Rams Collapse in Seattle Raises Big Questions - On and Off the Field
The Los Angeles Rams had a golden opportunity to take control of the NFC on Thursday night. With just two weeks left in the regular season, they held a commanding 30-14 lead over the Seahawks in the fourth quarter - a win would’ve put them alone atop the conference. But instead of sealing the deal, the Rams let it slip away in stunning fashion, falling 38-37 in overtime after one of the wildest two-point conversions you’ll ever see.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just another loss. This was a gut-punch collapse in a game that felt like a playoff preview. And the fallout goes deeper than just the scoreboard.
An Empty SoFi and an Unanswered Question
While the Rams were battling in Seattle, SoFi Stadium hosted an official watch party back in L.A., screening the game on the jumbotron. But what was supposed to be a rallying point for fans turned into a head-scratcher - fewer than 100 people showed up.
Yes, fewer than 100.
For a game with this much on the line, that turnout is more than surprising - it’s concerning. The Rams have dealt with visiting fan takeovers at home games before, but this was different.
This was a chance for the city to show up and rally around a team in the thick of a playoff push. Instead, the scene was eerily quiet.
Whether it’s a reflection of the team’s connection with the fan base, the timing of the event, or something else entirely, it’s a moment that’s hard to ignore.
The Rams’ Late-Game Struggles Continue
On the field, this one will sting - and not just because of what it cost in the standings. This game was the latest chapter in a season-long trend: the Rams can’t seem to finish.
Sean McVay’s squad has had the talent to win nearly every game they’ve played. But time and again, they’ve let leads evaporate in the fourth quarter. Thursday night’s collapse wasn’t an outlier - it was a continuation.
Let’s rewind:
- Week 3: A 19-point lead gone in a loss to the Eagles.
- Week 5: An overtime loss to the 49ers, thanks in large part to red-zone breakdowns.
- Week 13: Another fourth-quarter lead squandered, this time against the Panthers.
Now, add Week 15 to the list. The Rams had the Seahawks on the ropes. Instead, they let them off the mat - and Seattle made them pay.
The Road Ahead Gets Tougher
After Thursday’s loss, ESPN’s playoff model gives the Rams just a 27.9% chance to win the NFC West. Seattle? They’re now sitting at 49.8%, despite having a tough road ahead with trips to Carolina and San Francisco still on the schedule.
But for the Rams, the math is simple: they’ll likely need to win out - and do it on the road - just to get to the Super Bowl. That’s a tough ask for any team, let alone one that’s struggled in high-leverage moments all year.
This team has shown flashes of dominance. At times, they’ve looked like a 15-0 squad. But the inability to close games has turned potential into frustration.
Final Word
The Rams are still in the hunt, but the margin for error is gone. They’ve got the talent.
They’ve got the coaching. What they need now is execution - especially when it matters most.
And as for the empty seats at SoFi? That’s a separate issue, but one that shouldn’t be ignored. Because if this team wants to make a deep run, they’ll need more than just better fourth quarters - they’ll need the city behind them, too.