CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Was this the same Kurt Warner who led the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl last season?

After missing five games with a dislocated pinky finger, Warner looked lost Sunday, throwing four interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, as the reeling Rams continued their slide with a 16-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Back on the job after missing five games, Kurt Warner is harassed by Reggie White; Warner threw four interceptions.(AP)

The Rams (8-5) were hoping Warner's return could revitalize their sputtering attack. Instead, St. Louis' high-powered offense was a virtual no-show, committing seven turnovers.

After getting picked off twice in the red zone in the first half, Warner was victimized by Carolina defensive back Jimmy Hitchcock, who returned an interception 88 yards to give the Panthers a 7-3 lead with 5:19 left in the third quarter.

The Rams suffered their fifth loss in seven games and no longer are a lock to even make the playoffs.

Carolina (6-7) kept alive its slim playoff hopes and completed a season sweep of the Rams. The Panthers posted a 27-24 victory in St. Louis in Week 5.

The Rams suffered their first three-game losing streak since dropping four in a row from Nov. 15-Dec. 3, 1998 and were held without a touchdown for the first time since a 24-3 loss to the Saints on Nov. 15, 1998.

Carolina held on to the ball for most of the fourth quarter, preventing a St. Louis comeback. Joe Nedney kicked field goals of 20, 23 and 37 yards in the fourth quarter to put the contest out of reach.

The Rams started well, driving 57 yards on 11 plays on their first possession to take a 3-0 lead on Jeff Wilkins' 38-yard field goal 5:01 into the first quarter.

But for the rest of the afternoon, St. Louis looked nothing like a Super Bowl team. Warner, who completed 18-of-36 for 189 yards, already has thrown 14 interceptions after having 13 all of last season.

Tshimanga Biakabutuka missed a third game in a row beacause of a toe injury.