Panthers Coach Names Starting QB for Commanders Matchup

Andy Dalton is 1-3 as the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback this season. He'll get another opportunity in their Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Head coach Dave Canales was quick to name Dalton the starter for Carolina's next game after a 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on October 13. "Yes," Canales said postgame . "Andy will be playing against the Commanders this next week."

Dalton finished Carolina's fifth loss of 2024 with 221 yards in the air, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. His second interception came with just 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. Clark Phillips III picked Dalton off to seal the victory for the Falcons.

When asked about the play postgame, the veteran quarterback said he was too slow with the throw. "I think if I would have let it go a little bit earlier, I think I probably could have had him." Dalton told reporters on October 13 . "But he made a great play. Tried to get the ball down the field. If I could go back and do it again, I would have checked it down, and kept that drive going."

The Panthers promoted Dalton to starting quarterback after an 0-2 start from Bryce Young, the first overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Carolina's offense has improved week by week with a veteran at the helm, but the defense is giving up 33 points per game this season, which is worst in the NFL .

So don't be surprised to see Dalton continue running the offense in Week 7 and beyond. An NFL defense that gives up over 30 points per game isn't a winning one.

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