Panthers reach elite level in power rankings

For a month and a half NFL fans and analysts have been writing off the Carolina Panthers. Despite beating every single competitor thrown in their path nobody seemed to be taking them seriously.

If you need proof, consider the fact that at 4-0 the Panthers went into Seattle seven point underdogs against a 2-3 Seahawks team.

Now there’s no way that you can ignore them. Carolina came away with a gutsy win against the Seahawks after trailing by 13 points in the third quarter. As you might imagine, this latest win has changed the tune that a lot of football writers have been playing this year.

Let’s take a look around the internet and see where the so-called experts are ranking the Panthers now.

NFL.com: #4

“What a grand occasion for the Panthers to put a complete game together. All three phases — offense, defense and special teams — contributed heavily to Carolina’s victory over what had been deemed a quality team.”

ESPN: #6

“Cam Newton has a 94.1 Total QBR in the fourth quarter this season, second-best in the NFL…”

Yahoo Sports: #5

“I don’t care if Seattle is a shell of itself, that comeback win legitimizes Carolina’s start. Big win for the team and for Cam Newton.”

Fansided: #4

“To their credit though, as lame a 4-0 team as the Panthers are, they’re doing it all without Kelvin Benjamin — imagine if he was there.”

USA Today: #4

“That Cam Newton for MVP campaing is picking up steam, even if it’s destined to end like Bernie Sanders’ campaign.”

SB Nation: #4

“Cam Newton led a severely depleted Carolina offense on four 80-yard touchdown drives in a winning effort in one of the hardest places to win in the NFL over the past three years.”

Fox Sports: #8

“On offense, they need to find some semblance of a running game — lead back Jonathan Stewart is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.”

CBS Sports: #5

“Cam Newton is playing well now, especially with who he’s throwing to outside. The defense faces a stiff test with the Eagles this week.”

So, what do we make of these rankings?

My two cents is that Fox Sports is totally off base with their number eight ranking. Despite being the Seahawks at home they actually got dropped two spots, one of which went to the Jets who beat Washington at home. Number eight is a slap in the face to Carolina, plain and simple.

It seems like everyone else agrees that the Panthers are a top five team. I would put them at number four right now, behind only the Bengals, Packers and Patriots.

Where would you rank them?

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