The Carolina Panthers have clinched their first victory of the NFL season with quarterback Andy Dalton. After the 36:22 defeat of the Las Vegas Raiders, there was praise for the veteran. Head Coach Dave Canales was satisfied.

In the 36:22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Andy Dalton put up strong numbers.

319 passing yards, a completion percentage of over 70 percent and three passing touchdowns – the Carolina Panthers offense got off to a flying start for the first time in the current NFL season.

The quarterback, who took over from the benched Bryce Young from the start, directed the Panthers confidently across the field. Afterwards, there was plenty of praise for the 36-year-old.

“The presence of an experienced player. We just have a quarterback who gets us into position, scores and executes plays. We just did a good job of sticking with it. We made the most of every play,” said wide receiver Deontae Johnson, who had an amazing day with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

Panthers head coach Canales was pleased: “This is Panthers football.”
“Andy did a great job just communicating and leading us and starting fast. That was his message to us, we have to start fast. And he was able to lead that first drive and get the momentum.”

Dave Canales was particularly satisfied. ‘This is Panthers football. Team football,’ said the head coach, adding: ”I’m smiling on the inside. I’m completely exhausted. It’s been an incredible week, but also a very exhausting week with all the factors. Now we have to get back to work to continue to establish our culture and our process.”

Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton after the Raiders’ win: ‘It was definitely a tough week’

But what did the match winner himself say about his strong performance? “I just tried to make sure the guys had fun. Because a lot of work has gone into this,” said Dalton, who ‘just could be himself’ on the field.

The events of the past few days have obviously also affected him a little, as he further revealed: ”It’s definitely been a rough week and hard on a lot of people. Bryce and I have had conversations throughout this whole thing. Those conversations stay between us.”

Whether Dalton and his teammates can build on their strong performance in Las Vegas will be seen next Sunday. Then it’s on to Charlotte against the Cincinnati Bengals.