Carolina Panthers Week 1 grades vs. Los Angeles Rams

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter during their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 08: James Bradberry #24 and Rashaan Gaulden #28 of the Carolina Panthers tackle Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter of their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Rams won 30-23,. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Defense

Defensive Line: B-
Linebackers: B-
Defensive Backs: B-

Overall the defensive unit played well to contain one of the highest powered offenses in the league. Put in a difficult situation, when the backward pass fumble put Los Angeles only 10 yards away from the end zone, the first touchdown was not the result of any sustained drive. There were two in the second half, a 13-play and seven-play progression that resulted in touchdowns but overall it was a quality performance for their first time out.

Linebacker Shaq Thompson played great, recording a team high nine tackles, followed closely by his positional mate, Luke Kuechly with eight. In the secondary, safety Tre Boston also had nine stops. Cornerback James Bradberry grabbed a fourth-quarter interception late to give the Panthers hope but the Carolina offense quickly went three-and-out.

A few fumbles were forced during the contest but the Panthers could never capitalize and make it a turnover as the Rams always seemed to be beneficiaries of a fortunate bounce.