Rams lose NFC lead after defeat to Panthers: Analysis

After defeating the Buccaneers in week 12, the Rams positioned themselves as the leading team in the National Conference (NFC) and were seen as favorites for the Super Bowl. However, coach Sean McVay emphasized that the ranking at that time was not decisive. A week later, the Rams suffered a defeat to the Carolina Panthers, falling to a 9-3 record and losing the top spot in the NFC. The Chicago Bears (9-3) now lead the NFC, thanks to a better record in the conference, which gives them the tiebreaker over the Rams.

It was a sobering experience.

Byron Young, Rams outside linebacker

Byron Young, Rams outside linebacker, described the encounter as a “humbling experience”.

I feel like this is a wake-up call. Something you have to learn. I definitely think it’s something we needed, but I don’t see it as a bad thing. I just see it as motivation. I’m glad it happened. We need this.

Byron Young, Rams outside linebacker

With the Rams being favored by 9 1/2 points, this was the second biggest upset of the NFL season.

I don’t think we came into the game with the right intensity. I think we didn’t do the things we needed to do. Too many people thought this game was one of those where you can just jump in and do what you have to do. That’s not the case. … It doesn’t matter if you’re facing the Panthers, the Eagles, the best team or the worst team. It doesn’t matter. You have to be better than that.

Jared Verse, Rams outside linebacker

Jared Verse, outside linebacker, also expressed his point of view.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who entered the game as the MVP favorite, committed three turnovers. Stafford, who hadn’t thrown an interception since Week 3, threw two on three pass attempts in the first quarter. He had multiple interceptions and a fumble for the first time since Week 17 of the 2021 season.

Obviously, we’re not going to win many games when I turn the ball over three times.

Matthew Stafford, Rams quarterback

After the game, McVay commented that the Rams still had the opportunity to come back. Despite being three points down with 2:34 to play, Los Angeles had the ball on Carolina’s 22-yard line. After a delay of game penalty, Stafford lost the ball when he was sacked. The Rams’ offense didn’t recover the ball for the rest of the game. With this team, I’m always optimistic that, even through some adversity during the game, we will weather the storm and figure it out. Davante Adams, wide receiver, also spoke after the game.

We’ve had games where we didn’t play very well on offense, and the defense made up for it. … Nobody saved the day today, and that’s why we ended up falling short.

Davante Adams, wide receiver