Andy Dalton has thrown two touchdowns, Panthers lead against Raiders 14-7

With Andy Dalton as quarterback, the Panthers' passing game has become more lively.

Dalton has now thrown two touchdown passes in the first half, giving the Panthers a 14-7 lead over the Raiders with 9:28 minutes left in the second quarter.

Dalton helped the Panthers get off to a strong start on offense, something they haven't done in a long time. The quarterback looked good on the opening drive, completing 5 of 6 passes for 52 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Chuba Hubbard.

Although Carolina had to punt on its second possession, the team came alive and scored another touchdown on its third. Dalton converted third-and-14 with a 23-yard pass to Diontae Johnson to preserve possession. Then on the third and decisive attempt, Dalton threw a pass to Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown.

This was a response run after the Raiders had gone 97 yards in 10 plays and scored a point. Alexander Mattison had capped that possession with a 2-yard touchdown to tie the game.

This is Dalton's first start since Week 3 of last season, when he filled in for the injured Bryce Young in Seattle, and he has now been named the team's starter after Young was benched earlier this week.

If both attacking lines can continue their performance like this, it could be a shootout.