I think top tier might be pushing it. I think we get caught up on the grass is greener syndrome. Do you forget Tre White, Matt Milano, Josh Allen, Taron Johnson, Kincaid, Torrence, Terrell Bernard, Christian Bernard, Wyatt Teller, and Ed Oliver.
I can only remember one time with McDermott where he has a double digit loss in the playoffs, everything else in recent years has been by less than a score. That's hardly a blowout. Everyone has the same goal to win it so you get everyone's best and there are no weak opponents. The issue with the playoffs usually involve a couple of plays not made. A FG, a missed catch, a missed tackle.
Different competition. These guys playing Panthers backups with Mitch playing against the ones also no game planning in any of these makes it not that important how long they have been here
I get what you are saying but ESPN lists are like the Pro Bowl, they don't always make sense. I'm talking they play like top at their position. We know ESPN has their favorites.
The truth of the matter is you don't have a good team without a legit QB. I think you are drastically overstating the lack of talent on the team. Take a preseason game to form your opinion is a little weird. Let the season play out a little more.