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Bengals Mohamed Sanu comes through with career-game

With A.J. Green and Marvin Jones on the shelf with injuries, it was up to Mohamed Sanu to step up. And he didn't disappoint with ten grabs for 120 yards and a fourth quarter touchdown.

John Grieshop

“I was just trying to do anything I can to help the team," Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu said after Sunday's 37-37 tie against the Carolina Panthers.

And there's no doubt about it. Sanu made the most of his opportunity.

With A.J. Green and Marvin Jones out against the Carolina Panthers, Sanu, a former third-rounder from the 2012 NFL draft, comfortably stepped into the role of No. 1 receiver. When it was over, Sanu posted a career-high 10 receptions for 120 yards receiving, including a 34-yard touchdown reception... his second touchdown of over 30 yards in as many games.

"Mo had a big day and was able to step up, and he’s a guy who has been around for a while and we have a good feel for each other," Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton said, who targeted Sanu a game-high 14 times. Jermaine Gresham was the second-most targeted player and that was with only seven targets.

Sanu converted three third down opportunities but also wiped out chunks of yards on long-distance to go situations. With 2:32 remaining in the third quarter, Sanu fought through a tipped Andy Dalton pass to gain 16 yards, reducing a second and 23 into a manageable third and six. Six of his receptions led to first downs.

The third-year receiver also snagged a 22-yarder to wipe out a first-and-20, prior to his touchdown reception. With 11:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, Dalton arched a beautiful pass down the left sidelines where Sanu worked through tight coverage from Panthers cornerback Melvin White to haul in the 37-yard touchdown.

And when Sanu wasn't catching footballs, he was headlining a key block during Brandon Tate's first quarter touchdown that tied the game at seven.

Sanu figures to be a key weapon next week with A.J. Green expected to miss an important conference game against the Colts in Indianapolis.