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3 key matchups for the Carolina Panthers against the Cincinnati Bengals

By Danny Jaillet

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers leads his teammates out onto the field for pre game warmups prior to the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 12, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers leads his teammates out onto the field for pre game warmups prior to the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 12, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /
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Bengals run game vs. Panthers run defense

I touched on this a little bit Wednesday, but this is still a key matchup regardless. The Carolina Panthers run defense will look to redeem themselves against a Cincinnati Bengals rushing attack that is without Joe Mixon. With how many rushing yards they gave up against the Atlanta Falcons last week, now is the perfect time for the Panthers to try and right the ship.

Even without Mixon, the Bengals still have a very capable running back in veteran Giovani Bernard. In a 13-year career, he has amassed 2,925 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground In addition, his 4.2 yards per carry is also not too shabby. Although his numbers this year do not exactly make him a No. 1 fantasy option, he still has the ability get it done on the ground. This is something the Panthers should be mindful of.

It will be interesting to see how they will fair against the rushing attack. Ranking No. 25 in rush defense (264 yards allowed), I would expect a big day from the defensive line. How Cincinnati combats the defensive line will be interesting. Will the Bengals run right at the line, will they run more as the game goes on, or will they struggle to get the rushing attack going and abandon it entirely? It will be fun to watch this chess match.

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