2019 NFL power rankings, Week 16: Cowboys won, 49ers stunned
24. team. 87. . 5-9. Previous: . Carolina Panthers
Recap: Losers of five straight games, the Panthers were back home to take on Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks. Carolina quarterback Kyle Allen has really had his issues as a late, as have his defensive teammates. Interim head coach Perry Fewell saw his team surrender 428 total yards to Russell Wilson and company. That included 154 rushing, all but 21 of that to running back Chris Carson – who also reached the end zone twice. Wilson threw for 286 yards and two scores and was sacked only twice. The Panthers’ offense moved the ball as well as quarterback Kyle Allen threw for 277 yards and one score. But he was also picked off three more times in the club’s latest loss.
Next Week: The Panthers head north to Indianapolis for the first time since 2011 as they battle the Colts for only the seventh time in a series that began back in 1995. Carolina has had the best of it in this interconference setting, winning five of the previous six encounters – the latest a 29-26 overtime win at Charlotte four seasons ago.
Draft Talk: There’s been a recent report that Panthers’ owner David Tepper has shown interest in current Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert joining his organization (via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). But the latter is under contract until after this April’s draft. As for needs, Carolina’s defense could use more than a few run-stoppers.
Previous: . Arizona Cardinals. 23. team. 32. . 4-9-1
Recap: Losers of six straight games, Kliff Kingsbury’s club wrapped up a three-game home stand with a visit from the Cleveland Browns. But on Friday, the Cardinals opted to release veteran linebacker Terrell Suggs, who had managed just one-half sack in the team’s last six games. But this game would belong to the Arizona offense and in particular the men up front as they paved the way for running back Kenyan Drake and the Cardinals’ ground attack to roll up 226 yards on 35 attempts. Drake ran for four scores while rookie quarterback Kyler Murray (who wasn’t sacked) overcame one interception and would throw for 219 yards and one touchdown to tight end Dan Arnold.
Next Week: The Cardinals make their way to the Pacific Northwest looking to avoid being swept by the Seahawks for the second consecutive season. In Week 4 at Arizona, Kingsbury’s squad was humbled by Pete Carroll’s club in a 27-10 loss. A year ago, Arizona saw its three-game road winning streak in this series snapped, 27-24, in Week 17.
Draft Talk: Last April, GM Steve Keim used seven of what proved to be 11 selections on the offensive side of the football. Don’t be surprised if the 2020 is heavy when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. This is a club that has been exploited by opposing tight end and wide receivers during what has proven to be a rough season.
Next: Nos. 22 and 21