Panthers plummet in national NFL power rankings ahead of Week 8

(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) D.J. Moore
(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) D.J. Moore

The Carolina Panthers took an expected decline in the national NFL power rankings ahead of their Week 8 game at the Atlanta Falcons.

Things have gone from bad to worse for the Carolina Panthers in recent weeks.

Their 3-0 start seems like a good while ago now, with Carolina’s losing run stretched to four contests following the team’s shameful 25-3 loss at the New York Giants in Week 7.

Everything just looked so disjointed from the offense. Something that had a knock-on effect from a defensive standpoint given how long Phil Snow’s unit had to stay on the field.

Winning at the Atlanta Falcons is imperative for the Panthers. Although that’s going to be difficult considering they’ve won three of their last four games after a difficult opening to the campaign.

Ahead of Sunday’s game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, we took a look at where the Panthers stand in the national NFL power rankings.

Carolina Panthers in the Week 8 power rankings

We begin our round-up with FanSided’s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame, who demoted the Panthers two places to No. 22 and stated the obvious when it came to Sam Darnold.

"“Sam Darnold is back to being terrible.”"

Dan Hanzus of NFL.com dropped the Panthers six places in his weekly rankings to No. 25, stating that Rhule may have “whiffed” on the Darnold trade with no real out on this move until next spring now they have formally pulled out of the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes for the time being.

"“Matt Rhule has boxed himself into a corner: It’s becoming apparent he’s whiffed on his hand-picked starting QB for the second straight year, and the coach has no escape hatch … for now, anyway.”"

ESPN‘s David Newton highlighted his missed prediction about the strength of Carolina’s offensive line heading into the season as the team fell seven positions to No. 24, with CBS Sports also highlighting Darnold’s terrible run of form after lowering the Panthers three spots to No. 21.

The Bleacher Report adopted a similar theme where Darnold is concerned while explaining their decision to slot Carolina at No. 19 – a drop of two places. Things were far more drastic on Sports Illustrated‘s weekly list, which claimed the Panthers were heading for purgatory once again after a fall of six to No. 24.

Rounding off the rankings is Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who dropped the Panthers two places to No. 18 and questioned just what the organization is doing at the most important position on the field.

"“David Tepper made his money by buying low and selling high. When it comes to quarterbacks, he’s doing the opposite.”"

The Panthers aren’t the worst team in football. But based on their recent performances, they aren’t far off.

It’s time for Matt Rhule and his players to stand up and be counted. Otherwise, it’s going to be another long afternoon at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 8.

Schedule