The Carolina Panthers lost their third preseason game to the Cincinnati Bengals by the score of 24 to 13 on Thursday night. Cam Newton once again looked like what he is, a rookie quarterback but still hasn’t thrown an interception in the preseason.

Cam Newton completed 6 of 19 passes for 75 yards in preseason action against the Bengals but did rush for 49 yards (to lead the team) and one touchdown. Newton is showing good football smarts but continues to throw off his back foot and display terrible accuracy. Jimmy Clausen completed 4 of 7 for 35 yards.

The running game was a little stagnant due to injuries on the line and trying to jell in this new offense. Jordan Gross in particular has drawn the ire of Panthers fans on WFNZ today. I do think the Panthers offensive line will improve each week if they can just stay healthy.

Steve Smith caught his first pass of the season against the Bengals and also had his first fracas when a Bengal ripped his helmet off! The wide receiving unit needs to join the offensive line in turning it up a notch soon but the tight ends are playing well.

Thomas Davis and James Anderson put on a linebacking display against the Bengals and were easily the bright spots for Carolina. Jon Beason will make this a formable unit when he returns from minor surgery on his Achilles.

Chris Gamble suffered a thumb injury against the Bengals but did put on an amusing dance display when he recovered a fumble. It is unclear how long Gamble will be out, if any time at all. The secondary as a whole needs to improve and I think the Panthers will be watching the waiver wire for help in that area.

Carolina still struggled at converting third downs on offense and in preventing long drives on defense. However I see them improving in both areas when they get all their injured players back.