Fansided

NFL: Buying or selling the undefeated teams

By Maxwell Ogden

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has a laugh with teammates on the side line during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina won 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has a laugh with teammates on the side line during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina won 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

<p><strong>Record: </strong>5-0</p> <p><strong>Signature Win: </strong>37-23 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers</p> <p><strong>Verdict: </strong>Temporarily Selling</p>. NFC. South. Carolina Panthers. 5. player. 87

Despite playing three of four games without defensive juggernaut Luke Kuechly, the Carolina Panthers are 4-0. Every win has been different, with some being based in hard-nosed defense and others dependent upon the offense.

The common theme in all four has been Cam Newton getting the job done when it matters most.

Thus far, Newton has seven passing touchdown and two rushing scores to two interceptions and a fumble lost. He’s done this with a nameless receiving corps that features Tedd Ginn Jr. as the go-to wide receiver.

Greg Olsen has played well, but Newton’s ability to lead Carolina to victory has been the main storyline thus far.

Defensively, the Panthers are making up for Kuechly’s absence by forcing turnovers in the biggest of moments. Josh Norman already has four interceptions, a fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns, and the Panthers have eight picks as a team.

Only the 4-1 Arizona Cardinals have more interceptions than the Panthers, and they’ve played five games to Carolina’s four. That doesn’t mean Carolina would’ve matched Arizona’s 11, but it’s an important piece of information, nonetheless.

Carolina will have its biggest test yet against the reeling Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. That road win would solidify Ron Rivera’s crew as contenders.

Barring a blowout loss, consecutive division titles are enough to shield the Panthers’ status as contenders from just about any result.

Next: Cincinnati Bengals

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