The Carolina Panthers came up short on making a repeat appearance to the postseason in 2018 as many of the problems that haunted them in 2017 came back to rear their ugly heads last year. Seven straight losses and a shoulder injury to the face of the franchise https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Christian-Mccaffrey-Jersey , Cam Newton, plagued the second half of the season. Newton struggled to throw the ball down the field and often was met with a turnover in 10+ yard situations. The offensive bright side? Christian McCaffrey. He finished third in the league (327) for most total touches. McCaffrey also tied fourth amongst the running backs in the NFL with 53 combined missed tackles.On Sunday, Panthers have a chance to kick start the season with a statement win. The defending NFC champions, Los Angeles Rams, come into town after recently extending Jared Goff’s contract by an astounding dollar amount. Defensively, the Rams have some MVP-caliber stars, such as 5x Pro Bowler defensive tackle Aaron Donald. He finished the 2018 season on a high note with a career-high 20.5 sacks and is expected to have another stellar season.A win over the Los Angeles Rams would certainly prove to doubters that the previous season was a fluke for the Panthers. Here are three keys for Carolina’s offense to defeat Rams’ defense:Get Rid of the Ball QuicklyIt was a scary moment in the preseason when Cam Newton went down with an ankle injury in the Panthers’ Week 3 game against the New England Patriots. However https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Daryl-Williams-Jersey , the following week, Newton was back on his feet throwing and was not on Wednesday’s injury report. Although much has been made about Newton being able to throw the deep ball again, it will be important to get rid of the ball, and get rid of it fast, against a havoc like Donald.He is the type of player offenses have to build schemes around, and this game should be no different for Carolina. Protecting Newton last season was a constant issue. Even though Panthers drafted left tackle Greg Little and signed free agent center Matt Paradis, injuries remain a story to watch along the offensive line. Daryl Williams https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Donte-Jackson-Jersey , who missed all but one game in 2018 due to a knee injury, is slated to be Newton's blind side protector at left tackle for the first time in his career.Use YouthThe Rams secondary is skilled, but aging. It was a strategic move in the offseason when Los Angeles signed veteran safety Eric Weddle. But he sat out during preseason, along with the other starters, and admitted to ESPN his timing could be off. The Panthers have youth on their side when it comes to the dynamic trio of McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and Curtis Samuel. McCaffrey and Samuel have a special ability to quickly separate themselves from defenders. Panthers should zone in on exposing the rustiness of the Rams’ secondary Greg Olsen Jersey , who showed signs of weakness without a healthy Aqib Talib in 2018.Run, Run, RunLos Angeles found themselves alone when they ranked dead last in rushing yards allowed per attempt. It’s no secret that Panthers know how to utilize their strength in running the ball, who finished first in rushing yards gain per attempt in 2018. Even with the Rams’ addition of veteran outside linebacker Clay Matthews, Carolina should still be able to do what they do best, and that’s run. The Rams have never faced the quickness of McCaffrey. Last year, the running back accumulated 1 Fozzy Whittaker Color Rush Jersey ,965 yards from scrimmage. Against a running defense that’s still looking to improve, McCaffrey should be able to set the pace early for another high rushing season. The Panthers have had a pair of impressive offensive drives, but don’t have much to show for it.They’re leading the Seahawks 3-0, after settling for a field goal on the last drive, and giving the ball away on downs on their first attempt.The Panthers are moving the ball with relative ease, running the ball efficiently with both Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey, and Newton warmed up with a downfield throw to D.J. Moore Rashaan Gaulden Jersey , loosening things up a bit.But after stopping them on fourth down at their own 5-yard line on the opening drive, the Seahawks again held, and the Panthers settled for a 26-yard field goal from Graham Gano. Those struggles in the red zone are reminsicent of last week’s failed two-point conversion attempt against the Lions, but the Panthers are otherwise controlling things early, outgaining the Seahawks 115-43 in the first quarter.