The Los Angeles Rams survived a furious comeback attempt by the Carolina Panthers, escaping Charlotte with a 27-24 victory in the NFC Wild Card Round. For stretches in the second half, it appeared the Rams’ Super Bowl hopes might vanish, but Matthew Stafford calmly led a game-winning drive that delivered just enough time for Los Angeles to escape with a three-point win.
With the Rams trailing by four late in the fourth quarter, Stafford methodically moved the offense down the field, connecting with his most trusted targets, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, before turning to rookie Konata Mumpfield for a crucial 11-yard gain. On the decisive play, Stafford found tight end Colby Parkinson, who made a contested catch and tight-roped the sideline across the goal line for the game-winning touchdown. The drive mirrored the Rams’ efficient first-half offense, which had seemed lost for much of the second half until Stafford and his teammates found their rhythm just in time.
Carolina, entering the game as an underdog, battled back from a 14-point deficit to take a 24-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Panthers relied on Bryce Young’s arm and mobility, taking advantage of timely defensive penalties and extending drives with his scrambling ability. Young also capped an end-of-half possession with a 16-yard rushing touchdown and connected with Jalen Coker on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass. Although the Panthers fell short, their resilience and execution demonstrated that they belonged in the postseason.
Stafford overcame a rough stretch in the second half, during which drops by receivers and a potential hand issue made passing difficult. He completed 22 of 30 throws between the numbers for 275 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive strike to Parkinson. His ability to regain accuracy under pressure was critical in overcoming the challenges the Rams faced late in the game.
The Rams’ special teams, a recurring concern throughout the season, nearly cost them when a blocked punt in the fourth quarter gave Carolina prime scoring position. Los Angeles relied on Stafford’s heroics to survive, though kicker Harrison Mevis was perfect on two field goals of 40-plus yards, highlighting the importance of consistency in the kicking game.
The game featured four lead changes in the fourth quarter, tying the most ever in the final period or overtime of an NFL playoff game and marking only the fifth such postseason game in history, the first since Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes met in the 2018 AFC Championship. The Rams advance to the next round, while the Panthers leave Charlotte having proven they belonged, making it a Wild Card game to remember.
