Canales: Panthers committed to Dalton despite blowout loss

The 1-6 Carolina Panthers aren't planning to make a quarterback change despite another loss, a 40-7 blowout to the Washington Commanders.

Head coach Dave Canales said postgame that Carolina remains committed to Andy Dalton, who will start Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos, according to team reporter Darin Gantt.

Dalton completed 11 of 16 passes against Washington for only 93 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions, including a first-quarter pick-6.

"Wasn't good enough. He knows that," Canales said of Dalton's Week 7 performance.

Sunday marked the fifth start of the season for Dalton, who began the year as Bryce Young's backup. Young, the 2023 No. 1 pick, continued to struggle in 2024 after a disappointing rookie campaign and was benched in September. He entered the Commanders game late and attempted two passes.

"That stuff, I can't control," Young said postgame Sunday when asked if he would like a fresh start on a different team, according to The Athletic's Joe Person. "I'm grateful for where I'm at, I'm grateful to be part of the Panthers."

Prior to Week 7, the 36-year-old Dalton posted a 65.9% completion rate with 896 yards and seven touchdowns against four touchdowns. He did provide the Panthers with a spark in his first start of the year as they beat the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Carolina has since lost four in a row.

Washington, which played most of Sunday's game without injured quarterback Jayden Daniels, outgained Carolina in total yards (421-180) and first downs (26-10). Daniels left the contest in the first quarter with a rib injury.