Nobody gave the Carolina Panthers a chance of pulling off an upset over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. However, being an underdog is just the way head coach Dave Canales' squad likes it.
The Panthers needed a massive response after a disastrous loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Having a short week allowed them to turn the page quickly, but fans were concerned that this understrength squad would suffer more humiliation against one of the leading contenders for a Super Bowl.
Thankfully, the opposite happened. The Panthers were highly competitive right from the outset. They were physical and opportunistic, and they executed their assignments superbly. More importantly, they created just enough turnover to shock the NFL world to its foundations.
Carolina is now 7-6 with four games left. They get an extended period of rest during the bye week, and have three division games to navigate upon their return — two of which are against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Everything is in front of them, which is a refreshing change of pace for fans who are most used to doing mock drafts and speculating about potential free-agent additions at this time of year.
That's for the future. Until then, here are five winners and two losers from Carolina's thrilling triumph over the Rams at Bank of America Stadium.
Winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers' stunning upset over the Rams
Winners No. 1
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
It's been a slow burn for Jalen Coker this season. Going to injured reserve one day after the Carolina Panthers traded Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings was a body blow. He's taken time to find his football legs again, but his outing in Week 13 was the best of the campaign by a considerable margin.
Coker was outstanding. Bryce Young looked to him often in critical moments, and the former Holy Cross standout came up with the grabs needed to flourish. His touchdown catch on fourth down was a momentum-shifting moment that helped the Panthers stun Los Angeles. This should also provide the wideout with enough confidence to finish the campaign firmly on the front foot.
Aside from rookie first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers' pass-catchers have been underwhelming this season. But if Coker can pick up his influence and become a nice safety valve for Young, the better Carolina's chances of securing the division crown will be.
This is the new bar Coker's set for himself. Maintaining these high standards is crucial, as his contract is up for renewal next spring.
Winner No. 2
Derrick Brown - Carolina Panthers DL
Nobody associated with the Carolina Panthers needs reminding about Derrick Brown's importance to the team's long-term aspirations. The Pro Bowl defensive lineman is playing as well as anyone in the league right now, and he was at his brilliant best in Week 13 as head coach Dave Canales' squad made the most impactful statement of the season.
Brown has brute strength that cannot be taught. His anticipation skills are growing by the week. He also managed to come up with a game-changing forced fumble on quarterback Matthew Stafford that was expertly scooped up by edge rusher D.J. Wonnum.
This is another fine example of Brown's dominance. The big players come up with big plays when the game is on the line. The 2020 first-round pick stepped up when his team needed him most, and if he finishes the campaign strongly after the bye week, more individual honors could be coming his way when the season concludes.
Loser No. 1
Jake Curhan - Carolina Panthers OL
The Panthers were once again forced to make changes to their offensive line in this one. Chandler Zavala, going to injured reserve, left an opening at the right guard position. Austin Corbett had to stay at center with Cade Mays out, so it was a next-man-up situation fans were monitoring closely.
Jake Curhan got the nod, which brought intrigue. The 6-foot-6 presence has performed well during limited involvement this season, so Carolina was confident that he could fill the void. There were a few decent moments, but the production was inconsistent at best.
Thankfully, it didn't matter, and not having Taylor Moton manning the edge for most of the second half didn't help either. But with so many injuries along the offensive line, the Panthers might have no option other than to keep Curhan in the lineup over their final four games of the campaign.
Winner No. 3
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers RB
Rico Dowdle might have moved into the lead running back role, but head coach Dave Canales' faith in Chuba Hubbard hasn't wavered whatsoever. And the established veteran repaid this with an outstanding contribution to Carolina's mesmerizing triumph at Bank of America Stadium.
Hubbard has started to look a lot more like his old self in recent weeks. The calf issue suffered earlier in the campaign took some time to shake off, but the explosiveness and purposeful rushing style have now returned. And the Rams had a tough time keeping him in check.
The 2021 fourth-round pick gained 83 rushing yards from 17 carries. Hubbard also took a quick screen pass from Bryce Young to the house, which kicked the Panthers into life when Los Angeles was beginning to generate momentum. If Carolina wants to clinch the NFC South, they'll need all this and more from the backfield threat after the bye.
Winner No. 4
Lathan Ransom - Carolina Panthers S
With the Carolina Panthers missing veteran safety Tre'von Moehrig due to suspension, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero filled the void with rookie fourth-rounder Lathan Ransom. This was the first regular-season start of his professional career, and he seized it with both hands.
Ransom was everywhere. He assisted considerably closer to the line of scrimmage, especially against the run. His coverage support on the backend was decent, and the Panthers also brought him on a well-timed delayed blitz that resulted in a sack.
If this was a sign of things to come for Ransom throughout his NFL journey, general manager Dan Morgan has struck gold. It was a tone-setting effort that his teammates fed off. The former Ohio State prospect accumulated 11 tackles to lead the team. More importantly, his efforts ensured that Moehrig's absence wasn't as noticeable as fans initially feared.
Even though Ransom will probably move back into a rotational role after the bye week, he's pushing hard for more playing time.
Loser No. 2
Ja'Tavion Sanders - Carolina Panthers TE
Ja'Tavion Sanders' breakout campaign hasn't gone according to plan. The second-year tight end is struggling to make the desired impact, and he was once again a non-factor in the passing game against the Rams.
Sanders wasn't targeted during the clash. This is the clearest sign yet that confidence in his ability to produce is waning. He's not a lost cause, especially considering the Texas product hasn't turned 23 yet, but there is a significant amount of hard work ahead to get things back on track.
The Panthers will remain patient with Sanders. But with Mitchell Evans flashing promise and Tommy Tremble emerging as an exceptional in-line blocker, the No. 101 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft's situation is looking increasingly precarious.
Hopefully, this will be nothing more than a mini-slump. If not, then the Panthers are going to make adding another capable tight end among their top priorities during the offseason.
Winner No. 5
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young came into this game on the back of another horror show performance on prime time. But, as has been the case throughout the quarterback's rollercoaster career to date, he showed the resolve to bounce back emphatically.
Young protected the football. He made some key throws in big moments and controlled the tempo of the game, backed by an outstanding rushing attack. And when the time came to lead his team to victory in the clutch, the signal-caller delivered the goods.
This is the recipe for success. The Panthers know they have a legitimate closer in Young. He's highly effective in a well-balanced offensive attack. When things are more measured, the former Alabama star comes to life, and the on-field progress speaks for itself.
Keeping this up after the bye week is the next challenge. But just one week after media figures were writing him off, Young shut them up in the best way imaginable.