2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Chiefs, Cowboys lock up division, Browns fall apart
By Randy Gurzi
26. team. 87. . . Previous: 26th. Carolina Panthers
26. Carolina Panthers
Matt Rhule continues to confuse as he clearly doesn’t have a plan for the Carolina Panthers offense. On Sunday, they got Sam Darnold back but elected to use him in a rotation with Cam Newton — even though Newton has not been playing well in recent weeks.
The result was neither quarterback being able to get in a rhythm as they were a combined 22-of-45 for 206 yards with a pick from Newton. The one good part of this was Newton’s 42 yards on the ground but with how he’s been throwing the ball in recent weeks, that doesn’t seem like enough.
Sure, he seems like he wants to figure out what to do with the position next season but didn’t do either a favor by moving them in and out.
57. . . Previous: 27th. Chicago Bears. 25. team
25. Chicago Bears
It’s probably fair to ask how good the Chicago Bears could be with a new head coach. Matt Nagy continues to make questionable calls on offense but the defense keeps them in every game. That was again the case on Sunday as they held Russell Wilson to just 181 yards on 16-of-27 passing.
On their side, Nick Foles made his first start of the season and he had 250 yards and a touchdown — which proved to be a game-winner. Foles hit Jimmy Graham, as the former Seahawk pulled them to within one point. Foles then converted a two-point conversion as Chicago went for the jugular — and made it.
Still, they’re 5-10 and chances are, there will be a new coach in 2022.