In a compelling matchup against the Raiders, the Carolina Panthers have surged ahead with a 14-7 lead in the second quarter, courtesy of a revitalized passing game led by quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton, making his first start since Week 3 of the previous season, has already showcased his prowess by throwing two touchdown passes in the first half. His impressive performance has propelled the Panthers to a lead, a rare sight for a team that has struggled offensively in recent times.

Dalton's impact was immediate as he orchestrated a strong opening drive, completing 5-of-6 passes for 52 yards, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Chuba Hubbard. Although Carolina faced a brief setback with a punt on their second possession, Dalton engineered a remarkable response on the third drive. Demonstrating his poise under pressure, Dalton converted a crucial third-and-14 situation with a 23-yard pass to Diontae Johnson before connecting with Johnson again for a 5-yard touchdown on third-and-goal.

The Raiders, however, mounted a formidable offense of their own, driving 97 yards in 10 plays to even the score at 7-7. Alexander Mattison sealed the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Despite the Raiders' resilience, Dalton's steady command of the Panthers' passing game has kept Carolina in the driver's seat, setting the stage for a potential shootout between the two high-octane offenses as the game unfolds.