Rams-Panthers: Los Angeles slips in 2 games with a 24-10 win over Carolina

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (KABC)– Matthew Stafford passed for 253 yards, Darrell Henderson and receiver Ben Skowronek rushed for touchdowns in the second half, and the Los Angeles Rams snapped their two-game sled in a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Allen Robinson caught a TD pass for the defending Super Bowl champion Rams (3-3), who was recovering from two ugly straight losses and recent injury setback for his offensive line, to Steve Wilks’ debut as interim head coach of the Panthers to spoil.

Wilks took over when Matt Rhule was fired last Monday, and the former Arizona coach already has some drama ahead of him, apparently sending receiver Robbie Anderson into the dressing room near the end of the third quarter after a roaring match with receiver coach Joe Dailey .

Donte Jackson returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown for the Panthers (1-5), who have lost three straight games. Christian McCaffrey rushed for 158 yards overall, but PJ Walker rushed just 60 yards while making his third career start in the absence of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Matt Corral through injuries.

Walker was sidelined in the fourth quarter with a neck injury but passed concussion protocol. Jacob Eason, who was promoted from the practice team this week, passed for 59 yards for the Panthers, whose offense didn’t score after a field goal in the opening run.

Los Angeles was trailing 10-7 at halftime but took control in the second half. Skowronek put the Rams ahead and scored his first NFL touchdown in the third quarter with an 18-yard sprint on his first career rushing attempt, and Henderson added a 2-yard TD run with 8:15.

Cooper Kupp caught seven passes for 80 yards while Henderson rushed for 43 yards in the absence of Cam Akers, who stayed home amid an apparent conflict with the coaching staff. Rams general manager Les Snead told the Fox television crew he was trying to trade Akers, his highest draft pick in the past five years.

Rams left tackle Joseph Noteboom left the field on a cart with an ankle injury in the second quarter. Los Angeles was already without five of its top eight offensive players before losing Noteboom, the replacement for retired left tackle Andrew Whitworth.

The Rams were still making a 73-yard scoring drive after Noteboom’s injury caused them to play four backups on the offensive line. Robinson’s TD catch on a fade route was the free-agent signer’s second strike in his stunning start at LA.

But Carolina went into the break with a 10-7 lead after Stafford defeated Kupp, and Jackson brought it home for his first career touchdown 1:58 before halftime. The Pick-6 was the 29th of Stafford’s career.

Los Angeles equalized with a field goal after its 87-yard drive faltered in the third quarter at the Carolina 3, and the Rams took the lead late in the third quarter when Skowronek picked up a handoff on a sweep and his first NFL touchdown scored while Robinson blocked two defenders.

DEFENSE DIRECTION

Carolina rushed for 360 yards in the first game since Al Holcomb replaced the fired Phil Snow as defensive coordinator. The Panthers had one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL and the Rams rushed for 111 yards on the ground.

homecoming

The Rams paid tribute to Carolina P. Johnny Hekker and RG Austin Corbett, two key members of the Los Angeles championship team, on the pre-game scoreboard. Hekker spent 10 years with the Rams beginning in St. Louis and earned four All-Pro selections.

INJURIES

Carolina played without top cornerback Jaycee Horn, who injured his ribs last week. Jackson then injured his ankle in the second half, and CB CJ Henderson went into concussion minutes after that. … Noteboom missed significant portions of the last three seasons with injuries, including the Rams’ last two playoff games last season. … Rams DB Grant Haley injured his knee in the first half. … Panthers LB Cory Littleton was eliminated in the second half with a groin injury.

NEXT

Panthers: Host Buccaneers on Sunday.

Rams: Bye week.