The news in Charlotte is that rookie quarterback Bryce Young is not practicing and is expected to miss Sunday’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle injury. Set to start in his place is Andy Dalton, who is a veteran quarterback with many years of experience playing with multiple teams.
Dalton knew when he was signed to the Panthers that he would be mentoring and backing up Young. The Red Rifle has started in 162 NFL games, so he knows what to expect coming in as the starter this Sunday. His career started when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in the 2011 draft. Andy started day one with the Bengals, so he knows how Young feels.
The most recent team Dalton played for was the New Orleans Saints last season. He took over the lead role when Jamies Winston was injured and played well for a backup quarterback. He completed 66.7 percent of his passes, threw 18 TDs and nine interceptions, and had a passer rating of 95.2. Dalton averaged 7.6 yards per pass attempt, so he may be able to connect with these eager receivers and move the ball down the field Sunday. Andy’s intentions are to win the game and let Bryce come back in and take over the lead, he just wants to play his best in place of the rookie.
Throughout Andy’s career with the Bengals, Cowboys, Bears, and Saints, he is 3-1 against the Seahawks. When the Bengals lost there in 2019, he threw the ball for 418 yards. The Saints beat them at home last season, so he is familiar with how they play and how to compete with them.
Bryce hasn’t been officially ruled out for the contest against the Seahawks this Sunday, but it seems very unlikely he is able to go. Luckily, he has a solid veteran quarterback to challenge Seattle and possibly put up a win for the team.