This game was round three of these two NFC titans. On one side, you’ve got the Seattle Seahawks. They are renowned as one of, if not the most complete, teams in the NFL. As for the Los Angeles Rams, there’s the best offense in the NFL. From MVP candidate Matthew Stafford to the best receiver, Puka Nacua, and a future Hall of Fame receiver, Davante Adams. Let’s dive into last night’s masterclass of a game!
Seahawks Jump All Over Rams Early
The Seattle Seahawks defense stood on its heels to begin the game, forcing a Rams three-and-out. Sam Darnold would connect with Rashid Shaheed for a 51-yard gain on the team’s 3rd offensive snap. They appeared ready to rock and roll. Kenneth Walker would complete the drive with a 2-yard touchdown. LA would answer with a 44-yard Harrison Mevis field goal, but the score at the end of the first quarter would be the Seahawks up 10-3.
Down a touchdown, this is where the Rams would seize some of the momentum. They worked their way down the field and scored another Mevis field goal to cut the deficit to 10-6. In the ensuing possession, Seattle would punt the ball back to the MVP, then LA would go on a 12-play drive capped by Kyren Williams catching a 12-yard touchdown pass, leading 13-10.
Sam Darnold would eventually hit Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a scissor route out of the backfield for the go-ahead touchdown with 25 seconds left in the first half to regain the lead before intermission. Seattle leading 17-13 at the half, a half dominated by them, was massive, considering the Rams appeared to take some of the home team’s and crowd’s momentum.
Rams Roar Back Despite Miscues
With Seattle getting the ball to start the second half, it was important that the Rams get an early stop. Their defense forced a three-and-out, but their special teams reared their ugly head. Xavier Smith would muff the punt, and the Seahawks would score the next play with Jake Bobo. At that point, Stafford turned on MVP mode, leading the offense to a four-play touchdown drive led by Davante Adams.
The offensive light show would continue as both teams traded touchdowns again. Cooper Kupp would extend the Seahawks’ lead back to double digits, while Puka Nacua would score a 34-yard touchdown while cutting the lead back down. Entering the last frame to determine who represents the NFC in Super Bowl 60, Seattle led the Rams 31-27.
For an action-packed first three quarters, it was time to buckle down in the fourth. The Rams would get the ball back with 12:18 remaining, needing a touchdown to take the lead in a hostile environment. They marched to the beat of a 15-play drive that took off 7 minutes and 19 seconds only to come up six yards short. Down 31-27, Stafford and the Rams went for it on 4th and 4 on Seattle’s six-yard line. The pass would fall incomplete, and the Hawks would run out the clock till it was too little too late for LA to answer.
Takeaways
I thought this game was amazing from top to bottom. When you talk about momentum swings, last night had plenty. Everything from touchdowns to spectacular players making spectacular plays when their teams needed it the most. It was the definition of cinema. Sam Darnold played the game of his life when the moment showed to be too large in previous seasons. If he can play anywhere close to that, I don’t see the Patriots standing much of a chance.
Final Thoughts
It’s cliché to say that we hate that someone had to lose such an amazing game, but you do feel bad for the Rams. To have everything clicking, and it comes down to your special teams muffing a punt when you have all the momentum, is heartbreaking. Alas, Seattle proved to be the better team. With the Super Bowl matchup official, who takes home the Lombardi Trophy in Santa Clara?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and recap of the Seattle Seahawks defeating the Los Angeles Rams and punching their ticket to Super Bowl 60. Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
