CHICAGO (AP) — Andy Dalton had provided a lift for Carolina since replacing Bryce Young. This time, it didn't work out very well for Dalton and the Panthers. But coach Dave Canales is staying with his veteran quarterback.
Dalton had just 136 yards passing before he was replaced by Young in the final minutes of an ugly 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Playing behind a patchwork offensive line, Dalton was sacked three times and threw a costly interception. Canales said he made the switch at quarterback because he wanted to protect Dalton and give Young a chance to play.
He said Dalton will start next weekend against the Atlanta Falcons. “Yes. Andy will be our quarterback next week,” said Canales, who was hired in January.
Carolina (1-4) took Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft after it acquired the selection in a blockbuster trade with Chicago. He began this season as the starter, but he was replaced by Dalton after struggling in the first two games.
Dalton passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-22 win at Las Vegas on Sept. 22. He threw for 220 yards and two TDs in a 34-24 loss to Cincinnati last weekend.
But he struggled to get anything going against Chicago, another one of his five teams during his 14 years in the league. Carolina managed just one touchdown on Chuba Hubbard's 38-yard run on its second possession of the game. The Panthers lost two fumbles and went 3 for 12 on third down.
Dalton, who turns 37 on Oct. 29, had Diontae Jo.
