The Cincinnati Bengals got a much-needed victory against the Carolina Panthers 34-24 to keep their season alive through four games. Offensively, the orange and black were great again scoring almost at will with big plays all around. Ja’Marr Chase had a ridiculous touchdown catch reminiscent of a couple of years ago against the Baltimore Ravens where he bounced off defenders, kept his balance, and ran 63 yards to pay dirt. The defense was once again rough around the edges but the stars of the show were the running back tandem of Zack Moss and Chase Brown. This duo has been an excellent one-two punch thus far for the Bengals and they complement each other extremely well. They ended with a combined 131 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The Bengals seemed to have found something they could lean on in crucial moments to help win games.
Bengals Running Back Tandem Gives Hope to Salvage Season
Offensive Line Assist
The success of Moss and Brown has been buoyed by the stellar play of the offensive line that is the best of the Joe Burrow era. Amarius Mims made his first start of the season and his play was encouraging to say the least. The cohesion of this unit was on full display against the Panthers as they imposed their will in the second half and opened up wide running lanes that were important in keeping drives alive.
Rookie tight end Erick All Jr. also deserves kudos for his role in blocking along the line and has provided an extra element for defensive coordinators to account for when game planning against the Bengals as his role will keep expanding weekly.
Power Personified
Cincinnati brought in the power quotient from the running back room in Moss as a free agent from the Indianapolis Colts. He has been a consistent presence through four games and has amassed 187 rushing, and 96 receiving with three total touchdowns. His athleticism has also been a nice surprise and was on full display right before the half to put the Bengals up by seven.
Zack Moss scores with one second left in the half!
📺: #CINvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/r6iwuDOA9p— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
Speed Kills
The speed faction of this equation comes in the form of the sophomore Brown. He’s lightning quick and is the change of pace back to supplement the bruising style of Moss. The quickness of Brown on toss plays is where he seems to shine the brightest. If he’s able to bounce it outside, it’s game over for the defense, he’s gone in a flash as one of the fastest-tracked players in the NFL and has good strength to withstand initial contact.
QB1 knows how important this duo is to the Bengals’ playoff odds moving forward as he stated after the game, “If we can do that all year, we’re going to be one of the best offenses in the league consistently. Credit to the offensive line and those running backs. Hopefully, we can keep that going.” Hopefully indeed as the arrow for Moss and Brown is currently pointing sky high.
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