The Carolina Panthers got beat down as bad as a team can get beat down, at least in a first half, in Week 9. So, where does the defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals put them in the latest set of power rankings?
Touchdown Wire
Author: Mark Lane
Rank: 31 (-1)
Take: “Things in Carolina are dismal, and the 42-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals did not help. Quarterback play was not the Panthers’ strong suit going into the season, and the only reliable weapon is DJ Moore. Carolina’s schedule is nothing more than a countdown to the end of the season and finding Matt Rhule’s replacement.”
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 30 (-2)
Take: “Change the quarterback. Fire some coaches. Rinse, wash, repeat. “
NFL.com
Author: Dan Hanzus
Rank: 32 (-3)
Take: “Reality hit hard for the Panthers on Sunday. The Bengals rolled up 35 unanswered points before halftime in what was an absolute decimation on both sides of the ball. P.J. Walker struggled through a miserable first half before getting the mercy hook in favor of Baker Mayfield. The former starter led Carolina on three scoring drives in the final two quarters, but Steve Wilks announced that Walker will get the nod Thursday on a short week against the Falcons. With Sam Darnold back from injured reserve, this could be Walker’s final start regardless of outcome.”
ESPN
Author: David Newton
Rank: 30 (-2)
Take (On team’s non-QB MVP): “In a season with many question marks, Burns is the most reliable player on the team. He leads the Panthers in sacks (6) and quarterback hits (10) and also in leadership. He has played so well that general manager Scott Fitterer reportedly turned down two first-round draft picks for him at the trade deadline.”
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 31 (-2)
Take: “So much for the idea that P.J. Walker would rescue this team. They need a quarterback. Period.”
Pro Football Talk
Author: Mike Florio
Rank: 28 (-3)
Take: “Baker Mayfield should have stayed in Cleveland.”
