Panthers again on top of power rankings

Carolina Panthers on top of power rankings again

The Carolina Panthers are the only undefeated team left in the NFL, sitting at 12-0, as week 14 of the regular season.

So what does that mean?  It means it is time for the weekly power rankings to come out.  According to ESPN.com, they rank the Carolina Panthers at the top of the power rankings for the second consecutive week.

More from Cat Crave

• Panthers potential free-agent targets beginning to emerge at rapid rate
• Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
• 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
• Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
• How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?

Now, the question is, are the Panthers only at the top because they are undefeated, or does ESPN.com really feel as if the Panthers are the best team in the league and deserve to be there.

Well, take these comments ESPN.com has about the Panthers and what do you think?

“Carolina, which narrowly avoided an upset loss at New Orleans to stay unbeaten.”

Followed up by this.

“Sunday was just the second game this season the Panthers trailed in the fourth quarter (a league-low 35 offensive plays this season).”

What does this really say?  Absolutely nothing.  ESPN.com is not giving any thoughts on the way the Panthers have played this year, or the outlook for the rest of the year.  It is almost like ESPN.com had to find a few words to put up so their was a comment about the Panthers.

Dec 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (back) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The team who has been rivaling the Panthers all year, the New England Patriots, to be at the top of the power rankings gets more coverage.

“For most of the season, the Patriots looked invincible. Now they’re in the throes of a two-game losing streak.  Are Tom Brady & Co. still a top-five team in their current, injury-riddled state?”

Sure sounds like ESPN.com thinks it is the Patriots that will still prevail in the end and that the Panthers are just there because they are there.

It is that same pattern that has been there all year – no respect for the Panthers.  Even the Arizona Cardinals are getting more respect.

“Don’t sleep on the Cardinals. They’ve scored the most points this season, allowed the fourth-fewest points and have won 23 of Carson Palmer’s past 27 starts.”

Come on, really?