On September 29, 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals faced the Carolina Panthers in a thrilling NFL Week 4 matchup at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina. The Bengals secured a 34-24 victory, marking their first win of the 2024 season. This article dives deep into the player stats, key performances, and game-changing moments, providing a comprehensive breakdown for football fans and analysts alike. Whether you’re curious about Joe Burrow’s passing yards, Chuba Hubbard’s rushing performance, or Ja’Marr Chase’s highlight-reel touchdown, we’ve got you covered with data-driven insights and practical takeaways.
Game Overview: Bengals Triumph Over Panthers
The Bengals (1-3) entered the game desperate to avoid an 0-4 start, a situation only one team since 1992 has overcome to reach the playoffs. Led by quarterback Joe Burrow and a dynamic offense, Cincinnati showcased urgency and precision. The Panthers (1-3), with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton facing his former team, fought hard but couldn’t match the Bengals’ firepower. Key moments included Ja’Marr Chase’s 63-yard touchdown, Chase Brown’s two rushing scores, and a critical defensive stand late in the game.
Quick Fact for Featured Snippet: The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Carolina Panthers 34-24 on September 29, 2024, with Joe Burrow throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns.
Key Player Stats: Bengals vs. Panthers (September 29, 2024)
Below is a detailed table summarizing the standout performances from both teams, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive stats.
Player |
Team |
Position |
Stats |
---|---|---|---|
Joe Burrow |
Bengals |
QB |
22/31, 232 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 7.5 yards/attempt, 0 turnover-worthy plays |
Andy Dalton |
Panthers |
QB |
25/40, 220 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 101.4 passer rating |
Chase Brown |
Bengals |
RB |
15 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs, 5.3 yards/carry |
Chuba Hubbard |
Panthers |
RB |
18 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, 5.8 yards/carry, 38-yard long run |
Zack Moss |
Bengals |
RB |
15 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD reception, 78 scrimmage yards |
Ja’Marr Chase |
Bengals |
WR |
3 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD, 63-yard TD catch |
Diontae Johnson |
Panthers |
WR |
7 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD, 21-yard TD catch |
Xavier Legette |
Panthers |
WR |
6 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD, 8-yard TD catch |
Tee Higgins |
Bengals |
WR |
6 receptions, 60 yards, 2 defensive pass interference penalties drawn |
Xavier Woods |
Panthers |
S |
10 tackles (7 solo), 1 INT, 33-yard INT return, 1 pass defensed |
Trey Hendrickson |
Bengals |
DE |
1 forced fumble, key pressure on Dalton’s INT |
Evan McPherson |
Bengals |
K |
3/3 FG (56, 46, long), 4/4 PAT |
Eddy Piñeiro |
Panthers |
K |
2/2 FG (48, 44), 3/3 PAT, 33rd consecutive FG at home |
Source: Data compiled from ESPN, NFL.com, and Panthers.com.
Offensive Breakdown: Who Shined in the Passing and Rushing Game?
Bengals’ Offensive Dominance
The Bengals’ offense, orchestrated by Joe Burrow, was clinical at times. Burrow completed 22 of 31 passes for 232 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception, which resulted from a miscommunication rather than a poor decision. His performance from a clean pocket was stellar, going 21/28 for 211 yards and two scores.
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Ja’Marr Chase’s Highlight Moment: Chase’s 63-yard touchdown catch-and-run showcased his elite athleticism, breaking three tackles en route to the end zone. Despite only three receptions, his 85 yards were game-changing.
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Chase Brown’s Breakout: Brown emerged as a dual-threat, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. His 2-yard score in the third quarter capped an eight-play, 71-yard drive, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 28-14.
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Zack Moss’s Versatility: Moss contributed 78 scrimmage yards, including a 1-yard touchdown reception after drawing a pass interference penalty. His ability to exploit short passes and run effectively kept drives alive.
Panthers’ Resilient Attack
Andy Dalton, facing his former team, threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns but struggled to replicate his Week 3 magic (36-22 win over the Raiders). His interception, caused by Trey Hendrickson’s pressure, shifted momentum early.
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Chuba Hubbard’s Ground Game: Hubbard was a bright spot, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. His 38-yard run in the third quarter set up a key score.
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Diontae Johnson’s Grit: Despite a groin injury, Johnson caught seven passes for 83 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown. His chemistry with Dalton kept the Panthers competitive.
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Xavier Legette’s Emergence: With Adam Thielen on injured reserve, rookie Legette stepped up, catching six passes for 66 yards and his first career touchdown. His horse-riding celebration added flair to the game.
Defensive Highlights: Game-Changing Plays
Bengals’ Clutch Stops
Cincinnati’s defense, while allowing 24 points, made critical plays to seal the win. A fourth-down goal-line stand on the game’s opening series set the tone, and a late three-and-out with the Panthers deep in their territory ensured victory.
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Trey Hendrickson’s Impact: Hendrickson’s hit on Dalton’s arm led to a Vonn Bell interception, setting up a Bengals touchdown. His pressure was relentless despite leaving briefly in the fourth quarter.
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Ryan Rehkow’s Punting: Punter Rehkow flipped the field, pinning Carolina inside their 20-yard line, which led to the crucial three-and-out.
Panthers’ Defensive Efforts
Carolina’s defense struggled to contain Burrow and Chase but showed resilience. Xavier Woods led with 10 tackles and a 33-yard interception return, setting up a field goal that cut the lead to seven. The Panthers also held the Bengals to 11 rushing yards in the first half, their lowest since 2022.
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Injury Setbacks: The loss of linebackers Shaq Thompson (heel) and Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) in the second half weakened Carolina’s run defense, allowing Brown and Moss to find gaps.
Special Teams: Kickers Steal the Show
Both teams’ kickers were flawless. Evan McPherson (Bengals) went 3/3 on field goals, including a 56-yarder, and 4/4 on PATs. Eddy Piñeiro (Panthers) nailed a 48-yard field goal, extending his streak to 33 consecutive makes at home, the second-longest in franchise history.
Practical Tip for Fantasy Football Players: Kickers like McPherson and Piñeiro are reliable starts in high-scoring games. Prioritize players with strong home-field streaks for consistent points.
What Were the Turning Points of the Game?
Several moments defined the Bengals’ victory:
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Early Defensive Stand: Stopping Carolina on four plays from the 2-yard line set a defensive tone.
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Chase’s 63-Yard TD: This play shifted momentum in the second quarter, giving Cincinnati a 14-7 lead.
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Dalton’s Interception: Hendrickson’s pressure and Bell’s 32-yard return led to a quick Bengals touchdown.
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Fake Punt Failure: Carolina’s Johnny Hekker attempted a fake punt pass, but it was broken up, leading to a Bengals field goal.
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Late Three-and-Out: With Carolina needing a score, Cincinnati’s defense forced a punt, allowing McPherson’s 46-yard field goal to ice the game.
How Can Fans Use These Stats for Fantasy Football?
Fantasy football players can leverage these stats to make informed decisions:
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Start Joe Burrow with Confidence: Burrow’s clean-pocket efficiency (21/28, 211 yards) makes him a top-tier QB1 against weaker secondaries.
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Chuba Hubbard’s Rising Value: Hubbard’s 104 yards and touchdown confirm his role as Carolina’s lead back. He’s a solid RB2 with RB1 upside.
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Ja’Marr Chase’s Boom-or-Bust Nature: Despite only three catches, Chase’s big-play ability makes him a must-start WR1.
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Avoid Panthers’ Pass-Catchers Without Thielen: Legette and Johnson are volatile options until Carolina’s passing game stabilizes.
Pro Tip: Use advanced metrics like yards per attempt and tackle-breaking stats from sites like PFF.com to evaluate players beyond basic box scores.
Why Did the Bengals Win? A Data-Driven Perspective
The Bengals’ victory stemmed from their balanced attack and timely defense. They converted 50% of third downs (6/12) compared to Carolina’s 33% (4/12). Cincinnati also won the turnover battle (2-1) and capitalized on short fields, scoring 10 points off turnovers. Their 56-yard field goal and late defensive stop showcased preparation and execution under pressure.
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What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Bengals: Cincinnati hosts the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, a crucial AFC North matchup. Burrow and Chase must maintain their chemistry to keep pace in the division.
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Panthers: Carolina visits the Chicago Bears, where Dalton will aim to build on his 101.4 passer rating. Hubbard’s ground game will be key against a stout Bears front.
Voice Search Optimization: “What’s the next game for the Bengals and Panthers after their 2024 matchup?” Answer: The Bengals face the Ravens, and the Panthers play the Bears in Week 5.
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Conclusion
The Bengals vs. Panthers matchup on September 29, 2024, was a tale of explosive plays, gritty performances, and critical defensive stands. Joe Burrow’s precision, Ja’Marr Chase’s athleticism, and Chase Brown’s emergence powered Cincinnati to a much-needed win. For the Panthers, Chuba Hubbard and Diontae Johnson showed promise, but injuries and turnovers proved costly. This game highlighted the NFL’s unpredictability and the importance of seizing key moments.