Still searching for their first win of the season, the Panthers stayed at home for their Week 3 interconference duel with the Cincinnati Bengals.  With quarterback Matt Moore struggling, rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen was given the start. Carolina would trail in the first half as Bengals running back Cedric Benson got a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, followed by kicker Mike Nugent's 33-yard field goal in the second quarter.  The Panthers would strike back in the third quarter  as running back Jonathan Stewart got a 1-yard touchdown run, but Cincinnati would close out the game in the fourth quarter as Nugent nailed a 50-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Carson Palmer's 7-yard touchdown pass to Benson.. Who started as the Panthers quarterback?