For a game that was projected to be a blowout, the Rams taking on the Panthers was a perfect way to start the NFL Playoffs. With LA being double-digit favorites entering the afternoon and losing in the regular season, the writing was on the wall for a Stafford masterclass. The young Panthers stood their ground and kept it close throughout, and had many chances to win. Let’s dive into the opening game of the postseason!
Rams Start On Fire
Matthew Stafford and the Rams began the game as hot as any team could start a postseason game. They forced a turnover on downs on the opening drive, and four plays later, Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for the first of his two touchdowns in the game. Teams traded punts until Cobie Durant picked off Bryce Young, leading to another Puka touchdown and a 14-0 Rams lead.
Panthers Prowling Back
The young Panthers refused to let this game get out of hand. After trailing 14-0, Young would lead Carolina down the field, and Chuba Hubbard would punch in the 1-yard score to cut the deficit in half. LA would tack on a field goal to extend its lead back to double digits. In the last possession of the first half, trailing 17-7, the Panthers would work their way down the field, and Bryce would take it himself for a 16-yard touchdown!
Second Half Momentum Favors The Home Team
Needing a stop to get back in the game, Carolina’s defense stood tall. They forced three straight incompletions from the potential MVP, Stafford, and got the ball back down three. The Panthers would cap off a 13-play drive with a touchdown to tie the game at 17. LA would move the ball down the field, and it seemed Carolina would get the ball back, but Nick Scott committed an unnecessary roughness penalty, which led to a field goal.
After trading possessions back and forth, Young would connect with Jalen Coker for a 52-yard play to set the Panthers up first and goal at the six-yard line. Two plays later, Hubbard would score his second touchdown of the day, and Carolina would take their first lead of the game, 24-20. Now with 14:34 left in the game, trailing by four, it’s time for the Rams to flip the switch.
Big Time Players Making Big Time Plays
LA would go on an 11-play drive where Stafford would connect with Kyren Williams for a 13-yard touchdown and regain the lead 27-24. It seemed as if the Rams were about to dominate the rest of the game after forcing a three-and-out. Up three with the ball, their offense would go cold as the Panthers’ defense tightened up and forced a punt.
When you are a double-digit underdog, you need heroes from unlikely places. Isaiah Simmons would block the punt and set up Young and the Panthers’ offense at the Rams’ 30-yard line. Three plays later, Coker would reel in his 9th catch of the game for the go-ahead touchdown to put Carolina up 31-27 with 2:43 left.
It would take Stafford to lead a seven-play, two-minute drive, picking up chunk after chunk to Nacua and Davante Adams. Even Rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield got involved in the drive. However, it would be Colby Parkinson who would make a miraculous catch for the 19-yard game-winning touchdown with only 43 seconds left. Carolina would go four and out and come up short and lose 34-31.
Takeaways From LA’s Win
I was mightily impressed with Bryce Young. Despite this being his first playoff game and his early mistakes, I thought he showed great poise and accuracy when his team needed it, except on the last drive. He was masterful when it came to extending plays and hooking up with Coker and Tetairoa McMillan to keep their chances alive.
As for the Rams, it showed me that no matter how down this team is, or how ‘down bad’ they seem, they are never out of it. When you have the weapons they have and a head coach of Sean McVay’s caliber, LA is never out of any game. I could see them going to Seattle and knocking them out next week, if the Eagles knock off the 49ers. Everyone stepped up when their number was called.
Final Thoughts
This was a perfect way to start the NFL Playoffs. A nail-biting back-and-forth game that should have been a blowout. How far can you see the Rams going in the playoffs? What were some of your takeaways from the game? Lastly, are you sold on Bryce Young as a potential franchise quarterback?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and reaction to the LA Rams defeating the Carolina Panthers 34-31! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
