St. Louis Rams vs. Carolina Panthers: 5 Players To Watch

The St. Louis Rams are heading to Carolina this week to play the Panthers. The Rams want to win their third straight game in a row; their second one on the road.

This is a game the Rams can win; maybe not as easily as some people think, but it should be a win nonetheless. If the Rams want to come out on top, their players will have to come up big. Here are the players who will have to shine for St. Louis:

Sam Bradford

Coming off a three-touchdown performance, all eyes will be on Sam Bradford again this week. Bradford was really effective as a game manger against the Houston Texans; throwing for less than 120 yards and those three touchdowns. He will more than likely be asked to throw the ball more than 16 times (his Houston pass attempts total) against the Panthers secondary. Can the Rams pull out a victory through the air with Bradford?

Alec Ogletree

After a big performance last week and a 98 yard interception for a touchdown, a lot of people will be watching the potential defensive rookie of the year. The Panthers will run the ball, like every team has done against the Rams this season. So Ogletree will have a chance to have another big game and the Rams will need him to contain the Panthers running threats.

Zac Stacy

The Rams fifth-round rookie rusher has taken the lead running back role and doesn't appear to hand it back anytime soon. He's been an effective runner in his two starts, gaining more than 70 yards the last two weeks. This week should be a real test for Stacy, as he will find himself going against a top defensive front seven.

Tavon Austin

Going into this game, everyone is wondering what the Rams have in mind for the former West Virginia star receiver. Over the last couple of weeks, Austin's snaps have fallen. However, this week the Rams should have more passing attempts, which means Austin should have more opportunities. Everyone is still waiting on Austin to have a big game. Maybe this is the week he finally breaks out.

Michael Brockers

The Rams' big boy at defensive tackle had his biggest game of the season, if not in his young career. It's hard to beat two sacks, but Brockers showed that he wasn't invisible. The Rams will need Brockers to disrupt Cam Newton's pocket and make things uncomfortable. He probably won't have two sacks, but if he can help control the line of scrimmage, it will go a long way into deciding this game.