Rams who must deliver against Carolina and who to watch out for on the Panthers
Rams who need to deliver…
Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. Most of the attention will be on the Rams’ outside cornerbacks, but the 5-foot-8 Joyner could find himself matched up in the slot at times against 6-5 tight end Greg Olsen or 6-5 receiver Kelvin Benjamin, his former Florida State teammate. And, of course, 6-5, 245-pound quarterback Cam Newton is a run threat.
Middle linebacker Alec Ogletree. Newton’s size, speed and passing ability present perhaps the biggest challenge for an NFL defense, so it falls on Ogletree to make sure the unit is positioned to react accordingly. Ogletree rallied the defense after a poor performance against Detroit and the unit played well against the New York Giants.
Left tackle Greg Robinson. He was called for four penalties against the Giants and spoke last week about his reputation preceding him with officials. The third-year pro will be on the spot against a defensive front that features ends Charles Johnson and Kony Ealy.
Panthers to watch out for…
Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. The former Utah standout was the NFL defensive player of the week after recording three sacks and forcing a fumble in the Panthers’ 30-20 victory at home over the Arizona Cardinals. Lotulelei plays on a line that includes ends Charles Johnson and Kony Ealy and tackle Kawann Short.
Cornerback Leonard Johnson. Playing in his first game for the Panthers since working back from a torn Achilles’ tendon, Johnson made eight tackles, including a sack, and broke up a pass against the Cardinals. Johnson also was fined for unnecessary roughness for ripping the helmet off Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer.
Receiver Devin Funchess. Tight end Greg Olsen is Cam Newton’s go-to target and receiver Kelvin Benjamin, at 6 feet 5 and 245 pounds, is a load. But at 6-4, 225 pounds, Funchess also is able to create mismatches with smaller corners. He has 10 catches, two for touchdowns.
Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @latimesklein
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