Bengals Seek Redemption Aiming for First Win Against Panthers

Following Monday night’s heart-wrenching 38-33 loss to the Commanders at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves desperate for their first win of the season. Head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow held a candid discussion in an alcove before addressing the team, reflecting on their shared disappointment but also their belief that the season is far from over.

“It was mutual,” Burrow remarked about the conversation. “We’re not happy with where we’re at, but there are still 14 games left. We just have to focus on getting better each week and aim for a win.”

Next Up A Familiar Foe in Carolina

As the Bengals prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers, left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. emphasized the importance of staying focused. “We’ve got to do whatever we can to come out of Charlotte 1-3,” Brown stated. The game carries added significance, as former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, now with the Panthers, looks to defeat his old team for the third time with a different franchise.

Dalton, who is 13 years older than the Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, led the Panthers to an impressive win against the Raiders last week after stepping in for benched Bryce Young.

Mims Steps Up Amid Injuries

In a surprising turn of events, first-round draft pick Amarius Mims found himself thrust into a key role. Following Trent Brown’s knee injury, Mims, who made his NFL debut on Monday, is now set to take over as the starting right tackle for the remainder of the season. Center Ted Karras expressed confidence in Mims, stating, “He’s the guy we drafted to play right tackle, and I’m excited to see what he can show with a full week’s prep.”

Despite a challenging debut, Mims demonstrated promise, contributing to a rushing effort of 124 yards.

One of the pivotal moments of the game was a 62-yard kickoff return by Washington’s Austin Ekeler, which set up another touchdown for the Commanders. Bengals kicker Evan McPherson also had a rough outing, missing one of his six field-goal attempts, a rarity for the usually reliable kicker.

The Bengals’ defense faced significant challenges, allowing the Commanders to convert crucial third downs, including a key fourth-and-four that kept a scoring drive alive. Linebacker Logan Wilson acknowledged the defense’s struggles, stating, “We just couldn’t find a way to get them off the chains. We need to make those stops.”

As the Bengals look to rebound against the Panthers, Wilson stressed the importance of closing out close games. “All three games we’ve lost are by one possession,” he noted. “In this league, you have to find a way to win those.”

With a determined mindset and a focus on improvement, the Bengals are set to face the Panthers next week. The team’s leaders are urging everyone to stay committed and work towards their first victory of the season. As Burrow said, “We just have to keep pushing forward.”