The Panthers triumphed over the Bengals to win 31-21. Here are the guys who made it happen, and the guys who didn’t help.
The Panthers beat an undefeated Bengals squad and showed us just how good they can be. Here’s the guys who shined (and a few that didn’t).
Winners
Cam Newton
15/24, 150 yards and two passing touchdowns coupled with 10 carries for 36 yards and two rushing touchdowns. It is amazing that analysts and experts still doubt Cam Newton. He is the engine to this offense, and Norv Turner has gone all in on letting Cam be Cam. You can’t really doubt a guy responsible for 24 of your 31 points in a win. Cam had a few off throws as we should expect at this point, but he made receivers prone to drops look really good today.
Christian McCaffery
After a heavy dose of CMC in the passing game over the first two weeks, the Panthers decided to give him the lion’s share of the rushing offense. The result? 28 carries for 184 yards and 6.6 yards per carry. Deuce Deuce showed just why he was a top 10 pick today, running the ball down the Bengals throats as the game plan dictated. A guy who can go over 100 yards rushing or receiving in any given game is dangerous, and will be a great pairing with Cam over the next few years. Also, major props to a banged up offensive line who paved the way for his performance.
Efe Obada
A man once relegated to essentially a free spot on the practice squad, Obada came out in his first NFL action with the Panthers and played the game of his life. He logged a sack, a pass deflection (which could have easily been ruled a strip sack), and a miraculous interception off a batted pass. The staff here at CSR scratched our heads as to why he was active over Marquise Haynes, and Obada kindly shoved that crow right down our throats.
Donte Jackson
This kid is an animal. He picked off two passes, had a few nice breakups, and hit like he was 20 pounds heavier at times. Between chasing down sweeps and running step for step with John Ross, we see why he was a hyped second round pick. I really like his swagger, and he’s one of few corners who can actually crash down and make a play on an underneath route despite this 10 yard cushion the defense seems hell bent on playing.
James Bradberry
Bradberry was expected to once again cover an elite receiver today. And despite Green having to leave with a groin injury, while he was in Bradberry managed to limit his effectiveness. Green logged five catches for 58 yards, which is far better than any of us expected going against Bradberry. While he isn’t a shutdown corner by any means right now, but allowing the catch and minimizing the YAC on elite receivers is a major plus for a secondary that still needs work on the back end.
Losers
Devin Funchess
Funchess had a nice day, so I don’t want to sit here and rail on him as if he wasn’t a solid contributor. Four catches on seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown is solid. But man, if he could just be more consistent catching the damn football, he’d be going for 100 yards easily in this game. Love you Big Funch, but catch the football.
D.J. Moore
I don’t want to sit here and say it is entirely Moore’s fault that he didn’t make much of an impact, because that is very much on the coaching staff too. But at some point, he needs to get more involved. I didn’t think he played bad when he was out there, but it is head scratching that they continue to keep him on a snap count. So this is more about Moore not being allowed to try and do something more-so than him playing badly.
Colin Jones/Rashaan Gaulden
Andy Dalton found receivers open deep several times. This is not the answer at safety, Ron. RON. THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER AT SAFETY. FIND ANOTHER ONE.
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