Wild Start to NFL Wild Card Weekend

After all the trials and tribulations sorted themselves out, NFL Wild Card Weekend finally kicked off. With all the drama of a Hollywood Blockbuster, the Los Angeles Rams survived an upset bid by the Carolina Panthers, winning 34-31 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Rams got off to an early 14-0 lead thanks to two touchdowns by way of the fifth round phenom Puka Nacua. Meanwhile, the Panthers would fight back to take the lead twice in the fourth quarter. The game saw four go-ahead touchdowns in the final 15 minutes, tying an NFL record.

Matthew Stafford has been baffling teams with his magic all season long. In the regular season, he led his team to a 12-5 record, while also leading the league in passing for the first time in his career. But his spectacular season was in jeopardy as the Panthers took the lead after a blocked punt and only 2:39 remaining.

The Comeback Drive

With 71 yards to go and a four point deficit, Stafford unveiled surgical precision. With all three timeouts in pocket, there was no fear of the clock expiring. He kept his passes between the numbers until the final one. With 38 seconds left, Stafford threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson. Parkinson made a spectacular contested catch along the right sideline, twisting around and fighting to stay in bounds until crossing the pylon.

The score put the Rams up 34-31, and the defense held firm on Carolina’s final desperation attempt to seal the victory.

Stafford’s bid for MVP may have just gotten even more intriguing. He ended up with 304 yards and 3 touchdowns, showing off his nerves of steel under pressure. There seems to be no rattling him. Meanwhile, his star receiver Nacua had 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, looking himself like a seasoned hall of famer.