The Carolina Panthers went into their first playoff game since 2017 and their first at Bank of America Stadium in a decade as double-digit underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams. However, head coach Dave Canales' squad once again proved that they should never be counted out.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough.
Carolina fell to an agonizing defeat after the lead flip-flopped in the closing stages. The Panthers overcame a nervous start and gave the Rams endless problems. They were spurred on by an electrifying crowd, who shook the stadium to its foundations throughout. But some costly individual mistakes became the catalyst for their demise.
The Panthers now head into the offseason, but they can hold their heads high.
Nobody expected them to be in the playoffs. Nobody expected them to win eight games. Nobody expected this young, progressing squad to display the fighting qualities to match the NFL's heavyweights. Going out of the postseason in this fashion stings, but they left everything out on the turf.
They now have a taste for the knockout stage. With another strong period of recruitment from general manager Dan Morgan, coupled with Carolina's fledgling stars developing even more, the Panthers should be in a strong position for even more growth when the 2026 campaign rolls around.
That's for the future. For now, here are four winners and three losers from the Panthers' defeat to the Rams.
Winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers' playoff reverse against the Rams
Winner No. 1
Tetairoa McMillan - Carolina Panthers WR
Big games call for big players. First-round rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is precisely that, and he turned on the style to produce another outstanding showcase of his credentials.
McMillan looks like a near certainty to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and it's not hard to see why. His ability to bring in tough catches, create separation, and explode off the line of scrimmage caused the Los Angeles Rams problems throughout the contest. Things would have been even better had Bryce Young not sailed an early attempt downfield when the Arizona product had Emmanuel Forbes Jr. beaten in coverage.
The Panthers have a superstar on their hands in McMillan. This performance only cements that fact. And considering it was his first taste of playoff action in his first NFL season, it made his efforts all the more impressive.
The sky is the limit for McMillan. And with another offseason to hone his craft, 2026 should be another profitable year for the gifted pass-catcher.
Loser No. 1
Rico Dowdle - Carolina Panthers RB
With the weather conditions making things difficult for both clubs in this one, establishing the run was crucial for the Carolina Panthers. That put the onus squarely on Rico Dowdle to remind the world why he took the NFL by storm earlier this season.
Dave Canales didn't get much joy on the ground. There was more aggression in his play-calling, as he attacked the Los Angeles Rams' vulnerable cornerbacks throughout. This made Dowdle something of an innocent bystander in what could be his final game in a Panthers uniform.
Dowdle mustered just nine rushing yards from five carries. He brought in one reception from two targets for six receiving yards. The former South Carolina standout helped as a blocker, but it was an underwhelming contribution when the Panthers needed much more.
General manager Dan Morgan has a big decision to make with Dowdle this offseason. He wants to be paid, but his regression down the stretch and the fact that Chuba Hubbard already got paid will make the front-office leader reluctant.
Winner No. 2
Mike Jackson Sr. - Carolina Panthers CB
There is no denying Mike Jackson Sr.'s importance to the Panthers. The veteran cornerback has been nothing short of sensational this season, and he was arguably Carolina's most accomplished overall player in the team's heroic playoff defeat as a heavy underdog.
Jackson locked down almost everyone in his path. He secured an interception. He set the tone through forceful tackling and controlled aggression. It was precisely what the Panthers needed, but their hopes of stopping Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford with the game on the line took a severe dent when Jaycee Horn suffered a heavy blow and had to leave the field at the worst possible moment.
It wasn't to be for the Panthers, but once the frustration subsides, Jackson can look back on his outstanding contribution with pride. General manager Dan Morgan got an absolute steal when he traded for the defensive back. It wouldn't be surprising to see him get extended ahead of time this offseason.
Loser No. 2
Nick Scott - Carolina Panthers S
The Rams were not getting much joy outside the numbers passing the football. It was a different story down the middle of Carolina's defense, and quarterback Matthew Stafford picked this apart at will.
Even though Nick Scott's influence increased as the season went on, this was not his brightest moment. When the Rams needed to make a play, they typically looked in his direction with great success. They knew precisely how to exploit his weaknesses, especially considering he spent the first four years of his career in Los Angeles. There was nothing much he could do to turn the tide.
Scott was called for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Davante Adams when the defense was about to get off the field. He couldn't bring in a tough interception after wide receiver Puka Nacau made an exceptional play on the ball. It was just a bad day all around for the safety, but he could potentially get another short-term deal in the spring.
Winner No. 3
Damien Lewis - Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers got Robert Hunt back into the mix after he'd been missing since Week 2 after suffering a torn bicep. It was clear early on that the Pro Bowl right guard wasn't going to be his dominant self versus a formidable Los Angeles Rams defensive front. Fortunately for the offense, Damien Lewis more than met his end of the bargain.
Lewis was the other interior lineman acquired by the Panthers in 2024 free agency. He goes completely under the radar compared to Hunt and others. However, his influence both on and off the field is exemplary.
It's been another magnificent campaign from Lewis, and he finished on a high note. There weren't many times he was beaten. The strength at the contact point and brute force to move the pile were superb throughout the playoff clash. That didn't stop pressure from elsewhere, but it turned out to be a massive positive.
Loser No. 3
Carolina Panthers linebackers
As previously mentioned, the Rams didn't get much joy on the outside with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. locking things up effectively. But someone with Sean McVay's shrewd offensive mind discovered quickly how best to move the chains against the Panthers.
They are soft in the middle, especially in coverage. The Rams exploited this early and often, and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero didn't have the personnel to counter it effectively.
The number of times veteran Christian Rozeboom got baited by Matthew Stafford was extraordinary. Claudin Cherelus can't cover effectively, and the safeties weren't providing much assistance either. Add to this the lack of consistent pressure on the NFL MVP candidate, and the problems were always going to surface.
Adding more dynamism and explosiveness to the linebacker position should be among general manager Dan Morgan's biggest offseason priorities. One could even say it's top of the list.
Winner No. 4
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
There's been a lot to like about wide receiver Jalen Coker's performance since he returned to the lineup. It took the wide receiver a little time to find his feet after coming off injured reserve, but he's quietly emerged as the No. 2 option behind Tetairoa McMillan.
If there were fans still doubting that, they got their answers against the Rams. Aside from one error in which Coker sat down on his route while Bryce Young thought he would keep going, leading to an interception, he was incredible.
The former Holy Cross standout tormented Los Angeles' secondary from start to finish, bringing in nine receptions from 12 targets for 134 receiving yards and one touchdown. His grab in the end zone was elite, and even though the Panthers fell short, the wideout gave absolutely everything to the cause.
Coker is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason. Making that offer is guaranteed, but Dan Morgan should be thinking much longer term.