Panthers score touchdown in first drive without Bryce Young; Andy Dalton scores two touchdowns in first half against Raiders

Before today, the Carolina Panthers had scored just one touchdown this season, but on their first drive without quarterback Bryce Young, they were first on the scoreboard against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.

The former No. 1 pick was benched after the struggles from his rookie year continued into his second season. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton started and made an immediate impact, leading the Panthers to their first lead of the 2024 season.

Dalton and Co. moved the ball 70 yards in nine plays, and the drive ended with a 6-yard pass to running back Chuba Hubbard. The Raiders tied the score in the first quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run by Alexander Mattison, but Dalton didn't take long to respond.

Dalton marched 75 yards down the field and found wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown to retake the lead.

So far, Dalton has completed 10 of 13 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Young has completed 31 of 56 passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions through the first two weeks. including a pick on his first drive of the season.

Before Sunday, Young's only foray into the end zone this year was a 3-yard run. Her only other accomplishments in two weeks were two field goals.

Before being benched, Young was 2-16 with 3,122 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 18 starts. In 14 years in the NFL, Dalton is 83-78-2 with 38,511 yards, 246 touchdowns and 144 interceptions as a starter.