The Carolina Panthers have lost three games in a row since Andy Dalton led them to a happy win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This victory happened shortly after first-year head coach Dave Canales made the bold choice to bench Bryce Young.
Canales confirmed that Dalton will start again next Sunday against Washington, despite a costly interception in the fourth quarter during a 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
“Andy will be playing against the Commanders,” Canales said, without providing further details.
Young has only played briefly since being benched after two disappointing starts, which have left him with a 2-16 record as an NFL starter. Dalton went 26 of 38 for 221 yards, with two touchdown passes in the first half and two interceptions in the second half, making his record 1-3 as a starter for Carolina.
The Panthers have not won since veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen injured his hamstring, and they were missing two starting offensive linemen during Sunday’s game.
Before his first interception in the fourth quarter, the Panthers were doing well running the ball, with Chuba Hubbard gaining 9, 12, 5, and 8 yards on four straight runs, resulting in three first downs.
Canales, who calls the team’s offensive plays, thought it would be a good moment to pass, assuming the Falcons would be focused on stopping Hubbard.
However, Dalton’s deep throw to tight end Ian Thomas, who was covered by three defenders, was intercepted by A.J. Terrell, ending the Panthers’ momentum and quieting the home crowd.
The Falcons then took control, driving 84 yards for a touchdown, with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier rushing for a combined 200 yards on 33 carries and scoring three touchdowns.
Dalton mentioned that, looking back, he should have thrown the ball earlier or made a safer play. He also noted that he hadn’t practiced much with Thomas, who was playing for the first time after coming off injured reserve.
“That was a big drive for us, especially with the momentum we had at that point,” Dalton said. “That one hurt and set us back, and it’s on me. I’ve got to make better decisions in that moment.”
