The Los Angeles Rams are set to make their mark on the NFC Championship Game, not just by entering but by carrying a significant history with them. Each phase of Rams history has imprinted itself on January football, from the disappointments of the 1970s to the undeniable success seen in recent years under the sharp guidance of Sean McVay.
This Sunday, they will face off against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field for the 12th NFC Championship Game, with the winner securing a spot in Super Bowl LX.
It’s the third encounter this season between these two formidable rivals. They’ve each secured victories against one another, with the Rams leading in offensive rankings and the Seahawks boasted the top defense.
There’s a palpable sense of hope in Seattle, where the Seahawks are undefeated at home in NFC Championship Games, yet they’ve historically faltered against the Rams in the playoffs, holding an 0-2 record.
Under McVay’s leadership, the Rams have achieved ten playoff victories in just a few seasons—equalling the total the franchise accumulated over the past 37 years prior. His 2-0 record in the NFC Championship Games is indicative of an extraordinary turnaround.
But before diving into the present, it’s vital to reflect on the Rams’ tumultuous past in the NFC title game—an experience marked both by triumphs and failures, leaving behind some emotional scars.
Rams’ NFC Championship Game History
The narrative began in the Chuck Knox era, a time when the Rams excelled in regular seasons but stumbled in the postseason. From 1974 through 1976, they reached the NFC Championship Game three times, only to lose each one. They faced tough competition from teams like Minnesota and Dallas, with some losses sharp and painful, others inexplicable. A particularly memorable moment was a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown in ‘76, a play that felt more like a curse than mere misfortune. Knox crafted a winning culture, yet the Super Bowl remained out of reach.
This recurring theme persisted. In 1979, a muddy game against Tampa Bay marked the Rams’ struggle to seal the deal, with defense leading them to Super Bowl XIV where they faced a brutal reality against the Steelers.
As fortunes shifted to St. Louis, so did the team’s identity. Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf,” the Rams made a cultural impact. They returned to the NFC Championship Game in 1999, edging out Tampa Bay in a tight contest before winning the Super Bowl two weeks later, forever altering the trajectory of the franchise.
Mike Martz kept the momentum going, and in 2001, the Rams clinched another NFC title by defeating the Eagles, though the subsequent loss to New England altered the course of NFL history without diminishing their legacy at that time.
However, between 2002 and 2016, the team grappled with times of obscurity, shifting cities and searching for significance until Sean McVay emerged as an unexpected savior. His appointment in 2017 was viewed as a gamble, but it turned into a transformative moment for the franchise.
Under McVay’s watch, the approach to the NFC Championship Game evolved into something cleaner and more intense. Reflecting on the team’s success, McVay emphasized the importance of focus and control over external chaos.
In the 2018 NFC Championship Game, despite a chaotic atmosphere in New Orleans, the Rams held steady, managing to advance to the Super Bowl thanks to a decisive kick by Greg Zuerlein. McVay fondly recalls the experience as a shared triumph with his team.
Fast forward three years, the Rams find themselves embracing their historical challenges. In the 2021 NFC title game, they displayed resilience against the 49ers, showcasing a savvy determination that propelled them back to the Super Bowl, where McVay, now the youngest head coach to win a title, witnessed the culmination of their efforts.
As the Rams prepare for their next challenge, the statistics reveal they are 5-6 overall in NFC Championship Games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford remarked on the importance of being aggressive while also capitalizing on the opportunities that arise during play.
This Sunday marks a new chapter as the Rams take on the Seahawks in their first-ever meeting in the NFC Championship Game. It’s more than just another game; it’s about a franchise that has learned through its ups and downs, alongside a coach who has made this grand stage familiar ground.
