Panthers top power rankings for another week

The Carolina Panthers remain on top of the ESPN power rankings

The Carolina Panthers remain on top of the ESPN power rankings for another week, as the Panthers remained undefeated after defeating the New York Giants, 38-35.

Now with these power rankings, are the Panthers only ranked first because of being undefeated, or does ESPN really think they are number one?

Well, here is how ESPN describes the Panthers in the rankings.

“Ted Ginn had 11 career receiving touchdowns from 2007 to 2014. He has 10 this season, making him the first Panthers receiver to reach double digits since Steve Smith in 2005.”

Now reading this, it talks nothing about the Panthers as a team.  Why not?  The Panthers have gotten to this undefeated record, by playing as a team, not concentrating on an individual player.

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Yes, Ted Ginn has played a factor in the offense this season, but he has not been the only contributing factor, so why focus on him solely?

ESPN also only focuses on the Denver Broncos fall in the rankings after their loss.

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (L) talks with Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak (R) on the field before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Broncos at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

“Week 15 was a success for everyone in our previous top 10 — except the Broncos. After a second straight loss, Gary Kubiak’s squad dropped three spots to No. 8, its lowest mark of the season.”

Now, just because with the loss the Broncos fell, does not mean the entire analysis needs to be about them. The Broncos could still miss the playoffs, a lot of things have to happen, but it is a possibility.

“Week 16 also pits the struggling Broncos against the Bengals (No. 5) on Monday night. A third consecutive Denver loss could put the team in jeopardy of being passed by teams such as Kansas City and the Jets.”

Everyone knows Peyton Manning is one of, if not the best, quarterbacks of all time and without him playing, the Broncos are in jeopardy of losing out.

But, just because Manning plays for the Broncos and the talk is about him, it still does not make sense as to why the focus is not on Cam Newton leading the Panthers week after week.