What we learned from the Rams' win over the Carolina Panthers

Staff Writer

Sept. 9, 2019 7:17 AM PT

Here’s what we learned from the Rams’ 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers:

Todd Gurley’s left knee appears to be fine

The offseason load-management program the Rams instituted for Gurley looked like it paid off, at least for now. The three-time Pro Bowl selection rushed for 97 yards in 14 carries.

Gurley got more series off than in the past, giving way to backup Malcolm Brown.

Gurley looked somewhat tentative at the start of the game, but he seemed to grow more confident as the game progressed. And he was effective not only with his feet. His stiff-arm technique is among the NFL’s most effective.

Gurley was at his best in the fourth quarter, when the Rams needed him most.

Malcolm Brown was worth the price

After the 2018 season, the Rams matched an offer sheet from the Detroit Lions and signed Brown, who got a two-year, $3.3-million contract, according to overthecap.com.

It was a smart move, not only because he has been an effective backup for Gurley. He also is a special teams stalwart.

Brown rushed for 53 yards and two touchdowns in 11 carries against the Panthers. He ran with determination, quick moves and strength, dragging would-be tacklers for extra yards.

Brian Allen and Joe Noteboom smoothly transitioned to starting roles

Second-year pros Allen and Noteboom replaced John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold, respectively, for an offense that rushed for 166 yards and allowed only one sack against the Panthers.

It was a solid performance by young players who had participated in joint practices with the Chargers and Oakland Raiders but had been held out of preseason games.

Allen and quarterback Jared Goff appeared to have no issues with snap exchanges. And Noteboom looked comfortable playing left guard alongside veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth.

Cooper Kupp is fully recovered from knee surgery

Kupp played for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 11, 2018.

He caught seven passes for 46 yards.

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Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown celebrates his second touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey leaps over Los Angeles Rams linebacker Cory Littleton during the second quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Rams quarterback Jared Goff hands off to running back Todd Gurley during the first half against the Carolina Panthers. (Associated Press)

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Los Angeles Rams safety Eric Weddle is attended to by team staff after suffering a cut near his eye against the Carolina Panthers. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley breaks away from Carolina Panthers defenders Luke Kuechly (59) and Kawann Short for a big gain during the fourth quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Corey Littleton tries to recovery a fumble by Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore during the second quarter. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)

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Los Angeles Rams cornerback Aqib Talib breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore during the fourth quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee catches a touchdown pass in front of Carolina Panthers defenders Shaq Thompson, left, and Eric Reid during the fourth quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Carolina Panthers cornerback Javien Elliott, left, tries to tackle Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods during the first half. (Associated Press)

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Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters taunts Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton after an interception by teammate Cory Littleton during the fourth quarter. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Rams running back Malcolm Brown, center, is congratulated by center Austin Blythe, right, and wide receiver Robert Woods following Brown’s touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first half. (Associated Press)

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Los Angeles Rams players line up during the national anthem before their 2019 season opener against the Carolina Panthers. (Associated Press)

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Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley during the first half. (Associated Press)

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Los Angeles Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein kicks a field goal against the Carolina Panthers during the first half. (Associated Press)

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Fans watch the Carolina Panthers play the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. (Associated Press)

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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half. (Associated Press)

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Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore during the second half. (Associated Press)

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers. (Getty Images)

Perhaps more important, Kupp restored the next-level confidence and synchronicity Goff has with the Kupp-Robert Woods-Brandin Cooks receiving triumvirate.

Woods caught a team-best eight passes for 70 yards and also rushed for 20 yards in two carries. Cooks caught two passes for 39 yards.

The rushing defense needs improvement

It’s too early to describe this as a major concern.

Christian McCaffrey is one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs. He rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns in 19 carries and also caught 10 passes for 81 yards.

Many of McCaffrey’s longest runs were right up the middle.