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NFL power rankings: 2019 edition – Patriots finish on top, again

By Russell S. Baxter

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball as Taylor Stallworth #76 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball as Taylor Stallworth #76 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

22. Carolina Panthers (7-9)

3rd Place, NFC South

Season Review: As has been well documented, the Panthers have still never experienced back-to-back winning seasons in their 24-year history. This season, Ron Rivera’s club squandered a 6-2 start to finish below .500 for the third time in five years (although the team won the NFC South with a 7-8-1 mark in ‘14). Quarterback Cam Newton had his up and downs but Christian McCaffrey had a tremendous second year – leading the team in rushing yards and setting a new NFL single-season record for receptions by a running back (107). But the usually steady Carolina defense proved to be a major disappointment.

2018 Turning Point: Rivera’s team was riding a three-game winning streak and headed to Pittsburgh for a Thursday night clash with the Steelers. But the Panthers were overwhelmed by a 52-21 count. It was the start of a crippling seven-game skid that ensured the team would not return to the playoffs in ‘18.

2019 Priorities: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team feels Newton (shoulder surgery in January) could be ready by training camp. Could Carolina seek quarterback help in free agency? Will potential free agent wideout Devin Funchess be back in ’19? And defensive end Julius Peppers retired after 17 NFL seasons.

Next: No. 21

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