What were some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ loss at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9?
After collapsing late due to individual errors at the Atlanta Falcons in a gut-wrenching fashion, how this team responded in the face of significant adversity was something every fan was monitoring closely in Week 9 at the Cincinnati Bengals.
Things are improving gradually under interim head coach Steve Wilks. The Panthers look better organized and those who were on the outside looking in with Matt Rhule calling the shots are thriving in the immediate aftermath of his firing, which is a solid foundation from which to build moving forward.
The Bengals represented another stern test for Carolina on the road. As it turned out, this was a challenge too far for the Panthers as they were soundly beaten to move to 2-7 on the season.
With this in mind, here are ten quick thoughts from the Panthers’ loss versus the Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Week 9.
Quick Thought No. 1
Carolina Panthers got in a hole early
It was vital for the Carolina Panthers to get off to a good start. Unfortunately, a lack of execution put them in a hole early and left them with far too much to overcome.
Sloppy offense and no defensive cohesion meant this contest was over with just over seven minutes remaining in the second quarter. This culminated in Joe Mixon’s second touchdown of the game to surge the score to 21-0.
After so much optimism last weekend despite the overall result, this was a return to the team that floundered under Matt Rhule. Not a good sign at all.
Carolina Panthers had no answer for Joe Mixon
The Carolina Panthers were out of this game long before halftime. This was thanks in no small part to their inability to successfully counteract the substantial threat posed by Joe Mixon.
This was a walk in the park for Mixon, who tormented Carolina from start to finish en route to 153 rushing yards and five combined touchdowns. An unacceptable performance from a run defense that continues to display almost no gap discipline on the edge or at the second level.
Rough afternoon for P.J. Walker
It was not the game P.J. Walker had in mind after gaining some real momentum over the last two weeks. The former XFL MVP candidate returned to the inconsistent presence we’ve seen under center since joining the team, with his first-half showing coming with a 0.0 passer rating according to ESPN.
Walker didn’t get much better before he was eventually benched for Baker Mayfield. Whether this forces the Panthers into yet another permanent change at football’s most important position is another matter.
An embarrassing first half for the Carolina Panthers
35-0. That was the deficit at halftime after an embarrassing collective effort from the Panthers.
Any semblance of positivity surrounding Carolina after Week 8 completely disintegrated in front of our eyes. All three phases were nothing short of pathetic and left a lot to be desired, leaving the Panthers back to square one under interim head coach Steve Wilks.
Carolina Panthers’ defense was lackluster
Firing defensive coordinator Phil Snow – a long-time Matt Rhule loyalist – was something Steve Wilks felt could benefit this group moving forward. However, after an encouraging display against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s been a complete capitulation ever since.
The Carolina Panthers just couldn’t get anything going and were overwhelmed by the Cincinnati Bengals from start to finish. Yet another indicator as to just how far this team is from legitimately contending.
C.J. Henderson gave up too much
After arguably his best performance since joining the Panthers in Week 8, it was a difficult afternoon overall for cornerback C.J. Henderson. He gave up a series of completions in the first half and looked hesitant in coverage more often than not for the game’s entirety.
This was a step back for Henderson, who got extended playing time after Donte Jackson wasn’t risked despite being active. There’s plenty of football left, but this trade continues to come under significant scrutiny with a solid sample size to go off.
Carolina Panthers were out of sync on offense
As stated previously, P.J. Walker’s struggles saw him replaced in the second half for Baker Mayfield. There were slight signs of life following the change, but it proved to be another underwhelming game that they never really had a shot at getting anything out of.
Whether Mayfield gets the keys under center once again remains to be seen. Steve Wilks said it would be a weekly evaluation at quarterback, but there is also the impending return of Sam Darnold from injury to factor into the equation.
Carolina Panthers get a reality check
While the performances had been better over the last fortnight, this Sunday’s saw the Carolina Panthers come crashing down to earth. There should now be no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting this team’s new head coach in 2023.
Garbage points in the second half didn’t mask what really went on. This was a demolition job by the Cincinnati Bengals in no uncertain terms, one that caught some off guard given how much progress had been made under interim head coach Steve Wilks so far.
Carolina Panthers can’t sulk on a short week
There is no time for the Panthers to feel sorry for themselves. A short week beckons before their only primetime game of the season this Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons, which sees Carolina wearing the eagerly-anticipated black helmets – the only thing that makes it watchable if things don’t improve quickly.
What the crowd will be like is anyone’s guess. All hope is officially lost regarding respectability from the season, but any sulking within the locker room in the coming days is unlikely to be well received by Wilks.
Will the Carolina Panthers go back to Baker Mayfield?
There was a noticeable improvement when Baker Mayfield replaced P.J. Walker at halftime. The quarterback made some big-time throws and although it was far from perfect, it might be enough for Carolina to go back to him as their No. 1 option on Thursday Night Football.
Perhaps the Panthers could give Mayfield a chance to shine without the presence of Matt Rhule holding this team hostage. And it’s not like they have anything left to lose with another losing season almost guaranteed.