The Cincinnati Bengals were the last undefeated NFL team to go down last week, and they did it in in spectacular fashion. Their first loss did come against a desperate and angry Patriots team, though, so perhaps Cincinnati should be granted a mulligan.
Regardless, they will want to get back on track at home this week, as another desperate team in the Carolina Panthers comes to try to steal a win. The Bengals were being looked at as one of the league’s best and most complete teams, so they’ll need to hold serve at home to show the world their hot start wasn’t just a facade.
On top of this being a bit of a “prove it” game, Cincinnati’s matchup with Carolina also brings considerable value. Bengals vs Carolina Panthers tickets have an average price of $131.68 on the secondary market with a get-in price of $48. The average price is 10% below the season average for Cincinnati Bengals tickets at home this season. Of course, Bengals fans will only truly realize that potential if Andy Dalton and co. can get their fourth win of the year.
Doing so may be made a bit tougher due to star wide receiver A.J. Green (toe) likely sitting this one out. That makes Mohamed Sanu a huge part of the game plan, and how much success he can have against the Panthers shaky pass defense could play a crucial role in how this game shakes out. With Green sidelined, though, Cincy should take it to the ground now more than ever, as Carolina’s rush defense has been very suspect and Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill have the goods to take advantage of the matchup.
On defense, Carolina is an ideal opponent, as they’ve been ravaged by injuries and just haven’t been themselves offensively. Cam Newton remains banged up (ankle and ribs) and is not the elite play-maker the league is used to seeing. With the Bengals boasting a strong run defense, Carolina could be forced to take it to the air early and often. If the Bengals can make that happen, the Panthers will be playing right into Cincy’s hand.
