Panthers vs Bengals: Key matchups

There’s quite a few key players involved in the Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals match up on Sunday

The Panthers are reeling after facing a good offense and a competent defense last Sunday. The Bengals bring much of the same.

Ryan Kalil/Panthers guards vs. Geno Atkins

While the Panthers tackles have been surprisingly good, the interior line has been suspect. And it doesn’t get any better as they face one of the best interior rushers in the NFL today. While Cam Newton has been able to check down and throw shorter passes, a guy like Atkins can blow that up real quick. Newton has never done well against interior pressure (What quarterback does?), so these guards need to have a plan. Atkins could make running the ball inside and passing a major problem if not addressed accordingly.

Devin Funchess vs. Dre Kirkpatrick

Jarius Wright should be a factor in the slot, but the main issues in the passing game have come from the outside. From down to down, Cam Newton needs a consistent guy he can trust. That guy is supposed to be Funchess, but he dropped several passes last week. Wright can only do so much, and we are still waiting for a consistent performance from Torrey Smith. The only legit No. 1 wide receiver Carolina boasts is Funchess, and he will see a lot of Kirkpatrick.

James Bradberry/Captain Munnerlyn vs. AJ Green

Green is coming off a three touchdown performance, and appears primed for another back breaker against a hurt Panthers secondary. However, the good news is Bradberry did a solid job against Julio Jones last week, holding him to 60 yards and no touchdowns. The bad news though is Green has started taking snaps from the slot, meaning he will face Munnerlyn at times. Munnerlyn claims to be ready, but this match-up from the get go appears to be very bad for Carolina. They need a plan for Green, otherwise he could take control.

Mario Addison vs. Cordy Glenn

The Panthers pass rush struggled mightily last week. Part of that had to do with how dominant the Falcons rushing game was, but the other factor was not winning one on one match-ups. Wes Horton was the only defensive lineman who made a play of note, and that won’t cut it this week. Julius Peppers still needs to get back to his 2017 self, and Marquise Haynes paired with Bryan Cox won’t be able to do much. Addison once again needs to show up, and put some pressure on Andy Dalton. The interior will give him one on one opportunities, this week he must capitalize if we want to see something better than last week’s dreadful performance.

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