Carolina Panthers climb up power rankings ahead of Week 5

The Carolina Panthers continue to surge up the national NFL power rankings as they get set to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5.

Another superb victory for the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals has gone down well both with the team’s fanbase and in some well-deserved national recognition.

Things look far more promising for the Carolina Panthers than they did following the first fortnight of competitive action. Something seems to have clicked for a talented young roster who is improving all the time and there is every chance of this group surprising those who wrote off their chances in the preseason.

New head coach Matt Rhule seems to be on the right path in his pursuit of getting the Panthers back to relevancy. There was no disputing the size of the task awaiting him when the former Baylor man arrived in Carolina and although there is much work still to be done, the organization overall is off to a great start,

This is further reflected in Carolina’s continued progression up the national power rankings after finally getting back to a .500 record, which can be considered a notable achievement through the first quarter of the campaign.

Let’s take a look at where the Panthers’ paced with some of the more prominent media outlets.

Carolina Panthers in the pre-Week 5 power rankings

The guys over at NFL.com have been more vocal than most regarding Carolina’s potential in 2020 and their latest success has them surging up nine spots to No. 15 on their list, which is a season-high by a considerable margin.

"“The Panthers have something in the pairing of Teddy Bridgewater and 31-year-old offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Carolina appeared to be in major trouble when Christian McCaffrey went down with an ankle injury in Week 2, but the offense has put up points with ease in two straight wins since the All-Pro running back was moved to IR.”"

ESPN was less enthusiastic about Carolina’s recent resurgence and had them at No. 22 in the rankings, which is a rise of seven spots. They highlighted the increasing optimism surrounding the organization but added that their next four games would be “crucial” to their overall fortunes.

Both CBS Sports and Pro Football Talk lauded the Panthers after moving them up to No. 15, which represents a rise of seven in both standings.

"“They’re both rebuilding and contending.”"

Our friends over at The Bleacher Report were a little more apprehensive when it came to Carolina’s improved level of performances, placing them at No. 20 – an increase of six from the previous week’s listing.

"“These Panthers are better than many folks (including us) gave them credit for.”"

Rounding off our power rankings round-up is the listing over at Yahoo Sports, who has the Panthers at No  18 on their list (+6) and praised offensive coordinator Joe Brady for getting the balance right with the dynamic weapons at his disposal.

This is just a start, and there is much football left to be played. But few would deny that this sort of record in the face of such disruption and change during the offseason is nothing but encouraging for their chances going forward.

They have a winnable game in Week 5 against the putrid Falcons, who seem to be in disarray. So if they can make is three victories in succession it is going to do wonders for their chances of becoming a surprise contender sooner rather than later.