Our offseason opponent breakdown series on theRams.com continues with Los Angeles' Week 13 opponent, the Carolina Panthers (Week 13, Bank of America Stadium, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. PT, FOX).
2024
The Panthers' 2024 season was highlighted by quarterback controversy. The first overall pick in 2023, Bryce Young, was benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton by first-year head coach Dave Canales just two games into the season after an underwhelming start. Then, after Dalton was injured in a car accident prior to Week 8, a rejuvenated Young was inserted back into the lineup.
Carolina finished the season 5-12 as the No. 23 scoring offense and No. 32 scoring defense in football, but showed signs of life with Young back under center.
Key changes
Carolina was busy during free agency, especially on defense. They signed defensive end Tershawn Wharton from Kansas City, outside linebacker Patrick Jones II from Minnesota, safety Tre'von Moehrig from Las Vegas and a pair of former Rams in nose tackle Bobby Brown and inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom.
Offensively, they signed wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, the precise route-runner who was previously retired, and running back Rico Dowdle from the Cowboys. They also picked up new special teams contributors in kicker Matthew Wright and punter Sam Martin.
The draft brought even more playmakers at positions of need, including the dynamic receiver out of Arizona, Tetairoa McMillan, drafted eighth overall. They followed up that selection with two edge rushers, Texas A&M's Nic Scourton and Ole Miss' Princely Umanmielen in rounds two and three, to replace recently-released outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney.
Head coach
Canales is entering his second season as a head coach. At just 44 years old, he's one of the youngest coaches in the NFL and is looking to capitalize on a revitalized roster and stronger relationship with Young in year two of their partnership.
What to watch for
Rams run game vs. Panthers defense
The Panthers allowed a league-high in rushing yards per game (179.8), 38.4 more than any other team. They also allowed 83 rushes of 10-plus yards, while no other team let up more than 70, according to Next Gen Stats. Opponents ran the ball over half the time (51.3%) against them due to the consistent success it yielded. Carolina reinforced its defensive front with signings along the first and second levels of the defense this offseason, but it is yet to be seen how effective those changes will be.
The Rams weren't a particularly efficient rushing attack last season. However, the entire starting offensive line is returning to block for a running back room featuring starter Kyren Williams, second-year bruiser Blake Corum and explosive rookie Jarquez Hunter. There will be a battle in the trenches in Week 13, and it's one the Rams can take advantage of.
