In an intense Week 4 matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals emerged victorious over the Carolina Panthers, securing a 34-24 win at Bank of America Stadium. The game featured explosive plays from both teams, but the Bengals managed to stay in control, thanks to stellar performances from quarterback Joe Burrow and a strong rushing attack led by Chase Brown and Zack Moss.
First Quarter: Bengals Strike First
The Bengals set the tone early with a methodical opening drive that saw Chase Brown cap it off with a 3-yard touchdown run. The drive, a quick 5-play, 16-yard effort, gave Cincinnati a 7-0 lead just minutes into the game. However, the Panthers responded with a 5-yard touchdown run from Chuba Hubbard, tying the game 7-7.
Burrow quickly responded, showcasing his chemistry with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals took the lead again when Burrow connected with Chase for a 63-yard touchdown bomb, leaving the Panthers’ defense stunned. With a 14-7 lead, Cincinnati was starting to build momentum.
Second Quarter: Panthers Battle Back
As the second quarter unfolded, the Panthers continued to fight back. A well-orchestrated 11-play, 70-yard drive ended with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to rookie wideout Xavier Legette, tying the game again at 14-14. Dalton, the former Bengals QB, looked sharp and determined to prove himself in front of his former team.
But Burrow wasn’t finished. In the final seconds of the half, he orchestrated an 8-play, 66-yard drive, capped off by a 1-yard pass to Zack Moss for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.
Third Quarter: Bengals Extend the Lead
The third quarter belonged to Cincinnati. Brown added his second touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run after another efficient drive led by Burrow. Evan McPherson drilled a 56-yard field goal, extending the Bengals’ lead to 31-14.
Despite the deficit, Dalton kept the Panthers within reach. A 21-yard touchdown pass to Di.Johnson late in the third quarter closed the gap to 31-21.
Fourth Quarter: Bengals Seal the Win
In the fourth quarter, both teams traded blows, but the Bengals’ defense held firm when it mattered most. McPherson added another field goal to push the lead to 34-24 with just over a minute remaining, effectively sealing the game.
Dalton and the Panthers had one last chance to mount a comeback, but Cincinnati’s defense, led by Logan Wilson and Vonn Bell, held strong to close out the victory.
Key Takeaways:
- Joe Burrow’s Consistency: Burrow completed 22 of 31 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to make clutch plays and connect with Ja’Marr Chase was pivotal in Cincinnati’s win.
- Chase Brown’s Breakout Game: Brown rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns, providing the Bengals with a crucial ground game that helped control the clock and keep the Panthers’ defense on their heels.
- Panthers’ Resilience: Despite the loss, the Panthers showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with Dalton’s passing and Hubbard’s strong performance on the ground. However, their defense struggled to contain Burrow and the Bengals’ explosive offense.
The Bengals now move to 4-0 on the season, while the Panthers drop to 1-3.
