NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

Brandon Gdula  —  @gdula13 Jul 20th, 2017
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19. Carolina Panthers, 0.13 nERD

The Carolina Panthers took the second-biggest step backward -- according to nERD -- in the league last season. In 2015, their nERD was 9.26, 3rd-best in the NFL. In 2016, it was just -1.54, 22nd.

Their offense slipped from 7th in 2015 to 29th, the passing offense went from 9th to 29th, and the rushing offense went from 5th to 22nd.

The play of Cam Newton had -- unsurprisingly -- a lot to do with it. His Passing NEP per drop back plummeted from 0.20 in 2015 to 0.00 in 2016, and his Success Rate fell from 48.02% to 42.02%. That Success Rate ranked better than only the Rams' Jared Goff and Case Keenum. Yikes.

Carolina ranked inside the top 10 in overall defense by our metrics (ninth) for the fourth straight season, and their passing defense fell from second to eighth in the first season without cornerback Josh Norman.

Their -33 point differential was eighth-worst last season, yet our numbers expect them to be an average squad in 2017.

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