The cameras didn’t miss it - a brief but telling postgame handshake between Rams head coach Sean McVay and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson after Los Angeles edged out the Bears at home. It was the kind of moment that gets NFL fans buzzing, especially with some recent history adding extra spice to the interaction.
Johnson, known for his competitive fire, made headlines earlier this season for a comment about how much he enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur’s Packers twice a year. That remark didn’t go unnoticed, especially considering the Lions and Packers clashed three times this season. After each of those games, fans were locked in on the postgame exchanges between Johnson and LaFleur, looking for any signs of lingering tension.
Enter Sean McVay - one of LaFleur’s close friends and coaching confidants. Earlier this week, McVay publicly defended LaFleur during a press conference, making it clear where his loyalties lie.
So naturally, when McVay and Johnson met at midfield after the Rams’ win, fans were watching closely. The handshake?
Quick, professional, and-depending on your interpretation-maybe a little frosty. Whether it was just two competitors showing mutual respect or something with a bit more edge, it certainly got people talking.
On the field, the Rams had to dig deep to earn their spot in the NFC Championship Game. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams gave them everything they could handle, keeping the Bears in it until overtime. But when it mattered most, the Rams’ defense made the play - Kamren Curl came up with a clutch interception in the extra period, setting the stage for Matthew Stafford to do what he does best.
Stafford, calm and clinical, led a textbook drive that put the Rams in range for rookie kicker Harrison Mevis, who knocked through the game-winner. It was a gutsy, resilient win, and it sent a clear message: the Rams are back in the NFC’s elite.
Now, it’s on to Seattle. The Rams will face the Seahawks next Sunday with a trip to Super Bowl 60 on the line. The winner will take on the AFC champion - either the Denver Broncos or New England Patriots - in Las Vegas.
For McVay and the Rams, this marks their third NFC title game appearance in eight seasons. And with Stafford playing sharp, the defense making timely plays, and McVay steering the ship, they’re peaking at just the right time.