Under-the-Radar Players Who Could Decide the Rams-Panthers Wild Card Showdown
The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers meet Saturday in a Wild Card matchup loaded with storylines. While headline names like Matthew Stafford and Bryce Young will naturally draw the most attention, playoff games often hinge on the contributions of players who don’t always top the stat sheets.
In a game where familiarity runs deep the Panthers roster features five former Rams starters and several former LA coaches the margins for victory will be razor-thin. Both coaching staffs know the opposing schemes inside and out. That means execution from unexpected sources could be the difference between moving on to the Divisional Round or heading home.
Here are three X-factors for each team who could quietly swing the outcome of Saturday’s game.
Los Angeles Rams
Terrance Ferguson, Tight End
The rookie tight end had a quiet start to his NFL career, logging zero snaps in Week 1. But as the season progressed, Ferguson evolved into a crucial piece of Sean McVay’s offense, particularly when the Rams utilize “13 personnel” (one running back, three tight ends). Since Week 7, Ferguson leads all NFL tight ends in yards per reception and average depth of target (18.4 yards).
He isn’t just a safety valve; he is a legitimate deep threat who moves like a wide receiver. In a recent game, he showcased his speed by burning a safety for a 27-yard gain. With opposing defenses focused on stopping Puka Nacua and Davante Adams Ferguson provides a vertical element down the seam that can catch linebackers and safeties off guard. If the Panthers overcommit to the run or double-team the wideouts, Ferguson is the player most likely to make them pay with a chunk play.
Josaiah Stewart, Edge Rusher
Playoff football is often defined by pressure, and while Jared Verse and Kobie Turner command the bulk of the attention on the Rams’ defensive front, Josaiah Stewart is the wildcard. The rookie pass rusher has seen his snap counts fluctuate late in the season, but his explosive first step makes him dangerous in passing situations.
Stewart is undersized but relentless. Against a Panthers offensive line that has seen significant improvement, the Rams will need more than just their stars to disrupt Bryce Young’s rhythm. Stewart’s ability to win one-on-one matchups when the offensive line slides protection toward the bigger names could result in the sack or pressure that kills a drive.
Colby Parkinson, Tight End
While Ferguson provides the explosive plays, Colby Parkinson remains the steady hand at tight end. As the TE1 on the depth chart, Parkinson is often asked to do the dirty work in the run game, which will be vital against a Panthers defense featuring former Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom.
However, Parkinson is also a reliable target. In the red zone, where windows shrink and timing is everything, Stafford trusts Parkinson to be in the right spot. If the Panthers focus their defensive game plan on taking away the deep ball to Ferguson, Parkinson becomes the primary option underneath to move the chains on third down.
Carolina Panthers
Nick Scott, Safety
There is perhaps no player on the field with more motivation than Nick Scott. The former Ram, who helped Los Angeles win a Super Bowl in 2021, is coming off arguably the best season of his career. In his second year with Carolina, Scott recorded 111 tackles, an interception, and a career-best defensive grade.
Scott knows the Rams’ offense intimately. He practiced against McVay’s schemes for years. His ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and communicate with the secondary will be critical in preventing Stafford from finding rhythm. Look for Scott to be aggressive in run support and try to bait his former quarterback into a mistake over the middle.
Austin Corbett, Right Guard
Another member of the Rams’ Super Bowl squad, Austin Corbett has anchored the right side of the Panthers’ line since joining the team in 2022. He is currently playing some of his best football, earning his second-highest grade since signing with Carolina four years ago.
The battle in the trenches will decide this game. The Rams have a young, hungry defensive front that thrives on disruption. Corbett’s experience and knowledge of how the Rams attack upfront will be invaluable. If he can neutralize the interior pressure and keep the pocket clean for Bryce Young, the Panthers’ offense has a chance to control the tempo of the game.
A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Line
The Panthers’ defensive front is anchored by yet another former Ram. A’Shawn Robinson, who spent three years in Los Angeles, has been a force in the middle for Carolina this season. He has generated a career-high 31 pressures and 34 stops, proving he is more than just a run-stuffer.
Robinson’s role on Saturday is twofold: clog the running lanes to make the Rams one-dimensional, and push the pocket into Stafford’s lap. Stafford is less effective when he can’t step up in the pocket. Robinson’s ability to create interior pressure could force Stafford into rushed decisions, allowing the secondary to make a game-changing play.
