The Los Angeles Rams are in control of their road clash with the Carolina Panthers in the first of two NFL Wildcard playoff games on Sunday morning AEDT.
Follow the day’s playoffs action right here as it happens.
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Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford put together a perfect opening drive for the Rams, going 4-4 for 52 yards and a precise touchdown pass to Puka Nacua.
Then, early in the second quarter, Los Angeles capitalised off a Bryce Young interception, with Nacua bustling in for his second score of the day on a run play.
Young, in his playoffs debut, floated one past his intended receiver Jalen Coker and into the arms of Cobie Durant.
Earlier in the first quarter, Panthers left tackle Ickey Ekwonu had to be carted off after suffering an apparent right knee injury.
Ekwonu, who was quickly ruled out of the game, plays a critical role on the left side of the line protecting Young’s blindside.
And with Young under all sorts of pressure from the Rams’ pass rush, Fox US analyst Greg Olson said the Carolina offensive line was “leaking in all areas”.
Guard Robert Hunt was also under an injury cloud in his first game since being activated off of injured reserve.
But the home side responded, with Young marching the Panthers down the field before Chuba Hubbard punched it in from close range to make it 14-7 in the second.
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