A couple interceptions and a fumble proved too much to overcome as the Panthers fully capitalized on the errors made by the MVP frontrunner
The Rams’ scorching-hot win streak came to a freezing halt with Sunday’s defeat to the now 7-6 Carolina Panthers. Stafford, who has been on an unbelievable tear, experienced a few unusual hiccups that left the Horns at an unfortunate disadvantage throughout the contest. Ironically, he set a new NFL record for the most touchdowns (28) without an interception during the match, just before throwing two later in the game. Despite the errors, the Rams kept the game extremely close throughout the back-and-forth strikes, though the unfortunate timing of a single costly mistake is what ultimately sealed LA’s fate.
Like clockwork, Stafford and Davante connected on the opening drive for another end zone one-two combo, giving the Rams an early 7-0 lead thanks to a 4-yard short throw to ignite the team’s dynamic momentum and cement Stafford further into NFL history with the remarkable milestone. QB Bryce Young and the Panthers wasted no time retaliating with a statement of their own, with RB Chuba Hubbard converting a short pass into a 35-yard touchdown into Rams territory, quickly tying the score 7-7. Then disaster struck for Stafford on the very next drive.
What was intended to be a pass up the middle to Colby Parkinson turned into Stafford’s first interception in months, with S Nick Scott swooping in for the humbling steal. Thankfully, the Rams’ iron-walled defensive unit held Carolina to a punt on their next drive. But on the following offensive effort, it seemed like Stafford fell further into the twilight zone after throwing a second interception, this time aimed at Puka Nacua. The fatal throw was not only picked off by the hands of CB Mike Jackson, it was also taken all the way to the house for a rare defensive pick-6, giving the Panthers a 14-7 lead into the second.
LA’s offense recovered swiftly and returned to its typical groove at the start of the fresh quarter. Davante was able to catch another TD from Stafford on a 7-yard pass to tie up the game. In return, the Panthers’ downfield charge down the field didn’t garner a 6-point response, opting for a 33-yard field goal from kicker Ryan Fitzgerald instead, sending them back into the driver’s seat with a 3-point gain. The Rams dialed up the intensity even further, doubling down with another touchdown, this time on a 2-yard ground penetration from Black Corum to sway the lead back to the Horns, 21-17, into the half.
What’s one way to prevent Stafford from doing any more damage? It’s simple: prevent him from getting the ball. In a well-calculated strategy, the Panthers’ initial drive after the break lasted a whopping six minutes and twelve seconds, siphoning the majority of the quarter’s length and preventing the Rams from coordinating a counterattack. And to top off the scheme, Bryce Young scored big on a 33-yard bomb to WR Jalen Coker for another tub, rebounding the score in Carolina’s favor, 24-21. Bewilderingly, the Panthers’ defense kept their foot on the gas and held LA to punting the ball to finalize the third.
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The fourth proved to be as much of a popcorn-thriller as a quarter could get. Kyren Williams’ nimble movement allowed LA to find the end zone again on a 7-yard dash to give the Horns a 28-24 advantage. But in a wild trade-off, the Panthers immediately followed through with a tub of their own, with Bryce Young launching a 43-yard rocket to rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan to steal back the lead, 31-28. And on what should’ve been an epic comeback, Stafford fumbled the last possession for the Rams, losing the ball to DE Derrick Brown before time eventually expired, losing 31-28.
Now at 9-3, the Rams have a lot to learn from the shocking loss, and even more respect to give to the Carolina Panthers, who certainly showed up with their A-games. Stafford finished with 243 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and 1 fumble on 18/28 throws, with Davante Adams having an efficient game of 58 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on only 4 catches. While he didn’t enter the end zone this time, Puka still gave us 72 receiving yards on 6 catches, and even cooler, an awesome catch-of-the-year contender. The powerhouse duo of Kyren and Blake also made their presences known, with 72 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries, and 81 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 7 carries, respectively.
Regardless of the loss, it isn’t something overly devastating for the Rams, who still sit atop the NFC West. While lessons will be learned, there isn’t too much time to spend dwelling on the defeat. Next week, the Rams will yet again hit the road for another divisional match-up, this time against the 3-9 Arizona Cardinals, in their first meeting all season, despite it already being week 14. We’re excited to see how the Horns rebound from the loss and protect their NFC dominance on Sunday.