In a heart-stopping finish, the Los Angeles Rams outlasted their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, 34-31 in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday. The game-winner came from Matthew Stafford, who found tight end Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown pass with just 38 seconds left to seal the victory.
Stafford's fourth-quarter heroics were a perfect antidote to a lackluster first half in which he and his offense struggled to gain traction against the Panthers' stout defense. Despite being outgained by Carolina, the Rams took control midway through the third quarter, thanks in part to a 13-yard touchdown strike from Stafford to running back Kyren Williams.
However, with the Rams appearing poised to run out the clock, a holding penalty on Los Angeles gave Carolina fresh life. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young capitalized on the mistake, connecting with wide receiver Jalen Coker for a seven-yard scoring pass with just over two minutes remaining to put his team ahead 31-27.
Trailing by four points and with only seconds left on the clock, Stafford led a stirring charge down the field, culminating in a pinpoint pass to Parkinson that proved the difference-maker. The Rams' victory marked their first postseason win since 2019 and sets them up for a showdown with a rival in the divisional round.
Stafford's impressive performance was all but overshadowed by his own earlier struggles, as he threw three touchdowns to two Panthers defenders. Yet, his ability to remain calm under pressure ultimately proved decisive, capping an eventful postseason opener that will be remembered for years to come.
Stafford's fourth-quarter heroics were a perfect antidote to a lackluster first half in which he and his offense struggled to gain traction against the Panthers' stout defense. Despite being outgained by Carolina, the Rams took control midway through the third quarter, thanks in part to a 13-yard touchdown strike from Stafford to running back Kyren Williams.
However, with the Rams appearing poised to run out the clock, a holding penalty on Los Angeles gave Carolina fresh life. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young capitalized on the mistake, connecting with wide receiver Jalen Coker for a seven-yard scoring pass with just over two minutes remaining to put his team ahead 31-27.
Trailing by four points and with only seconds left on the clock, Stafford led a stirring charge down the field, culminating in a pinpoint pass to Parkinson that proved the difference-maker. The Rams' victory marked their first postseason win since 2019 and sets them up for a showdown with a rival in the divisional round.
Stafford's impressive performance was all but overshadowed by his own earlier struggles, as he threw three touchdowns to two Panthers defenders. Yet, his ability to remain calm under pressure ultimately proved decisive, capping an eventful postseason opener that will be remembered for years to come.
1st half was super slow though idk how he came back like that lol. and that holding penalty on LA was super costly 
but hey Rams took it in the end. so hyped for the next round 
. I mean, who else can turn it around after such a lackluster first half? It's like he just decided to take matters into his own hands and lead the team to victory 
. Of course, the holding penalty was a major blow, but Stafford's composure under pressure was what sealed the deal for LA. It's been ages since they've had a postseason win, so this is a huge momentum booster for the team 
. I'm loving every minute of this wild-card playoff ride! 
, and Stafford's heroics are gonna make this one for the ages. I was on the edge of my seat when they were down by 4 points with like 2 minutes left 
... I thought for sure we were goners 
. But then he takes over and leads that drive, and Colby Parkinson makes an incredible catch 
! It's just so satisfying to see a team come from behind like that 
... but Stafford just found his rhythm and took it to them 
. Anyways, the Rams are one step closer to their divisional round game 
... bring it on!
what a game! I'm still on the edge of my seat thinking about that last minute comeback 
. The Panthers' young QB Bryce Young has some serious potential, though - that last-second TD was a beauty! 
and btw, 3 td's to defenders vs 1 to their own team 
. also, when do we get to see kyren williams do something more exciting than just running straight 
? anywayz, congrats to the rams on making it to the next round!
gotta give it up to stafford for staying chill under pressure tho