It sure is nice to be arguing whether or not the team we just beat sucks rather than whether to fire Rivera. Times are changing.

10/19/2015 4:45:10 PM

What are y'all arguing about??!?!?!? I'm still celebrating!

#1 Panthers fan, y'all!

(But seriously, it has come to my attention that trying to do it with Sir Purr is "not cool," according to team officials. To be clear, my lesson has not been learned, so that sexy ass cat better look out.)

10/19/2015 8:35:52 PM

What's your lesson?

[Edited on October 20, 2015 at 11:24 AM. Reason : I know a taxi driver was charged for half a M in Durham for an inappropriate touch.]

10/20/2015 11:09:38 AM

#3 in the power rankings now

seattle drops to #18 haha

[Edited on October 20, 2015 at 1:24 PM. Reason : http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/pat-kirwan/25346835/nfl-power-rankings-jets-jump-into-the-top-fi]

10/20/2015 1:23:27 PM

#6 on ESPN power rankings behind 4-2 Arizona.

10/20/2015 2:47:47 PM

who went UP two spots after losing (and PIT went down a spot), that's some Earl logic

10/20/2015 3:42:20 PM

I think it's because of this,

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/110680/espns-football-power-index-rankings-for-oct-20

which is ESPN's in-house advanced stats system for ranking football teams. That has us as the 13th best team with the Cardinals still 2nd.

10/20/2015 3:55:27 PM

I trust Pat Kirwan more than any of those 4 letter network fuckes

10/20/2015 4:29:48 PM

more hate from everyone's least favorite network (unless you're the SEC)

http://espn.go.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/13931377/why-unbeaten-panthers-trusted-nfl

Quote :

"After defeating the Seattle Seahawks, the Carolina Panthers are 5-0 and have won nine straight regular-season games dating to last season. As one of five remaining undefeated teams, the Panthers appear to be a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl and potentially hoist the Lombardi Trophy. As College GameDay's Lee Corso likes to say: "Not so fast." The Panthers rank 13th in ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), meaning that they would not be favored on a neutral field against 12 other NFL teams. FPI projects that the Panthers have a 9 percent chance to make the Super Bowl (fifth in the NFC) and a 3 percent chance to win Super Bowl 50. FPI could be underestimating Carolina's strength; if that's the case, FPI will adjust when the Panthers continue to win convincingly. But FPI is not the only system that has its doubts. Pro Football Reference's Simple Ratings System (SRS), which accounts for schedule strength and scoring margin, rates the Panthers eighth in the NFC, and FiveThirtyEight's Elo Ratings project the Panthers are the least likely undefeated team to win the Super Bowl. The fact that these analytical tools still are not buying into the Panthers is a cue to look deeper into their performance. Below are three reasons FPI and others still don't trust the Panthers. Schedule: Who has Carolina beaten? Carolina's first five opponents (Jaguars, Texans, Saints, Bucs and Seahawks) have combined to win nine games this season, and they all have losing records. According to FPI's strength of schedule metric, which accounts for more than simply an opponent's win-loss record, the Panthers have played the easiest schedule in the NFL to this point. An average NFL team would win 60 percent of its games versus Carolina's schedule. Although Carolina's win against Seattle is a step in the right direction (it's not easy to win at CenturyLink Field), the Seahawks simply are not the same team they were in 2013 or 2014. Opponents are completing 85.7 percent of their passes against Seattle in the fourth quarter, so the Panthers are not the first team to exploit the Seahawks' late-game defense (minus-28 fourth-quarter point differential, 31st in the NFL). The Panthers have already played four of their six easiest games this season. We will learn a lot more about their true strength in the next three weeks when they host the Eagles, Colts and Packers. All three of those teams rank higher than Carolina in the latest FPI. Dominance: How has Carolina won? Considering Carolina's schedule, the Panthers should be dominating their opponents. The Panthers have an average margin of victory of 8.2 points, which ranks a respectable sixth in the NFL, but there are a number of warning signs in the way they are winning that tend to even out over time. The Panthers are 3-0 in one-touchdown games, tied for the second-best record in such games in the NFL. The problem for the Panthers is that they dig themselves into holes in the first half (rank 10th in first-half scoring margin) and rally later in the game. Although the knee-jerk reaction is to call Carolina "clutch," winning those close games in high-leverage situations simply is not sustainable. Trends like that tend to even out over time. Add in the fact that Carolina is relying heavily on forcing turnovers and has been lucky when it comes to recovering fumbles (66 percent recovery rate), and a regression appears to be in store for Carolina. Is Cam Newton truly an elite QB? After leading the Panthers on two 80-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drives to beat the Seahawks, Newton is on a short list of MVP candidates. Considering the lack of wide receivers and the load that he has to shoulder each week, Newton deserves credit for leading Carolina to a perfect start, but is he truly an elite quarterback? Newton has been consistently average throughout his career, posting a Total QBR between 52 and 62 in each of his seasons as a starter. In 2015, Newton ranks 22nd with a 52.7 Total QBR. Most will point to Newton's QBR in the fourth quarter (94.1) as proof that he is elite, but games are 60 minutes long, and in the first three quarters he has the fifth-worst QBR in the league. Even after accounting for Newton's workload, he has contributed about 1.8 more points to Carolina's scoring margin than an average quarterback (QBR of 50) would have with the same number of action plays this season. For reference, fellow undefeated quarterbacks Andy Dalton, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have each contributed at least 18 points to their net scoring margins, when compared to a baseline of an average quarterback. It also appears that Newton's fourth-quarter play is more of an anomaly than the norm. Entering this season he had a below-average fourth-quarter QBR (48.1) and had eight total game-winning drives in his career. Now, although FPI doesn't think Carolina is one of the 10 strongest teams, because the Panthers have already banked five wins, they are likely (90 percent) to make the playoffs. FPI projects that their most likely outcome is an 11-win regular season and a No. 5 seed in the playoffs."

10/21/2015 7:52:15 AM

I mean most of that seems pretty spot on, but the point of the game is to win and we have managed to do that every time. We clearly aren't on a level with the New Englands and Green Bays of the world. However, the team plays hard and doesnt give up and is winning most of their close games now rather than finding new and improved ways to lose games so as a fan its enjoyable and thats all I really ask.

10/21/2015 8:29:54 AM

my issue is with them developing these made-up "stats" (QBR, FPI) and pushing them as scientific fact to justify their knob-slobbing or hate-boners. I'm really hoping Simmons and HBO can cut into their market lead since Fox Sports wasn't able to with FS1

10/21/2015 9:02:27 AM

Yeah, no sense in getting worked up over that stuff. Panthers are an unconventional team with an unconventional QB. We play an ugly brand of football for the most part, but it's been working.

10/21/2015 9:34:55 AM

^^^Yeah but have any of the undefeated teams looked "unbeatable" yet?

Broncos should have lost to the Browns if McCown didn't throw that stupid INT when they were almost in FG range.
Packers should have at least went to OT with the Chargers if Allen didn't go down and if the play-calling wasn't so horrible by the Chargers at the end of the game.
Patriots have looked probably the best overall but still have 3 1-possession wins.
Bengals have had to put together a couple of comebacks, probably should have lost to Seattle.

I think the whole "Panthers to the SB!" crap is a bit undeserved and premature at this point. I like our team, think we're getting better each week, but still understand we have a long way to go and need some key players to stay healthy. Hell I cringed when Kalil was banged up for a play or two last week, would have been devastating.

We're winning and getting better. Just enjoy the season, stop worrying about being "top 5 in the NFL" or "winning the SB". I'm just hoping we stay healthy and win the division.

[Edited on October 21, 2015 at 10:30 AM. Reason : .]

10/21/2015 10:30:07 AM

^^Yep, we run the ball more than any other team in the league, and no other team runs their QB in-between the tackles like we do with Cam. We're not going to blow teams out unless we get a ton of defensive turnovers and we're not going to throw it a lot unless we're trying to makeup a deficit. Unlike a lot of other teams, we're not trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. We have poor pass protection and limited options on the outside, so throwing the ball 50 times a game is a recipe for disaster. It does still bug me that Cam doesn't get the credit he deserves for his contributions in the run game and elevating an offense that lacks a ton of playmakers.

10/21/2015 11:12:13 AM

Yep, it's a conversation I have with my dad all the time. He says Cam's never going to be a Brady-type QB (and he's right) but Brady is never going to be a Cam-like QB.

Cam can't read defenses and whip the ball out with Brady's precision. But Brady can't lower his head and grind out 3 yards to pick up a first down, or shake off two defenders in the pocket and scramble for 10 yards. Both skills are huge assets when it comes to keeping drives alive, but since QB's aren't supposed to run the ball with force, Cam's skillset gets discounted.

I've just learned to ignore it for the most part, but it's nice to see the national media finally 'getting it,' to an extent

10/21/2015 12:44:01 PM

I really, really can't stand the "Cam can't read a defense" line

it's Code with a capital C

10/21/2015 1:03:36 PM

How are the Colts ranked higher than the Panthers in ESPN's shitty "index"

lol the Ravens are ranked 14th in that index. That's a 1-5 team, who is ranked higher than 18 other NFL teams

[Edited on October 21, 2015 at 2:15 PM. Reason : .]

10/21/2015 2:13:30 PM

Cam getting a lot of (deserved) props on Inside the NFL this week

Even from Adam Schein's dumb ass who was about as shock jock critical of his contract as possible just a couple months ago

10/22/2015 12:30:56 AM

I have noticed that Seth Curry ESPN commercial picking up a lot of rotation lately. Which is also a panthers commercial

10/22/2015 2:26:07 AM

Referring to it as a Seth Curry commercial is weird. It's like calling The Martian "that new Michael Peña movie"

10/22/2015 8:13:31 AM

LOL what a nOOb

10/22/2015 8:52:33 AM

A real impressive schedule Carolina has played so far. Their opponents are 9-20, and half of those wins are from the same shitty teams the Panthers have played.

10/22/2015 1:44:46 PM

A real impressive schedule Carolina Green Bay has played so far. Their opponents are 9-20 11-24, and half of those wins are from the same shitty teams the Panthers Packers have played.

10/22/2015 1:50:49 PM

Timely analysis and new info!

10/22/2015 1:52:03 PM

I'll be at the game Sunday night. Got first row seats in an upper corner section. Can't wait.

10/22/2015 2:03:22 PM

^Nice! Should be a good game, especially after what Philly did to us last year.

10/22/2015 2:44:29 PM

Newsflash: When there are 5 undefeated teams in week 7, there are a lot of bad to average teams in the rest of the league

10/22/2015 2:51:26 PM

Anyone bringing strength of schedule in Week 7 just doesn't know dick all about the NFL and in particular hasn't been paying attention to this season. There are exactly 10 teams with winning records and half of them are undefeated. The rest of the league is .500 or worse. Yes, the Panthers are feasting on average to poor teams, but so have all the good teams this year.

[Edited on October 22, 2015 at 3:03 PM. Reason : .]

10/22/2015 3:01:58 PM

Obviously we are overrated. That seahawks team was atrocious last night. Only 20 pts against the septic spill known as the 49ers? Pathetic. We'll get exposed, you just wait and see.



[Edited on October 23, 2015 at 8:46 AM. Reason : .]

10/23/2015 8:44:33 AM

^At least that means we should stomp the Giants then, since they gave up 27 points to the 49ers and won by a FG.

10/23/2015 9:36:47 AM

As an Eagles fan, I have no faith in this current squad. Their front 7 is excellent, but their secondary can give up big plays. I fully expect Carolina to win this game, but I don't think they're capable of blowing out the Eagles as their only offensive weapons are a qb and tight end. Cam will have to run for at least 80 yards.

10/23/2015 9:54:45 AM

Will Chip be abandoning the run game early again this week?

10/23/2015 10:07:55 AM

I doubt it. They've improved each week. And he can't trust Bradford so he has to run the ball.

10/23/2015 10:21:57 AM

The reason why this a bad matchup for Philly is that we've got JNo to shadow Matthews, and he's your only legit threat in the passing game, and our defense stops the run as good or better than anyone in the league.

I think they're going to get Bradford in some bad spots and he'll throw it our guys a couple of times which will be the difference.

10/23/2015 10:43:33 AM

I don't disagree. It's sad that we're gonna have to rely on Zach Ertz and Miles Austin to make plays. And there's always Darren Sproles who makes big play after big play. But who on the Panther's offense should I be afraid of?

10/23/2015 10:46:25 AM

Just this fuckin ebony stallion named can newton

10/23/2015 10:56:47 AM

^^ Fair enough.

I'd say Stewart isn't getting his due at all from the press or fans. The guy outplayed Lynch last week against a stout front similar to Philly's. We know y'all are going to try and play fast, so naturally we're going to try and control the clock with him and limit opportunities.

We're never going to score a ton in any game, so no individual offense player should "scare" anyone outside of Cam, but if we keep opponents under 20 we don't have to have a juggernaut on that side of the ball.

[Edited on October 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Reason : I just lost it at "ebony stallion". Well played haha]

10/23/2015 11:00:01 AM

10/23/2015 11:03:28 AM

Byron Maxwell is scared of Ted Ginn's speed

10/23/2015 2:38:29 PM

Quote :

"I'd say Stewart isn't getting his due at all from the press or fans."

Probably because he hasn't done anything noteworthy.

10/23/2015 3:33:57 PM

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagle-Eye-Why-Cam-Newton-Is-Thriving/32a279d4-4164-4bea-8e78-07fca0343a47

In case you need to get your X's and O's fix before the game

Let's see Brady or Rodgers run these plays

10/25/2015 2:38:33 AM

^^ what have you been watching these past few weeks? He's been integral to our offense looking better lately.

10/25/2015 2:10:02 PM

Jacksonville, Tampa and New Orleans don't seem like as terrible of wins now

Houston is bad though

10/25/2015 2:38:11 PM

Ginn is such a pussy. Return the damn ball

10/25/2015 8:38:12 PM

their defense is already shook

[Edited on October 25, 2015 at 8:46 PM. Reason : lol bradford is so terrible]

[Edited on October 25, 2015 at 8:47 PM. Reason : not totally bradford's fault. but he still sucks.]

10/25/2015 8:41:23 PM

His butt touched first.

10/25/2015 8:50:19 PM

they called it an interception

10/25/2015 8:52:11 PM

only 75 more to tie Cutler

10/25/2015 8:54:21 PM

Shouldn't that have been a fumble, not an INT?

10/25/2015 8:58:45 PM

So many non contact injuries this season, it seems like

10/25/2015 8:59:43 PM