Playoff moment wasn’t too big for the scrappy Panthers

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Jalen Coker snagged a team-high nine passes for 134 yards and a score for the Carolina Panthers in their 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in their NFC Wild Card game Jan. 10 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Carolina Panthers proved they belonged in the playoffs.

Despite a gut-wrenching 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round, the Panthers were far from 10.5-point underdogs. The moment could have gotten too big when the Rams ran out to a 14-0 lead, but they rallied take a 31-27 lead with 2 minutes, 39 seconds to play.

Carolina, though, was without cornerback Jaycee Horn when the Rams methodically picked the Panthers’ zone defense apart in seven plays and quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with tight end Colby Parkisnon for the game-winning score. Carolina coach Dave Canales admitted to feeling mixed emotions afterward – they lost but proud of his players’ resiliency to not fold when they went down early.

“There's such a mix of emotions in the locker room right now of guys who are proud of what we've accomplished and proud of what we've gotten and sick about the missed opportunity that was right in front of us,” Canales said, “and that’s going to sting. That’s going to sting for a good while. But I asked the guys to keep their heads up and let this fuel you for what we’re going into and to understand how hard it is to work to get into this position where you get this kind of opportunity.”

Bryce Young proved he could be Carolina’s franchise quarterback moving forward. While he wasn’t stellar at 21-of-40 passing for 264 yards, a touchdown and an interception, he made critical plays in key moments that helped lead the rally. 

“I am so proud of the way that everyone responded to adversity,” said Young, who added 24 yards rushing and a score on three carries. “Whatever it may be, the way that we fought, the way that we always stuck together. … Again, a super special locker room. [Losing] is tough.”

Jalen Coker stepped up in a big way with nine receptions for 134 yards and the go-ahead touchdown. 

“It’s awesome to see,” Young said. “Not surprised at all. He is a special player and a special guy. The way that he works and carries himself… I am not surprised at all with a big moment like this and him stepping up and him being himself.” 

Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan was almost at a loss for words postgame. He was thankful for the fans that showed up to support the team when most national media did.

“Obviously, a lot of people doubted us,” McMillan said. “I’m sure that’s a given. Being the only team in the playoffs with a losing record, but that’s just how the cards turned out. For some reason God wanted us in the playoffs to give ourselves confidence; to give the city of Charlotte confidence that we’re here and we can continue to do tremendous things.”

The Panthers enter the offseason with question marks. What do they do about free agent running back Rico Dowdle? How do they address holes on defense, especially at linebacker, or offensive line? Bryce Young’s fifth year option was reported to be picked up, something every quarterback selected first overall since 2011 has managed. 

While Canales wouldn’t comment on Young’s contract, he approved of how he performed against the Rams.

“Gritty,” Canales said. “Just gritty and tough. [The Rams] are a really good pass-rushing group, and [Young] made plays. He extended the plays and found guys down the field consistently. He ran a touchdown in from a little bit further out. … I just can’t say enough about the way Bryce stepped up and played in this game.”

Saturday’s experience will go a long way for the Panthers. Going into the game against a Rams team with a roster comparatively short of playoff experience, it’s a building block Canales hopes will propel them in the future.

“When we came here as a staff, our whole goal was to create a brand of football that we can be proud of,” he said, “and that is what we are doing. We’re building something from the ground up, from the basics. The fundamentals and the technique and all of that and trying to build it the right way. I’m just so proud to bring that to the Panther fans, to bring a brand of football that they enjoy watching and that they can connect with.” 

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