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Every coach and GM who uses the shortened offseason and unique in-season circumstances as an excuse for their teams' failures should be reminded of what the Panthers are doing. Carolina was the only team that was breaking in a new head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and starting quarterback. The Panthers had, by far, the most turnover of any team in the league. Yet on Sunday, they produced 437 yards of offense and beat the Falcons to improve to 3-2 on the season. They look like a team that has been playing together for three or four years. That's a credit to Matt Rhule and his staff. I'm starting to wonder if the Panthers can go from fun and frisky to playoff team.

It's time to take notice of the Panthers. Teddy Bridgewater is playing well and the young defense is improving.

Even when RB Christian McCaffrey returns, he's unlikely to resume his 90%+ snap rate given how stellar fill-in Mike Davis (117 yards per game over past three weeks) has been.

Biggest weakness: Run defense

For all the concerns about a young secondary coming into the season, the run defense has been the biggest weakness. The Panthers are giving up 135 yards per game to rank among the bottom half of the NFL. Improving that stat was an emphasis for the new staff after last year's unit allowed a whopping 143.5 yards rushing per game. That was another reason for drafting run-stopper Derrick Brown in the first round. The Panthers rank as one of the worst teams in the NFL in yards after initial contact. And they have given up eight rushing touchdowns, the most through five games in franchise history. -- David Newton

The Panthers are 3-0 without Christian McCaffrey, and the star running back's understudy has a lot to do with it. Mike Davis continued his inspired play on Sunday against the Falcons, reaching career highs in touches (25) and scrimmage yards (149) while scoring a touchdown in his third consecutive game. McCaffrey's in zero danger of losing his role once healthy enough to return, but head coach Matt Rhule now has a proven alternative if he wants to avoid CMC's extreme usage levels of recent seasons. Robby Anderson was another star against the Falcons. The ex-Jet has started his Panthers career with at least 99 yards receiving in four of five games, and his 36 catches are the most through five games in Panthers history. A major free-agent hit.