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Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua delivered standout performances, but the Rams were unable to close out a game they once controlled, falling to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime
The Rams appeared firmly in command after taking a 30-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Kobie Turner dropped into coverage and intercepted Sam Darnold at the goal line, but Los Angeles failed to capitalize. The offense went three-and-out on three consecutive possessions, including one that led to a 58-yard punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed, acquired by Seattle from New Orleans at the trade deadline.
Davante Adams missed the game with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 15 against Detroit, and his absence was felt in the red zone. Seattle’s defense forced the Rams to settle for two field goals from inside the 10-yard line to open their scoring.
Los Angeles limited Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first half, holding him without a catch on one target. Smith-Njigba turned the tide after halftime, finishing with eight receptions for 96 yards and the overtime touchdown that set up the winning two-point conversion.
Seattle tied the game at 30-30 late in the fourth quarter after a strange sequence on a two-point conversion. What was initially ruled an incomplete pass was overturned on replay and ruled a backward pass, resulting in a fumble recovered by Seattle in the end zone for a successful try. After the game, coach Sean McVay said he was not making excuses but wanted clarity on how the play was reviewed after both teams were preparing for the ensuing kickoff. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” McVay said. “I grew up around the game.”
With 2:11 remaining in regulation, Rams kicker Harrison Mevis missed a 48-yard field goal wide right, his first miss of the season.
In overtime, Stafford connected with Nacua on a 41-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams a 37-30 lead.
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The Seahawks responded with a drive highlighted by a 21-yard toe-tap reception by former Ram Cooper Kupp. Seattle moved down to the 4-yard line, where Darnold found Smith-Njigba for the touchdown. The Seahawks then went for two, and tight end Eric Saubert slipped out after selling a block, hauling in his first catch of the game for the winning conversion.
Stafford threw for a season-high 457 yards, while Nacua caught 12 passes for a career-best 225 yards.
The loss drops the Rams out of the NFC’s top seed and leaves them likely headed for a road game in the wild-card round.
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Max Stretton
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