Davante Adams' goal-line play could decide Rams‑Panthers matchup

The Rams travel to Carolina for an NFC Wild Card game; Davante Adams and Matthew Stafford have connected for nine goal‑to‑go receiving touchdowns this season while the Panthers allowed only five passing touchdowns inside the 10‑yard line.

The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Carolina for a Wild Card playoff game against the Panthers. Carolina finished 8-9 but won the NFC South, while the Rams are widely viewed as favorites despite losing to the Panthers earlier this season. Much of the matchup attention centers on goal‑to‑go playcalling. The Rams can lean on Davante Adams in short‑yardage passing situations, where he has been most productive this season. Key facts: - The Panthers finished the season 8-9 and won the NFC South. - The Rams lost to the Panthers earlier in the regular season but are generally seen as favorites entering the Wild Card game. - Davante Adams has 14 receiving touchdowns this season, with nine coming in goal‑to‑go situations. - According to ESPN research cited in the article, the Panthers allowed only five passing touchdowns inside the 10‑yard line this season, tied for the fewest in the NFL. - Adams and quarterback Matthew Stafford have connected for nine goal‑to‑go receiving touchdowns this season. Summary: The matchup highlights a contrast: the Rams’ success targeting Adams near the goal line versus a Panthers defense that has been limiting goal‑to‑go passing touchdowns. How the Rams choose to deploy Adams in short‑yardage passing plays could be an important factor in the Wild Card game's outcome. Undetermined at this time.