Panthers Vs. Bengals: Game Time, TV Schedule, Position Battles and More

The 2011 draft's No. 1 overall pick, Cam Newton, will be making his second start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers as they take on the Bengals in Cincinnati on Thursday night as part of the NFL's third week of the preseason. Last week, Newton made his first start for the Panthers, completing seven of 14 passes for 66 yards and ran the ball four times for 18 yards. Even though the Panthers fell to the Dolphins by a score of 20-10, making them 1-1 this preseason, new head coach Ron Rivera feels confident starting the rookie quarterback again in week three. Newton could get a boost this week from the expected return of long-time Panthers receiver Steve Smith.

The Bengals have obviously decided, for better or worse, that rookie Andy Dalton is their starting quarterback for the coming season. However, Dalton and the Bengals' first-string offense have only scored one touchdown -- last week against the Jets -- which is the only touchdown the entire team has been able to score. Look for rookie guard Clint Boling to get some more playing time with the first-string offensive line as the interior linemen have had a hard time protecting Dalton in the pocket. Also keep an eye out for Taylor Mays, who will be joining the Bengals defense after he was traded from the 49ers on Tuesday. Mays gives the Bengals' defense a tenth former first- or second-round draft pick. The Bengals will be looking for their first preseason win on Thursday, having lost to the Lions and Jets.