Matthew Stafford smashes NFL TD record but Panthers secondary strikes back

The Los Angeles Rams have been riding the coattails of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford this season, and Stafford is more than happy to lead the team to a very successful season. So far, Stafford has been the key to scoring, as he entered Week 13 with 30 touchdowns. He already has his 31st and his 28th straight touchdown pass this season without an interception.

That smashes the record formerly held by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who had thrown 27 touchdown passes without an interception. It's that incredible touchdown-to-interception ratio that has inserted Stafford into the NFL MVP conversations. And as has been the case in Week 13, the touchdown-maker is veteran wide receiver Davante Adams.

The touchdown streak ended with just over 4:00 remaining in the first quarter, as former Rams defensive back Nick Scott picked off Stafford in the end zone on third down and six yards to go from the Carolina Panthers' eight-yard line.

End of Q1

Los Angeles Rams 7
Carolina Panthers 14

Stafford's early struggles were expected against Panthers in Week 13

Many fans had pooh-poohed the Panthers' chances against Los Angeles in this one, but the team has plenty of reasons to hold ample respect for Carolina on the road. While the game is still early, the duo of running backs, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, has rushed six times for 50 yards. The Panthers defense has struggled to defend the run this season.

LA's rushing attack creates problems for Carolina that its defense has no answers for.

The Rams are putting up an easily defended offensive game plan in this one. Stafford is still throwing against a secondary that entered Week 13 with 10 interceptions, and has put up two more in this one.

Stafford is the story in this one. One touchdown, followed by two interceptions and one pick-six. But with the NFC West tightly packed, and the Panthers playing with complete abandon, the carefree aerial assault by LA is going to create huge problems today.

Can the Rams offense settle down? Can the defense step up? The team is down by seven points. But there is plenty of time remaining. The offense should give more emphasis on running the football in this one.

As always, thanks for reading.