Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers: Bold predictions

[Riverumbbq]

How bold is too bold? Never bold enough when we’re talkin bold predictions!

By Sean Wilkinson@Papa_Lurch Sep 5, 2019, 10:00am CDT

Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images
Football is back, baby. We all get hyped and some of us (myself included) go overboard with predictions. Usually my friends and family try to rein me in, but where’s the fun in that?

Here are three unabashed bold predictions that my loved ones would proudly roll their eyes at as the Los Angeles Rams get ready to open the 2019 regular season by traveling to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 1:

DL Aaron Donald gets at least three sacks
Given how amazing AD is, this almost doesn’t feel bold enough. Donald has four games in his career where he has achieved three or more sacks, and he could be primed for another on Sunday.
On top of attending training camp for the first time in three years, Donald looks as explosive as ever and is still in his prime. Panthers QB Cam Newton having a foot injury only makes me drool more over this matchup.

RB Todd Gurley gets 20+ touches
There’s been a lot of commotion regarding Gurley - specifically his knee - this offseason. The Rams matched an offer sheet for RB Malcolm Brown then brought in RB Darrell Henderson Jr.via the 2019 NFL Draft. They followed that up with generous rest during training camp. So as much as the Rams say they aren’t worried about it...they clearly are.
Despite all that, I still believe Gurley will touch the ball 20+ times. I believe he’ll also be used as a distraction while sharing the backfield with Henderson, but there isn’t a way to quantify that.

Rams win by two touchdowns
The Rams have been tabbed by pundits to regress in 2019, and I think Rams Head Coach Sean McVay will have his team thirsty to prove itself again. I think that combined with Cam being <100% leads to a big win on opening weekend for the Rams.

Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers: Bold predictions

How bold is too bold? Never bold enough when we’re talkin bold predictions!

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[RamFan503]

I think those are all very real possibilities.

 

[BonifayRam]

Bruce Irvin and Greg Little ruled out; Trai Turner will play vs Rams

The Panthers have ruled edge rusher Bruce Irvin and left tackle Greg Little out for Sunday’s game against the Rams after both players missed practice all week.

www.catscratchreader.com

Panthers vs Rams Friday injury report: Bruce Irvin and Greg Little ruled out for season opener

Panthers injury report
Out

LB Bruce Irvin (hamstring)
OT Greg Little (concussion)
Doubtful

N/A
Questionable

N/A
Did not participate in practice

LB Bruce Irvin (hamstring)
OT Greg Little (concussion)
Limited participation in practice

N/A
Full participation in practice

G Trai Turner(groin)

The Panthers have ruled edge rusher Bruce Irvin and left tackle Greg Little out for Sunday’s game against the Rams after both players missed practice all week.



The Carolina Panthers have released their final injury report for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, and two players have been ruled out for Sunday’s game: edge rusher Bruce Irvin and left tackle Greg Little. Both players missed practice all week.

Not surprisingly, Bruce Irvin (hamstring) and Greg Little (concussion protocol) have been ruled out for Sunday’s opener.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) September 6, 2019

The Panthers will be thin on the offensive line with Little still in the concussion protocol. Daryl Williams will start at left tackle, but there’s a huge lack of depth behind him should anything go awry. (Please stay healthy, Daryl!)
With Irvin being ruled out, one would expect either Marquis Haynes or rookie Brian Burns to get the start in his place. Regardless of who starts, we should see plenty of Burns on Sunday depending on the personnel group the Rams use on offense.

Ron Rivera says he's not sure who will start in place of Irvin, it will depend on what Rams' initial personnel grouping is. But Brian Burns will be the guy if Panthers' start in a three-man front.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 6, 2019

The good news for Sunday is that Trai Turner is good to go despite missing practice earlier in the week with a groin injury. The Rams have one of the best defensive fronts in the league, so having as many healthy offensive linemen as possible available on Sunday will benefit the Panthers’ offense.

 

[yrba1]

RB Todd Gurley gets 20+ touches

Hope not, don't want to see him running in fumes late into the season/post-season

 

[Jacobarch]

Hope not, don't want to see him running in fumes late into the season/post-season

If he gets 20 plus it means we win

 

[LesBaker]

If he gets 20 plus it means we win

Let the backups run out the clock IMO.

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

20+ touches doesnt mean 20 carries up the gut. Relax ppl, Gurley is fine.

 

[coconut]

20+ touches doesnt mean 20 carries up the gut. Relax ppl, Gurley is fine.

KNEEdlessly worrying does no good.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Is this the same D Williams the Rams had last year?

 

[Riverumbbq]

Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers: Opponent scouting report

Plenty of intrigue as the Rams look toward a compelling Week 1 battle with the Panthers.


By Skye Sverdlin@Skyeattolah Sep 6, 2019, 1:05pm CDT

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams drew an interesting and unpredictable Week 1 assignment this season opening with a trip Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers in what should be sweltering conditions.
Last season was a tale of two seasons for the Panthers. They started off like NFC South contenders, going 6-2 in the first half of the season, only to experience a 1-7 collapse following a slew of injuries.
So which Panthers can the Rams expect to see this Sunday?

Panthers offense
QB Cam Newton appears to be good to go, after a foot scare in Week 3 of the preseason. After multiple shoulder surgeries over the last couple years, keep an eye Cam’s cannon to see whether he able to sling the ball deep like he used to. It’s Week 1 though, so wear and tear should be at a minimum for now. Newton’s ability to get out of the pocket and work the field by foot will be an early test for backup-turned-starter ILB Bryce Hager and the other linebackers.
New Panthers C Matt Paradis should be an upgrade for the Panthers up the middle. He was the 2nd ranked center according to Pro Football Focus last season with the Denver Broncos. However, last season the Panthers line mostly stunk. Aaron Donald should be able to flush Newton out the pocket often. Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips’ hybrid safety-backers could come in handy tracking Cam when he decides to leave the pocket. LT Darryl Williams had a strong 2017 season but missed most of 2018 with a knee injury. Williams versus Rams EDGE Dante Fowler, Jr., could be pretty interesting matchup, to help gauge where both players are at in 2019.
RB Christian McCaffrey became a serious work horse for Carolina last season and was second only to Ezekiel Elliot with 337 snaps out of the back field. McCaffrey may have averaged 5.0 yards per carry, but his 107 receptions may be the most terrifying aspect of his game. The Rams seem to have the mobile personnel to match up with McCaffrey, but he’ll command tons of attention. While their eyes on McCaffrey though, TE Greg Olsen (who is actually active for the game!) will be another problem.

At the end of the day, a few forced turnovers may be needed to sway the game in the Rams favor, and that’s going to start with an effective pass rush.

Panthers defense
The Panthers are switching to a 3-4 defense for the first time under Head Coach Ron Rivera’s watch. Following former Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilke’s departure to Arizona last season, the Panthers’ defense could not generate any kind of consistent pass rush. This season they are hoping the additions of rookie EDGE Brian Burns and six-time Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy can turn up the heat. Burns had four sacks in three preseason games and has the Panthers pretty excited. The Panthers’ front seven, which also features All-World ILB Luke Kuechly, DE Kawaan Short, and NT Dontari Poe, should be fairly stout this season. EDGE Bruce Irvin is currently dinged up with a hamstring injury but may be able to play Sunday.
The Panthers’ secondary has improved with the additions of safeties Tre Boston and Eric Reid, but their lack of depth could ultimately be their waterloo against a Rams offense that can go three deep and beyond with their receivers. Look for WR Cooper Kupp to do Cooper Kupp things in his first game back since his ACL injury midway through last season. Should the Rams’ offense lay an egg in Charlotte following their Super Bowl stinker, it may be somewhat alarming to Rams fans. Then again, it’s going to be 90 degrees and absolutely miserable in Charlotte, so what means what?
Regardless, there’s plenty of interesting matchups to look forward to this week. Here we go!

Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers: Opponent scouting report

Plenty of intrigue as the Rams look toward a compelling Week 1 battle with the Panthers.

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[Legatron4]

Hope not, don't want to see him running in fumes late into the season/post-season

Todd Gurley is a grown ass man. He can tote the ball 30 times if he wanted. The guy didn’t get surgery or anything.

 

[Merlin]

41-10. We wipe their field with their @$$es.

 

[Karate61]

I predict Bryce Hager gets an interception!

 

[yrba1]

If he gets 20 plus it means we win

Todd Gurley is a grown ass man. He can tote the ball 30 times if he wanted. The guy didn’t get surgery or anything.

I'm sure he has no issues handling that workload mentally, the question is if his body can

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

34-14. Rams win

 

[12intheBox]

I’m concerned with the matchup - I think the Panthers can be tough. I think we can and will best them, but I don’t expect to run away w it.

 

[RamBall]

I'm sure he has no issues handling that workload mentally, the question is if his body can

Gurley looked good in the playoff game against dallas, it was when the OL let the DL get penetration that Gurley didnt look like the Gurley we are used to. Remember 2016, the mediots said Gurley was just a 1 year wonder? Just like most RBs Gurleys game declines when his blocking declines. The SB was more about what NEs DL did than it was about what Gurley couldnt do. Gurley is a professional athlete and has access to all the top treatments to reduce the inflammation from arthritis. Dont let the mediots cause you to worry about nothing.

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams vs. Carolina Panthers: Who has the edge?

The Rams opened a much-trumpeted 2018 season by winning their first eight games. That figures to be hard to duplicate this season, starting with Sunday’s road game against the Panthers.

www.dailynews.com

Bruce Irvin and Greg Little ruled out; Trai Turner will play vs Rams

The Panthers have ruled edge rusher Bruce Irvin and left tackle Greg Little out for Sunday’s game against the Rams after both players missed practice all week.

www.catscratchreader.com

Rams injury report | Who’s in, who’s out Sunday vs. Carolina Panthers

The Rams enter the 2019 season with a short list of injured or unavailable players.

www.pe.com

Rams injury report | Who’s in, who’s out Sunday vs. Carolina Panthers

 

[BriansRams]

I predict Bryce Hager gets an interception!

I predict Hager witnesses an interception!

 

[LARams_1963]

This game is by no means an easy one. I think we will win or lose depending on one factor..... how well JG16 is protected.