Andy Dalton leads Panthers to TD on first drive as starter

LAS VEGAS -- Andy Dalton led the Carolina Panthers to a touchdown on the opening drive against the Raiders on Sunday, ending the NFL's longest active streak of not scoring a TD on the first series at 20 consecutive games.

Dalton dumped the ball off to running back Chuba Hubbardnear the 10-yard line, and the running back finished it off with a 6-yard score -- giving the Panthers their first lead of any kind since Week 13 against theTampa Bay Buccaneers.

The last time the Panthers had scored a touchdown on their opening drive was Week 17 of 2022 at Tampa Bay, who now have the streak with 20 straight after failing to score on their first drive Sunday.

The Panthers had gone seven straight games without holding a lead, the third-longest streak by any team over the past 20 seasons.

Dalton, who was named the starter Monday after Bryce Young was benched, completed 5 of 6 passes for 52 yards and the touchdown on the drive in his first start since Week 3 last season when Young was injured.

With 28 seconds left in the first half, Dalton threw his third touchdown pass, a 31-yarder that was reeled in with a spectacular catch by receiverAdam Thielento make it 21-7.

The Panthers hadn't led by seven or more points in the first half since Week 16 of 2022 against the Detroit Lions.

This is the first time the Panthers have had three touchdown passes in the first half of a game since 2015 during Cam Newton's MVP season.