![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.13thregionmedianetwork.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/E9E5442D-3875-4BEC-A1BB-99497E7535AE-717x1024.jpeg\")
Currently Cincinnati sits at 4-4, second in the AFC North, one game behind divisional leader Baltimore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So just how important is Sunday\u2019s home game against the Carolina Panthers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a must-win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No, ifs, ands, or buts about it, Cincinnati has to beat the Panthers (2-6), especially after last week\u2019s embarrassing loss to Cleveland that dropped Zac Taylor\u2019s squad to 0-3 against divisional opponents, and 0-4 against back-up quarterbacks this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many consider Monday night\u2019s loss to the Browns, the worst the Bengals have suffered in a long while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it was or wasn\u2019t, the game needs to be put in the rear-view mirror, and all focus needs to be on Carolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A win over the Panthers at Paycor Stadium Sunday means Cincinnati would be on par with last season, entering the bye week with a 5-4 mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A loss to Carolina? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unless if something miraculous would happen, you might as well mark the 2022-23 campaign as a season lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s right, who would have ever thought with the amount of talent the Bengals have, they\u2019re already in a must-win situation after eight weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their schedule is backloaded with talented teams such as Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore and even though Tampa Bay has struggled, that would be a tough game along with a road game against the hapless Pittsburgh Steelers and a home matchup with a Browns squad that has dominated Cincinnati since Joe Burrow took over as the Bengals\u2019 signal caller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add injuries to key players on both sides of the ball, and that\u2019s why there is a sense of urgency now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bengals\u2019 players and coaching staff might not admit it, but there is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the rich got richer during Tuesday\u2019s memorable trade deadline, Cincinnati, per norm, didn\u2019t make a single move even though the Bengals will be without Ja\u2019Maar Chase for at least three to five more weeks, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n