Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams amid 2018 training camp

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 1: Cornerback Dimitri Patterson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - MAY 1: Cornerback Dimitri Patterson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers. 17. team. 87. . . Previous:

The Carolina Panthers just lost cornerback Ross Cockrell to what likely will be a season-ending broken leg injury. It’s a horrid blow, particularly due to the secondary being one of Carolina’s big question marks this season. Without Cockrell, the Panthers are going to be tested, depth-wise, in a major way.

It might not be as bad if the Panthers’ front seven can hold its own this year. But that’s going to be tough, especially if Carolina regresses, offensively.

So much of it will fall on quarterback Cam Newton’s shoulders, and he hasn’t looked anywhere close to the same star during his MVP 2015 season. And with additional injury news to offensive tackle Daryl Williams (knee) likely out for a long period of time, Newton’s protection will be an issue once again in 2018.

Expect the Panthers to take a few steps back this season, hence the drop in NFL power rankings.