The answer to “what’s that Bear doing?” turned out to be “forcing the Panthers offense into multiple turnovers” in a hard fought game this past weekend. While Carolina did lose the game, the Bears have one of the best records in the league. How did that loss affect the Power Rankings this week? Well, let’s start with ESPN, as always:
18. Carolina Panthers (3-3)
Week 6 ranking: 19
Most impactful injury: DT Kawann Short
With Short alongside first-round pick Derrick Brown, this front four had a chance to be something special this year. They had two players who would demand double-teams, get a solid inside push and free up the edge rushers. Without Short, there’s more pressure on Brown and Zach Kerr to step up. It also puts more pressure on the depth at tackle, which could be a factor deep in the season. It might ultimately lead to Carolina playing more three-man fronts, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing with the speed the Panthers have on the edge from players such as Brian Burns. — David Newton
David Newton and the Worldwide Leader still gave the Panthers a one spot bump despite the loss. This week’s theme for ESPN was “most impactful injuries,” and Newton took the layup of listing Kawann Short. With Brian Burns really coming into his own, having another player along the defensive line to eat up some blockers would really help. Here is Sports Illustrated’s ranking:
18. Carolina Panthers (3–3)
Last week: Loss vs. Chicago 23–16
Next week: at New Orleans
The Panthers have been one of the feel-good stories of the 2020 season. The three-game winning streak (without Chrisitan McCaffrey) was bound to end at some point, so I won’t get bent out of shape about a loss to the Bears. The Panthers are playing with house money and how could anyone not be happy with what they’ve seen from Matt Rhule’s first season in Carolina?
I agree with SI’s Mitch Goldich here: the fact that the Panthers are .500 despite missing Christian McCaffrey is impressive. Matt Rhule definitely has his guys playing well, and this team could be headed in the right direction with an infusion of talent at certain positions. USA Today had the Panthers in a similar spot, though slightly higher:
16. Panthers (16): What a great signing WR Robby Anderson has been, his reunion with former Temple coach Matt Rhule helping him blossom into a weapon averaging nearly 100 yards a week.
Yes, Nate Davis! Robby Anderson has been a huge boon to the Panthers passing attack. His speed has been a great weapon, and he’s made some spectacular catches. This was a great get for Rhule and company. Lastly this week, we come to the NFL’s official Power Rankings:
Rank 19
Carolina Panthers
3-3
Previous rank: No. 14
The three-game winning streak is kaput because the Panthers’ offense had a bad day at the office. Teddy Bridgewater struggled against a consistent Bears pass rush, and Carolina’s red-zone issues were magnified in a 23-16 loss. Bridgewater was constantly on the run and sacked four times, a far cry from the past two weeks, when the QB wasn’t sacked once. D.J. Moore had three drops, Mike Davis fumbled deep in Carolina territory and Bridgewater threw the game-deciding pick in the final minutes. The Panthers have proven they can win — and even thrive — without Christian McCaffrey, but his absence is more apparent when the level of competition jumps up a notch.
Dan Hanzus was a little harsh, dropping the Panthers five spots for losing to a team that has beaten almost everyone they’ve played this year. I do agree, though, that this was the first week CMC’s absence really affected the offense. There isn’t much room to work in the red zone, so guys like CMC and Curtis Samuel who can create some separation are invaluable.
What do you think Panthers fans? Where should Carolina be in the Power Rankings? Sound off in the comments!