Seahawks Soar to NFC Championship Victory in Thrilling Showdown with Rams
Seattle’s dramatic 31-27 win over Los Angeles secured their place atop the National Conference after eleven seasons, fueled by a resilient performance from Sam Darnold and a decisive defensive stand.
The NFC Championship between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams lived up to its billing as a spectacle, a back-and-forth battle between two historically competitive franchises. Accustomed to fierce rivalry within the NFC West, neither team yielded, exchanging explosive plays and unwavering defense in a contest that captivated fans until the final seconds.
Seattle seized the early lead after a quick three-and-out by the Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold orchestrated a strong opening drive, highlighted by a 51-yard reception from Rashid Shaheed – a standout acquisition near the trade deadline – setting up a 2-yard touchdown run by Kenneth Walker III. Walker skillfully navigated the right side of the defense, evading Byron Young and reaching the endzone undisturbed.
The Seahawks extended their advantage with a 27-yard field goal by Jason Myers, responding to a 44-yard kick from Harrison Mevis. Mevis narrowed the gap further with a 50-yard field goal early in the second quarter, bringing the Rams to within one point. Los Angeles demonstrated the ability to move the ball effectively but initially struggled to penetrate Seattle’s goal area.
Sean McVay’s Rams finally broke through with a well-executed series, utilizing a potent combination of running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams. Williams ultimately scored from 9 yards out, capitalizing on confusion created by Rams receivers Nacua and Mumpfield, who drew the Seattle defense to one side of the field, leaving Williams open on the left.
However, the Rams’ lead proved short-lived. After a period of stalled offenses resulting in punts, Seattle regained the upper hand thanks to the impressive form of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Two receptions, for 10 and 42 yards respectively, propelled the Seahawks downfield, culminating in a 14-yard touchdown that ignited Lumen Field and put Seattle ahead 17-13 before halftime.
The third quarter began with Seattle unable to capitalize on home-field advantage, but a pivotal moment shifted the momentum. A muffed punt by Rams returner Xavier Smith – who had previously flirted with disaster – gifted Seattle possession at the Rams’ 17-yard line. Darnold quickly capitalized, connecting with Jake Bobo for a touchdown, extending Seattle’s lead to 24-13.
Los Angeles responded with a 40-yard catch by Colby Parkinson, setting up a 2-yard touchdown run by veteran Davante Adams. This brought the Rams back within striking distance at 20-24. Seattle answered swiftly, driving downfield with a mix of passes and runs, including contributions from backup running back George Holani and tight end AJ Barner. Darnold, facing intense pressure, displayed remarkable composure, delivering a 10-yard touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp – a key addition to the Seahawks’ offense – increasing their lead to 31-20.
Undeterred, Matthew Stafford led the Rams on a third successful drive of the night, connecting with Adams for a 35-yard gain and capitalizing on a penalty against Tariq Woolen. Stafford then found Puka Nacua for a 34-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 27-31.
The final quarter promised a tense finish, but the Rams’ momentum stalled. A lengthy drive ended without points, as Stafford was unable to find an open receiver in the endzone, and a fourth-down attempt fell incomplete, defended stoutly by Devon Witherspoon. Seattle then methodically ran down the clock, punctuated by a punt that pinned the Rams deep in their own territory.
Despite a desperate final push from Stafford, connecting with his receivers, Nacua was ultimately stopped by Witherspoon at the 49-yard line, sealing Seattle’s victory. The Seahawks secured the George Halas Trophy, returning to the top of the National Conference after an eleven-year drought.
This victory is the culmination of a strategic rebuild initiated during the 2024 offseason with the hiring of coach Mike Macdonald, and bolstered by the acquisitions of DeMarcus Lawrence, Cooper Kupp, and Sam Darnold. General Manager John Schneider, recognized as the league’s Executive of the Year, orchestrated these moves, building upon the foundation laid with Pete Carroll during their successful run from 2013-2014.
For the Rams, the future remains uncertain as they grapple with the ongoing back issues of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Despite his 37 years and 17 seasons of experience, Stafford’s health is a growing concern, with indications he may be contemplating an eighteenth season. His continued presence would alleviate the pressure to find a replacement, allowing the Rams to remain competitive in the 2026 season. As coach McVay acknowledged, “It’s hard to believe it’s over.”
