Rams stunned by Panthers, 31-28: Instant analysis of Week 13 loss

The Los Angeles Rams never take opponents lightly, and they knew they were going to get a fight from the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. And that's exactly what Dave Canales' team gave them.

The Rams struck first with an opening-drive touchdown, but the Panthers answered right back with a score of their own. That's when things got a little dicey for Los Angeles. Matthew Stafford threw an interception on the Rams' second drive, and then another one on the third possession – this one a pick-six that Mike Jackson returned 48 yards for a touchdown.

From there, the two teams went back and forth the rest of the afternoon. They alternated scores, with Carolina answering the bell every time at home.

The Rams made a critical error late in the fourth quarter when Stafford dropped back on third down and was sacked, fumbling it away to the Panthers. Los Angeles was in field goal range with a chance to tie, but the fumble gave the ball away to the Panthers and allowed them to seal the deal with a first down on the next drive.

Final score: Panthers 31, Rams 28

Numbers to know

28: Matthew Stafford set a new NFL record by throwing 28 straight touchdown passes without an interception, a streak that dated back to Week 3.

8: Stafford also moved past Matt Ryan for eighth all-time in career passing yards.

11: Davante Adams caught two more touchdown passes in the first half against the Panthers, giving him 11 touchdowns in his last six games.

3: The Rams turned it over three times after committing just one turnover in their last five games combined.

164: The Panthers rushed for 162 yards, 141 of which came from Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle alone.

1: The Rams committed just one penalty for 5 yards, a costly false start on third down late in the fourth quarter.

It was over when…

... Bryce Young hit Jalen Coker for 10 yards on third-and-5 with 2:17 remaining, giving the Panthers a first down and the win. They kneeled it down from there and came up with the stunning upset over the Rams.

3 stars of the game

1. Davante Adams: 4 catches, 58 yards, 2 TDs

2. Blake Corum: 7 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD

3. Puka Nacua: 6 catches, 72 yards

Play of the game

Nacua made one of the best catches you'll see, making the backhanded, one-handed grab over Mike Jackson on a deep shot from Stafford. That catch set up Kyren Williams' go-ahead touchdown, too, so it was an important play to make in a big spot.

What's next?

The Rams will be on the road again in Week 14 when they visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff in that one is set for 4:25 p.m. ET in Glendale.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams-Panthers recap: Analysis of LA's stunning Week 13 loss