SEATTLE (AP) — In an exhilarating NFC championship game, the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams with a score of 31-27, securing a spot in the Super Bowl. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, leading the Seahawks to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and their first in 11 years. Seattle last reached the Super Bowl in 2015 but lost to New England, their upcoming opponent in two weeks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The game was tightly contested, with pivotal moments influencing the outcome. Leading 31-20 late in the third quarter, Darnold connected with Cooper Kupp for a 13-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead. However, the Rams fought back after a critical taunting penalty on Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen allowed Los Angeles to maintain possession. Matthew Stafford capitalized on this opportunity by throwing a 34-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua, narrowing the gap and giving the Rams a fighting chance.
With just under five minutes remaining, the Rams faced a crucial fourth-and-4 at Seattle's 6-yard line. Coach Sean McVay opted to go for it, but Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon, sealing the victory for the Seahawks. The Rams were unable to regain possession until just 25 seconds remained in the game, ultimately falling short as Nacua was tackled near midfield on the final play.
Despite Stafford's impressive performance, which included 374 yards passing and three touchdowns, the Rams made several critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. Darnold took advantage of this miscue, connecting with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown shortly thereafter, pushing Seattle ahead 24-13.
Darnold, playing through an oblique injury, completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also had a standout game, recording 153 receiving yards on 10 catches, marking the second-highest total in a playoff game in Seahawks history.
In the first half, Seattle initially took the lead with a 7-0 score after Darnold completed a long pass to Rashid Shaheed, setting up Kenneth Walker III for a 2-yard touchdown run. The Rams answered back with field goals from Harrison Mevis during their next two possessions. After falling behind 10-6, Stafford orchestrated a strong 12-play, 87-yard drive that concluded with a touchdown pass to Kyren Williams.
As the game approached halftime, Seattle seized control again. After a brief series of ineffective plays from the Rams, Darnold quickly led the Seahawks down the field, culminating in a 14-yard touchdown pass to Smith-Njigba just before halftime, giving Seattle a 17-13 lead.
As injuries hit both teams, the game continued to see high stakes and tension. The Rams lost WR Jordan Whittington to a chest injury, while Seattle's LB Drake Thomas left the game in the fourth quarter due to a shoulder injury. The Seahawks displayed grit and determination, a theme echoed by their players in the post-game interviews.
Looking ahead, the Rams will need to consider the future with Stafford nearing 38, as they contemplate whether this season marked their last serious push for a second Super Bowl title. The Seahawks, on the other hand, will seek their second championship title, recalling their victory during the 2013 season under coach Pete Carroll and the famed "Legion of Boom" defense.
