Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets helped up by guard Andrew Norwell (68) after being sacked during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets helped up by guard Andrew Norwell (68) after being sacked during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have been outscored by a total of 41 points in eight games.

The Carolina Panthers are leading the NFC South.

Both of those statements are, somehow, accurate, and yet, things haven’t been fantastic in Charlotte. The Panthers have taken a giant step backwards on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 26 points per game while ranking 28th in the league in DVOA, and even without Greg Hardy in the midst of legal trouble, that is unexpected.

On the other side of the ball, the offense has looked better in recent weeks as Cam Newton’s health improves, but the Panthers were unceremoniously silenced at home by an angry Seattle group in Week 8. The running game is always an adventure in Carolina, but the lack of pass-catchers outside of Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin is alarming, and even with the cushion provided by the rest of the division, it is hard to envision this team making the playoffs without improvement.

Grade: C-

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