Rachel Wold
How are the Carolina Panthers 4-0?
The Carolina Panthers remain one of the six undefeated teams in the NFL. They are currently cramping the style of their NFC south division rival and unbeaten Atlanta Falcons.
So how has a team without Luke Kuechly, an elite wide receiver and an oft-injured starting running back maintaining a perfect record? The team’s unbeaten success stems heavily from mobile quarterback Cam Newton. He is doing all the right things with his feet and through the air, with 30-year old Tedd Ginn Jr. leading the team with three touchdowns while averaging a healthy 17.2 yards per catch.
Tight end Greg Olsen has been reliable thus far, as well, tallying 243 yards and two touchdowns. Jonathan Stewart is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, but as a unit, Carolina’s rushing offense has averaged 132 yards per game with Newton scoring the only two ground scores thus far.
Much of Carolina’s success also comes from its secondary that has managed 11 takeaways through four games. This solid unit has also been handy at allowing only 5.7 yards per passing attempt, which is tied for the league low in this stat (low is best).
Despite the absence of Kuechly and Kelvin Benjamin, who was Newton’s go-to guy last season, the Panthers have looked quite sharp. However, to be fair, the teams Carolina has defeated thus far were the Jaguars, Texans, Saints, and Buccaneers. We’ll leave that there as food for thought.
The Panthers will face their toughest test of the season in Week 6 when they travel to Seattle to face the angry Seahawks, who will be looking to vent their frustrations after losing game No. 3.
