By: Wes Roop
Pesky...one of the many words that comes to mind when mentioning the Cincinnati Bengals. Our series vs the Bengals is at a deadlock of 2-2-1. Carolina has outscored the Bengals by 29 points. Although, over five games in the series, that's only 5.8 points a game, other than the '99 blowout where the Panthers won 27-3.
The Bengals have been a pesky team to beat, even in the years their team held a losing record. The '02, 2-14 Bengals put up 31 points in a losing effort against our Panthers. I predict this year's match-up isn't going to be any easier. The Bengals are coming in hot into Week 3 with a 2-0 record. They put up 34 points against one of the best secondaries in the League last week. The Panthers will have a tough task Sunday; below are my thoughts to the Panther's three keys to success versus the Bengals.
SOLID PASS PROTECTION
Typically, I would mention getting our run game rolling, however, this week is a little different. The Bengals defense has only given up an average of 70.5 rushing yards per game thus far. The Panthers have the ability to bust a long one, but there's likely not going to be a lot of room to run, which leads me to believe Cam will be slinging it often. The Bengals roster has a solid defensive line; Geno Atkins, Carl Lawson and Carlos Dunlap come to mind. The trio had a combined 24 sacks during the '17 season. Currently, the Panthers have a banged-up Offensive line and will have a tough task ahead of them. To counter the Bengals pass rush, I anticipate the Panthers running some two tight end sets, enabling to get the ball out quick and keeping backs in to block. We are fortunate enough to have two of the best passing block backs in the league (McCaffrey and Anderson). The Panthers pass protection has to be on point this Sunday.
CAM GETTING IN A RHYTHM
When Cam plays with the swag we all know and love, the Panthers can seem almost unbeatable, as seen here in a compilation of '15 games: https://youtu.be/nRwauKjKEv8
We all love the big plays downfield but they are not always there. Sometimes, you have to reel a defense in before making a big catch, as we saw last week in the game against the Falcons. In the Week 2 game against Atlanta, there were a lot of dump offs before seeing the rewards downfield. Personally, I'm not against that style of play, especially with a back like McCaffrey; any play can go the distance. Playing like this also allows Cam to catch a rhythm and chew up the clock. I wouldn't be surprised to see this style of play again in Week 3 against the Bengals. If Cam gets hot early, the Bengal better go ahead and get the buses started.
PRESSURING ANDY DALTON
Andy Dalton's numbers haven't been extremely daunting throughout his career, yet when looking at the numbers, you can't help but think, 'damn, he's solid.' He's off to a hot start to begin this season, averaging 254 yards and 3 touchdowns through the first two games. That's impressive, especially against a stout Ravens secondary. He has solid talent at wide receiver in A.J. Green and John Ross. Without a doubt, the they will try to burn us deep. For the Panthers, we can counter their big play ability by putting the heat on Dalton and disrupting the play through the blitz or pressure with the front four. We have to be in his face consistently; if we bring the heat, we will cook the Bengals offense.
In closing, this game has the making of a shoot-out, possibly one to remember. Personally, I have a good feeling about this game. Something in my gut is telling me one of our new guys is going to have a 'coming out party' this Sunday. This is a good Bengals team, however, I think the Panthers are coming home off Week 2 with a pissed defense and I am not willing to bet against them.
Final Score Prediction:
Carolina: 23
Bengals: 17
Feel free to comment, share, and as always, KEEP POUNDING Panthers Fam!!!
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