Bengals get first win of season 34-24 over Panthers as offense comes alive: Key takeways
NFL Week 4: Bengals Secure First Win Against Panthers #
The Cincinnati Bengals clinched their first victory of the 2024 NFL season with a 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers on the road.
This game was crucial for the Bengals following three consecutive losses at the start of the season, with a combined deficit of 12 points. The team now faces a home game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.
For the Panthers, their quarterback made his second start after the benching of the previous starter. Despite a strong performance, it wasn’t enough to bring Carolina to a .500 record. The Panthers will enter their Week 5 away game against the Chicago Bears with a 1-3 record.
While the Bengals still showed some of the issues that plagued them in their earlier losses, the offense did enough to control the game’s tempo and secure the win. This victory alleviates pressure from a team that was feeling it intensely leading up to this week’s game. They now have the same record as they did at this point last year as they prepare to begin their AFC North division play.
The Panthers’ quarterback completed 25 of 40 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. The interception occurred in the first half when a Bengals player hit his arm as he threw, resulting in a floater that was picked off. Despite this, the quarterback managed to keep the Panthers competitive throughout the game.
The Bengals’ defense still showed some concerning signs, with the Panthers moving the ball with relative ease. While a turnover and a goal-line stand improved the scoreline, issues persisted with the pass rush, missed tackles, and receivers finding open space downfield. The defensive coordinator implemented a rotation in the secondary, but problems remained with deep passes, third-down conversions, and touchdown coverage.
Carolina’s defense struggled with tackling, particularly evident in the Bengals’ last two touchdowns of the first half. One play resulted in a 63-yard score after three missed tackles, while another saw a runner break through a tackle attempt to find the end zone as time expired in the half.
The Bengals’ offense showed encouraging signs with multiple players contributing explosive plays. Their star receiver continued to demonstrate his big-play ability, while other receivers and running backs also made significant contributions. The quarterback himself made plays by escaping the pocket and, despite one poor decision resulting in an interception, played at a high level throughout the game.