Panthers, Dalton struggle against Bills, resulting in first home loss this season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — Carolina was without their QB Bryce Young during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Andy Dalton started for the Panthers — his first start of the season.

Early on at the Bank, optimism quickly faded.

In the first quarter, Dalton was taken out from behind while on the move, and the Bills recovered the fumble. Buffalo converted the turnover into its second field goal of the day to take a 6-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Dalton appeared to settle in, connecting with Tetairoa McMillan for an 18-yard gain that set up a field goal. Dalton went 15 of 23 for 166 yards with no touchdowns, trimming the deficit to 6-3.

Buffalo responded by blowing the game open. The Panthers’ usually strong run defense was nowhere to be found as James Cook broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown. Cook finished with 216 rushing yards, and although the Bills missed the extra point, they extended the lead to 12-3.

Things quickly unraveled from there. Later in the quarter, Dalton was intercepted by A.J. Epenesa, who returned it 24 yards to the Carolina 1-yard line. Buffalo punched it in for another score.

In the final seconds of the half, Carolina reached field goal range, but Dalton was sacked with no timeouts remaining. The Panthers managed to get the kickoff, but it was no good, leaving the score 19-3 at halftime.

The Bills continued to dominate in the second half. Josh Allen connected with Khalil Shakir for a 54-yard touchdown after multiple missed tackles, extending the lead to 26-3. Allen finished 12 of 19 for 163 yards and one touchdown.

Dalton’s struggles continued. Later in the third quarter, he mishandled a snap on a crucial third down, and on a subsequent drive, fumbled again. Buffalo added another touchdown to cap its commanding win.

Eventually, Carolina was able to get into the end zone for a TD by Chuba Hubbard, but by game’s end, the Panthers would fall 40-9 against the Bills.

Injuries also seemed to plague the team on Sunday, with three starting offensive linemen who did not return after injuries on the field. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown sustained a knee injury in the fourth quarter, along with Brady Christensen, who was carted off the field. Coach Dave Canales says Christensen is out with a serious Achilles injury.

Game Stats

🏈 Total Yards: Buffalo – 410 | Carolina – 244

🏈 Rushing: Buffalo – 245 | Carolina – 114

🏈 Passing: Buffalo – 165 | Carolina – 130

🏈 Turnovers: Carolina had 3 turnovers

🏈 Time of Possession: Buffalo – 33:32 | Carolina – 26:28

The Black & Blue are away next week to face the Green Bay Packers. Kickoff set for 1 p.m. November 2, right here on Queen City News.