![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/USATSI_22171717.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
Did the pundits give the Carolina Panthers a pat on the back for their valiant effort in Sunday’s tight loss to the Green Bay Packers?
Well, judging off the latest set of power rankings, it was more of a “good try, good effort” sentiment . . .
Touchdown Wire
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/USATSI_22171885.jpg)
Author: Jarrett Bailey
Rank: 32 (-)
Take: “It’s like watching a Wile E. Coyote cartoon every week with the Panthers. Anytime they think they have a master drive ahead of them, the dynamite blows up in their hands, and their opponent just says ‘meep meep’ and runs along.”
USA TODAY
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/USATSI_22171280.jpg)
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 32 (-)
Take: “Yeah, they lost again. But did you notice embattled rookie Bryce Young actually looked like a franchise quarterback? He posted a 110.0 passer rating, two TDs and 312 yards – 65 more than his next-best total.”
NFL.com
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/USATSI_22171774.jpg)
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 32 (-)
Take: “The Panthers have been more competitive of late, and that trend helped set the table for Bryce Young’s career day in a loss to the Packers. The bottom line is that Young really needed that kind of game before the end of the season, otherwise we wouldn’t have a whole lot to point to from his rookie year. Sunday’s effort was encouraging, even if it came against an embattled Green Bay defense. Whoever heads the next Panthers regime likely needed to see that performance, too. Young missed some throws, but he made a number of impressive plays and finally was able to attack vertically with success after struggling to go downfield most of the season, going 6 of 6 for 102 yards and a touchdown on post patterns.”
CBS Sports
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/USATSI_22171247.jpg)
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 32 (-)
Take: “They are seeing progress from Bryce Young. That is the most important thing for them down the stretch.”
Pro Football Talk
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2023/12/USATSI_22171271-2.jpg)
Author: Mike Florio
Rank: 32 (-1)
Take: “They still have a chance to not give the first overall pick to the Bears.”