Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Week 8 sees the Eagles sitting at No. 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Leonard Floyd #94 of the Chicago Bears in the second half at Soldier Field on October 22, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Leonard Floyd #94 of the Chicago Bears in the second half at Soldier Field on October 22, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

14. team. 87. . 4-3. . Carolina Panthers

Chicago might actually have a good defense, but losing to the Bears is certainly a bad look for quarterback Cam Newton and the Panthers.

Especially when Newton’s opponent, rookie QB Mitchell Trubisky, completes just four passes. And that was enough to get a win.

The frustrating part about Carolina this season is just when you think they’re getting back to the level of play seen during the team’s run up to Super Bowl 50, a loss like this sets the Panthers back, dropping them down further towards the middle of the pack in NFL power rankings.

Injuries, especially on defense, haven’t helped. But Newton’s efforts deserve plenty of criticism. Zero touchdowns, two interceptions, a passer rating of54.9 and being sacked five times tells you what you need to know.

Or, perhaps, it falls on offensive coordinator Mike Shula. Carolina no longer has the high-flying offense that made it so dangerous a few seasons ago. And one could argue the Panthers have far more weapons now.