The Panthers came up just short against the Saints on Sunday. An upset win would have no doubt given them a big boost in our power rankings. Taking a Super Bowl contender down to the wire is commendable, though. Thanks to their gutsy showing in New Orleans, they actually moved up a spot.
Doug Farrar at Touchdown Wire has Carolina at No. 15 in this week’s power rankings.
“The Panthers did enough to upset the Saints — they really did. Kyle Allen completed 23 of 36 passes for 256 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. . . It was a heartbreaker for the Panthers, but they have to be encouraged by Allen’s development and the knowledge that through most of the game, they were able to hang with a team that appeared to be much better on paper.”
Indeed.
If nothing else, Allen has proven he’s about as capable as any other backup quarterback in the league these last few months. He may yet develop into a legitimate starter if he can consistently avoid turnovers and show the same poise he has against the Saints twice now.
It won’t help them in the standings any, but Sunday’s loss proved this team has enough talent to compete with the best in the NFL. A change of leadership at the top might be needed for them to reach their full potential, though.
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