The Seattle Seahawks pulled off an unconventional two-point conversion against the Rams in Week 16, a play that turned out to be one of the defining moments of the 2025 season. Now, the Rams are reportedly planning to propose rule changes that could alter how such plays are judged in the future.
During that Thursday Night Football clash, both teams entered with 11-3 records, but the Rams held the tiebreaker for the NFC's top seed. The Rams led by 16 in the fourth quarter, but Seattle stormed back, and after two touchdowns, they were down just 30-28 with 6:23 left on the clock.
On the pivotal two-point attempt, Seahawks QB Sam Darnold aimed a quick pass at running back Zach Charbonnet. The ball deflected off Jared Verse's helmet and hit the ground, with the whistle blowing shortly after.
Charbonnet casually picked it up near the goal line and walked away, thinking the play was dead. But the referees reviewed it and determined that the ball had been a lateral, not a forward pass.
Since it was part of "immediate continuing action," Charbonnet's recovery counted as a successful two-point conversion, tying the game at 30.
Terry McAulay, Amazon Prime's officiating analyst and a former NFL official, quickly spotted the unusual nature of the call. His observations may have prompted the league office to initiate a review. The NFL later noted that communication with the game broadcast is not uncommon.
The game moved into overtime after both teams failed to score again in regulation. The Rams scored first in OT, but the Seahawks answered with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, sealing a 38-37 victory.
Rams coach Sean McVay expressed his confusion postgame, seeking clarity on the ruling. "I've never seen anything like that," he remarked. Despite the setback, McVay emphasized the need for understanding rather than making excuses.
This victory propelled Seattle to a 12-3 record, while the Rams fell to third in the NFC West. The Seahawks clinched the division and the No. 1 seed with subsequent wins, including a crucial finale against the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Rams secured the fifth seed, playing their playoff games on the road.
The two teams faced off again in the NFC Championship, with Seattle emerging victorious 31-27. The Seahawks then dominated the Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, bringing a second Lombardi Trophy to Seattle.
As for the Rams, they're likely considering rule proposals that address the nuances of this play. Whether it's about applying fumble rules to laterals touched by defenders or setting a time limit for review initiation, the aim is to clarify the rules around such situations. Team owners will vote on any proposed changes during the annual league meetings in March, requiring a three-fourths majority to pass.
While the Seahawks might view this as a savvy exploitation of the rulebook, the Rams clearly see it as a loophole needing closure, especially given its impact on their postseason journey.