Panthers mistakes vs. Rams: How crucial drop, turnovers cost Carolina in wild-card loss to Rams

Dan Treacy

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Panthers mistakes vs. Rams: How crucial drop, turnovers cost Carolina in wild-card loss to Rams image

The Carolina Panthers had their backs against the wall from the start against a more talented Los Angeles Rams team, but they didn’t help themselves early on.

From a questionable decision to go for it on fourth down on the opening possession to two back-breaking turnovers and a dropped pass on the game’s final play, the Panthers dug themselves into a hole—a reversal of fortune from the regular-season meeting between these two teams, when Carolina won by capitalizing on Rams mistakes.

While the Rams didn’t capitalize on every Panthers error, Carolina erased its margin for error in a game that already left very little of it. The Panthers were driving with a chance to win, but a key drop by Jimmy Horn Jr. Dashed their comeback efforts.

Here’s a look at the Panthers’ self-inflicted wounds from the first half of Saturday’s playoff game against the Rams.

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Panthers mistakes vs. Rams

Failed fourth-and-1 attempt

The Panthers got aggressive just a handful of plays into the game, when they decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 45-yard line. On the surface, the decision itself might have been fine. Carolina knew it had to be aggressive to beat the Rams, and even a failed attempt would still leave the defense with 45 yards to hold L.A. To a field-goal attempt.

The play, however, didn't have much upside from the start. Bryce Young looked to pass, rolled to his right and found no options. His throw fell incomplete, and the Panthers' defense showed little resistance as the Rams picked up all 45 of those yards for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.

Bryce Young interception

The Panthers were able to get past midfield as they tried to answer the Rams' opening touchdown, but their drive was abruptly halted when Young was intercepted by Cobie Durant.

Jalen Coker might have shared some blame for the interception, as he appeared to cut his route short and wasn't in front of the ball before it reached Durant, but the turnover set the Rams up with another opportunity. Seven plays later, L.A. Punched it in for its second touchdown of the day and a 14-0 lead.

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Trevor Etienne muffed punt

Just when the Panthers' defense appeared to be settling in and forced a punt, Trevor Etienne called for a fair catch and saw the ball bounce right off his facemask. The Rams recovered, giving themselves an opportunity in Carolina territory.

Fortunately for the Panthers, the defense was able to force a turnover on downs after Sean McVay opted to go for it on fourth down. Carolina would convert that opportunity into a touchdown before halftime, allowing the Panthers to go to halftime trailing by only three points.

Jimmy Horn Jr. Drop ends game

To the Panthers credit, they overcame their early mistakes and played some of their best football of the entire season. They had a lead in the game until Los Angeles scored with 38 seconds left. The Rams were up only three, so Carolina just needed to get into field goal range. 

Bryce Young is no stranger to fourth-quarter comebacks this season, leading the league. He tried to lead the Panthers into field goal range. Young threw to Jimmy Horn Jr., but the wide receiver was trying to catch it and run rather than catch it and go down so that Carolina could use a timeout. He wasn't able to come down with the ball and the Panthers turned the ball over on downs. It still would have required another quick play to give Carolina even a shot at a long game-tying field goal to force overtime, but the Panthers didn't get that chance with the drop. 

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Editorial Team