The Los Angeles Rams emerged triumphant in a tense wild-card opener, overcoming the Carolina Panthers 34-31. A last-moment touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford to Colby Parkinson sealed the thrilling victory with only 38 seconds left on the clock.
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Stafford’s late TD pass to Parkinson lifts the Rams past the Panthers 34-31 in tense playoff opener
Photo by Timeswv
Key Takeaways:
- The Rams won 34-31 in the opening game of the NFL playoffs.
- Matthew Stafford threw the deciding 19-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds.
- Carolina kept pace throughout the game, creating a tense finish.
- The dramatic last-minute victory sets the tone for the Rams’ playoff campaign.
A High-Stakes Opening Round
The NFL playoffs kicked off in dramatic fashion as the Los Angeles Rams faced off against the Carolina Panthers. With both teams vying for an early postseason advantage, the game unfolded as a nail-biter from start to finish.
Stafford’s Dramatic Play
Quarterback Matthew Stafford took center stage in the final minute. With 38 seconds on the clock, he delivered a precision 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson, pushing the Rams to a 34-31 lead that would stand until the final whistle. No stranger to late-game heroics, Stafford once again demonstrated his ability to drive his team to victory under pressure.
Panthers’ Strong Resistance
Throughout the contest, the Panthers proved themselves worthy adversaries. Their offense consistently challenged Los Angeles, matching scores and keeping the game within reach. However, the decisive final moments ultimately belonged to the Rams.
Implications Beyond the Opener
Claiming a victory in the first playoff game builds crucial momentum for Los Angeles. While this wild-card win does not guarantee future success, it places the Rams on firm ground for the remainder of the NFL postseason. For now, their 34-31 triumph sounds a note of confidence as they continue their pursuit of playoff glory.
