The Cincinnati Bengals now face historically long odds to make the playoffs as they visit the Carolina Panthers in week 4.
But the path to making some history starts with a single game and Sunday’s matchup, if nothing else, appears winnable.
Granted, so were the first three games of the season. And now Joe Burrow and Co. have to worry about an Andy Dalton revenge game once again after the Panthers were bold enough to bench former No. 1 pick Bryce Young.
Still, if the defense can improve (there’s only one way to go now, right?) and the offense keeps humming, 1-3, at least, is a possibility.
Here are top storylines and players to know for Bengals vs. Panthers.
Lou Anarumo’s Defense
Can it get a stop? That almost sounds mean, but just a few days back, it literally couldn’t, allowing 38 points without forcing a single punt. And we could argue semantics, saying that Andy Dalton isn’t the threat Jayden Daniels is, sure. But Dalton just brought the Panthers back to life last week, throwing for 319 yards and a trio of scores. If the lack of pass rush up front continues, he is more than capable of putting up a similar showing.
The RBs
This one goes for both sides. Chuba Hubbard has proven to be a dangerous weapon for the Panthers, rushing for 114 yards on 21 carries last week, plus five catches for 55 yards and a score. If he finds that type of efficiency again, it makes Dalton’s life incredibly easier.
As for the Bengals running backs, Zack Moss has dominated the snap counts. But it does feel like Chase Brown is close to breaking off a few huge chunk plays. Maybe this is the game where things even out.
Amarius Mims
Mims might’ve been the Day 1 starter were it not for that pec injury late in camp. Last Monday, they tried to ease him in as a sixth lineman in jumbo looks. Then, Trent Brown went down with a season-ending injury, so the rookie finished the day there. Now, he’s tasked with remaining healthy and effective without lapses against a new defense and formations in his first official start.
Injuries
Sam Hubbard is apparently playing through an injury that could bother him all season. That, while getting little relief on the sideline while Myles Murphy is on injured reserve. Interior starters BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins are out, creating a brutal outlook as rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. (with a club on the one hand) and veteran Lawrence Guy hope to hold up against the run, if not create some pressure.
