorated the entire team, setting a new standard of excellence for Carolina. As the seasoned quarterback continues to defy age and expectations, his remarkable performance on Sunday stands as a testament to his enduring skill and leadership.
