The Carolina Panthers took a double whammy this past week—losing to the Chicago Bears, who own their upcoming first-round draft pick, on primetime television (or streaming). Plus, the defeat was probably even more bitter considering it came in a head-to-head quarterback matchup between this year’s No. 1 overall pick and an undrafted Division II product.
Anyway, this week’s power rankings probably look fun, right?
Touchdown Wire
Author: Jarrett Bailey
Rank: 30 (-)
Take: “I would spend pay-per-view type prices to not have to watch another down of the Panthers’ offense this season. And by the looks of it, so would Bryce Young.”
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: “From rookie QB Bryce Young’s stunted development to game management, does it feel like it’s getting late early for first-year HC Frank Reich?”
NFL.com
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 32 (-1)
Take: “Last Thursday against the Bears was technically the low point for Bryce Young and the Panthers offensively — at least in terms of yards and first downs — which is a bit surprising because it felt so similar to previous Carolina games, save for the one Andy Dalton started. We know this team needs more playmakers. It’s clear the offensive line is not yet a finished product, or close to that. The run game has been sporadic. So there is plenty to consider in terms of upgrades in the offseason, including coaches. Everyone raved about Frank Reich’s staff hires last winter. Ideally, Young shows steady improvement over the next couple months — but if he doesn’t, you can bet there will be major changes around him.”
ESPN
Author: David Newton
Rank: 32 (-1)
Take (on the team’s biggest remaining game): “When you’re 1-8, all games are important in terms of the development of your team for next season, and none are important because there are no postseason implications. But the next one takes priority because the Panthers are coming off an embarrassing Thursday night loss at Chicago and there’s potential for more embarrassment against the explosive Cowboys. It’s also important for rookie QB Bryce Young to gain some confidence after consecutive games in which he has taken a step backward with only one touchdown drive.”
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 32 (-)
Take: “The offense seems to get worse by the week. The design isn’t good, the receivers don’t win, the line is struggling and Bryce Young looks bad.”
Pro Football Talk
Author: Mike Florio
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: “The Cowboys will be inclined to show no mercy to the overmatched Panthers on Sunday.”
