Game story
In Week 1 of the 2007 NFL season on 2007-09-09, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 27–13 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with -2.12 total EPA, and -11.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.63 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+19.3% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Carolina Panthers changed the game: (8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 27 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Delhomme · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +11.63 total EPA · 30 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 2 S. Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +9.32 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.33 EPA/play
- 3 T. Holt · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +7.09 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
- 4 D. Carter · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.22 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.74 EPA/play
- 5 D. Williams · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +2.94 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
- 6 J. King · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.96 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 7 D. Hall · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.92 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
- 8 B. Hoover · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +1.33 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Delhomme — CAR · Passing
J. Delhomme posted the highest total EPA (+11.63) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 30 counted snaps, they averaged +0.39 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.92 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Carolina Panthers — D. Carter (J. Delhomme pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — T. Holt (M. Bulger pass)
- Carolina Panthers — S. Smith (J. Delhomme pass)
- Carolina Panthers — D. Carter (J. Delhomme pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay
- Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LA 10 (Q1 54:27) — (9:27) 17-J.Delhomme pass short middle to 18-D.Carter for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q1 54:20) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the CAR 3 (Q1 47:05) — (2:05) 10-M.Bulger pass short left to 81-T.Holt for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 47:00) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CAR 24 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 14-J.Wilkins 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..
The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the CAR 10 (Q3 27:55) — (12:55) 14-J.Wilkins 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LA 68 (Q3 23:43) — (8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 23:33) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 13–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LA 17 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 4-J.Kasay 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LA 9 (Q4 7:24) — (7:24) 17-J.Delhomme pass short left to 18-D.Carter for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by LA and Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 07:15.); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q4 7:15) — 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LA 15 (Q4 1:08) — (1:08) 4-J.Kasay 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 23:43) — (8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 20:34) — (5:34) 26-D.Foster up the middle to LA 3 for 2 yards (54-B.Chillar). FUMBLES (54-B.Chillar), RECOVERED by LA-54-B.Chillar at LA 3. 54-B.Chillar to LA 3 for no gain (26-D.Foster). Play Challenged by CA
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 22:49) — (7:49) 39-S.Jackson right end to LA 27 for 4 yards (35-D.Cooper). FUMBLES (35-D.Cooper), RECOVERED by CAR-20-C.Gamble at LA 26.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 24:28) — (9:28) 39-S.Jackson right end to CAR 26 for 6 yards (43-C.Harris). FUMBLES (43-C.Harris), RECOVERED by CAR-90-J.Peppers at CAR 26. 90-J.Peppers to CAR 26 for no gain (39-S.Jackson).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 30:00) — 4-J.Kasay kicks 71 yards from CAR 30 to LA -1. 82-D.Hall to CAR 17 for 84 yards (31-R.Marshall).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 23:43) — (8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 22:49) — (7:49) 39-S.Jackson right end to LA 27 for 4 yards (35-D.Cooper). FUMBLES (35-D.Cooper), RECOVERED by CAR-20-C.Gamble at LA 26.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 24:28) — (9:28) 39-S.Jackson right end to CAR 26 for 6 yards (43-C.Harris). FUMBLES (43-C.Harris), RECOVERED by CAR-90-J.Peppers at CAR 26. 90-J.Peppers to CAR 26 for no gain (39-S.Jackson).
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 20:34) — (5:34) 26-D.Foster up the middle to LA 3 for 2 yards (54-B.Chillar). FUMBLES (54-B.Chillar), RECOVERED by LA-54-B.Chillar at LA 3. 54-B.Chillar to LA 3 for no gain (26-D.Foster). Play Challenged by CA
Quarterback report card
M.Bulger led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) · 47 dropbacks · 46.8% completion · -11.9% CPOE · -0.05 EPA/play · -2.12 total EPA
- J.Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) · 30 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +2.6% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +11.63 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.085 | -0.140 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.8% | 37.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.388 | -0.045 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.024 | -0.735 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.140 | -0.085 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.4% | 48.2% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.09 vs -0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, +7.08 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, -11.90 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- M. Bulger (LA) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 54:27 · LA 10 · Score 6-0
(9:27) 17-J.Delhomme pass short middle to 18-D.Carter for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 54:20 · LA 2 · Score 7-0
4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 47:05 · CAR 3 · Score 7-6
(2:05) 10-M.Bulger pass short left to 81-T.Holt for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 47:00 · CAR 2 · Score 7-7
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · CAR 24 · Score 7-10
(:03) 14-J.Wilkins 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 27:55 · CAR 10 · Score 7-13
(12:55) 14-J.Wilkins 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 23:43 · LA 68 · Score 13-13
(8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 23:33 · LA 2 · Score 14-13
4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · LA 17 · Score 17-13
(15:00) 4-J.Kasay 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 7:24 · LA 9 · Score 23-13
(7:24) 17-J.Delhomme pass short left to 18-D.Carter for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by LA and Upheld. (Timeout #1 at 07:15.) - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 7:15 · LA 2 · Score 24-13
4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 1:08 · LA 15 · Score 27-13
(1:08) 4-J.Kasay 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Los Angeles Rams 27-13 in Week 1, 2007 on 2007-09-09.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 27, Los Angeles Rams 13 (CAR 27-13 LA) in Week 1, 2007 on 2007-09-09.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, Los Angeles Rams 7; Q2: Carolina Panthers 0, Los Angeles Rams 3; Q3: Carolina Panthers 7, Los Angeles Rams 3; Q4: Carolina Panthers 13, Los Angeles Rams 0; Final: Carolina Panthers 27, Los Angeles Rams 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams?
Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Carter (J. Delhomme pass) (Q1 54:27) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Holt (M. Bulger pass) (Q1 47:05) Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Smith (J. Delhomme pass) (Q3 23:43) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Carter (J. Delhomme pass) (Q4 7:24) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q3 27:55, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q4 1:08, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams?
M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams), 46.8% completion, -11.9% CPOE, -0.05 EPA per dropback, -2.12 total passing EPA. J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers), 60.0% completion, +2.6% CPOE, +0.39 EPA per dropback, +11.63 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams?
J. Delhomme (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +11.63 on passing plays. across 30 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.92 EPA): (8:43) 17-J.Delhomme pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 68 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +19.3%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Now 1-0 W
Los Angeles Rams
Now 0-1 L
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