Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led his team to a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFL wild-card round, thanks to a last-minute touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson.
Stafford calmly engineered an 71-yard drive, completing six of seven passes before finding Parkinson in the end zone with 38 seconds remaining. The Rams trailed by four with 2:38 left, but Stafford's poise and accuracy proved decisive. He finished the game 24 for 42 for 304 yards with three touchdown passes and an interception.
Stafford credited his experience to his calmness under pressure. "I have been in that spot a lot in my life – and I love that spot," he said. "I would rather be me having to go out there with our offense and do it then watch from the sideline."
The Panthers' Bryce Young threw for 264 yards and a touchdown, but Carolina's chances of advancing were dashed by Stafford's late heroics.
Carolina was hoping for a boost from quarterback Cam Newton's return to Bank of America Stadium, but things didn't start well. The Rams took an early lead behind Stafford, who found Puka Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown pass and followed it up with a five-yard run. However, the Panthers stormed back to take a 24-20 lead before the Rams regained control.
Stafford's calmness was on full display throughout the game, but he made one crucial mistake – dropping a potential third TD pass from Stafford just before halftime. The Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged that his team didn't play their best, but defensive lineman Kobie Turner said that surviving and advancing was the only priority.
The Panthers' loss marked their first playoff appearance since 2017. Despite coming in as double-digit underdogs, Carolina showed resilience and determination but ultimately fell short of advancing to the next round.
Stafford calmly engineered an 71-yard drive, completing six of seven passes before finding Parkinson in the end zone with 38 seconds remaining. The Rams trailed by four with 2:38 left, but Stafford's poise and accuracy proved decisive. He finished the game 24 for 42 for 304 yards with three touchdown passes and an interception.
Stafford credited his experience to his calmness under pressure. "I have been in that spot a lot in my life – and I love that spot," he said. "I would rather be me having to go out there with our offense and do it then watch from the sideline."
The Panthers' Bryce Young threw for 264 yards and a touchdown, but Carolina's chances of advancing were dashed by Stafford's late heroics.
Carolina was hoping for a boost from quarterback Cam Newton's return to Bank of America Stadium, but things didn't start well. The Rams took an early lead behind Stafford, who found Puka Nacua for a 14-yard touchdown pass and followed it up with a five-yard run. However, the Panthers stormed back to take a 24-20 lead before the Rams regained control.
Stafford's calmness was on full display throughout the game, but he made one crucial mistake – dropping a potential third TD pass from Stafford just before halftime. The Rams coach Sean McVay acknowledged that his team didn't play their best, but defensive lineman Kobie Turner said that surviving and advancing was the only priority.
The Panthers' loss marked their first playoff appearance since 2017. Despite coming in as double-digit underdogs, Carolina showed resilience and determination but ultimately fell short of advancing to the next round.
he just calmnly engineered that 71-yard drive like it was no big deal 
but seriously though, that 3rd td pass drop did seem like a huge mistake... i guess you gotta give him credit for comin through when it mattered most tho 
the rams showed heart, and that's what counts 
colby parkinson is just the man tho 
. And yeah, the Panthers definitely showed heart, but sometimes it's just about being able to close out a game when it matters most 
. Stafford's experience is no joke – he's clearly got that "it" factor 
️!
Stafford is a total game-changer! He just stays calm under pressure like he's not even trying 
. I mean I was on the edge of my seat when they were down by 4 and he still manages to lead them to a win. Its crazy how much experience can give you an edge 
. I feel bad for Carolina tho, they had some great moments but just came up short. That Bryce Young is talented though 
! The Rams are gonna be tough to beat now 
oh man that's so harsh... los angeles got lucky with stafford, he just played it cool and they won by a thin margin 
i mean cam newton came back from injury and still managed to do okay but that one drop from stafford was huge 
what if carolina had held on? all these hopes and dreams crushed 
They're always going on and on about stats, but can't even provide real-time updates 
Like who cares about a 10-yard gain when we're down by 5 points with 2 minutes left? 