Rams Fall in Overtime Thriller as Controversial Two-Point Call Clouds Finish
In a game that had just about everything-explosive offense, late-game drama, and a call that left everyone scratching their heads-the Los Angeles Rams came up just short in a 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night.
But it wasn’t just the final score that had people talking. It was a pivotal two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter that flipped the game-and the conversation around it-on its head.
With Seattle trailing 30-28, quarterback Sam Darnold’s pass on the two-point attempt initially looked incomplete. Rams linebacker Jared Verse got a hand on it, and the ball fell into the end zone.
That should’ve been the end of it. But after review, officials ruled the pass was actually a backwards lateral, meaning it was a live ball.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet scooped it up in the end zone for two points.
That ruling turned a failed conversion into a game-tying play and left Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford looking for answers.
“I just want to know that rule,” Stafford said postgame. “I thought on two-point plays, especially inside of two minutes, you couldn’t advance a fumble.
Otherwise, guys would just toss it forward when going down and hope someone else picks it up. Clearly, I don’t know the rule well enough.”
To be clear, Stafford wasn’t pointing fingers at the officiating crew. He wasn’t blaming anyone.
But like head coach Sean McVay, he’s asking for clarity. And after a game this tight, with playoff seeding on the line, it’s hard to blame him.
Stafford Shines Despite the Loss
Lost in the controversy was just how good Stafford was on the night. The veteran quarterback turned in one of his best performances of the season, throwing for 457 yards and three touchdowns on 29-of-49 passing. He was locked in from the opening snap, carving up Seattle’s secondary with precision and poise.
It was vintage Stafford-tough, accurate, and fearless in the pocket. He kept the Rams in it all night, answering Seattle’s scores with big-time throws and keeping the chains moving. If there’s a silver lining for LA, it’s that their quarterback is peaking at the right time.
Playoff Picture Tightens in the NFC West
The loss drops the Rams to 11-4, just behind the now 12-3 Seahawks in the NFC West standings. LA has already punched its ticket to the postseason, but the division title is still in play, and every win matters when it comes to playoff seeding.
With two regular-season games left, including a Week 17 showdown against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 29, the Rams still have a chance to make a final push. That game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and you can bet LA will come out with something to prove.
This one’s going to sting for a while. Not just because of how it ended, but because of what it meant. But if Stafford and the Rams can channel that frustration into focus, they’re still very much a threat come January.