It’s been nearly two full days since the Rams’ season came to a sudden, gut-punch of an end - and it’s clear that reality still hasn’t fully set in for Sean McVay. The head coach, usually one of the NFL’s most articulate minds, was left searching for words after the loss.
“When you don’t allow yourself to even think about anything other than just advancing … I felt like we were going to be the team on that podium, and we weren’t,” McVay said. “I’m never really short on words, and I am right now.”
That says it all. This wasn’t just another playoff exit - this was a team that believed it had the formula, the momentum, and the mindset to make a serious run. Instead, they’re left watching from home again, with the sting of what could’ve been.
And here’s the kicker: if the Seahawks go on to win it all - and they’re currently 4.5-point favorites - it would mark the second straight season where the Rams were knocked out by the eventual Super Bowl champs. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially considering how close they came to beating the Eagles last postseason.
Add in a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown against those same Eagles back in Week 3 - a play that flipped the game - and you start to see a pattern. Special teams miscues have loomed large in the Rams’ tightest moments.
Still, this is a franchise that’s consistently found ways to stay in the mix. McVay has now led the Rams to winning records in eight of his nine seasons.
They’ve reached three NFC Championship Games in the past eight years. That’s not by accident.
It’s a testament to a front office that knows how to pivot and a coach who continually evolves his offense to stay ahead of the curve.
But as the Rams shift into offseason mode, one question hangs over everything: Will Matthew Stafford be back in 2026?
“I can’t generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss,” Stafford said when asked about his future. “Appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot … And that’s all I’ll answer for you.”
It’s a fair response from a quarterback who just left it all on the field. Stafford turns 38 on February 7 - one day before the Super Bowl - and while he’s still under contract through next season, it’s unclear whether he wants to run it back for another year. Until that decision is made, the Rams’ entire offseason outlook remains in flux.
And that’s not the only uncertainty in L.A. McVay’s coaching staff, long considered one of the league’s most fertile pipelines for future head coaches, is once again being picked apart. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur (a finalist for the Cardinals job), and pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase (being considered by the Browns) are all fielding interest elsewhere.
It’s a double-edged sword: McVay’s culture breeds talent, but that talent rarely sticks around for long.
Denver’s in a similar boat. The Broncos just came up short in the AFC title game, and now they’re facing the possibility of losing key pieces of their staff.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has interviewed for seven head-coaching jobs this cycle - though at this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s the frontrunner for any of them. Meanwhile, quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Davis Webb just met with the Raiders and Bills.
The Lions learned the hard way this year how losing both coordinators can derail a team’s trajectory. Detroit looked built to contend for years, then missed the postseason after a mass exodus of coaching talent. The Rams and Broncos are hoping to avoid that fate.
Sam Darnold’s Redemption Arc - and the Vikings’ Regret
Let’s talk about the quarterback who is going to the Super Bowl: Sam Darnold. The former No. 3 overall pick has found new life in Seattle, and while the sample size is small, the results are undeniable. With an elite defense, a dynamic receiving corps, a solid offensive line, and a play-caller who knows how to maximize his strengths, Darnold has looked every bit the part of a franchise quarterback.
Which brings us to Minnesota - and the decision that might haunt them for years.
The Vikings had Darnold in the building. Some within the organization reportedly wanted to keep him around, believing that with more time in the system, his experience and professionalism could pay dividends.
But the front office opted to roll with rookie J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick.
The logic? McCarthy’s rookie deal gave them cap flexibility to spend elsewhere.
That bet hasn’t aged well.
McCarthy finished 40th in passer rating this season - that’s 29 spots behind Darnold. And while the Vikings used the savings to bring in free agents and add draft picks, many of those moves haven’t panned out.
The late-season collapse in 2024, which saw Minnesota get blown out by the Lions and Rams, was pinned largely on Darnold. He struggled, no doubt - 53.1% completion rate, two turnovers, 11 sacks.
But as was noted at the time, the offensive line and play design didn’t do him any favors either.
Now, Darnold is one win away from a Super Bowl ring. Even if Seattle falls short, his journey from cast-off to conference champion is a story worth studying - especially for a Vikings franchise still chasing its first Lombardi.
Around the League: Quick Hits
📉 Pro Bowl Confusion: Shedeur Sanders was named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as a replacement - despite throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7) this season. It’s another eyebrow-raising selection that continues to chip away at the Pro Bowl’s credibility.
🏛 Vrabel’s Vision: Mike Vrabel is reportedly bringing a cultural overhaul to New England, focusing not just on scheme but on identity - leaning into the “four H’s”: hopes, history, heroes, and heartbreaks. It’s a holistic approach that could help reset the Patriots’ foundation.
🧠 Reid’s Endorsement: Andy Reid gave a strong vote of confidence to both Eric Bieniemy and Matt Nagy, as the latter departs in search of another head-coaching opportunity. “Somebody’s missing a gem here,” Reid said of Nagy - a reminder that Kansas City’s offensive brain trust remains one of the league’s most respected.
📊 Draft Season Begins: For 30 teams, the focus has already shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft. Shrine Bowl practices have wrapped, and tonight’s game (7 p.m. ET on NFL Network) will offer a first glimpse at some of the prospects looking to make their mark.
As the offseason unfolds, the Rams and Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. For L.A., Stafford’s decision will shape everything.
For Denver, keeping their staff intact could be the difference between building on this year’s progress or taking a step back. And for the Vikings?
Well, they’ll be watching the Super Bowl from home - wondering what could’ve been if they’d just held onto Sam Darnold a little longer.