5 Lessons From Panthers vs Bengals, 37-37
37. 87. Final. 37. 56
The Carolina Panthers continue to do the impossible, this time managing to salvage a tie out of a tough nonconference road game due to Mike Nugent missing a field goal at the end of the overtime. Here are five lessons from Panthers vs Bengals.
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1. The Streaks Are Intact
The Panthers entered the game unbeaten on Fox broadcasts and winless against the AFC North. By tying Cincinnati they managed to keep both streaks intact. Not very telling, just amusing.
2. In a game where the Panthers needed Cam Newton to have a big game, he had a big game.
For the first time all season, Newton was running the ball for the Panthers. He ended the game with 100 yards rushing and 284 passing. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. He picked up the slack for the Whittaker/Reaves backfield. He threw the ball to everybody (including one pick), with three receivers having more than five receptions. Nine players caught a Cam Newton pass by the end. If this is a sign that Newton is ready to go, then more please.
3. Andy Dalton replaced AJ Green with Mohammed Sanu
The Rutgers product became Dalton’s main target throughout the game and had success with ten catches and over 120 receiving yards. Dalton would have slightly better passing numbers than Newton at game’s end, but one more interception. In a tie game, one more interception is one too many.
Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jason Avant (81) makes a catch against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
4. UNC made it hard on the Panthers early
The first two touchdowns of the game for the Bengals were scored by ex-Tar Heels. The first was scored by Brandon Tate on a reception. The second was an 89 yard run by Gio Bernard. Bernard ran for a total of 137 yards on the game.
5. Does Vontaze Burfict have a death wish?
Burfict, the Bengals answer to Dan Morgan, has a history of concussions and even left the game briefly when he came up woosy in the first quarter. He came back and had ten tackles, but he also possibly targeted the ankles of Cam Newton and Greg Olsen during tackles. To me that is just asking for another head injury.