**Panthers Show Signs of Improvement Despite 34-24 Loss to Bengals**

In a closely contested game, the Carolina Panthers demonstrated progress towards their desired identity, even amid a 34-24 defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals. For the second consecutive week, Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades have highlighted the players who are key to this evolution.

Quarterback Andy Dalton led the Panthers with the highest PFF grade of 79.1. Dalton, who finished second in grading the previous week following their 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, delivered a solid performance. He completed 25 of his 40 passes, amassing 220 yards and throwing two touchdowns.

Running back Miles Sanders and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders also made notable contributions with grades of 73.4 and 72.7, respectively. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson earned a 71.5, making significant plays by catching seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Running back Chuba Hubbard also shone with a grade of 69.5, rushing for a game-high 104 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts.

However, not all offensive players met expectations. Offensive lineman Brady Christensen received a grade of 57.5, while wide receivers Jalen Coker (56.6), David Moore (54.5), and Jonathan Mingo (52.3) also struggled. Mingo caught three out of five targets for 24 yards but had his first drop of the season.

Defensively, inside linebacker Shaq Thompson led the pack with a grade of 79.5, followed by outside linebackers Thomas Incoom (77.0) and Jadeveon Clowney (69.1). Despite a challenging day for the defense, Thompson and cornerback Jaycee Horn, who graded at 66.8, each recorded three stops. Horn additionally limited his coverage to four receptions for 33 yards on seven targets.

Conversely, several defensive players had lower performances, including inside linebacker Trevin Wallace (51.4), cornerback Troy Hill (51.1), nose tackle Nick Thurman (50.1), and defensive end LaBryan Ray (45.6). Outside linebacker Charles Harris received the lowest grade of 38.7 and was responsible for a missed tackle that led to Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase’s 63-yard touchdown.

As the Panthers continue to refine their performance, the contributions of standout players will be crucial in steering the team toward their goals this season.