The Carolina Panthers were languishing at the bottom of ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings at the start of the new season, especially after Bryce Young’s poor performance led to his benching. Now, another team has beaten them to take that spot ahead of Week 4.
The Panthers are looking to build on their recent success as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. Andy Dalton, who has shown a remarkable resurgence, threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in their last game, leading the Panthers to victory. This performance has sparked optimism among fans and analysts alike regarding his ability to guide the team effectively.
Dalton’s experience could be pivotal, especially against a Bengals team that has struggled early in the season. The Panthers will need to capitalize on the quarterback’s momentum and leverage their offensive capabilities to exploit Cincinnati’s weaknesses. With an improved passing game, the Panthers can enhance their chances of securing a crucial win.
Furthermore, the Panthers’ defense will play an integral role in this matchup. They must contain the Bengals’ offense, which, despite its challenges, still possesses playmakers capable of turning the game around. If Carolina can maintain pressure on Joe Burrow and force turnovers, it could shift the momentum in their favor.
Tennessee Titans Replaces Carolina Panthers at the Bottom of ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings
Just recently, ESPN released its latest power ranking in the NFL. As it stands, the Titans have taken over the last spot as the Panthers move up to the 31st place. This is detailed more by David Newton in his analysis of the Dalton-led team.
“Quarterback Andy Dalton proved coach Dave Canales was right in benching Bryce Young, and that the Panthers were close if they had a steady presence under center. With Dalton on Sunday, the Panthers looked like an offensive juggernaut instead of the lifeless unit they were with Young. Dalton had three touchdown passes in the first half against the Raiders. Young has only two TD passes in his past nine starts. The Panthers had a 300-yard passing game, 100-yard rushing game and 100-yard receiving game for the first time since Week 8 of 2022,” Newton wrote.
Meanwhile, in another analysis, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan detailed why the Titans sunk and took Carolina’s previous spot last week.
“The Giants have five turnovers in three games, and running back Devin Singletary had costly fumbles in each of the past two games. New York was also fortunate a roughing the passer penalty negated a would-be interception by QB Daniel Jones early against Cleveland in Week 3. For this group to get to the next level, New York needs to do a better job at protecting the football. Singletary, in particular, has to get the fumbling under control. Only one running back (Dalvin Cook) has more fumbles than the 13 Singletary has since entering the league in 2019,” Raanan wrote.
In their upcoming matchup, the Panthers, fresh off a win with Andy Dalton thriving, face the struggling Bengals, who are still searching for their first victory. With key injuries impacting both teams, the Panthers aim to leverage Dalton’s resurgence against a Bengals defense that has struggled significantly.
As the Panthers prepare for this crucial game, the focus will be on whether they can sustain their offensive efficiency and improve their overall performance. With Dalton at the helm, there is renewed hope for the Panthers to not only compete but potentially dominate the matchup against the struggling Bengals.
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