NFC Championship: Rams Reflect on Missed Chances in 31-27 Loss to Seahawks
The Rams faced a disappointing 31-27 defeat against the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game, filled with moments of regret about missed opportunities.
In such a tight match, it’s not surprising that the Rams are looking back at various chances they had to clinch the game in the final minutes.
Yet, the issues began earlier in the season.
For instance, there was that third-down pass early on that Puka Nacua couldn’t secure in the season opener. Had the Rams successfully converted that for a first down instead of punting, the outcome might have shifted significantly.
Later in the game, Nacua and quarterback Matthew Stafford missed a critical connection in the red zone, which ultimately led to only a field goal instead of a touchdown.
“I can’t stop thinking about that first third down. We attempted a route and I just couldn’t catch it,” Nacua admitted.
“Reflecting on our red zone opportunities, I realized I wasn’t quite on the same wavelength as Matthew. Those were precious chances that slipped away. I can vividly recall those moments where I knew a play was coming. I should have made it, but it just… didn’t happen.”
The Rams boasted the NFL’s top offense this season, averaging 30.5 points per game. Falling short of that, along with Xavier Smith’s fumbled punt that turned into a 17-yard touchdown for the Seahawks, dashed their hopes for a third Super Bowl appearance in eight years.
That weighs on me, too.
“I owe the defense an apology for putting them in tough spots. I really feel we could have made it easier for them,” Nacua reflected.
Even so, the Rams had numerous chances to secure a win at Lumen Field.
During the final drive, they were deep in Seahawks territory but faltered on two critical plays.
Some of that came down to execution, and, well, luck played a part too.
On a third-and-1 at the Seahawks’ 26, the Rams went for a play-action pass. Tight end Colby Parkinson was left open just behind two Seattle defenders. Stafford delivered a perfect pass—Parkinson just needed to catch it to score.
But he dropped the ball.
Fortunately, they converted on fourth down, displaying some creative play-calling by sending running back Kyren Williams out for a six-and-goal play.
Interestingly, the Seahawks seemed disorganized, with two defenders ending up in the same spot as Williams.
“You can’t plan for that on their end,” Rams coach Sean McVay noted. “It was a fortunate break for us.”
Stafford quickly adjusted and threw an unexpected pass to Terrence Ferguson in the end zone, which Seahawks cornerback Devin Witherspoon successfully broke up.
“In the red zone, everything speeds up and the defense has less room to work with,” said Nacua, who was the third option on that play. “It was a well-called play.”
Despite it all, it didn’t align with the Seahawks’ original game plan.
“They were coming in with zero points. It was surprising to see them strip two of our guys,” McVay said. “That’s probably not what they intended.”
It turned out to be one of the rare moments that didn’t go the Rams’ way.
“It’s football, and unpredictable things happen,” added Rams wide receiver Davante Adams.
