Frustrated Bengals pick up First Win

    Written by: Nate Wyrsch

    Player Updates

    Joe Burrow drops back to pass

    The Cincinnati Bengals finally recorded their first win of the season, taking down the Carolina Panthers 34-24.

    The Bengals, who were expected to potentially compete for the AFC Championship this season, started 0-3 with losses to the lowly Patriots and a tough game against the Chiefs. Since 1990, only four teams that started 0-3 have made the playoffs, so the Bengals have a tough hill to climb but it is not impossible.

    Joe Burrow played a pretty good game against the Panthers, completing 22 of 31 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

    His two star receivers, Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins also played good games, with Chase catching three balls for 85 yards and a touchdown. Higgins caught six passes for 60 yards.

    Chase Brown and Zack Moss rushed well, combining for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Brown was responsible for both scores, and rushed 15 times for 80 yards. Moss also had 15 carries, and turned it into 51 yards.

    The Bengals defense came up huge on the first drive of the game, stuffing the Panthers on four straight plays from inside the two-yard line. This ended up being key in the game as the Panthers drove late in the game, and if they had scored they might have been able to kick a field goal to send it to overtime.

    The Andy Dalton led Panthers were looking for their second straight win since benching Byce Young, but came up short. Dalton passed for 220 yards and two touchdowns, as well as an interception.

    Diontae Johnson led the way in receiving yards, going for 83 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. Rookie Xavier Legette also played his best game so far, catching six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.

    Chubba Hubbard had a strong game for the second week in a row, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. He has established himself as the true running back one over Miles Sanders, who signed there last year.

    Carolina showed life late, but went three-and-out deep in their own territory which led to the Bengals going up 10.

    The Bengals have to build off this win and tighten up on defense if they want to have a shot at the playoffs. They are playing in a competitive division in the AFC North, so none of their wins will be given. The Bengals will host the Ravens next Sunday in their most important game so far, and will have to top one of the strongest teams in the league to start division play.