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With training camp less than two weeks away, where do the Carolina Panthers stand in the overall landscape of the league? Well, the perception may surprise you.
Our friends at Touchdown Wire recently published their pre-camp power rankings—and the Panthers, who seemingly (and finally) have an actual answer under center, come in at No. 17. Contributor Natalie Miller writes:
Finally finding their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young, the Panthers no longer have to sweat out games where their signal-caller cannot complete simple passes. This is good news for a blooming defense and elite offensive line. Carolina is ready to compete right now, and if Bryce Young can produce better than the likes of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, they may find themselves wearing the division crown.
Carolina nearly donned that crown last season, even after an abysmal 1-4 start that resulted in the dismissal of former head coach Matt Rhule. From there, interim head coach Steve Wilks led the cats to a 6-6 mark that left them one game behind the eventual division champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But with some new hope at those two important positions, the Panthers could be primed to pounce onto the NFC South throne for the first time in eight years.
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