During their 4-0 start, the Carolina Panthers heard all sorts of criticism about who they beat. Since then, they’ve added two wins against Seattle and Philadelphia, teams that aren’t elite this year, but they’re not doormats.

Next up is the Colts, winners of three games, all against the AFC South. The combined record of those opponents: 5-15.

When Indianapolis has ventured outside its division this year, things haven’t gone as well, especially early. In their four losses, they’ve been outscored 67-21 in the first half. So when the Panthers kick off their second straight prime-time home game Monday night, smacking the reeling Colts from the start could be key.

“I don’t care who it is or what team’s playing, whether we’re playing the mighty, mighty Bears from down the street in West Charlotte. They’ve got a chance if we go out there and kick it around,” safety Roman Harper said.

Through six games, the Panthers have allowed just 15 points in the first quarter and 48 in the first half. Both are the fifth-fewest in the NFL. It’s not like they give up much more in the second half (62), but that’s when the Colts have started clicking, scoring 86 points in third and fourth quarters versus 58 in the first and second.

Of course, points often come faster when you’re digging out of huge holes. But the Colts do have plenty of guys who can scare you, especially after they were one of this offseason’s mythical “winners.”

Indianapolis helped quarterback Andrew Luck by signing 13-year veteran receiver Andre Johnson and 32-year-old running back Frank Gore before using their first-round pick on speedy wideout Phillip Dorsett. Then, in August, they gave top receiver T.J. Hilton a five-year extension with $39 million in guarantees. But Luck doesn’t have much time to check out all his shiny toys since the Colts skimped on his offensive line.

“They definitely have offensive weapons. Free agency was a really big deal, a lot of people talked about their offense and how much better they’re getting,” safety Roman Harper said. “We’ve got to be able to take advantage of where we’re really strong, and that’s up front. We need to try to let our D-line cut loose and we need to try and dictate and win this thing in the trenches and then the ball never gets out there.”

While the Colts are a respectable 12th in sacks allowed per pass play, that ranking would be much worse if Luck held onto the ball. He doesn’t tend to, though, and that aggressiveness has forced him into nine interceptions, the second-highest total in the league.

There are plenty of other numbers that make Monday night’s matchup look like a potential mismatch. From wins (6 vs. 3) to defensive rankings (ninth vs. 32nd), the Panthers have plenty of advantages. There’s also the matter of reported infighting in Indianapolis.

But this is the point in the schedule where the Panthers began their six-game losing streak last year. And while this team appears much better positioned, things can turn quickly in the NFL.

“As soon as you’re in the limelight, you can be pushed out of it by not playing well,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “Our guys have to stay focused and keep that approach.”