Matthew Stafford turnovers: Rams QB's miscues doom Los Angeles in loss to Panthers

David Suggs

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Matthew Stafford turnovers: Rams QB's miscues doom Los Angeles in loss to Panthers image

Matthew Stafford has embraced the fountain of youth in his age-37 season. The Rams hurler is the frontrunner for MVP through 13 weeks, pairing his lively arm with precise passing to record the sort of numbers that wouldn't look out of place on an Aaron Rodgers trading card.

There's a case to be made that Stafford is the league's best passer on current form. But against the Panthers, he looked anything but. The wily veteran struggled with his command, doubling his interception tally and surrendering an untimely fumble in a forgettable display that ended in a 31-28 Los Angeles defeat.

Here's what you need to know about Stafford's numbers in the Rams' loss to Carolina — including more on those pesky turnovers.

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Matthew Stafford turnovers

Stafford has been one of the league's most efficient operators in 2025, recording 28 consecutive touchdowns without an interception prior to Sunday's game.

His faultless streak came to a sudden close against Carolina. Stafford started the contest with aplomb, finding Davante Adams for yet another goal-line score in the game's opening drive.

He looked poised to run things back one drive later, spearheading another lengthy Los Angeles possession. But on third-and-goal, he found a labyrinth of limbs, seeing his attempted toss to Cody Parkinson twirl after a deflection. The subsequent effort fell into Nick Scott's grasp — Stafford's first interception in 10 weeks.

Things got worse for Stafford and the Rams one possession later. Stafford attempted to hit Puka Nacua on an out route. But Carolina corner Mike Jackson stepped in front of Nacua's trot. He ripped Stafford's pass out the sky before racing 48 yards for the pick six. 

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Stafford soon found his footing, as all great hurlers do. He connected with Adams for another score and helped. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum joined the party with second-half TDs, putting Los Angeles in a position to knot the game — or take the lead — with less than three minutes to go.

Stafford anchored Los Angeles' final drive, putting the Rams inside the red zone as the clock struck 2:34. But on third-and-five, he fell victim to Carolina's pass rush. Derrick Brown swept through the offensive line before bringing Stafford down — and taking the ball with him. The fumble fell into Panthers arms, delivering a shock end to Los Angeles' winning streak.

Matthew Stafford stats vs. Panthers

  • Comp/Att: 18/28
  • Pass yards: 243
  • Pass TD: 2
  • INT: 2
  • Passer rating: 85.9
  • Fumbles:  1

Stafford finished the contest with 18-of-28 passing for 243 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and one fumble loss. His performance sans the turnovers was solid. But his giveaways proved costly in the Rams' defeat. They now sit at No. 2 in the NFC standings.

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