The Los Angeles Rams‘ six-game winning streak came to an end Sunday with a 31-28 road loss to the Carolina Panthers, dropping their record to 7-6. The defeat halts the Rams’ momentum in the NFC playoff picture and hands a crucial victory to Carolina, also now 7-6, in a crowded conference.
The Rams’ comeback attempt fell short despite a strong performance from quarterback Matthew Stafford, who finished 18 of 28 passing for 243 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. That fumble, recovered by Carolina after a strip-sack, was returned 20 yards to the Panthers’ 49-yard line. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Carolina sideline then moved the ball back 15 yards to their own 34.
Carolina effectively sealed the game with a 10-yard completion to Jalen Coker on 3rd and 5 from their own 39 just before the two-minute warning, forcing the Rams to use both of their timeouts. rams running back Kyren Williams left the game late in the first half with an ankle injury but returned to start the second half,contributing to a combined 153 rushing yards with teammate Blake Corum,who each scored a touchdown.
The Rams opened the game with an early 7-0 lead after a 4-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Davante Adams, set up by a Ronnie Rivers kickoff return to midfield and a 15-yard penalty against the Panthers. Though,Carolina responded with a strong ground game,totaling 164 rushing yards – the second-most the Rams have allowed in a single game this season.