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Carolina Panthers fans improve quite a bit in latest fan rankings

By Danny Jaillet

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers gives the ball to a young fan after teammate Greg Olsen #88 (not pictured) scored a touchdown the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers gives the ball to a young fan after teammate Greg Olsen #88 (not pictured) scored a touchdown the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 6, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers fans are getting the respect they deserve.

Carolina Panthers fans listen up. I have some great news for you. The annual NFL Fan Base Rankings have come out and the Carolina Panthers fans are more improved from last year.

According to a study done by Professor Michael Lewis of Emory University, the ranking of NFL fandoms is based on stats that somehow prove the best and most loyal fans. Carolina ranked in the 16th spot. That falls in line with their improvement of at least three spots from year-to-year.

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However, there is room for improvement. They rank 22nd in fan equity and 27th overall in the road equity. Fan equity according to a report from Steve Taranto of 247Sports is “a measure of willingness to spend controlled for differences in market characteristics.” Road equity is “how well they draw while playing on the road.”

To me, Carolina Panthers fans are still a bit too low in these rankings. Especially from the activity I see on this website alone, they are very passionate about football. They are knowledgeable, and are not afraid to criticize their team. They may not be the biggest group of fans, but they know what they are talking about and their football knowledge is impressive. Spending should not be a component in a study like this, so I don’t necessarily agree with that. Even still, it seems like Panthers fans are getting some respect nationally.

This year more than ever, it seems like Carolina Panthers fans are very optimistic about what is ahead. I do not blame them either. They have a bunch of talented players to cheer on. The acquisition of Gerald McCoy should help make the defense into one of the top units and all of the National Football League. The offense should be able to function highly, and with a whole new group of wide receivers, that should only make life easier for Cam Newton.

The energy at Bank of America Stadium on game day is electric, and I can’t wait to see more of that this season. With a team bursting with talent and an exciting slate of games to look forward to in 2019, I certainly think there is reason for optimism on the part of Carolina Panthers fans. The national media may not recognize it, but the Panthers are trying to build a culture of winning that will last not only this season, but for years to come. That should make an already loyal fan base happier than ever.

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