2016 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

By Scott Allen | Nov 4, 2016

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) breaks up a two point conversion pass during the fourth quarter intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Carolina Panthers (2-5)

Here is another team that is showing who they really are when they have their players healthy. Last Sunday in a 33-20 victory over the Cardinals, their defense was dominating. They sacked Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer eight times.

Their offense still sputters at times but has enough balance to beat others. If running back Jonathan Stewart can stay healthy the rest of the way, which is a big if, then there is no reason why the Panthers can’t climb back into the playoff race.

They’ve done it before. Two years ago they rattled off a huge winning streak at the end of the 2014 season to vault them into the playoffs and win the NFC South.

It won’t be easy though. Keeping quarterback Cam Newton will need to stay healthy. That too is a big if. He has taken a lot of shots to the legs, the head, and yes has only missed one game due to concussion.

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