Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers Look to Avoid 0-3 Start

The 0-2 Panthers host the 1-1 Bengals Sunday afternoon for the fourth time ever in the regular season. The Panthers lead the all-time regular season series 2-1.

Rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen will make his first NFL start for the Panthers, who look to keep any hopes of making the playoffs alive by avoiding falling to 0-3.

With the weapons the Bengals have in the receiving game with Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, the Panthers secondary will have their work cut out for them. The Panthers have already allowed eight pass plays of 20 yards or more through two games, so the Bengals will likely take advantage of the deep ball.

However, in two visits to Carolina the Bengals have allowed 79 points in two losing efforts. They gave up 52 points at Carolina in 2002, the most points allowed in franchise history.

Despite the Bengals’ ability to stretch the field, this game will likely be a battle of the running games.

Both the Panthers and Bengals finished in the top 10 in rushing in 2009. Through two games this year, neither ranks in the top 15. 

Key Players

Cedric Benson, CIN: Benson has struggled early in 2010. After rushing for 1,251 yards in 2009, he’s averaged just 3.2 yards per carry through two games. Carson Palmer will need Benson to show up, as the success of the play action passing game will determine whether or not he has time to throw the ball down the field.

DeAngelo Williams, CAR: Let’s face it. Jonathan Stewart is a nice little running back, but Williams makes this running game go and he needs to do so Sunday if the Panthers are going to lose that goose-egg in the win column.

The Panthers rushed for 156.1 yards per game (third-best in the league) behind Williams and Stewart, both 1,000 yard backs a year ago. They’ve averaged 104.0 yards through two games in 2010.

Jimmy Clausen and the Panthers host the Bengals Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT.

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