The Los Angeles Rams closed the book on a disappointing regular season with a 19-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime. The Rams finished the year with a 5-12 record, which is the worst mark by a defending Super Bowl champion in NFL history.
After being blown out by the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, the Rams looked to bounce back and potentially play spoiler against their NFC West rival.
The Rams got off to a good start as Jalen Ramsey intercepted Geno Smith on the first play of the game and returned it to the Seahawks’ 11-yard line. L.A. couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity as they settled for a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.
Seattle responded on their next offensive drive with a field goal of their own to tie the game. Both teams would trade field goals again until the Rams went back on Tutu Atwell’s first career rushing touchdown late in the second quarter.
L.A. took a 13-6 lead into halftime but saw that evaporate in the third quarter when Smith connected with Tyler Lockett on a 36-yard touchdown.
The Rams’ only points in the second half came on a 38-yard field goal by Matt Gay. That was largely due to Baker Mayfield’s struggles as he completed just 13 of his 26 passes for 147 yards and one costly interception in overtime.
Cam Akers continued to shine as he rushed for 104 yards on 24 carries — his third straight game crossing the century mark — and additionally caught three passes for 24 yards.
With the score all evened up at 16 late in the fourth quarter, Jason Myers had a chance to win the game for the Seahawks but he missed a potential game-winning field goal that deflected off the right upright as time expired.
Myers would redeem himself in overtime as he kicked a game-winning 32-yard field goal to keep the Seahawks’ season alive. Seattle eventually earned the final NFC playoff spot after the Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football.
Next up for the Rams
With the regular season now complete, the Rams head into an important offseason that could bring plenty of change. Head coach Sean McVay reportedly is undecided on whether he will be back next season, and his future could dictate whether Aaron Donald and/or Matthew Stafford return as well.
The Rams will also look to reconstruct their roster to the best of their ability with limited cap space and draft capital. L.A. won’t make their first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft until the second round at No. 37 overall.
