Cincinnati Bengals 2014 Season Preview: Week 6 vs. the Carolina Panthers
Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates with tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) after a catch during second quarter of the AFC wild card playoff football game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals will continue their tough schedule in week 6 at home against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers were another big playoff team last year after finishing the season at 12-4.
The plus side for the Cincinnati Bengals in this game is that the Panthers will be coming off of 3 weeks against, what has been historically, very tough defenses in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Chicago. The Carolina Panthers also will not have a break for a few more weeks as they face a week 12 bye this year.
The Bengals finished 3rd last year in defense and the Panthers ranked 2nd. The difference is really in the offensive side of the ball. Keep Newton in the Pocket and don’t let him scramble, you eliminate a large threat to your defense. The Bengals have also won their last 3 meeting including a Preseason week 3 matchup of these two QB’s when the Bengals defense was able to hold him in check.
A few different players will join the mix from the last matchup but very similar structures are still in place. This is a major benefit for the Bengals, who seem comfortable against QB’s who can scramble. The one aspect that may play into the Panthers advantage is Newton has become a little more comfortable in the pocket but still shows impatience before taking off.