Carolina Panthers continue to freefall in national NFL power rankings

(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Robby Anderson
(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Robby Anderson

Where do the Carolina Panthers sit in the national NFL power rankings ahead of their tough-looking contest at the Buffalo Bills in Week 15?

If the Carolina Panthers were hoping for some sort of reprieve this weekend, they are going to be out of luck. Sunday’s clash at the Buffalo Bills couldn’t be coming at a worse time for Matt Rhule and his players, who are on a three-game losing run and have almost no hope of reaching the postseason or even attaining a winning season.

The Bills are right in the thick of things as expected. Although one could argue that their current 7-6 record is disappointing all things considered and especially with how well they performed in 2020.

There are plenty of connections between both sets of rosters and coaches. This only whets the appetite further and the Panthers can ill-afford another inept performance despite being heavy underdogs on the road.

Without further ado, we took a look at where the Panthers stand in the national NFL power rankings following such a dismal loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Carolina Panthers in the Week 15 power rankings

FanSided’s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame dropped the Panthers just one spot in his latest rankings, citing the current conundrum at quarterback as one of the primary reasons why Carolina is struggling to generate any sort of momentum.

"“One quarterback, two quarterbacks, no chance and no victory.”"

This was an opinion shared by Dan Hanzus over at NFL.com, who demoted Carolina three places to No. 28, with ESPN’s weekly list placing the Panthers at No. 26, which is where they stood in Week 14.

"“Sunday’s loss to Atlanta was a microcosm of the year in that quarterbacks Cam Newton and P.J. Walker combined for two interceptions and a lost fumble that led to 13 of Atlanta’s points.”"

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s firing doing little to halt Carolina’s slide was the topic of discussion at CBS Sports after the Panthers fell two spots to No. 26. The Bleacher Report focused on Newton’s potential decline after dropping Rhule’s men two positions to No. 28.

Sports Illustrated stated the obvious regarding the Panthers falling apart quickly en route to dropping them two places to No. 26, with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk placing Carolina at No. 26 – a loss of one.

It’s hard to find a positive about the Panthers right now. Just how bad things are going to get over the next four games will ultimately come down to coaching adjustments and the character within the locker room.

Strap yourselves in, Panthers fans. It might be another rough ride over the next month.

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