4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Bengals in Week 9
By Dean Jones
Bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers as they go in search of a shock road victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9 of the 2022 season.
Had the Carolina Panthers not shot themselves in the foot last weekend at the Atlanta Falcons, they’d be leading the NFC South right now. But that’s not the case, so another loss in Week 9 would likely come with another failed season and more questions about the team’s long-term future.
That’s the fine margins normally associated with the NFL. There’s no doubt Carolina is more attractive to watch under interim head coach Steve Wilks, but the bar was remarkably low with Matt Rhule at the helm and whether they can overcome the odds at the Cincinnati Bengals is highly debatable.
The Panthers will be giving it everything they have against the Bengals. But even though they are missing some key pieces such as wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, this looks like a get-right game for Joe Burrow’s men as they aim to propel themselves over .500 once again.
Without further ado, here are four bold predictions for the Panthers at Paycor Stadium in Week 9.
Bold Prediction No. 1
Yetur Gross-Matos has his best game for the Carolina Panthers
The performance levels of Yetur Gross-Matos in 2022 have not been up to the required standard. His inability to generate any meaningful pressure opposite Brian Burns has left fans wondering whether the Penn State product can be anything more than a rotational piece, which has seen their decision to let Haason Reddick leave in free agency come under heavy scrutiny as a result.
Gross-Matos’ status is hanging by thread. But Sunday’s game represents a good chance for the player to finally get his season on track against a suspect Cincinnati Bengals offensive line.
One could argue it wouldn’t be hard, but Week 9 could end up being Gross-Matos’ best game for the Carolina Panthers if the defensive end generates some early momentum.