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2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Eagles hope return of Carson Wentz brings spark

By Dan Parzych

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

8. Carolina Panthers

As painful as it was to lose in Week 2 on the road to the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers are still in great shape to be one of the top contenders in the NFC. But if Ron Rivera’s team really wants to put themselves in a great position to make the playoffs for a second year in a row, Cam Newton is going to need a lot more help on offense.

One of the great things about a quarterback like Newton is his ability to use his legs when needed, although it’s safe to assume that it’s not Rivera’s preference since it seems to make him more of an injury risk. Plus, let’s not forget that with Jonathan Stewart no longer part of the picture, the Panthers were hoping to see Christian McCaffrey take on more of a larger role with carries in the backfield.

Even if McCaffrey stepped up with 14 catches against Atlanta, having the running back take on more carries would certainly help take some of the pressure off Newton on offense. Let’s not forget that Carolina was so high on McCaffrey in the first place due to his ability to be used in multiple ways, so maybe it’s time to start with more carries at running back.

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