Rams vs. Panthers 2013, Week 7: Live coverage, score updates and more

(11:46) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left to 89-S.Smith to CAR 23 for 9 yards (20-D.Stewart).

(3:42) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 89-S.Smith ran ob at CAR 47 for 10 yards.

Meanwhile, the Panthers won back-to-back games for the first time this season and Cam Newton looked every bit the part of a floor general with his second consecutive solid game. James Dator with Cat Scratch Reader wrote that the resolve the Panthers showed in the gritty game was a big step forward.

Douglas M of Turf Show Times is lamenting the loss of the Rams’ quarterback, but looking at the long picture have only good things to say about Bradford’s character.

Bradford suffered the injury while falling down awkwardly in an attempt to run out of bounds. He struggled to stand after the play and had to be carted off the field. Bradford finished the day 21-for-30 passing for 255 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Kellen Clemons replaced him and went 2-for-4 for 19 yards.

The 3-4 Rams had to be considered longshot playoff contenders before Bradford’s injury. After the injury, the team’s prospects have taken another significant hit. Reports have already tied the organization to Tim Tebow. While that signing may be unlikely, there’s no doubt that the Rams are exploring every option they can at quarterback.

Bradford injured his left knee and will undergo an MRI on Sunday night. The Rams are worried about the injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Bradford has been inconsistent so far in 2013, but the Rams don’t have much behind him at quarterback. A significant injury to Bradford would derail an already tough season for St. Louis.

Smith unloaded both barrels on cornerback Janoris Jenkins in a Q&A with the Charlotte Observer following Sunday’s 30-15 win.

What Smith did make clear, however, was that his exclamation point on his third-quarter touchdown in the form of a dance had a very definite target.

Words were exchanged between the sides after a routine play, but something was said to incite a fight between the sides. Long and wide receiver Steve Smith were at the center of the scuffle, with a punch being thrown by Long resulting in him being escorted from the field.

Long’s ejection became the turning point on Sunday. A close game was blown wide open, as the Rams were charged with numerous unnecessary roughness penalties following the fight. The lack of composure carried into execution, allowing the Panthers to control the tempo of the game and record a home victory.

Bradford was pushed out of bounds as he tried to run to the sideline after scrambling, but he fell awkwardly on his knees and remaining down on the sideline for several minutes. He was helped to his feet by the St. Louis training staff before being carted to the locker room. There is no further update on his status at this time.

There is no indication on the severity of Bradford’s injury, but he was in a lot of pain and appeared unable to stand on his own.

Long appeared to throw a punch during a large scrum that erupted at the beginning of the third quarter. Panthers receiver Steve Smith and Long could be seen jawing on the field during the previous play, and Long was clearly upset by something Smith said. A large shoving match erupted after the end of the next play, with players from both teams rushing in to join the scuffle.

Long (No. 91) can be seen putting his hand in the face of a Panthers player in the GIF below.

Givens gained 24 yards on a sideline pass before being taken down by a diving tackler. He was able to stand, but was noticeably in pain before heading to the sideline to be evaluated by trainers. Givens was pointing to his ankle and had his head in his hands as trainers removed his cleat, but did not leave the field.

The Rams are moving the ball effectively through the air, already throwing for 127 yards with over five minutes remaining in the first half, but this could be limited without their top receiver.

SUPERMA..... PSYCH!

• NFL Week 7 updates, highlights and GIFs | Live NFL scoreboard

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Game Date/Time and Location: Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

TV schedule and distribution map: Fox; The506.com

The Rams have had trouble moving the football at times this season, with some of the blame falling on the players and some on offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. St. Louis ranks 30th in yards per game with 295.7, only better than Tampa Bay and Jacksonville.

Carolina has been one of the hardest teams to figure over the past few seasons. Every year it seems, the Panthers look like one of the more talented teams in the league, but things don’t come together quite as expected. This year has been no different, with Carolina sitting at 2-3.