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Carolina Panthers: Carolina vs. L.A. Rams Preview

By Horran Cameron

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) takes off on a run against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) takes off on a run against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Panthers make their first ever visit to Los Angeles as a franchise today.

The Carolina Panthers (2-5) face the Los Angeles Rams (3-4) today. Both teams are in desperate need of a win. Carolina must win at least seven or eight of their remaining nine games in order to make the playoffs. The Rams are in a similar position.

Last week, Jonathan Stewart exploded for 95 on 25 rushes and two touchdowns. Carolina’s defense dominated Arizona’s offense for most of the game. Carolina’s aggressiveness on defense preserved a victory for Carolina.

Cam Newton played a mediocre game stat-wise. He finished the game with 14 of 27 completions for 212 yards plus seven rushes for 43 yards.

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It seems that Newton is back to his normal self. His seven rushes was a good sign that he is not scared to run. Against the New Orleans Saints, Newton rushed two times for one yard. The Saints’ game was his first time playing since missing one game due to sustaining a concussion against Atlanta.

Cam Newton’s performance against the Rams will be the tale of the tape. The Rams’ defense has two stalwarts in defensive tackle Aaron Donald and defensive end Robert Quinn. Both players are capable of taking a game over from their respective positions.

It would behoove Newton to establish the pass early with Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. This will open up the running game for himself and Stewart. Establishing Ted Ginn, Jr. and utilizing his speed and quickness will be a necessary weapon to use against Los Angeles.

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The Panthers cannot allow Rams’ running back Todd Gurley, to have a good game. Although Los Angeles averages a dismal 79.9 rushing yards per game this season, Gurley has the ability to gain 200 yards any given Sunday. This season, Gurley ranks 21st in rushing yards whereas he finished third in the NFL in rushing yards (1106) behind Adrian Peterson and Doug Martin.

The Rams are playing at home today. They will try to establish Gurley early. The Panthers will win the game, but the Rams will put up a good fight.

Predicted score: Panthers 34 – Rams 23

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