After a close-fought fight that was decided by a toe in the second week of this NFL season. The Bengals were left scratching their heads against the Chiefs in what could have been their first win of the season. Even facing the Commanders at home last week, most people thought the Bengals would be hungrier than ever to record their first points this year.

However, they were outsmarted by a Commanders’ squad that rookie QB Jayden Daniels led. Under his leadership and two touchdowns, the Commanders came away with a 38-33 victory, thereby handing the Bengals their third straight loss this season. Well, considering their dire circumstances, even LeBron James criticised the Bengals on the show Draft Kings, “It’s been tough for the Bengals so far. You know, a lot of people picked them to beat the Washington Commanders last week at home, but the Washington Commanders came in and gave them a loss, so they 0-3, and they need this win.”

While speaking about the importance of the Bengals winning in Carolina, James added how others in the AFC North are not making it any easier for them. “You know that division is tough with the Browns, the Ravens. You know, and the Steelers, man, so they need this win. I think if they get this win. If not, I think we can close the casket on the Bengals,” LeBron shared. “Closing the casket” means the Bengals could find their season end in Carolina if they don’t come away with a victory.

And the Steelers going 3-0 up into their regular season doesn’t make their work any easier in terms of playoff qualification. But before they even think about the playoffs, the Bengals must put their first points on the board. This would help them gain some confidence and move from there on.

Even their WR Ja’Marr Chase expressed his thoughts about this must-win clash, “We need this win, a thousand percent.” Although the Bengals WR had a quiet start to the season, his two touchdowns and 118 yards on six receptions went in vain against the Commanders. But if the Bengals want to get their first win, they will need Chase to continue on his sublime performance last week. However, it wouldn’t be any easier as former Bengals QB, Andy Dalton, leads the line in Carolina.

Andy Dalton faces off against Joe Burrow’s Bengals in Carolina

Let’s take a ride back our memory lane to the 2011 NFL draft. The Bengals decided to throw their hat towards Dalton as a second-round pick, who then went on to lead for nine seasons in Cincinnati. During his time starting for the Bengals, Dalton racked up 204 TDs to 118 interceptions, alongside 3 Pro Bowler accolades. Although he helped the Bengals to multiple playoff qualifications, they never managed to win one while Dalton was starting as a QB.

In came Joe Burrow during the 2020 season, thereby putting an end to Dalton’s time in Cincinnati. After leaving the Bengals, Dalton went on to play for the Cowboys, Bears, Saints, and now, the Panthers at age 36. Well, coming into Carolina, Dalton could have never predicted he would get a chance ahead of former No.1 overall pick Bryce Young. However, him getting sacked to the bench led to Dalton leading the line against the Raiders last week.

And the 36-year-old did spectacularly as the Panthers recorded their first win of the season in Las Vegas. Dalton finished with 26-of-37 with 319 yards and 3 TDs, thereby giving the Panthers a sensational 36-22 victory on the night. Well, the Panthers QB expressed his excitement about facing his former franchise, “It will be nice to catch up with them and get to see them. They’re a great team. Their record doesn’t show exactly who they are. Everybody knows what type of players they have over there and the success that they have had. You can’t take them lightly.”

Will the Bengals manage to pass the Andy Dalton test this weekend? Or will it be a familiar picture for the Bengals, who are staring down the barrel as their season hangs in the balance?