Carolina Panthers Week 1 grades vs. Los Angeles Rams

See how each Carolina Panthers position group performed during Week 1.

The Carolina Panthers (0-1) opened regular season play in front of a home crowd ready to erase any reminders of last season. Entering with a healthy Cam Newton at quarterback and plenty of young offensive weapons, expectations are high for coach Ron Rivera and this year’s team.

Unfortunately, their first test came against the defending NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams (1-0) and coach Sean McVay. A talented bunch themselves, the Rams entered with 26 wins over the past two seasons.

Costly mistakes and missed opportunities hurt Carolina early and then again late as the Panthers struggled to gain any momentum. Missing an early field goal attempt and failing to get on the scoreboard until they added three as the first-half clock expired, it was an uphill battle from the first possession forward.

Ultimately, Carolina made it competitive but a failed onside kick attempt and resulting first down sealed the deal for a Los Angeles three-point victory, 30-27. Continue to see how each positional group performed during the first game for the Panthers.