The Las Vegas Raiders are the next team up on the docket for the flailing Carolina Panthers, as the two teams are set to meet in Week 3 at Allegiant Stadium. However, the Panthers are making a big change ahead at quarterback of that contest.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers are benching 2023 No. 1 overall pick and quarterback Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. The move comes after the young quarterback has made 18 starts over a season-plus in the NFL.
Young's tenure in Carolina has been an absolute disaster. Granted, he hasn't had much help around him, but he certainly isn't blameless in his struggles, either.
Carolina is just 2-16 with the young signal-caller at the helm and the 23-year-old has completed just 59.3% of his passes for 3,122 yards and 11 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.
Over two games this season, Young hasn't thrown a touchdown and has completed just 55.4% of his passes for 245 yards and three picks. First-year head coach Dave Canales has seen enough.
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When asked about the Panthers' change on Monday, head coach Antonio Pierce said he was just finding out about it.
"I don't know what happened there," Pierce said, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "Veteran quarterback. That's news to me. I was in meetings... I gotta go back to the drawing boards now."
This is actually bad news for the Raiders, as Dalton presents an upgrade for Carolina under center. The veteran made one start for the Panthers last season and showed he can elevate the offense, completing 58.6% of his passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns to no interceptions.
Even still, the Raiders should be feeling pretty good about themselves for this game, as Dalton and the Panthers' offense isn't exactly something to be feared. Furthermore, Las Vegas' defense is coming off an impressive performance against the Baltimore Ravens that saw the unit keep Lamar Jackson and Co. in check.
The Raiders and Panthers will meet on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
