Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Carolina Panthers Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Carolina Panthers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 31

Biggest issue on defense: Run defense

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. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 31

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.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 31

They don't do enough on offense right now as Bryce Young is struggling. They are in a big hole at 0-4.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

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.

The Athletic -- Rank: 30

Rookie quarterback Bryce Young returned to the lineup Sunday. Maybe he shouldn't have? Young's yards per attempt (4.9) rank 33rd in the league and his pass EPA per dropback (minus-.26) is 34th, according to TruMedia. The only time this season the Panthers have topped 17 points was when Andy Dalton filled in for Young last week.

FOX -- Rank: 31

It felt miraculous that the Panthers led Minnesota for as long as they did. The fact that they had a shot to tie the game late, even more so. It's a shame for the Panthers defense because they're pretty good. This offense just isn't ready to compete at a high level.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 30

The Panthers might have regret next April. They paid a lot to get Bryce Young. Included in that was their 2024 first-round draft pick, which could end up being first overall. No disrespect to Young, who should still end up as a very good player, but you wouldn't pick him over Caleb Williams. The Panthers were impatient and they might have buyer's remorse in a few months.

PFT -- Rank: 31

Miles Sanders won't have to worry about fans booing if they don't start winning some games. The fans won't be there.

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