Andy Dalton and Xavier Legette have developed a strong connection on the field, which has contributed to notable performances for both players. Their partnership was evident during the Carolina Panthers’ 13-6 victory over the New York Jets, where Dalton entered the game in the fourth quarter after Bryce Young left with an ankle injury. Dalton completed four of seven passes for 60 yards, all to Legette, helping the receiver achieve career highs with nine receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Head coach Dave Canales suggested that Dalton’s previous experience with large receivers like A.J. Green during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals may play a role in his chemistry with Legette. “Maybe his history,” Canales said about Dalton’s background. “A.J. Green, big bodies, throwing to those guys, he had a good group of receivers, tight ends in Cincinnati in his past, so maybe it’s that comfort level, just seeing that big frame and just getting him a ball within his frame that he can do something with.”
During their years together in Cincinnati, Dalton and Green connected for 591 receptions totaling 8,772 yards and 61 touchdowns. In comparison, Legette has recorded 27 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns in seven games played with Dalton.
Dalton spoke about giving Legette opportunities: “One thing, I feel like you just got to give him a chance to make some plays,” he said Sunday. “And I think he showed today he’s been making plays obviously than early on in the season. We’re giving him more opportunities as well.
“So when you get those chances, give him one-on-one. I mean, he’s physically—there’s not very many people like him with his size and strength and everything that he can do and we haven’t seen the best of X yet and he’s just going to keep getting better.”
Legette’s previous best performance was six receptions for 66 yards and his first career touchdown against the Bengals earlier this season—also from passes thrown by Dalton.
“I mean, Andy’s a good quarterback,” said Legette. “He finds me, so I’m going to keep it with that right there.”
A key moment came late in Sunday’s game when facing third-and-8 from their own 45-yard line; Legette made an important catch for a first down after suspecting Dalton might target him on the play call.
“When they call the play, I mean I don’t know who he’s going to throw it to,” shared Legette. “I kind of had a feeling he was going to throw it to me, so I was prepared just in case if he did and he did and I was able to make the play.”
Dalton explained: “I think just in that situation, they brought a pressure and we had him one-on-one,” adding that before the drive he told Legette: “‘Hey you’re going to make a play that’s going to help us win this game.’ So, in that moment, I gave him the opportunity and he made a great play and we were able to seal it at the end.”
Despite achieving personal milestones during Sunday’s game, Legette remains focused on future performance rather than celebrating individual accomplishments.
“No, no,” said Legette when asked if he celebrated his career day. “I want to stack more games like that. I don’t want to get too high and I ain’t going to be too low about it either. I mean, I want to keep it even.”
With Young’s status uncertain due to injury ahead of next week’s matchup against Buffalo Bills—the team is evaluating Young daily—Legette stated there are no major changes regardless of which quarterback is leading the offense.
“Oh it’s the same man,” said Legette regarding working with either quarterback. “He’s just trying to make sure we know exactly what we’re doing so we can execute the play.
“I don’t think nothing changes. Like I said Andy’s a good quarterback. I think we’ll be able to execute in there with him.”
The Panthers’ offense has shown progress under Young this season as players become more comfortable within head coach Canales’ system; however if Dalton starts again history suggests another productive outing could be possible for Legette.
Canales praised their partnership: “I love that chemistry,” Canales said Monday. “I love the fact that even if I go back to last year Jalen Coker makes our team because of the way that Andy was throwing to Jalen during our look team…and really showcasing Jalen’s ability.
“And then you know if he goes out there and it’s Andy playing…having an opportunity to play with TMac (Tetairoa McMillan) and Coker and Xavier is pretty exciting in the group that’s growing.”
