There wasn’t much room for the Carolina Panthers to fall into prior to their Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. But after a disappointing 21-13 loss, they found a way to wiggle down just a bit more.
Here is where the 0-4 Panthers now stand across the power rankings as we head into Week 5 . . .
Touchdown Wire
Author: Jarrett Bailey
Rank: 29 (-1)
Take: “The defense had a 99 yard pick-six and had an additional interception off Kirk Cousins and it still wasn’t enough. This offense is bad.”
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: “They’ve only got three home games before December 17, not that Charlotte has been a safe haven for a team that currently can’t win anywhere. Rookie QB Bryce Young is really struggling to push the ball down the field.”
NFL.com
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: “I had to check the stats twice. The Panthers possessed the ball for 38:29 against the Vikings, gaining 20 first downs. Yet they only totaled 232 yards (on 68 plays!) and didn’t score an offensive touchdown. The defense battled all game, but a familiar script keeps playing out. Bryce Young nipped away but couldn’t finish drives and once again coughed up a critical turnover that led to points for the other side. When you look at Carolina’s schedule, it’s hard to see where the first victory will come. If the Panthers can keep it close in the next two road games (at Detroit, at Miami) before the Week 7 bye, it will be an encouraging development. “
ESPN
Author: David Newton
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: For a unit that entered Sunday’s loss to Minnesota down three starters, and then lost starting corner Donte Jackson (shoulder) in the first half, the secondary has held up surprisingly well. What the Panthers can’t do consistently is stop the run. Only five teams have given up more than their 545 yards rushing. Only four are allowing more than their 4.7 yards per carry. It’s constantly keeping opponents in manageable down-and-distance situations that ultimately will impact the back end of the defense.
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 31 (-2)
Take: “They don’t do enough on offense right now as Bryce Young is struggling. They are in a big hole at 0-4.”
Pro Football Talk
Author: Mike Florio
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: “Miles Sanders won’t have to worry about fans booing if they don’t start winning some games. The fans won’t be there.”
