With just 38 seconds left on the clock and the season hanging in the balance, Stafford fired a perfectly placed back-shoulder pass to tight end Colby Parkinson, lifting the Los Angeles Rams to a dramatic 34–31 road victory over the Carolina Panthers.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When the moment demanded calm, Matthew Stafford delivered it.
With just 38 seconds left on the clock and the season hanging in the balance, Stafford fired a perfectly placed back-shoulder pass to tight end Colby Parkinson, lifting the Los Angeles Rams to a dramatic 34–31 road victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The Rams trailed by four with 2:38 remaining as a roaring home crowd sensed a season-saving stop. Instead, Stafford stepped into the huddle and methodically marched Los Angeles 71 yards, completing six of seven passes. The lone incompletion came on a dropped ball by Davante Adams. The drive ended with Stafford hitting Parkinson “right in the mitts,” as the tight end turned, spun, and carried a Panthers defensive back across the goal line.
“You see him out there, he just has the best composure of anyone I’ve ever seen,” Parkinson said. “He knows we’re going to go make it happen, and we completely trust him. I knew it was going to be a back-shoulder ball — and it was perfect. It couldn’t have been placed any better.”
Stafford in His Element
Stafford finished 24 of 42 for 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a performance that underscored why he remains one of the league’s most trusted late-game quarterbacks.
“I’ve been in that spot a lot in my life — and I love that spot,” said the 17-year veteran. “I’d rather be the one out there with our offense than watching from the sideline. You can make it stressful, or you can stay calm and collected. I think that’s what we were today.”
The game etched its place in NFL postseason history. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams and Panthers tied a playoff record with four fourth-quarter lead changes — the most ever in a postseason game.
Rams Control the Finish
Despite the wild swings on the scoreboard, the Rams controlled the action late. Los Angeles racked up 169 yards in the fourth quarter compared with just 38 for Carolina. The Panthers stayed close thanks to a timely interception and a blocked punt that set up short fields, but they couldn’t slow Stafford when it mattered most.
There was early concern for the Rams, who had lost 31–28 on the same field six weeks earlier. Carolina jumped back into this one after falling behind 14–0, fueled by two early scores from Puka Nacua. The Panthers stormed back to take a 24–20 lead, setting the stage for the frantic final quarter.
Nacua finished with 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns, continuing his standout postseason run. Adams added five catches for 72 yards as the Rams leaned on their veteran playmakers.
Panthers Show Fight
Carolina, which finished 8–10, showed resilience under second-year head coach Dave Canales despite closing the season with four losses in its final five games. Local product Bryce Young, a Mater Dei High School alum, threw for 264 yards and a touchdown and added another score on the ground.
While the loss ended the Panthers’ postseason hopes, the team’s energy this season resonated with fans across the Carolinas.
History and What’s Next
In the win, Stafford surpassed Hall of Famer Kurt Warner for the most postseason passing yards and completions in Rams franchise history — another milestone in a career defined by big moments.
The Rams now turn their attention to a matchup this week against the Chicago Bears, carrying momentum — and the steady hand of Stafford — into the next round.