The Carolina Panthers inch closer to the top with a less than stellar win…
Concluding a three game December home stand, the Carolina Panthers finished by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22-19 on Christmas Eve. It was the fifth straight home victory for the Panthers who have only lost once since midyear.
Even without their best performance, Carolina found a way to win behind a stout defense and timely offense. While the Panthers allowed multiple big plays to the Buccaneers, Carolina’s defense held Tampa Bay to a handful of field goal opportunities.
The timely offense came late for the Panthers after struggling to move the football throughout the contest. Following a missed field goal, quarterback Cam Newton took over with three minutes remaining and eventually found the end zone for a win.
Continue to see where the Panthers rank as the regular season draws to a close this week.
ESPN – No. 7 (+1)
Carolina earned a late game victory over the Buccaneers on the heels of quarterback Cam Newton’s third game winning drive this season. In this week’s analysis looking at projected win totals, the Panthers have already out performed their preseason prediction.
"9 wins: Cam Newton has had some of the best success of his career running this year, which has helped Carolina to 11 wins. Newton currently leads the team in rushing and has set a career high in yards on designed rushing plays."
Moving up another spot, Carolina positioned themselves as the first non-division leader in the rankings. As the season concludes the Panthers will be hard pressed to improve their position, even with a win over Atlanta.
NFL.com – No. 7 (+1)
NFL analyst Elliot Harrison followed suit, bumping Carolina up one place from last week. In his latest edition the focus was on a much needed game winning drive and the ability to win even with a subpar performance.
"Scary win for the Panthers, who almost sleepwalked their way into losing to the Bucs — and letting an opportunity to win the NFC South slip away — on their home field. Case in point: With the Panthers down four points, a furious Julius Peppers pass rush induced a holding call on Tampa Bay in the Bucs’ end zone, which would have meant two points and possession to Carolina. But, but, Star Lotulelei shoved a guy as the play was ending, so offsetting penalties meant the safety didn’t count. Oy. Then Jameis Winston converted on third-and-a-mile. Just when you thought it wasn’t the Panthers’ day, Tampa kicker Patrick Murray missed another long-range kick (like last week). Cam Newton and the other 10 guys on Carolina’s offense put together a drive to win the game, fumble and all. That’s football."
The defense forced three turnovers but also surrendered multiple big plays to Tampa Bay. Fortunately they were able to keep the Buccaneers from getting into the end zone on multiple red zone trips before a missed field goal eventually sparked an opportunity for the game winning drive.
CBS Sports – No. 5 (No Change)
CBS Sports NFL expert Pete Prisco failed to move Carolina in his latest rankings for a second consecutive week. After climbing up the charts following a dismal loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 7, the Panthers find themselves near the top of the league with only one loss in the second half of the season.
"That wasn’t a great effort against Tampa Bay, but they rallied to earn a playoff spot. They can still win the division if they beat Atlanta and the Saints lose."
Carolina struggled containing the Buccaneers on defense but buckled down when needed, providing the offense an opportunity to win the game late.
FanSided – No. 5 (+1)
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FanSided’s Matt Verderame followed suit, bumping Carolina up into the top five best teams in the league. Even after a far from perfect performance, the Panthers proved they can win without playing their best football. A scary attribute for a likely wild-card team when the playoffs begin.
Depending on the results from a final weekend of football, Carolina could finish anywhere from the number two overall seed to their current fifth position. Any improvements require a win at Atlanta in addition to some outside help. Most likely, the Panthers will be traveling to either New Orleans or Los Angeles for the first round of the playoffs.
"Carolina is back in the playoffs and if Cam Newton plays well, it’s extremely viable."
Having already secured their place in the post season, a seed assignment and opponent are all at stake entering the regular season finale.
Next: Panthers Playoff Possibilities
Final Power Ranking – No. 6 (+1)
The Panthers inch closer to the top and are expected to be a tough out for any opponent in the playoffs.