Idyllic performance pre-bye:
Some folks wanted to see the Bengals eke out a tough win to “build character”. There is wisdom to that notion, as it could reinforce the idea that Cincinnati could find a way to win without many of its regular cast of characters.
But, even more so, a dominant. blowout win was just what the doctor ordered for this team. Showing their ability to do a bunch of different things on both sides of the ball, Cincinnati thoroughly dominated the Panthers.
It was a confidence-builder in the senses of both “getting right” after a dreadful performance against the Browns and showing the ability to get a convincing win without the help of many important players.