The NFL is a league built on perception, and the Carolina Panthers are finding that out the hard way. Despite a busy offseason focused on revamping their defensive unit with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Panthers have received little to no recognition in recent analyst rankings. One ranking in particular has caught the attention of fans and stirred frustration across Panthers Nation. A well-known NFL analyst released his power rankings of defensive units for the upcoming 2025 season, and Carolina’s overhauled defense barely made a ripple—falling near the bottom of the list. This apparent snub has not only raised eyebrows but also ignited a deeper conversation about how much respect the Panthers are being given despite their calculated efforts to reconstruct a once-elite defense.
To understand the sting of this ranking, one must appreciate the aggressive approach Carolina took in the offseason. The front office made several high-profile moves, most notably in free agency and the draft. After finishing the 2024 season ranked in the bottom half of most major defensive categories, including points allowed, third-down efficiency, and takeaways, it was clear that change was needed. General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales made defense a priority, acquiring both proven veterans and high-upside draft picks aimed at injecting life back into a unit that had lost its identity.
Among the biggest acquisitions was the signing of veteran linebacker and former All-Pro Shaq Barrett. Known for his relentless motor and leadership, Barrett was brought in not only for his ability to rush the passer but also to serve as a mentor to a young core of defenders. Pairing him with Frankie Luvu—one of the few bright spots from last season—created what the coaching staff believed could be one of the most aggressive linebacker duos in the NFC South.
On the defensive line, the Panthers made a major statement by trading for a disruptive interior lineman in Derrick Brown’s mold to complement the Pro Bowler. This move was seen as essential for improving a front that struggled to stop the run and generate consistent pressure without sending extra blitzers. The new-look defensive front was designed to collapse pockets and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks, a necessity in a division that features rising stars like Desmond Ridder and savvy veterans such as Derek Carr.
The secondary also saw significant investment. Carolina used one of its top draft picks on a physical cornerback out of the SEC, known for his press coverage and ball-hawking instincts. They also signed a veteran safety with playoff experience, bolstering a unit that had struggled with consistency and health in recent seasons. The idea was to return to the kind of smothering coverage that had once defined the Panthers’ defense during their more successful years, including their Super Bowl run in 2015.
Yet, despite all these changes, this particular NFL analyst—widely followed for his statistical approach to rankings—placed the Panthers’ defense in the bottom five of the league. The justification given focused on “uncertainty, unproven production, and lack of elite depth.” According to the analyst, while the Panthers made some “interesting moves,” there was not enough “established success” on the roster to warrant a higher position. This take has not sat well with the Panthers’ coaching staff, players, or fans.
Critics of the ranking have pointed out that teams with far less defensive talent or cohesion were ranked higher. For example, several rebuilding franchises that invested primarily in offense somehow landed above Carolina in defensive rankings despite having statistically worse showings the prior year. This discrepancy has led many to believe that the Panthers are being penalized for their past rather than evaluated on their present potential.
Fans have taken to social media to defend the team, highlighting key stats and film clips from preseason workouts that showcase the speed, intensity, and upgraded technique of the unit. “These guys are flying to the ball, and you can tell the energy is different,” wrote one Panthers blogger who’s been closely tracking minicamp. Another fan noted, “The league just isn’t ready to admit the Panthers are back on the rise. But they will.”
Inside the locker room, the ranking has not gone unnoticed. Several players have mentioned it during interviews, using it as fuel. Shaq Barrett said, “We don’t play for rankings. We play for results. But if they want to overlook us, that’s fine. We’ll just make sure they feel us on Sundays.” That chip-on-the-shoulder mentality might be exactly what the Panthers need. Historically, the team has thrived when doubted. Their best seasons have often come after being written off by national media and analysts alike.
Coach Dave Canales has taken a more measured approach. Known for his calm demeanor and attention to detail, Canales acknowledged the ranking but stressed that it doesn’t change the team’s goals. “Respect is earned, not given. We’re not trying to win in July. We’re building something here that’s going to last. If people don’t see it now, they’ll see it in time.”
Canales’ message seems to be resonating with his players. Early camp reports have been glowing about the cohesion and chemistry on the defensive side. Veteran players are mentoring younger ones. Communication appears more fluid. Position battles are intense but healthy, with a clear sense of competition bringing out the best in everyone. The addition of experienced voices on the coaching staff, including a new defensive coordinator with a background in multiple successful schemes, has also played a role in reshaping the unit’s identity.
Another layer to this story is how the Panthers’ defensive strategy will adapt in a division that is very much in flux. With no clear-cut dominant team in the NFC South, every edge matters. If Carolina’s defense plays up to its potential, it could be the X-factor in determining whether the Panthers return to playoff relevance. The offense, led by a young quarterback still finding his rhythm, will benefit greatly from a defense that can keep games close and create short fields through turnovers.
It’s also worth noting that defenses in the NFL often gel faster than offenses, especially when the system is simplified and aggressive. The Panthers have made it clear they want to attack rather than react. This shift in mentality could catch opposing teams off guard, particularly early in the season when new units are still adjusting. If Carolina can steal a couple of games behind a suffocating defense, the perception of their unit could change in a hurry.
Still, perception is a powerful force in the NFL, and changing it takes more than a good offseason. The Panthers are in the unfortunate position of having to prove themselves more than some of their peers. Whether that’s fair or not is up for debate. But what’s undeniable is the opportunity that lies ahead. If this defense performs the way the front office believes it can, then rankings from July will become irrelevant footnotes to a much larger story.
In the end, it may be a blessing in disguise. The disrespect could serve as the perfect rallying cry for a team eager to forge a new identity. Football, after all, is played on the field—not on spreadsheets or pundit panels. And if the Carolina Panthers can turn their defensive potential into production, the snub they received this summer might just become the spark that lit their fire. Whether analysts believe in them or not, the Panthers are betting on themselves—and they’re more than ready to prove everyone wrong.
