Coming off of a humiliating defeat, the Cinncinati Bengals move to 4-4 on the season, second in the AFC North. The 32-13 defeat to the Cleveland Browns raises concerns along the offensive line.

After the Bengals spent a considerable amount of money on improving their offensive line in the offseason, allowing 29 sacks in the first 8 weeks of the season is not what the front office hoped for.

Joe Burrow had an average game this week, passing for 232 yards with a 71% completion rating. He has 2 touchdowns and an interception.

Tee Higgins, the Bengals leading wide receiver, had 3 catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Tight end, Hayden Hurst was behind him with 4 catches and 42 yards.

Tyler Boyd had 3 catches and 38 yards, he also had a touchdown grab. The running game continued to be an issue as the offensive line failed to make any holes for Joe Mixon, he had 8 carries and 27 yards.

The Bengals’ defense was solid in the first half but after being on the field for the majority of the game due to the offense only having 15 first downs in the entire game, the defense was understandably tired.  

The Bengals week 9 opponent the Carolina Panthers are coming off of a hard-fought loss to the Atlanta Falcons, a team the Bengals beat in week 7 in a 35-17 victory.

In week 8, quarterback PJ Walker passed for 317 yards with a 51% completion percentage. He also had a touchdown and an interception.

Carolina’s running game was respectable with D’Onta Foreman picking up 118 yards on 26 carries for an incredible 3 touchdowns.

Their defense however allowed Falcons quarterback, Marcus Mariota to pass for 3 touchdowns and 253 yards. 

Overall this game will come down to if the Bengals can get their offense back on track and if the Panther’s defense can step up to what can be an amazing passing attack.