Joe Burrow throws for 2 TDs, Bengals hold on to beat Panthers 34-24 for first victory of the season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Joe Burrow knew coming into the game that this was as close to a must-win as you can have early in the NFL season.

And the fifth-year quarterback played like it.

Burrow threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, Chase Brown ran for 80 yards and two scores and the Cincinnati Bengals held on to beat the Carolina Panthers 34-24 on Sunday for their first win of the season.

Of the 155 teams to start 0-4 since the merger, only the 1992 Chargers were able to rebound and make the playoffs. The Bengals don't have to worry about trying to be the second thanks to an offense that appears to be rounding into form and a defense that forced a key third-and-out late in the game.

“We knew we had to come and get one," Burrow said. "There was really no other option than to figure out how to win this game. And we got it done."

He had plenty of help, including from his star receiver.

Ja’Marr Chase had three catches for 85 yards, including a highliught reel 63-yard catch-and-run touchdown that combined toughness, quickness and open field speed all in one play. Chase started his route on the right side of the field, caught the ball crossing the field, absorbed a big hit, broke a tackle, eluded another defender and then turned the corner and outraced the defense to the end zone.

“It's just contact balance and explosiveness, which is so difficult to put all together in one snap,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. "That speaks to who Ja'Marr is.”

Zack Moss had 78 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown reception and Tee Higgins had six catches for 60 yards and drew two defensive pass interference penalties near the goal line for the Bengals (1-3).

“There was just a different type of urgency this week,” Moss said.

Andy Dalton threw for 220 yards with two touchdowns and one interception but fell to 2-2 overall against his former team, unable to replicate the magic he displayed in his first start last week against the Las Vegas Raiders when he led the Panthers to a 36-22 win.

Chuba Hubbard had another strong game for Carolina, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown and Diontae Johnson overcame a groin injury to catch seven passes for 83 yards and a score.

"I’m encouraged that our football team continues to improve," said Panthers first-year head coach Dave Canales, who is entrusted with rebuilding a team that went 2-15 last season. “But we’ve got to finish."

Carolina’s pass defense continues to be a problem, having allowed nine TD passes in four games and more points than any team in the league.

Burrow didn't make it easy on Carolina.

He showed outstanding command and pocket presence, with his only mistake coming on an interception in which he misread how Chase was going to break on his route.

His most impressive play came in the second half when he avoided three pass rushers by running a complete circle in the pocket to escape pressure and find Moss for a 21-yard gain to move the chains on third-and-5.

That came after Burrow got his foot stepped on early.

“You can call me sneaky athletic,” Burrow said with a wry smile. “I got stepped on early and didn't feel great, but nothing crazy. We will see what it looks like tomorrow. It might be a little bruised.”

The Bengals also rediscovered their running game, picking up 130 yards on the ground in the second half after being held to 11 yards on six carries before intermission.

They got a boost early from their much-maligned defense, which allowed 38 points to the Washington Commanders last week. After stuffing Carolina on four plays from the 2-yard line on the game's first series, Trey Hendrickson hit Dalton's arm and Vonn Bell returned the interception 32 yards to set up Brown's first TD.

Cincinnati opened a 28-14 lead after its opening possession of the third quarter when Brown capped off an eight-play, 71-yard drive with his second touchdown run of the game. The Bengals added a field goal after on Johnny Hekker's fake punt pass on fourth down to Feleipe Franks was broken up.

Still, the Panthers showed no quit.

Dalton led Carolina quickly down the field and connected on a 21-yard touchdown strike over the middle to Johnson. Xavier Woods picked off Burrow in the red zone, leading to a Carolina field goal to cut the lead back to seven.

But after punter Ryan Rehkow pinned the Panthers deep in their own end, the Bengals defense stiffened and forced a crucial three-and-out. McPherson put the game away on the next series with a 46-yarder with 1:14 left.

With Adam Thielen on injured reserve, first-round draft pick Xavier Legette took advantage of his opportunity to shine by overcoming two drops to catch six passes for 66 yards, including his first career touchdown which he celebrated by pretending to ride a horse.

“He's really good when he has the ball in his hands,” Dalton said.

The Panthers honored defensive end Julius Peppers at halftime with his ring of excellence after he became the first player drafted by the franchise to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Hendrickson sustained a neck stinger in the fourth quarter and did not return.

The Panthers lost linebackers Shaq Thompson (heal) and Josey LB Jewell (hamstring/groin) in the second half to injuries.

Bengals: Host Ravens on Sunday.

Panthers: Visit Bears on Sunday.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson catches a pass in front of Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard celebrates after scoring against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown scores against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton passes against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers cornerback Troy Hill during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette celebrates after scoring against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette celebrates after scoring against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase celebrates after scoring with quarterback Joe Burrow against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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WEEKEND COVERAGE

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For weekend stories, please click here for the Weekend Lookahead digest.

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NEW/DEVELOPING

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Adds: ISRAEL-POLITICS; BIDEN-ISRAEL; BBA-OAKLANDS-FINAL-DAY; HEZBOLLAH-LEBANON-ISRAEL; OBIT-JOHN-ASHTON; FBC-T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL; CALIFORNIA-AI-REGULATIONS; SCI-SPACEX-STUCK-ASTRONAUTS.

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TOP STORIES

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MIDEAST-TENSIONS — Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon has killed dozens of people as the Hezbollah militant group sustained a string of deadly blows to its command structure, including the killing of its overall leader, Hassan Nasrallah. SENT: 1,150 words, photos, videos. With MIDEAST-TENSIONS-THE-LATEST; ISRAEL-LEBANON-WHAT TO KNOW; LEBANON-ISRAEL-ASSINATION-SITE — AP images offer a close-up look at the smoldering site of Nasrallah’s assassination; VATICAN-MIDEAST — Pope Francis suggests Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon are disproportionate and immoral; ISRAEL-POLITICS — Israel’s prime minister appoints a former rival to strengthen his hold on office; BIDEN-ISRAEL — Biden says he’ll speak with Israeli leader, vowing all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided; HEZBOLLAH-LEBANON-ISRAEL — Who were the seven high-ranking Hezbollah officials killed over the past week? (all sent).

TROPICAL-WEATHER — The U.S. Southeast has grappled with rising death tolls, a lack of vital supplies in isolated, flood-stricken areas and the widespread loss of homes and property while the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene became more clear and officials warned of a lengthy and difficult rebuild. By Kate Payne, Jeffrey Collins and Patrick Whittle. SENT: 1,010 words, photos, videos, audio. With TROPICAL-WEATHER-THE-LATEST; HELENE-LONG-REACH — How Helene became the near-perfect storm to bring widespread destruction across the South (both sent).

ELECTION-2024-CHURCHES-BALLOT-GATHERING — Conservative Christian churches in California and prominent figures around the United States like activist Charlie Kirk are urging congregations to get involved in ballot gathering or ballot harvesting, a practice which is legal in 35 states including California. Proponents believe this will be an important tool for conservative Christians to have a voice in national and local elections, especially on issues such as abortion, gender and sex education in schools and immigration. By Deepa Bharath. SENT: 1,480 words, photos.

AUSTRIA-ELECTIONS — The Freedom Party is headed for the first far-right win in a national parliamentary election in post-World War II Austria, finishing ahead of the governing conservatives after tapping into voters’ anxieties about immigration, inflation, Ukraine and other issues, a projection showed. But its chances of governing were unclear. By Stephanie Liechtenstein. SENT: 860 words, photos.

JAILHOUSE-INFORMANT-LIFE-SENTENCE — A Pennsylvania man who has served 43 years of a life sentence for murder is still pursuing appeals. Steve Szarewicz insists he didn’t do it, but so far his claim hasn’t persuaded the courts. He was convicted of killing 25-year-old Billy Merriwether near Pittsburgh in 1981. But a prosecutor from that time says the case was “no prize.” That’s because it was built entirely on the shifting accounts of four jailhouse informants. By Mark Scolforo. SENT: 2,060 words, photos. An abridged version is also available.

ENERGY-TRANSITION-GEOTHERMAL — At oil and gas giant Shell, Cindy Taff was in charge of drilling wells that are considered unconventional because the oil or natural gas is difficult to access. When she learned about geothermal energy — energy from the heat of the Earth — she wanted Shell to use its drilling know-how to pursue a clean energy alternative. That didn’t happen and Taff left a 36-year career at the company to become the chief operating officer at Sage Geosystems in Houston, Texas, a startup that aims to make clean electricity. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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CALIFORNIA-TRIBAL-LANDS-DISPUTE — A Northern California tribe’s chances of owning a Las Vegas-style casino seemed like a dream as unlikely as hitting the jackpot. Now the Koi Nation has teamed up with the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and moved a step closer to building a $600 million casino in the heart of California’s wine country. By Olga R. Rodriguez. SENT: 1,260 words, photos.

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR

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UKRAINE-HOSPITAL-CLOWNS — Two months after Russia bombed Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, some of the young cancer patients who survived the strike are having their spirits bolstered by hospital clowns. At Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv, an initiative called the “Bureau of Smiles and Support” is going into the wards, cheering up the young cancer patients who survived the strike and returned to continue treatment. SENT: 800 words, photos, video. With RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Russia downs over 100 Ukrainian drones in one of the largest barrages of the war (sent).

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MORE NEWS

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SCI-SPACEX-STUCK-ASTRONAUTS — The two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station since June have welcomed their new ride home with the arrival of a SpaceX capsule. SENT: 390 words, photos.

FILM-BOX-OFFICE — “Megalopolis” flops for moviegoers, while “Wild Robot” soars to No. 1 at the weekend box office. SENT: 630 words, photos.

OBIT-JOHN-ASHTON — John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, has died at age 76. SENT: 340 words, photo.

BBA-OAKLANDS-FINAL-DAY — The final day for the Oakland Athletics arrives ahead of next season’s move away from the San Francisco Bay Area. SENT: 630 words, photos.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION-2024-HARRIS — Vice President Kamala Harris is set to rally in Las Vegas on Sunday night as she and Republican Donald Trump continue to make frequent trips to Nevada, looking to gain momentum in the swing state as Election Day nears. SENT: 680 words, photo.

ELECTION-2024-TRUMP — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has escalated his personal attacks on his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris by repeating an insult that she was “mentally impaired” while also saying she should be “impeached and prosecuted.” SENT: 990 words, photo.

ELECTION-2024-NORTH-CAROLINA — Incumbent Democratic Rep. Don Davis and Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout are locked in a tight race for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. It’s the state’s only competitive race and one of the few toss-ups across the Southeast. Whoever wins in November could help determine control of the U.S. House. SENT 1,180 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-DEBATE-EXPLAINER — Tim Walz and JD Vance might have the chance to reshape the political landscape Tuesday in their first and only debate. SENT: 880 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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CALIFORNIA-AI-REGULATIONS — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a landmark bill aimed at establishing first-in-the-nation safety measures for large artificial intelligence models. SENT: 1,040 words.

LATINO-AFFAIRS-INDENTITY-SURVEY — Over the last few years, various terms have emerged to describe those in the U.S. with roots in Latin America and Spain. While “Hispanic” and “Latino” remain the most prominent, “Latinx” has become de-facto as a gender-neutral alternative. Yet only 4% or 1.9 million people use the term to describe themselves according to a Pew Research Center Study. SENT: 830 words, photos, audio.

WINTER OLYMPICS-SALT LAKE CITY — In his first visit back to Utah since awarding Salt Lake City the 2034 Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee president seeks to ease worries that the city could lose its second Olympics if organizers don’t fulfill an agreement to play peacemaker between anti-doping authorities. SENT: 680 words, photos.

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INTERNATIONAL

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UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY-GOING-LOCAL — The world’s greatest stage is the sprawling Midtown Manhattan complex where leaders meet each year to discuss humanity’s future. The most varied speeches at the United Nations General Assembly this year were delivered before the 193-member body and not the smaller, more powerful Security Council. Like the 15-nation council with its five vetoes, the UNGA devoted time to the Middle East, Russia, Ukraine and Sudan, but it also turned global attention to topics less known outside individual countries and regions. SENT: 1,210 words, photos. With UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY-PHILANTHROPY-YOUTH — Humanitarians enlist entertainers and creators to reach impassioned youth during United Nations week (sent).

BELGIUM-POPE — Pope Francis has wrapped up a troubled visit to Belgium by doubling down on his traditional views on women and abortion and demanding that Catholic bishops stop covering up for predator priests — a scandal that has devastated the church’s credibility around the globe. SENT: 1,020 words, photos, video, audio.

MIGRATION-FRANCE-NEW-GOVERNMENT — France’s new government is set to take a hardline approach to migration issues as key officials have pledged to significantly reduce the number of people entering and staying illegally in the country. SENT: 900 words, photos.

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HEALTH/SCIENCE

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RING-OF-FIRE-ECLIPSE — A “ring of fire” eclipse of the sun will cross the Pacific and the tips of Argentina and Chile. During Wednesday’s annular solar eclipse, the moon will obscure all but a ring-shaped sliver of the sun. A partial eclipse will be visible at several locations including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Hawaii. SENT: 390 words, photos, audio.

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CLIMATE

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CLIMATE-CHABLIS-WINE — A hellish year of unpredictable weather marked by frost, hail, record rainfall and a dangerous fungus have left Chablis grape growers on edge. The 2024 vintage will be much smaller than usual, and winemakers who’ve spent years adapting to drier and hotter temperatures are now dealing with another impact of human-made climate change. SENT: 860 words, photos.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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LOS ANGELES THEATERS — In a time when streaming and a pandemic have radically transformed cinema consumption over the past decade, a growing number of mostly younger people are contributing to a renaissance of the Los Angeles independent movie theater scene. SENT: 1,190 words, photos, video.

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SPORTS

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FBC-T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL — Alabama has returned to No. 1 in The Associated Press college football poll for the first time in two years following its dizzying victory over Georgia, making this 16 of 17 seasons the Crimson Tide has held the top spot at some point. SENT: 720 words, photos.

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Supporters of the OVP, Austrian People's Party, hold "Thank You" banners at the party headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, after seeing the first electoral projections in the country's national election. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Workers install a huge portrait of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on a building at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

People gather at the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Alabama running back Jam Miller (26) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

A member of the Bolivarian Militia holds up a painting depicting President Nicolas Maduro during a rally celebrating Maduro's July 28 reelection, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

Vehicles are partially submerged on a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane John in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandrino Gonzalez)

In this aerial image of the Kathmandu valley, Bagmati River is seen flooded due to heavy rains in Kathmandu, Nepal, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gopen Rai)

Boats sit after being pushed ashore by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Shiite Muslims light candles during a protest against the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept rockets that were launched from Lebanon, as seen from Safed, northern Israel, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

People check the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

People check the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

People check a damaged building at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Choueifat, south east of Beirut, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)