Panthers face Rams in the NFC Playoffs

Written by Sharon Thorsland

The Panthers are back in the postseason for the first time since 2017, welcoming the LA Rams to Bank of America stadium for a Wild Card match up on Saturday. These teams faced off in week 13 this season, with the Panthers pulling off an incredible 31-28 upset of the then best team in the NFC. The Rams are still one of the best teams in the league at 12-5, boasting the number one ranked offense and an aggressive defense.

The Panthers defense rattled Rams quarterback Matt Stafford in the first game, forcing a pair of interceptions and a fumble. And that was without three starters, all of whom will be back for this game. “They’re healthier now than they were when we played them,” said Stafford. “Obviously still a really talented team playing really good football right now. So, we’ll have our work cut out for us.”

So will the Panthers. Stafford leads the league with 4,707 passing yards and has thrown 46 touchdowns with just eight interceptions. He’s only been sacked 23 times; that’s first in the league. There are playmakers everywhere in this Rams offense, starting with Pro Bowl receiver Puka Nacua. He’s got 129 catches for 1,715 yards and ten touchdowns. Three-time All-Pro Davante Adams is set to return to the lineup after missing three games with a hamstring injury; he’s got a league leading 14 receiving touchdowns. And the Rams feature a 1-2 punch at running back with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combining for nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns. “They’re extremely talented,” said Panthers safety Nick Scott. “They got their game plan, they know what they do well and they stick to it.”

The Rams defense has dropped off some in recent weeks but is still top ten in the league in just about every category. Their 26 takeaways rank 5th in the NFL, and they have 47 sacks, that’s 7th in the league. Star young pass rushers Byron Young and Jared Verse lead the way, combining for 19-1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles. Veteran nose tackle Poona Ford anchors the front, with hard hitting safety Kam Kurl in the secondary.

These teams have met once before in the playoffs; a double overtime Panthers win in St. Louis back in the 2003 season. The Panthers are 5-2 all-time in home playoff match ups and are 3-1 in the wildcard round.