In a heart-stopping NFC wildcard showdown, Matthew Stafford's 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds left on the clock secured a dramatic 34-31 victory for the Los Angeles Rams over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night.
A Rollercoaster Final Quarter
The game in Charlotte reached a fever pitch in the final minutes. The Panthers, playing in their first postseason game in eight years, had taken a 31-27 lead with 2:39 remaining thanks to a seven-yard touchdown connection from quarterback Bryce Young to Jalen Coker.
Carolina's chance came after a blocked punt by Isaiah Simmons gave them possession at the Rams' 30-yard line with 4:12 to go. However, Stafford expertly guided the Rams downfield for the game-winning score, crushing the home side's hopes of a famous comeback.
Key Performers Shine in Playoff Atmosphere
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford finished the game 24-for-42 for 304 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua was instrumental, racking up 111 receiving yards and scoring twice—once on a 14-yard reception and again on a five-yard run.
For the Panthers, Bryce Young showed promise in his playoff debut, going 21-for-40 for 264 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception, while also scrambling for a score. His favourite target was Jalen Coker, who amassed 134 receiving yards on seven catches.
Momentum Swings and Missed Opportunities
The Rams dominated early, building a 17-7 lead, but the Panthers clawed their way back. A 16-yard touchdown run by Young just before halftime cut the deficit to 17-14. Carolina then took its first lead of the night at 24-20 early in the fourth quarter following a three-yard run by Chuba Hubbard.
Los Angeles responded immediately with a 67-yard drive capped by a Stafford touchdown pass to Kyren Williams, only for Young to engineer the go-ahead drive that ultimately fell short. The Rams' defence also made crucial plays, including an early interception by Cobie Durant.
What Comes Next for the Rams?
With this nail-biting victory, the Los Angeles Rams advance to the next round of the NFL playoffs, where they will face a to-be-determined opponent next weekend. The Panthers' season, meanwhile, ends in agonising fashion, but their return to the postseason after an eight-year absence marks a significant step for the franchise.
