The Panthers make their way to St. Louis looking to continue their winning ways in this short-lived NFC West rivalry.

Carolina has prevailed in five of the previous eight meetings between the clubs dating back to 1995, and a year ago swept this series for the second time in three seasons. In Week 12 at the TWA Dome, Panthers QB Steve Beuerlein threw for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns (1 INT), both scores to TE Wesley Walls, as Carolina jumped out to an eventual 17-0 second-quarter lead, then held on for a 24-20 victory.

Four weeks later at Ericsson Stadium (Week 16), Beuerlein threw for 193 yards and two more touchdowns and the Panthers defense forced four turnovers as Carolina completed the sweep, 20-13.

Panthers are 3-1 in their four previous visits to the TWA Dome dating back to 1995.

Numbers: The Panthers have amassed 35 takeaways in 14 wins, 32 takeaways in 26 losses dating back to '97. They have allowed 170 points in 14 wins, 726 points in 26 losses dating back to '97. In 39 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), Panthers OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 35.0 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 5.5 in '99).

In 8 games in '99, Rams RB Marshall Faulk has rushed for 607 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus caught 47 passes for 465 yards and 2 touchdowns; worth noting is that the only player in NFL history to total 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season was San Francisco 49ers RB Roger Craig in 1985. In his last 24 games dating back to last season (16 with Colts in '98, 7 with Rams in '99), Faulk has gained 3,299 yards from scrimmage and scored 14 touchdowns, rushing for 1,926 yards and 8 touchdowns, plus catching 133 passes for 1,373 yards and 6 touchdowns. Rams QB Kurt Warner has thrown 24 touchdown passes and five interceptions in eight games in '99 (6-2). In '98, since-departed Rams QBs Tony Banks and Steve Bono combined to throw just 12 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions in 16 games in '98 (4-12). Warner has thrown three or more touchdown passes in three straight games and 7-of-8 contests in '99. In their first eight games in '99 (6-2), the Rams have outscored the opposition a combined 68-30 (plus-38) in the first quarter. In 16 games in '98 (4-12), the Rams were outscored a combined 116-37 (minus-79) in the first quarter. They have allowed 10 sacks in their last two games after giving up just 10 sacks in their first six contests in '99. The Rams have forced 13 turnovers in six wins, 0 takeaways in two losses in '99. They have scored 333 points in 10 wins, 217 points in 14 losses dating back to '98. WR Isaac Bruce has scored at least one touchdown in 6-of-8 contests in '99.

Things to look for: It would be foolish to take the Panthers lightly these days as their inconsistent yet improving offense has proven it can put points on the board. Dick Vermeil's team suddenly finds itself in the midst of a two-game losing streak thanks to heartbreaking road setbacks to the Titans and Lions. If the Rams are truly going anywhere this season, they put this short skid to halt immediately.

Etc.: Including playoffs, the Panthers are 34-40 in their 74-game history (1995-99), including 18-17 vs. NFC West rivals. The Rams are just 18-47 vs. divisional competition since 1990, but 3-0 vs. NFC West rivals in 1999. They have won five straight home games dating back to '98.