Panthers stick with Dalton despite loss to Falcons on October 14

In Charlotte, North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers have faced a challenging stretch, losing three consecutive games. This downturn followed a brief victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, which came shortly after head coach Dave Canales made the controversial decision to bench Bryce Young, the team's first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Andy Dalton has taken over as the starting quarterback, despite his struggles, including two interceptions in a recent 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Canales has confirmed that Dalton will continue to start in the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders, indicating a commitment to his leadership despite the team's poor performance. The Panthers' offensive struggles have been evident, averaging only 6.5 points in two games under Young, compared to 22.5 points in four games with Dalton. The team has also been hampered by injuries, notably the loss of veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen and two starting offensive linemen. Dalton's performance has been a mixed bag, as he managed to throw for two touchdowns but also contributed to the team's downfall with critical turnovers. The Panthers' defense has been underperforming, putting additional pressure on the offense to score consistently. Canales remains optimistic, urging his team to improve week by week, as they have not made the playoffs since 2017. The upcoming game against the Commanders will be crucial for the Panthers to regain momentum and confidence. Overall, the Panthers are in a precarious position, needing to find a balance in their offensive strategy while addressing their defensive vulnerabilities to turn their season around.