Panthers Struggle with Dalton as Young Remains Injured in Bills Blowout

The Carolina Panthers, without injured starter Bryce Young, started veteran Andy Dalton and were routed 40-9 by the Buffalo Bills, ending a three-game winning streak and dropping Carolina to 4-4. Dalton struggled mightily—coughing up three turnovers (two fumbles and an interception), held to roughly 175 passing yards and sacked seven times—while the Panthers managed just one touchdown and about 244 total yards as Buffalo's run defense and pass rush controlled the game. Carolina's protection problems were exacerbated by multiple offensive-line injuries, including guard Brady Christensen's season-ending ruptured Achilles. Young was ruled out after an MRI showed a high-ankle sprain; the team says it will evaluate him day-to-day with the hope he can return next week at Green Bay. The Panthers also adjusted depth behind center: Hendon Hooker served as Dalton’s backup for the game and Carolina added Mike White to the practice squad to bolster the quarterback room. Coach Dave Canales emphasized caution with Young, but acknowledged the loss highlighted the remaining gap between Carolina and the NFL’s top teams as they enter the tougher portion of their schedule.