Here's where the Panthers stand in various power rankings following their Week 3 loss to the New Orleans Saints at home.

NFL.com

Panthers rank: 22nd (12th in NFC)
Previous rank: 16th

NFC South: Falcons 2nd, Buccaneers 18th, Saints 19th, Panthers 22nd
This week's opponent: Patriots 3rd

Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison points out that Carolina played one of their worst games under head coach Ron Rivera against the Saints. Whether it was just a blip on the schedule is yet to be seen.

ESPN.com

Panthers rank: 22nd (12th in NFC)
Previous rank: 13th

NFC South: Falcons 1st, Buccaneers 19th, Panthers 22nd, Saints 24th
This week's opponent: Patriots 3rd

Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff is worried about Cam Newton. In his last 16 games, Newton has thrown 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. If he doesn't shape up, Carolina could be in trouble.

CBSSports.com

Panthers rank: 16th (9th in NFC)
Previous rank: 13th

NFC South: Falcons 1st, Panthers 16th, Buccaneers 21st, Saints 22nd
This week's opponent: Patriots 3rd

Beyond the numbers: Pete Prisco states that Newton needs to pick up his play. He hasn't looked the same this season, but New England's defense might be a nice tonic this week.

Yahoo Sports

Panthers rank: 17th (10th in NFC)
Previous rank: 10th

NFC South: Falcons 2nd, Panthers 17th, Buccaneers 19th, Saints 24th
This week's opponent: Patriots 5th

Beyond the numbers: Frank Schwab thinks the Panthers offense is lost. In addition to not doing anything against the Saints' historically poor defense, Greg Olsen is out and Newton hasn't looked right after offseason shoulder surgery. 

Bleacher Report

Panthers rank: 16th (8th in NFC) 
Previous rank: 14th

NFC South: Falcons 3rd, Panthers 16th, Buccaneers 18th, Saints 26th
This week's opponent: Patriots 1st

Beyond the numbers: Chris Simms is looking at the Panthers' defense. When the front four can't get pressure on the quarterback, the secondary becomes a liability. A bit of that was on display with Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr. going off a bit this week. It also doesn't help that Newton hasn't looked himself this season.

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