Sneaking into the Playoffs: The Panthers’ Ranking Sets Them Up for a Thrilling Week 17 Matchup, Where a…
After four straight losses, punctuated by a four-turnover week, the Carolina Panthers clawed back into the win column with a 36-30 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16.
So, did they also claw their way up the power rankings?
Rank: 23 (+2)
Take: “His progress has been modest, but QB Bryce Young posted his first game of the season Sunday with a passer rating in excess of 100.0. His accuracy, decision-making and ability to make plays outside the pocket are all improving.”
Rank: 25 (+2)
Take: “It’s not accurate to say the Panthers had nothing to play for Sunday. Bryce Young was coming off a four-turnover game and a big step back in his development after making many small ones forward prior to that. It’s hard to say that the win over Arizona was one of Young’s most prolific performances, but it was one of his most important, in that he held on to the football and added a running element to his game when things weren’t humming early without Xavier Legette. Young made a few terrific throws under pressure, and Chuba Hubbard was massive after halftime, scoring the game-winning TD in overtime and further solidifying his role as one of the offense’s most trusted players, even with the OT fumble a few weeks ago against the Bucs. The Panthers still need to surround Young with more skill talent, but there’s a nice little core forming with Young, Hubbard, Jalen Coker and others.”
