Panthers QB Update: Dalton Starts vs. Raiders
The Carolina Panthers will be heading into their Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with Andy Dalton under center. This comes after Baker Mayfield sustained a high ankle sprain in the Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Dalton, the veteran signal-caller, will be making his second start of the season for Carolina. He filled in for Mayfield in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, completing 18 of 27 passes for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception. While the Panthers ultimately lost that game, Dalton showed flashes of solid play, particularly in the second half.
The Panthers' offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown, expressed confidence in Dalton's ability to lead the team: "Andy’s a veteran, he’s been in this league a long time, he’s seen a lot of things. He’s got great experience. I think we feel good about Andy going out there and leading this team."
With Mayfield out for an uncertain amount of time, Dalton's performance against the Raiders will be crucial for the Panthers. The Raiders' defense, while not dominant, has shown flashes of competence, and will present a challenge for the Panthers' struggling offense.
Here are a few key things to watch for in Dalton's performance:
- Chemistry with the receivers: Establishing quick connections with receivers like DJ Moore and Christian McCaffrey will be vital for the Panthers to find offensive success.
- Decision-making: Dalton has a reputation for making sound decisions and limiting turnovers. He'll need to maintain that focus against a Raiders defense that has shown a propensity for creating takeaways.
- Offensive line protection: The Panthers' offensive line has struggled with consistency this season. Dalton's ability to navigate a possible pass rush and find time to make throws will be crucial.
The Panthers will be hoping Dalton can provide a spark to their offense and help them secure a win against the Raiders. This will be a key game for Carolina as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.
Stay tuned for more updates on Mayfield's injury and the Panthers' quarterback situation as the week progresses.
