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Dalton leads Bengals past Panthers

Aug 26, 2011 - 2:49 AM Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Rookie Andy Dalton threw for 130 yards and a touchdown during a huge second quarter the Bengals used to earn a 24-13 preseason victory over the Panthers.

Dalton, a second-round pick out of TCU, completed 11-of-17 of his passes and tossed a 40-yard TD strike to A.J. Green during the second quarter. Cincinnati posted all of its points during the frame, when Bernard Scott and Cedric Benson ran for scores.

Benson finished with 68 yards, while Scott totaled 63 on the ground.

Cam Newton, the top overall selection of this spring's draft, struggled in his second preseason start. He completed just 6-of-19 passes for 75 yards, though ran for a 16-yard touchdown.

Jimmy Clausen also saw action at quarterback for Carolina and threw for 35 yards on 4-of-7 passing. The Panthers gained just 203 total yards.

Newton's score came on Carolina's first offensive series, but he struggled from the quarterback position during the first half, completing 3-of-12 passes for 43 yards.

The Bengals took control with a strong second quarter. Benson's one-yard run two minutes in tied the game, and Dalton threw his touchdown during Cincinnati's next series.

The Bengals recovered a muffed punt catch by Carolina late in the half, taking over at the Panthers' 12-yard line. Scott ran into the end zone on the ensuing play. Mike Nugent added a 55-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give the Bengals a 24-7 lead.

Newton began the third quarter back under center for Carolina and led the Panthers to the Cincinnati 24 before the drive stalled and Olindo Mare kicked a 42-yard field goal.

He booted a 38-yarder on the Panthers' next series -- and Newton's last -- to complete the scoring.