Here's where the Panthers stand in various power rankings following their loss to the Saints.
NFL.com
Panthers rank: 9th (6th in NFC)
Previous rank: 7th
NFC South: Saints 6th, Panthers 9th, Falcons 11th, Buccaneers 25th
This week's opponent: Vikings 3rd
Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison thought the defense was left in the dust by the Saints and the Panthers offense just couldn't keep up. He says Carolina isn't built for track meets, but they still pose a threat in the postseason.
ESPN.com
Panthers rank: 9th (6th in NFC)
Previous rank: 8th
NFC South: Saints 7th, Panthers 9th, Falcons 10th, Buccaneers 26th
This week's opponent: Vikings 3rd
Beyond the numbers: ESPN notes that Christian McCaffrey added a new element to the Panthers offense. He leads all rookies with 64 receptions and Cam Newton hasn't completed that many passes to running backs in the previous five seasons.
CBS Sports
Panthers rank: 7th (5th in NFC)
Previous rank: 6th
NFC South: Saints 6th, Panthers 7th, Falcons 10th, Buccaneers 25th
This week's opponent: Vikings 3rd
Beyond the numbers: Pete Prisco wonders what happened to the defense last week? They were supposed to be better.
Yahoo Sports
Panthers rank: 9th (6th in NFC)
Previous rank: 7th
NFC South: Saints 6th, Panthers 9th, Falcons 12th, Buccaneers 25th
This week's opponent: Vikings 4th
Beyond the numbers: Frank Schwab is looking at Panthers' mistakes against the Saints and how they generally got outplayed.
Bleacher Report
Panthers rank: 7th (5th in NFC)
Previous rank: 6th
NFC South: Saints 5th, Panthers 7th, Falcons 8th, Buccaneers 26th
This week's opponent: Vikings 7th
Beyond the numbers: Chris Simms is skeptical of the Panthers' weapons on offense. He says the defense is still one of the best in the NFL, but they couldn't hold up against Drew Brees and the Saints on Sunday.
