Key Lessons From Carolina as They Prepare for Their Toughest Test Yet
The Panthers have one of their biggest challenges in the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are 9-2 coming into the game and the consensus favorites. The Panthers still have some lingering injuries, particularly on the offensive line. Pro Bowl guard Robert Hunt has been on IR since Week Two. Hunt is likely done for the season after bicep surgery. Cade Mays remains out, leaving Austin Corbett in the starting center position. Despite the injuries, the O-line is delivering. The Panthers are in playoff contention and in contention to win their division, should everything go right. Week 13 is a massive game for the Panthers, and they couldn't ask for a more formidable opponent than the Rams, who are on a roll.
The Panthers have become an efficient rushing team, primarily because of the Rico Dowdle breakout. They got back to their winning formula with 17 carries for Chuba Hubbard and 18 for Dowdle. Together, they played great, with Hubbard totaling 83 yards and Dowdle 58. Both running backs were also featured in the passing game, each with two targets and two receptions. Hubbard was better in the passing game with 41 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Panthers are a run-first team. There should be no more debate about that from Dave Canales. Their run game is excellent and gets the offense rolling. Hubbard looks to be back to full health with his stellar play today and should continue to see split snaps with Dowdle. Ideally, Canales will ride the hot hand and whoever is more efficient.
The passing game for Carolina is not their strength; despite Tetairoa McMillian's continued production, it's clear that Bryce Young is not capable of being productive every game. If Young has over 30 passing attempts, he usually doesn't deliver. In games where he is allowed to be more picky with his passing, he is significantly better. Of their seven wins, they have won six of those where Young has 30 or fewer passing attempts. When teams get used to the run game, Young is deadly with closing games in the fourth quarter, where it matters most. Teams are okay with leaving the game in Young's hands, and lately, he has been making them pay for it. Today was no different. When trailing towards the end of the fourth, he connected with TMac for an impressive 41-yard touchdown to put the Panthers back in the lead. TMac only had two targets today, but his lone reception was huge for the Panthers' win. Today, we also saw the resurgence of Jalen Coker. With four receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown, including the game-sealing final catch. Today was his best game of the season. Moving forward, we should see Coker's role increase as he slides into the WR2 role.
The defense had its work cut out for it today. The Rams are one of the most efficient and effective passing attacks in the league. Despite giving up 28 points, the defense came up huge today. Matthew Stafford has been excellent at limiting interceptions, with only three entering today. Still, the Panthers were able to pick off Stafford twice, including a Pick-Six courtesy of Mike Jackson. Another feather in Jackson's hat, who is having a spectacular season so far. Today, he logs his first pick-six and his third interception of the year. Jackson is the most targeted DB on the Panthers; despite this, he has allowed only a 50% catch rate and has given up only two touchdowns. The Rams definitely came to play today, managing to score four touchdowns, two passing, and two rushing. Davante Adams is money in the red zone and was able to snag two touchdown passes. The Rams' run game was also playing well, with 81 yards and 72 yards between the two running backs. This is not a knock on the Panthers' defense but a testament to how good the Rams are. The Panthers' defense came up huge with turnovers today. With the pick-six mentioned earlier, there was another interception and the game-winning fumble in the last minutes of the game by Derrick Brown. Brown got loose and delivered a big hit on Stafford, causing the fumble, which DJ Wonnum then scooped up.
Today's win was huge, and we saw all the Panthers' stars show out today. Beating a team that was coined to be Super Bowl-bound is crazy. I still can't decide what kind of team this is. After embarrassing losses to the Saints and 49ers, the team only won huge games against the Packers and the Rams. The Panthers are close to putting it all together. A playoff appearance is not out of reach, and neither is winning the division. They will have to use every trick in the bag and bring their best against the Buccaneers. The Panthers finally get their bye week in Week 14. Heading into the bye with a massive win is excellent for the vibes.
