NFL.com
Panthers rank: 8th (5th in NFC)
Previous rank: 8th
NFC South: Saints 6th, Panthers 8th, Falcons 9th, Buccaneers 26th
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 26th
Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison liked Carolina's opportunistic defense against the Packers. Harrison highlights the sack Julius Peppers made on Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter when Green Bay was threatening in Panthers' territory. The veteran is playing at a Pro Bowl level and after the game Rodgers praised him as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
ESPN.com
Panthers rank: 8th (5th in NFC)
Previous rank: 7th
NFC South: Saints 7th, Panthers 8th, Falcons 9th, Buccaneers 28th
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 28th
Beyond the numbers: ESPN notes that the Panthers probably didn't expect this output from Peppers, who has recorded 10 sacks at age 37.