NFL power rankings Week 1: Monday morning ranks

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panthers /

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) after making a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers could have very well suffered a letdown in the season opener with Cam Newton on the sidelines, but the team rallied behind Derek Anderson and fought their way past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start the season off with a win.

Anderson completed 24-of-34 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

The breakout star for Carolina was rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who hauled in six catches for 92 yards and a difficult touchdown.

Carolina’s defense was as impressive as you would expect.

Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year recorded nine tackles and a sack to lead the Panthers defense in a performance that included three forced turnovers.

When Newton returns to the lineup, there is no reason to believe the Panthers won’t remain as one of the NFC’s most talented teams.

For more news on the Carolina Panthers, head on over to FanSided’s Panthers blog, Cat Crave.

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