Sawt Falasteen - Rams survive Panthers scare to advance in NFL playoffs

Fighting through a hand injury that appeared to dramatically impair his passing, quarterback Stafford threw a game-saving touchdown in the final minute to spare the Rams' blushes and advance to the divisional round.

"Total team effort. Obviously had some mistakes along the way. I turned it over," said Stafford.

"So a lot to clean up. But we found a way to win it late," he added.

The Rams had entered what proved a nervy, unpredictable and error-strewn clash as overwhelming favorites against a Carolina team that reached the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with an 8-9 losing record.

And the Los Angeles franchise started the NFC's first post-season clash with surgical precision.

Star wide receiver Puka Nacua grabbed all three passes of Los Angeles' opening drive, including a 14-yard touchdown reception.

He then received a lateral pass from Stafford and rushed five yards for his second touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

But the Panthers immediately fought back.

A seven-play, 65-yard drive from kickoff ended with a rushing touchdown for Chuba Hubbard.

The Rams grew nervy, spurning chances to build their lead. Suffering a blow to his hand in the second quarter, Stafford missed seven passes in a row. Nacua dropped a touchdown opportunity.

Quarterback Bryce Young -- chosen by Carolina first overall in the 2023 draft -- showed his athleticism in a 16-yard scramble for a touchdown just before half time.

With pressure mounting in the second half, Stafford saw a pass intercepted, and the Panthers took their first lead of the night with another Hubbard rushing touchdown.

The Rams regained their composure, with Stafford finding Kyren Williams for a no-look TD pass.

But there was a dramatic twist ahead. With barely four minutes left, the Panthers blocked a fourth-down punt to regain possession at the Rams' 30-yard line.

Young found wide receiver Jalen Coker for the go-ahead touchdown.

Finally, Stafford again pulled it back, locating Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard game-winning touchdown.

"I believe in my teammates. I know they believe in me," said a relieved Stafford.

Despite the narrow victory, the Rams are among the favorites for this year's Super Bowl, which will be played in California, at the home of their NFC rivals the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers will play defending champions Philadelphia in a Sunday wild card game.

Later Saturday, the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers in the latest installment of the white hot rivalry between the NFC North giants.

Other wild card round highlights include Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills against the resurgent Jacksonville Jaguars.

N.AbuHussein--SF-PST