Where do the Carolina Panthers stand in the national NFL power rankings ahead of their Week 7 game at the New York Giants?
The wheels are coming off for the Carolina Panthers after a fantastic start to the 2021 season. An alarming three-game losing streak saw the same old problems come to the surface against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6, so their fortunes are hanging in the balance this weekend when they travel to MetLife Stadium.
All things considered, this is a game the Panthers should win. The New York Giants have been decimated by injuries and are currently sitting at 1-5, so if Matt Rhule cannot rally his roster for this one, then there are some underlying problems within the organization.
Everyone knows what’s on the line. Being beaten by a bottom-feeder such as the Giants wouldn’t be a good look and would raise even more doubts about the current regime and how long Carolina’s bid for playoff football is going to take.
Ahead of this week’s crucial matchup, we took a look at how Carolina is faring in the national NFL power rankings.
Carolina Panthers in the Week 7 power rankings.
We begin with FanSided’s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame, who dropped the Panthers from No. 16 to No. 20 and claimed they boast similar fortunes to that of the Denver Broncos, who have ex-Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater under center.
"“Carolina is a more talented version of the Broncos. Maybe.”"
NFL.com‘s Dan Hanzus stated that the Panthers “have a Sam Darnold problem” after demoting them five spots to No. 20 in their weekly listing, with ESPN blaming injuries for Carolina’s recent demise after knocking them back five places to No. 17.
Darnold’s struggles were highlighted by CBS Sports as the Panthers were demoted three spots at No. 18. A sentiment that was echoed by The Bleacher Report while adding that it cannot all be blamed on the signal-caller as Carolina dropped to No. 17.
"“Darnold’s bad game against Minnesota wasn’t solely his fault. Panthers receivers dropped a number of passes that hit them in the hands. But there have been enough flashbacks of the Darnold who struggled so badly in New York over the past few weeks to ratchet up the concern level in Charlotte.”"
The most drastic fall for the Panthers came courtesy of Sports Illustrated, who pushed them back seven positions to No. 18, claiming that those in power have a big decision to make regarding Darnold if his inconsistent production continues.
Rounding off the national power rankings is Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who put the Panthers at No. 16 – a drop of three – citing the team is now 0-3 without Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Panthers pick themselves up following such a turnaround in form. Big characters need to step up and execute, with the coaching staff also under increasing pressure to get things right during the preparation and in-game situations.
Strap yourselves in, it’s going to be another rollercoaster of emotions.