The Bengals and the Panthers square off for the first time ever.

Numbers: After committing just one turnover in their first five games (2-3) in '98, the Bengals have committed 28 turnovers in their last 13 games (1-12) dating back to '98.

The Panthers have committed 78 turnovers in their last 34 games (11-23) dating back to '97, totaling 15 turnovers in 11 wins and 63 turnovers in 23 losses. Carolina has amassed 26 takeaways in 11 wins, 29 takeaways in 23 losses dating back to '97. They have allowed 131 points in 11 wins, 637 points in 23 losses dating back to '97. The Panthers have allowed 406 points and 45 offensive touchdowns in 17 home games since 1997 (4-13) after giving up just 97 points and nine offensive TDs in nine games (9-0) at Ericsson Stadium (including playoffs) in '96. In 33 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), Panthers' OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 31.0 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 1.5 in '99)

Things To Look For: It appears Bengals' rookie QB Akili Smith is about to make his starting debut, which means a crash course in the complexities of Bruce Coslet's playbook. But given the state of Carolina's extremely generous front seven, it shapes up as a very busy afternoon for Bengals' RB Corey Dillon. Still, Panthers' QB Steve Beuerlein should have a big day against Cincinnati's young cornerbacks.

Etc.: The Bengals are 0-2 for the first time since 1996 and the fifth time in nine seasons (1991-99), while Panthers are 0-2 for the second straight year and the third time in the team's 5-year history (1995-99). They are 13-23 vs. NFC competition dating back to 1990 (1-3 in '98). The Bengals are 17-26 under Bruce Coslet dating back to '96. Over the past 9 years (1991-99), Bengals are a combined 11-55 over the first half of the season.

The Panthers are 9-8 lifetime vs. AFC teams (0-1 in '99) dating back to 1995. They are 11-23 in their last 34 games (1997-99) after finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC West title in 1996. Including playoffs, they are 31-37 in their 68-game history (1995-99), 17-16 vs. the NFC West and 14-21 against the rest of the NFL. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 13-13 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '97.