CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a crucial early season matchup, Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, marking their first win of the season.
Burrow threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase Brown added 80 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helping Cincinnati avoid an 0-4 start. The Bengals are relieved as history shows that only the 1992 Chargers made the playoffs after such a poor start.
Burrow emphasized the team’s need for a win, stating, “We knew we had to come and get one. There was really no other option than to figure out how to win this game. And we got it done.”
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was instrumental, catching three passes for 85 yards, including an impressive 63-yard touchdown. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised Chase’s skill set, noting his ability to maintain balance and explosiveness in challenging situations.
Zack Moss contributed with 78 total yards and a touchdown reception, while Tee Higgins caught six passes for 60 yards and drew vital defensive penalties.
For the Panthers, Andy Dalton threw for 220 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, now holding a 2-2 record against his former team. Dalton was unable to replicate his success from the previous week’s victory over the Raiders.
Chuba Hubbard stood out for Carolina, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown. Diontae Johnson also had a strong game, catching seven passes for 83 yards and a score. Panthers head coach Dave Canales expressed optimism about the team’s progress, though he acknowledged the need for improvement in finishing games.
Carolina’s defense struggled, allowing nine touchdown passes in four games, the highest in the league. Burrow exploited these gaps, showing excellent command of the field, aside from a single interception due to misreading a route.
The Bengals found their rhythm on the ground, gaining 130 rushing yards in the second half after a sluggish start. They sparked early momentum with a strong defensive play, stopping the Panthers on four consecutive attempts from the 2-yard line, leading to Burrow’s interception return that set up Brown’s first touchdown.
Cincinnati established a 28-14 lead early in the third quarter with Brown’s second scoring run, but the Panthers responded quickly with a touchdown from Dalton to Johnson, bringing the game back within reach.
Despite the Panthers’ efforts to close the gap, the Bengals’ defense held strong, forcing a crucial three-and-out in the final minutes of the game. Evan McPherson sealed the victory with a late field goal.
In a notable moment, first-round pick Xavier Legette rose to the occasion with six catches for 66 yards, including his first career touchdown, which he celebrated with a playful horse-riding gesture.
At halftime, the Panthers honored defensive end Julius Peppers, who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Bengals suffered a neck injury to Trey Hendrickson in the fourth quarter, and the Panthers lost two linebackers to injuries in the second half.
Looking ahead, the Bengals will host the Ravens next Sunday, while the Panthers will visit the Bears.