The Rams will visit the Panthers for a Week 13 matchup at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m pacific time on FOX.
In advance of the contest, here are 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams, presented by The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani (CallJacob.com).
1) Keep Rico Dowdle in check
Since Dowdle took over the starting running back role in Week 5, he's led the league in rushing yards with 560, according to Pro Football Focus. He's the focal point of the Panthers' offense and the Rams must focus on limiting his impact, especially because their passing attack often plays off the success of the group game. Expect newly extended inside linebacker Nate Landman to shoot some gaps and make some plays against the run.
Dowdle only got six carries against the 49ers last week and voiced his displeasure on social media afterwards. Head coach Dave Canales took responsibility after the game, saying his incredibly pass-heavy approach wasn't in the team's best interest, so expect Dowdle to be involved early and often on Sunday.
2) Exploit the Panthers' injuries on defense
The Panthers will be without their top cornerback, and one of the league's best cover corners, Jaycee Horn (concussion). Also missing will be former Rams inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom (hip, hamstring) and inside linebacker Claudin Cherelus (concussion). The Rams will have opportunities to take advantage of favorable matchups with the Panthers' leader in tackles (Rozeboom) and interceptions (Horn) both sidelined due to injuries.
3) Pressure quarterback Bryce Young, but keep him in the pocket
Both head coach Sean McVay and outside linebacker Jared Verse noted the importance of keeping Young contained during their press conferences this week. Young's four touchdown passes while pressured out of the pocket lead the league, so getting pressure on him inside the tackle box will be critical for the Rams' defense.
Similar to Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield last week, Young excels at making plays out of structure, so the Rams will need to collapse the pocket without giving Young opportunities to escape. The Panthers will also be without two starting offensive linemen in center Cade Mays (ankle) and Chandler Zavala (calf), which will give the Rams' pass rush an advantage.
