Losing two home games and your starting quarterback to begin the season usually spells disaster for most NFL teams. Just one month later, the Carolina Panthers have found a way to turn it around and now look like a true playoff team.
Since that brutal 0-2 start, Carolina has reeled off four consecutive wins despite playing with a backup quarterback. Heading into their bye week, the Panthers are now ranked No. 11 in the league in Doug Farrar’s power rankings.
We’re already a bit burnt out on the Cam Newton vs. Kyle Allen debate, so that can wait for another time. In any case, QB play isn’t the reason this team is winning games.
Carolina’s defense has made some massive improvements from last season. The pass rush was one of the league’s worst in 2018 – now it’s one of the best in football. Their secondary has undergone a similar revolution under the guidance of Perry Fewell. With Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson locking down things in the middle, there’s no real weakness for this group.
The one thing that can derail this train is injuries, which have been an issue. This bye week couldn’t have come at a better time, as the team’s weekly injury reports have grown unpleasantly long.
When they come back from the break, the Panthers will face a serious test. They’ll face a 49ers team that’s 5-0 and currently No. 2 in these power rankings behind the Patriots. A win over San Francisco would prove this team is a legitimate contender.
