Andy Dalton has been in this position before: A veteran backup thrust into the spotlight against a heavyweight opponent, calm in chaos, quietly confident that he can still command a game. The Panthers will need every ounce of that experience when they host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and Dalton looks ready to orchestrate something few outside Carolina expect: a sneaky upset victory.
It would not be the first time. Dalton has made a career out of surprising teams that underestimate him. He once led the Bengals to five straight playoff berths and three Pro Bowls, and last week, after Bryce Young exited with an ankle injury, Dalton stepped in cold and instantly stabilized the Panthers’ offense in a 13-6 win over the Jets. He completed four of seven passes for 60 yards, all to receiver Xavier Legette, including a clutch 33-yard strike that sealed the game.
That brief performance offered a glimpse of what makes Dalton dangerous. He knows exactly where to go with the football, trusts his reads, and gives his playmakers room to make plays.
Why the Matchup Works in Dalton’s Favor
The Bills’ defense thrives on pressure, but Dalton has faced blitz-heavy schemes for 15 years and rarely flinches. His quick decision-making neutralizes pass rushes, and Carolina’s offensive line is finally equipped to give him the pocket he needs. The Panthers rank third in rushing and eighth in fewest sacks allowed per pass play, a massive improvement from last season’s struggles.
Behind that protection, Dalton can take advantage of Buffalo’s vulnerable intermediate zones. The Bills’ defense has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete nearly 68 percent of their passes over the last three games, often giving up chunk plays in the middle of the field. That is Dalton’s comfort zone. His connection with Legette, who set career highs in receptions and yards last week, gives Carolina a legitimate chain-mover. Add Receiver Tetairoa McMillan’s size and speed, and Dalton suddenly has mismatches all over the field.
Dalton’s experience against the Bills also matters. He knows what it takes to execute in big moments, and he has the weapons to do it again, this time for Carolina.
The Panthers Have the Supporting Cast to Shock Buffalo
For the first time in years, the Panthers are playing complementary football. Their defense ranks seventh in total yards allowed, and their ground game ranks top three in production behind running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. That balance gives Dalton breathing room to run the offense at his pace: methodical, rhythmic, and opportunistic.
Dalton’s arm strength and accuracy down the sideline remain underrated. He still pushes the ball vertically when he sees single coverage, and head coach Dave Canales’ system encourages that aggression. Expect a few deep shots early to stretch the field, followed by a steady mix of quick rhythm throws to keep Buffalo’s linebackers guessing.
The Bills will likely focus on forcing turnovers, but Dalton has thrown only one interception in his last 111 pass attempts. His efficiency and composure give Carolina a chance to stay close into the second half, the exact scenario that often breeds upsets.
At 37, Dalton is not the flashy name or the long-term answer. But he does not have to be. The Panthers need a steady hand to guide an offense that has found its footing. With his deep experience, quick release, and growing chemistry with a young group of playmakers, Dalton is built for this type of moment.
Buffalo enters as the favorite, but Dalton’s track record says otherwise. He has spoiled plenty of teams’ Sundays before. And if he is in rhythm early, Carolina has every reason to believe he can do it again.
Main Image: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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