TAMPA, Fla. -- The critics will say the Carolina Panthers are 4-0 because they have not played a tough schedule. After all, Carolina's first four opponents are a combined 4-12.
The critics will say Carolina's real season begins after the upcoming bye week with a four-game stretch against Seattle, Philadelphia, Indianapolis and Green Bay, all considered playoff contenders heading into the season.
What do the Panthers say to the critics?
"We're 4-0," cornerback Josh Norman said after Sunday's 37-23 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "How many other teams are 4-0? We're going to continue to keep pounding regardless of what they say. 'Cause at the end of the day, they're not where we're at."
The Panthers are 4-0 because they've had enough depth to survive injuries to key players such as wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (season-ending knee injury in training camp) and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (out with a concussion since the first half of the opener).
They're 4-0 because the defense continues to play at a top-10 level, no matter who is on the field. Case in point: undrafted rookie defensive end Ryan Delaire. He was on Washington's practice squad on Tuesday but had two sacks and two quarterback hurries on Sunday.
They're 4-0 because Norman has established himself as an elite cornerback. He had his second interception return for a touchdown this season in the first quarter against Tampa Bay.
They're 4-0 because quarterback Cam Newton is playing at the highest level of his career. And even when he doesn't have his best performance throwing, as was the case on Sunday with only 124 passing yards, he can hurt opponents with his running.
His 51 rushing yards kept the chains moving on key drives and enabled Carolina to extend its streak of consecutive games with more than 100 yards rushing to a league-best 15.
The Panthers are 4-0 because they continue to get big performances from unsung players. Ted Ginn Jr., who has been in the league for nine seasons, had his first two-touchdown catch performance against Tampa Bay.
The Panthers are 4-0 because they don’t care what the critics say.
"This is the NFL," outside linebacker Thomas Davis said. "Any team is capable of beating you on any day."
That the Panthers have survived injuries to key players "shows how complete of a team we are."
The Panthers are 4-0 because the egos don't get out of control. Norman wanted a contract extension worthy of a top-five cornerback prior to the season. Despite being named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month and starting October off with a bang, money is not his focus.
"Am I willing to talk business during the season?" Norman said after repeatedly being asked about his contract. "I'm willing to keep getting W's. That's what I'm willing to do. Keep getting W's because they feel mighty great right now.
"Whenever the contract comes up, whenever it gets done, I feel that we're going to be in a nice place."
The Panthers are in a nice place now. When they get Kuechly and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (ankle) back, possibly after the bye, they'll be as close to full strength as they can be until defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring) returns from injured reserve seven games from now.
The victories will become tougher as the competition becomes tougher, but only five other teams in the NFL can say they are undefeated.
That one of them is NFC South rival Atlanta (4-0) means the Panthers have no room to relax in their bid to make the playoffs in three straight seasons.
But it's too simple to say the Panthers are 4-0 because the schedule has been easy.
"We go out and we play together," Davis said. "It's not about one man. It's not about the offense. It's not about the defense. It's about us as a collective team to play well. That's what it's going to be like the rest of the season. We've got to do it together."