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NFL Power Rankings 2019: Raiders have helmet issues, Browns hype grows

By Randy Gurzi

NAPA, CA - AUGUST 05: A detail of a helmet during the Oakland Raiders Training Camp at the Napa Valley Marriott on August 5, 2009 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
NAPA, CA - AUGUST 05: A detail of a helmet during the Oakland Raiders Training Camp at the Napa Valley Marriott on August 5, 2009 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers (C) watches the game against the Chicago Bears on the sidelines in the second half during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers (C) watches the game against the Chicago Bears on the sidelines in the second half during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

20. Carolina Panthers (19)

After a 6-2 start last season, the Carolina Panthers fell off a cliff as they went 1-8 from that point in the year. It was more than just a losing season as they once again failed to put together back-to-back winning campaigns — something they have never done since joining the league in 1995.

They likely would have finally accomplished that feat had quarterback Cam Newton not suffered a shoulder injury that ended up sidelining him at the end of the year. Newton fought through the pain but clearly wasn’t himself. There was even some concern initially that he could be out part of this season as well.

That looks as though it won’t be the case and the Panthers did add some offensive line help as they hope to protect Newton this season. Should they lose him though, it appears as though they have some decent options as both Will Grier and Kyle Allen played well on Thursday.

Also playing well was rookie Brian Burns, their first-round draft pick who will line up at defensive end and give them a potential stud pass rusher. Their division is as tough as they come but the Panthers have the talent to compete, especially if Burns keeps rolling and Newton stays healthy.

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