Friday, September 29, 2023

Carolina Panthers Week 4 NFL Power Rankings

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 4 roundup for the Carolina Panthers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 30

Biggest issue on offense: Offensive line

The real question here is what isn't wrong? The running game was nonexistent Sunday (14 carries for 44 yards), pass protection has been suspect since Week 1 and now this group had eight false starts at Seattle. Six of them came from their tackles, Ikem Ekwonu (4) and Taylor Moton (2). As coach Frank Reich said, they've got to figure it out. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 30

It might have been a little alarming to see the Panthers' passing game humming the way it did on Sunday with Andy Dalton and without Bryce Young, despite all the false-start penalties incurred and pressure Seattle applied. I expect the Panthers to go back to Young whenever he's healthy, which should serve as a reminder of what this season is for. Young was always going to have to grow through some of these travails before he realistically could find his groove and thrive. But the question is: Can his offensive line give him a chance? The penalties and run blocking were both poor on Sunday, and the group has struggled all season. On top of that, the defense is really banged up.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 31

At 0-3, they have put themselves in a big hole. Bryce Young missing the Seahawks game isn't a good thing, even if Andy Dalton did OK. Young needs to play.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

Didn't break through for their first win Sunday, but this offense functioned at a much higher level with QB Andy Dalton filling in for injured rookie Bryce Young.

The Athletic -- Rank: 30

QB confidence rating: 4

With No. 1 pick Bryce Young on the bench with an ankle injury, veteran backup Andy Dalton threw 58 passes to no avail. The fact that Carolina, with Young on the bench, scored more than 17 points for the first time this season is not comforting. The rookie's passer rating (66.6) is better than only Zach Wilson's so far. The Panthers might take their time getting Young back in the lineup.

FOX -- Rank: 30

Andy Dalton had a really nice day, but I'm not sure what it says that the soon-to-be 36-year-old looks like the better option than the No. 1 overall pick. Maybe the silver lining of this slow start is that it quiets any potential noise about a quarterback controversy. Bryce Young needs the reps.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 30

The Panthers threw 58 passes and ran the ball 14 times, despite having backup quarterback Andy Dalton in the lineup. Carolina was within one score of Seattle or led for about three quarters of the game, so a bad game script isn't completely to blame. The Panthers are figuring out how to play winning football, and they don't have the formula yet.

PFT -- Rank: 30

Is it too late to sign Cam Newton again?

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