Where do the Carolina Panthers stand in the national NFL power rankings ahead of their crunch clash at the Miami Dolphins in Week 12?
After a disappointing home loss to the Washington Football Team, the Carolina Panthers have officially entered the last chance saloon in terms of their playoff aspirations. Another defeat at the Miami Dolphins before their much-needed Week 13 bye would make things extremely difficult for Matt Rhule’s men to attain a wildcard berth, so the stakes could not be any higher for a roster that’s flashed real promise of late.
The Panthers face a stern test this Sunday against a Miami team that is resurgent and full of confidence. Winning three-straight games will do that to a franchise, so Carolina needs to be at the top of their game to come away with an important win.
Cam Newton’s sensational return and first start in Week 11 have lifted the mood. Although it will count for nothing if all facets of play perform well cohesively.
Ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash, we took a look at where the Panthers currently stand in our NFL national power rankings roundup.
Carolina Panthers in the Week 12 power rankings.
FanSided’s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame shifted the Panthers down three spots in his weekly rankings to No. 12, highlighting the huge opportunity missed in Week 11 as the primary reason.
"“Carolina had a chance to really make a move in the NFC playoff picture but fell flat.”"
Dan Hanzus over at NFL.com dropped Carolina just one place to No. 20 and focused his attention on Newton and Taylor Heinicke – former teammates that both rose to the occasion with outstanding performances last weekend.
It was a similar story in ESPN‘s power rankings, with the Panthers demoted two places to No. 21, with CBS Sports providing the biggest slump of the week – dropping Carolina six positions to No. 21 across the league.
Newton’s encouraging display and the prospect of Carolina heading into their bye at 6-6 were the topics for discussion on The Bleacher Report after placing the Panthers at No. 22 – a loss of three spots. But the guys over at Sports Illustrated actually increased the team’s ranking two places at No. 18.
"“Their simplified passing game in Cam Newton’s first start (understandable, considering he’d been there for 10 days) was an issue against a Washington defense that’s been busting coverages regularly; maybe it was just a bad matchup. But the Panthers have the defense, and now the offensive identity, to be a playoff team, and a home loss to an inferior opponent is a red flag.”"
Rounding off things is Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who slipped the Panthers three places to No. 19 with a tongue-in-cheek remark that “their home losses are more exciting now”.
All hope is not lost.
Not yet.
The Panthers have preached nothing but accountability from the moment Newton entered the locker room. There have been some harsh words spoken behind the scenes this week – there’s no getting away from that – but what’s even more important is bouncing back in the best possible way to end the Dolphins’ impressive recent run of results.