Rams deliver another stellar defensive performance, contain Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey
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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 is hit by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 after htecatch in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones #53 pulls down Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 breaks free from Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner #45 after the catch in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones #53 celebrates after stopping Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp avoids Carolina Panthers linebacker Damien Wilson after making a catch in the first half of the Rams’ 24-10 victory at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford # talks with Umpire Tony Michalek before the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford # greets Umpire Tony Michalek before the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with Umpire Tony Michalek and Side Judge Don Willard before the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams star players big heads in the fun zone as fans prepare to cheer against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with Umpire Tony Michalek and Side Judge Don Willard before the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker #10 and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson #94 battle after a punt in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 warms up before playing the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jacob Eason #16 and Carolina Panthers center Bradley Bozeman #56 prepare to warmup to play the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 walks off the field after throwing a pick six to Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson #26 as he celebrates in the end zone in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson #26 intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 gets fired up after stopping the Carolina Panthers on 3rd down in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Rams running back Darrell Henderson Jr. runs over Carolina Panthers safety Juston Burris for a first down run in the first half of the Rams’ 24-10 victory at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandon Powell #19 avoids Carolina Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson #24 in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Joe Noteboom #70 is carted off the field after an injury against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 passes the ball as his line blocks the Carolina Panthers in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Scott #33 celebrates his interception with fans against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 celebrate his sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker #11 with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek #18 celebrate his touchdown run with Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson II #1, left and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee #89 against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 straight-arms Los Angeles Rams linebacker Justin Hollins #58 for extra yards in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 changes the play at the line against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek #18 runs outside fora touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Myles Hartsfield #38 , Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson #7 and Carolina Panthers safety Juston Burris #31 celebrate after stopping the rams on 3rd down in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The pass from Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 is just out of reach for the diving Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandon Powell #19 against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 passes the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson II #1 avoids Carolina Panthers linebacker Damien Wilson #57 after the catch for a first down in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Joe Noteboom #70, offensive tackle Bobby Evans #71, offensive tackle Rob Havenstein #79 and guard Jeremiah Kolone #62 walk back to the line after a penalty in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 changes the play at the line against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders perform at the end of the 3rd quarter in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker #11 in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 is hit by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 after the catch in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Justin Hollins #58 and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson #94 stop Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey #22 in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders perform at the end of the 3rd quarter in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Tae Hayes #32 hits Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 after a first down run in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones #53 tips the ball and Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Scott #33 intercepts the Carolina Panthers quarterback Jacob Eason #16 pass in the endzone in the second half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald #9, left and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones #53 stop Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard #30 in the first half of the NFL game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, October 16, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
INGLEWOOD — The Carolina Panthers are reportedly listening to trade offers for star running back Christian McCaffrey and the Rams might be one of the interested teams, giving Sunday’s matchup between the two teams a strange subplot.
But Rams inside linebacker Ernest Jones wasn’t thinking about trade rumors when he tackled McCaffrey with a body slam in the opening quarter that resembled a suplex from pro wrestler Brock Lesnar. That memorable third-down stop set the tone for another stellar defensive performance for the Rams during their 24-10 victory against the Panthers at SoFi Stadium.
McCaffrey had a fast start with 58 yards on the Panthers’ opening drive that ended with a 42-yard field goal for a 3-0 advantage. Those were the last points the Panthers’ offense scored.
“We knew they were going to give him the ball,” Rams middle linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “We didn’t expect him to just run the ball. … That was their game plan and let a special player make special plays. We did a good job of not letting them get a touchdown.”
McCaffrey quickly showed why he’s a special player, but the Rams held him to 70 total yards in the final three quarters. Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey also had a memorable tackle on McCaffrey after he stopped him in the open field. McCaffrey finished with 69 yards on 13 carries and 89 yards on nine receptions.
“I don’t think he seen Jalen coming whatsoever and I don’t think he had his feet on the ground before Jalen hit him, so that’s a special play,” Wagner said.
The Rams’ defense held the Panthers to 203 total yards. Third-string Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker went 10 of 16 for 60 yards before exiting with a neck injury. Backup quarterback Jacob Eason threw an interception to Rams safety Nick Scott in the end zone in the fourth quarter to end the Rams’ three-game drought without a takeaway. Jones, who finished with seven total tackles, tipped the ball before it found Scott.
Wagner said the defense has found a rhythm, but he wants his teammates to focus over the bye week on improving the run defense, tackling and generating defensive points to help the offense.
IMPROVED OFFENSIVE LINE
Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein had a players-only meeting with his fellow offensive linemen earlier in the week with hopes of reducing the mental mistakes on the field.
Although Havenstein wasn’t happy about the penalties called on his unit, he was pleased about their overall performance, especially after losing left tackle Joe Noteboom to injury in the second quarter. The Rams fear it might be an Achilles injury for Noteboom.
Alaric Jackson moved from right guard to left tackle and Oday Aboushi filled Jackson’s prior position.
“I loved our energy pregame,” Havenstein said. “The way we attacked the week. I thought our scout team defense, scout team offense really gave a good look, guys were challenging each other, and it wasn’t pretty on our side of the ball in practice, that’s a good reminder, ‘OK, it’s not gonna be easy, this stuff isn’t easy, anyone could be doing it.’
“And like I said, we need to learn how to play a complete game, how to sustain drives, I can’t flinch and put us back five yards. That’s one of the dumbest things I could do, so I’ll get that fixed. And guys just taking accountability of things that they can control and moving forward, getting back to work.”
Rams coach Sean McVay was also pleased with the offensive line and gave third-string center Jeremiah Kolone a shoutout for his performance.
“It’s unbelievable,” McVay said about Noteboom’s injury. “Isn’t it? I feel sick for Joe Noteboom, but what a stud (Alaric) Jackson was to pivot from right guard to left tackle. He was outstanding all day. Oday Aboushi, I just met this guy a couple weeks ago and he’s playing the whole game, doing a great job. ….
“Jeremiah Kolone going from the police academy a couple years ago to where he’s starting at center.”
STAFFORD’S LATEST PICK-SIX
Matthew Stafford had better protection and improved his performance, but he threw his eighth interception of the season, a costly turnover that was returned 30 yards by Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson for a touchdown in the second quarter.
“Yeah, that was not an aggressive play today,” Stafford said about the interception. “I feel like a lot of them have not been this season and that’s a frustrating part for me. I never want those to happen.
“(I) wish I would’ve just maybe dirted it at somebody’s foot and I’m trying to get a little something going. But yeah, it’s frustrating. It’s something I don’t want to do, there’s no question about that. It was definitely in my thought, was not an over aggressive thing. It was a tough play that happens in this game and got to move on from it.”
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