Panthers’ fourth-down strategy vs. Rams doesn't work in playoff rematch

On two occasions this season, the Carolina Panthers scored a season-high 31 points. It first occurred in Week 13 in a three-point victory over the Los Angeles Rams. It was déjà vu all over again on Saturday at Charlotte, only this time Dave Canales’s club fell short in a 34-31 setback to Sean McVay’s team.

In the team’s regular-season conquest of the Rams in late November, Canales made three key decisions that played a big role in the win. The Panthers were perfect on fourth down (3-of-3), and all three plays directly or eventually resulted in points for the team.

In the second quarter, there was a six-yard run by Rico Dowdle on 4th-and-1 at the Rams’ 24. Ryan Fitzgerald nailed a 33-yard field goal later in the drive. Early in the third quarter, quarterback Bryce Young connected with Jalen Coker for a 33-yard score on 4th-and-3 at the Rams’ 24-yard-line. In the fourth quarter and down 28-24, Young found rookie Tetairoa McMillan for a 43-yard TD on 4th and-2 in Los Angeles’ territory in what proved to be the game-winning score.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

On Saturday against McVay’s club, Canales decided to go for it on fourth down three times. It backfired in a big way early in the game on the Panthers’ first possession. On their own 45-yard-line with a yard needed for a first down, Young couldn’t connect with tight end James Mitchell. The Rams needed only four plays to reach the end zone and took a 7-0 lead.

Late in the third quarter and the Panthers down 20-17, Young’s toss to running back Chuba Hubbard on 4th-and-4 was incomplete from the Rams’ 48-yard line. Finally the last attempt on fourth down was one of pure desperation. Young got the ball at his own 28-yard-line with 32 seconds to play and with his team trailing 34-31. Four pass attempts all failed, summing up a frustrating final possession for the Panthers.

What a difference a matter of weeks make.

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