Rams at Panthers Final Score: Carolina wins 30 to 15
By Mike Dyce
This was incredibly intense and physical game between the St. Louis Rams and the Carolina Panthers. The scoring got started when Rams quarterback threw an interception to start the game. Panthers defensive back Captain Munnerlyn got the pick and returned it 45 yards for the touchdown.
Later in the first quarter, the Panthers were pinned along their own goal line. The Rams defense got into the back field and tackled Mike Tolbert in the end zone for a safety.
Early in the second quarter the Panthers drove 44 yards down the field and kicked a 37-yard field goal. The Rams followed up about 9-10 minutes later with a 28 yard field goal of their own. That capped a 15 play 70 yard drive.
Before half-time, running back Mike Tolbert was able to redeem his safety earlier in the game with a 1-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, the Panthers kicked another field goal. The Rams moved down the field quickly thanks in part to a 73-yard reception from Brian Quick. That set up a short touchdown pass to Zac Stacy.
The Panthers scored on the following possession with a 19-yard touchdown pass to receiver Steve Smith. He did the Ray Lewis dance to celebrate while taunting Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins by pointing at him.
They had been jawing at each other earlier. The game featured a lot of scuffles. Rams defensive lineman Chris Long was ejected for throwing a punch during the opening drive of the third quarter.
Both the Rams and the Panthers added on field goals in the fourth quarter, and the Panthers won 30-15.
Newton was stellar completing 15 of 17 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown. Sam Bradford played well before he left with an injury. He was hit late along the sideline and carted off the field.