5 winners and 4 losers in Rams Week 13 wild loss to the Panthers

For the first time in nearly two months, the 9-3 Los Angeles Rams have tasted defeat. This time from the unlikeliest of teams, the 7-6 Carolina Panthers. But losing one game after winning six games is nothing to be ashamed of. It's how the team responds to losing that will dictate the course over the season.

If you were shocked by the outcome, consider this. Los Angeles had won six games, and all but one of those victories came at the expense of legitimate playoff contenders. If an emotional letdown did not happen, how effective might this team be as the postseason neared?

This team has been very successful in the latter part of the season. But inevitably, a loss or two happens. LA had every reason to respect the Panthers. It was played on the road, three hours earlier than West Coast time, faced a familiar foe, and the timing was such that the Panthers were desperate for a win. Still, there were heroes and villains in Week 13. So, who were they?

Rams five winners and three losers in shocking Week 13 loss

Loser 4 | Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson

Week 13 had Terrance Ferguson written all over it. But after failing to catch two passes thrown his way, the offense shifted to other targets. So far in 2025, the Orgeon rookie has hauled in just five of 14 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown. While not necessarily a bust, he is not delivering to expectations this season.

Loser 3 | Rams defense

Statistically, the LA Rams defense was not bad. It simply was not effective. Chis Shula and company held a strong rushing offense to just 4.1 yards per carry and no rushing touchdowns. The team held quarterback Bryce Young to just 15 completions for 202 yards. This was a team that had two sacks, and did not allow a receiver to gain over 100 yards, nor a running back to gain over 100 rushing yards.

But 31 points, 24 of those from the Panthers offense, was a bit surprising. And yes, it gets worse.

Loser 2 | Rams fourth down defense

The trademark of the Chris Shula defense this season is holding opposing offenses on fourth down. That was not the case in Week 13. In fact, the Panthers' best offensive plays happened on fourth down, converting all three fourth-down attempts and scoring twice on fourth down, both deep passes.

Loser 1 | Quarterback Matthew Stafford

The game can be summed up rather easily. Quarterback Matthew Stafford gave up the football three times. While turnovers were not the only story in this one, it was one of the main themes. A turnover differential of (-3) is too much for any team to overcome.

What about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in Week 13? His defense reciprocated by creating two turnovers. Stafford threw a pick-six, a second interception, and fumbled due to a strip sack.

Winner 5 | Running back Kyren Williams

Los Angeles needed offense from running back Kyren Williams, and he delivered. Carolina's rushing defense was not good, and Williams ensured they would not improve in Week 13. He rushed 13 times for 72 yards and a touchdown. He could have rushed for over 200 yards had the offense stayed on the ground.

Winner 4 | Kick returner Ronnie Rivers

A special team specialist in the winners' list? That's right. Kick returner Ronnie Rivers returned five kickoffs for 135 yards, including an early jaunt of 46 yards. Special teams have broken many Rams fans' hearts this season. But not in this one.

Winner 3 | Wide receiver Xavier Smith

Tutu who? Speedy wide receiver Xavier Smith was on fire in this one, hauling in all three passes thrown his way for a robust 82 yards. Smith's heroics showed why Tutu Atwell was not activated for Week 13.

Winner 2 | Running back Blake Corum

Running back Blake Corum rushed seven times for 81 yards and a touchdown. He could have rushed for over 200 yards as well, nearly getting 100+ yards on just a handful of carries. But this offense does not like to run, particularly when running the football is so effective.

Winner 1 | Wide receiver Davante Adams

Veteran wide receiver Davante Adams continues his torrid touchdown pace in Week 13. He caught four of five passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 14 touchdowns in just 12 games. While he was scoring, the rest of the team was not.

A loss to grow on? Perhaps. It was a loss that fans will point back upon as a win that never happened. This was a comedy of errors, from not running the football to pushing too hard to come back; the team was sluggish and off-kilter.

The Rams may find better success on the road against the 3-9 Arizona Cardinals. But, after this loss, no game is a certain victory.

As always, thanks for reading.