Andrew Whitworth Explains Why Rams Struggled Against the Panthers
In a surprising turn during the 2025 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31–28, handing the NFC leaders an unexpected loss. Former Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth weighed in on the reasons behind this defeat, insisting it was not merely a case of overlooking the opponent.
Whitworth on Rams’ Struggles Against the Panthers
Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Whitworth emphasized that the Rams’ performance was significantly influenced by their previous two games. He argued that the intensity of facing the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back-to-back left the team fatigued. “They played heavyweights and emptied the tank,” he noted.
Previous Matchups’ Impact
The Rams faced off against the Seahawks and Buccaneers prior to their matchup with the Panthers. These games were crucial and took a lot out of the players.
- Against the Seahawks, the Rams’ defense secured four interceptions.
- The Buccaneers game culminated in a dominant 34–7 victory.
- Defensive players like Byron Young and Jared Verse recorded multiple sacks.
This weariness became apparent during the game with Carolina. Despite being one of the stoutest defenses in the league recently, the Rams struggled against a Panthers team eager to measure themselves against a top contender.
Carolina’s Tactical Approach
The Panthers viewed the Rams game as an opportunity to gauge their competitiveness. They managed to exploit weaknesses in the Rams’ defense, executing strategic plays effectively.
- Carolina achieved 141 rushing yards on 35 carries.
- The Rams’ defense, which had been dominant, looked slower than usual.
Even though the Rams had held opponents to minimal scores in prior games, the Panthers’ offensive tactics proved effective.
Rams’ Performance Recap
Matthew Stafford, who had been on a roll, faced setbacks during the game. His performance included:
- Two interceptions thrown during critical moments.
- Missed opportunities, including open receivers like Terrance Ferguson.
- Underwhelming decision-making at crucial plays.
The Rams realized they could not expect favorable outcomes merely due to reputation. Complacency played a role in their unexpected loss, leading them to lose the NFC’s top seed.
Looking Ahead
This defeat serves as a wake-up call for the Rams. Moving forward, they must adapt and find ways to secure victories against both strong and lesser opponents, regardless of previous performances. Failure to do so may have significant implications for their season. The path to recovery will require introspection and renewed focus in upcoming matchups.
