Andy Dalton understood the assignment.
The Panthers’ backup quarterback threw three touchdown passes in the first half against the Raiders after Dave Canales announced ahead of Sunday’s game that Bryce Young would be benched in favor of the veteran quarterback.
Dalton completed 15 passes for 212 yards through the first two quarters after Young had just 84 yards total in the air in Week 2.
When the first half ended, the Panthers were leading the Raiders 21-7.
Dalton took the Panthers 70 yards down the field for his first touchdown drive to open the game, culminating with a short dump pass to running back Chuba Hubbard for Carolina’s first score.
Dalton worked his magic again in the second quarter with the game tied to help put Carolina back in front, 14-7.
The 75-yard drive ended with Dalton throwing a perfect over-the-top pass to Diontae Johnson in the back of the end zone, but his best play may have come during his third touchdown drive of the half.
With 28 seconds left in the half, Dalton impressed again with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen.
Dalton had time in the pocket and stepped up to heave the ball downfield.
Thielen managed to separate from two defenders and made the diving catch into the endzone to put Carolina up by two scores.
Sunday was Dalton’s first start since Sept. 24, 2023, when the Panthers faced the Seahawks.
The 36-year-old is in his second season with the Panthers, and the start came amid the controversial decision to bench Young after Carolina had publicly expressed confidence in the young quarterback previously.
Young had been “completely surprised” and “blindsided” by the decision, according to CBS Sports, and Canales told reporters earlier this week that there was no thought of trading Young.