With field positioning and defense running the beginning of the game, the Rams D-line just couldn’t hold off a first quarter touchdown by Panthers’ Greg Olsen.
Rams’ Maurice Alexander needed help in defending him. T.J. McDonald was there, but by that point it was too late, the ball was securely in Olsen’s grasp.
Punters became valuable players as the time ticked off the clock in the first half.The defense on both teams put up fierce battle with multiple sacks on Cam Newton and Case Keenum.
Benny Cunningham saved a Rams fumble, after Thomas Davis sacks Keenum forcing the ball from his hand, but it was to no avail because the Rams still had to punt the ball.
Both Carolina and Los Angeles had unbelievable plays through multiple defenders.
Tavon Austin evaded three linemen before being taken down on a 22-yard punt return, but a 10-yard block above the waist penalty affected field position. This was closely followed by Cam Newton throwing a pass through three defenders to Kelvin Benjamin for 24 yards.
Keenum choices ended most drives earlier than they should have. Instead of passing the ball he chose to run the ball and vice versa.
At one point, fans could be heard chanting for Jared Goff to replace Keenum, but Jeff Fisher made it clear that wasn’t going to happen.
In the third quarter, Aaron Donald forces the Panthers to punt after an unexpected sack on Newton, which is just what the Rams needed. The unfortunate result was a scoreless drive and a 43-yard punt leaving the score, 7-0.
Communication between Newton and his receivers seemed more apparent than with Keenum and his receivers.
Keenum’s pass, that looked like it was intended for Tyler Higbee, got intercepted by Davis, making it the first and only interception of the game deep in the third quarter.
Three field goals were attempted in the first half and none were successful. The first field goal success was in the fourth quarter by Graham Gano for 38 yards, making it a two-possession game.
Rams’ Lance Kendricks, who had been putting up good numbers, failed the team when they finally had a chance at a touchdown. Keenum connected with him, but hecould not hold on, dropping the ball and their touchdown attempt.
Greg Zuerlein redeemed the Rams by kicking a 25-yard field goal, putting the team on the board finally, with 8 minutes left in the game.
Defense took over the game again and both teams fought to keep the other from scoring any more points.
Gano must have missed the memo and made a 37-yard field goal, with 3:18 left in the game.
Keenum tried his best comeback, but all he could do was connect with Kenny Britt in the end zone for a touchdown with 34 seconds left in the game.
With five sacks on Newton and three on Keenum, pressure was apparent, but decision making played out better for the Panthers.
The Rams must get it together if they have any chance of getting into the playoffs. They now have a 3-5 record putting them dangerously on the edge. Their next game is on the road against the New York Jets at 10 a.m.
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