The Los Angeles Rams’ memorable 2024 season came to an end with a heartbreaking 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The Eagles landed the first punch when Jalen Hurts broke loose for a 44-yard rushing touchdown on their opening drive. However, a missed extra point attempt by Jake Elliott kept the score at 6-0.
The Rams immediately answered back when Matthew Stafford connected with Tyler Higbee for a four-yard touchdown. A successful kick by Joshua Karty then gave the Rams a one-point advantage.
The lead was short-lived as Saquon Barkley rushed for a 62-yard touchdown on the Eagles’ next drive. The Rams would chip away at the deficit and went into halftime only down by three points.
The weather played a major factor in the second half and caused a pair of turnovers on the Rams’ side. However, the team fought until the very end and nearly completed an improbable comeback.
After Barkley’s second touchdown of the game, L.A. went right down the field and scored a touchdown to pull within six points.
The Rams defense then forced a punt to give the ball back to the offense. They moved the ball into the red zone but lost momentum when Jalen Carter sacked Stafford on third down. The Rams’ drive ended when Stafford overshot Puka Nacua on the sidelines.
“Congratulations to the Eagles. Tough, hard-fought game. Give them credit, they made enough plays to win the game but man, I’m damn proud to be associated with this football team,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said after the game.
“I didn’t see it going any other way than us winning that game, 29-28. I think this game in a lot of ways epitomized the grit, the ability to overcome adversity. Just had a couple things that we couldn’t overcome. There will be some things that we can learn from, but this is the time for gratitude, for appreciation.
“I love this group, I love this coaching staff, I love these players. And I also understand and appreciate how difficult it is to be in positions like this where you’ve got the game in hand – I feel like we had total control toward the latter part of that game – momentum was in our favor and we had an opportunity to win that game and we just came up short.”
McVay is right that the Rams certainly had their chances and fought until the very end. They were unable to sneak away with the win though, which will surely eat at McVay and his players for most of the offseason.
Sean McVay feels good about Rams’ future
Sean McVay is proud of the Rams for overcoming adversity and making it to the Divisional Round while expressing hope for the future. “Give the Eagles credit, it’s an excellent football team. They were able to make enough plays, but love this group and I’m just really sad that this journey is over,” McVay said.
“This was a special season. It’s as much fun as I’ve had, as much as you’ve ever wanted to do right for the people in that locker room. We’ve had a lot of special teams, but this team, there was something special about them. I think I’m up here pretty shocked because I know a lot of people didn’t think we could come in here, but we had the full expectation to come in here. And I don’t think anybody expected the end of the season to be right now. The finality of it is tough for me to swallow because of the love and appreciation I have for this group.
