The Bengals were desperately looking for their first win of the season. Facing the Panthers with confidence since the appointment of Dalton as starting quarterback, we had the impression that anything could happen. Especially since Cincinnati's defense is in difficulty this year.
She didn't particularly shine, but Joe Burrow and the entire attack largely did the job to finally get a victory this year. Never very far but always behind, the Panthers may have regrets.
Attacks collapse, defenses collapse
From the start, the Bengals defense was in difficulty. Andy Dalton (25/40, 220 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int) is dangerously approaching the end zone. But a slight burst of pride will make the Tiger defense react. Carolina's attack attempts a 4th & goal and Chuba Hubbard (18 races, 104 yards, 1 TD and 4 receptions, 17 yards) fails a few centimeters from the points.
Behind, the Bengals attack does not start strong. She returns the ball to the Panthers before even reaching half court. But Joe Burrow (22/31, 232 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int) will quickly recover it. A pass from Andy Dalton to Diontae Johnson (7 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD) is deflected. Vonn Bell intercepts and gives possession back to his team.
Joe Burrow took advantage and Chase Brown (15 races, 80 yards, 2 TDs and 2 receptions, 12 yards) offered the first points of the game on a 3-yard run just before the end of the first quarter. The Panthers responded immediately with a touchdown signed Chuba Hubard. The match is getting carried away. On the next drive, Joe Burrow found Ja'marr Chase (3 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD) on a short pass which transformed into a 63-yard touchdown.
OH MY JA’MARR CHASE. ELECTRIC 63-YARD TD.
📺: #CINvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/KwYspR7roj— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
The offense is there, not the defense for Cincinnati. The Panthers are not getting ahead of themselves. Andy Dalton finds Xavier Legette for a touchdown just before the break. With only 1 minute and 9 seconds on the clock, the Bengals attack moved up the field to finish with a sluggish touchdown after a pass to Zach Moss. Cincinnati advantage after returning from the locker room with 21 points against 14.
The Bengals take a lead
Cincinnati receives and does not disappoint after the break. Thanks to a new touchdown from Chase Brown, who is gaining momentum, the Bengals can finally breathe in this meeting. Even better: their defense forces a punt on the next drive. But Burrow can't take advantage of it. On a new forced punt, the Panthers try to surprise with a pass from punter Johnny Hekker to tight end Feleipe Franks. Unfortunately, he releases the ball. Cincinnati regains possession near the opposing 30 yards. McPherson ensures with a 56-yard field goal.
Opposite, Chuba Hubbard continues to impress with a good 38-yard run. Dalton concluded the drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson. The gap is now only 10 points between the two teams. And Joe Burrow will give the Panthers the opportunity to come back. Under pressure, the quarterback is intercepted for the first time this season. But behind, there is better for the Tiger defense. She resists and only concedes a field goal.
The Panthers do not let themselves be taken down. Their defense forces a punt and gives Dalton the opportunity to pick up the score. But Cincinnati finally roared on defense. Cloistered in his 10 yards, the Carolina quarterback achieves nothing. Possession returned to the Bengals after a punt with 4:23 on the clock. The Bengals are entering into a management strategy to squeeze out as much of the remaining time as possible. And then McPherson definitely puts his team away with a 46-yard field goal. The Panthers may have regrets. Cincinnati finally wins.
