How the Panthers can pull off another major upset of the Rams

5 days ago 2

For the first time in 10 years, Charlotte will play host to the NFL playoffs—as the Carolina Panthers will welcome in the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday. But will this wild-card round battle be the only taste of the postseason for your new NFC South champions?

The Rams, despite limping in as the conference's No. 5 seed, have entered January as one of the favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. They have the league's No. 1 offense, an MVP frontrunner under center, some of the sport's most potent playmakers and a top-10 defense.

So even after already losing in Carolina in Week 13, Los Angeles enters this rematch as double-digit favorites.

Unfortunately for the Rams, however, they'll also be entering with the same vulnerabilities that showed in the first showdown.

Back in the upset on Nov. 30, the Panthers won—in part—off the run game. Running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard combined for 141 yards on a healthy 35 carries, a commitment to the ground that kept the Los Angeles defense honest.

As a result, head coach and offensive play-caller Dave Canales was able to attack the Rams' weakness through the air. Quarterback Bryce Young efficiently picked his spots, passing for 206 yards and three touchdowns on just 20 attempts.

Those points will be key once again, and could even be amplified with the possible returns of wide receiver David Moore and, more importantly, Pro Bowl right guard Robert Hunt.

Carolina could also even find an in on defense.

Stafford—in the first matchup—threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and was sacked twice . . . without having to face two of the Panthers' very top defenders. Now, the unit will have cornerback Jaycee Horn and safety Tre'von Moehrig at their disposal—as well as starting inside linebackers Christian Rozeboom and (perhaps) Claudin Cherelus.

Could Los Angeles come into "The Bank" and completely dismantle Carolina, like most seem to believe? Sure. The initial result doesn't guarantee a similar outcome.

But can the Panthers use a bit of the same recipe from last time and keep it close? You bet.

Anything can happen in the playoffs, so don't be surprised if the Panthers can make it happen again.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: How the Panthers can pull off another major upset of the Rams

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