NFL Power Rankings, Week 16: Chiefs gripping No. 1 tightly and the Jets won a game

Is there a better microcosm of who the Carolina Panthers are in the 2020 season than their eight-point loss to the Packers on Saturday night at Lambeau Field? They fought hard, they were in the game late against a good team but they ultimately came up short and are now just 4-10 on the season in the first year under head coach Matt Rhule.

Perhaps the most costly play of the game came in the form of a Teddy Bridgewater fumble. After a nice drive by the Panthers, they were on the goal-line trying to punch it in. The veteran quarterback then tried to leap over the pile and reach the ball out over the goal line but the Packers punched the ball loose and recovered it to end the Carolina scoring chance.

Rhule was critical of that decision after the game and rightfully so as it was obviously costly in a one-score game. But it’s also indicative of where the team simply is at this stage of a likely short rebuild.

The Panthers are young and they aren’t ready to be a winner just yet. But the fact that they are close is a testament to Rhule and the job he’s done with this team. With some moves in the offseason, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Carolina compete for a playoff spot next season.