Dalton is happy in his role as Bryce Young's backup at Carolina, which is above .500 (4-3) for the first time this late in the season since 2019. The soon-to-be 38-year-old is ready for an opportunity to start, which appears likely Sunday against the Buffalo Bills ( 1 p.m. ET, Fox), as Young is dealing with a sprained ankle suffered in the third quarter of Sunday's 13-6 win at the New York Jets.
For the first time this season, Dallas' pass rush showed up in a big way last week against the Jets. The Cowboys recorded 32 total pressures and five sacks against New York, with five different defenders recording at least part of a sack. This week, Dallas' defensive front gets another favorable matchup, facing a Panthers' offensive line that has struggled in pass protection.
C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young have a unique friendship, stemming from their history as rivals in California, enduring through their careers up to the 2023 NFL Draft.