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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after a catch while San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) pursues in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after a catch while San Diego Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) pursues in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 28-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
25

Carolina Panthers 6-10

Last week: 4th, NFC South
Last rank: 25th

Looking Back: Despite the fact that this team was 15-1 and Super Bowl-bound in 2015, the franchise’s failure to post back-to-back winning seasons is a streak that still hasn’t come to an end. League MVP Cam Newton took his licks. And so did a Carolina secondary that utilized a lot of young players and also missed standout cornerback Josh Norman.

Looking Forward: From finishing eight games ahead of the Atlanta Falcons to plummeting to dead last and winning five less games than the current NFC South champions. It was quite the fall for Ron Rivera’s team. But this remains the only franchise in the brief history of this foursome to win a division title in back-to-back years. The good news was the return of a healthy Kelvin Benjamin after the young wideout missed all of ’15 with a knee injury. And Carolina’s defense still has a lot of young talent on the front seven if they can get some of their key players re-signed in time.

Offseason needs: You will recall that the Panthers used three of their five draft choices in 2016 for cornerback help. It would seem to be a wise move by the franchise to add a veteran or two at the position to teach the young players the tricks of the trade. Elsewhere, 10-year pro Charles Johnson could test the free-agent waters. And fellow defensive linemen Kawann Short (a candidate for the franchise tag) and Mario Addison (team-high 9.5 sacks) could join him on the open market. The offensive line had some issues this past year and veteran right tackle Mike Remmers’ contract is also set to expire. General manager Dave Gettleman has some key decisions to make.

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