Jan 20, 2026
3 min read
The Rams overcame what Sean McVay called a "bad practice" in Sunday's win over the Bears.
CHICAGO - The Los Angeles Rams are headed to the NFC Championship Game to play the Seattle Seahawks, despite what coach Sean McVay called "some bad coaching" in Sunday night's 20-17 overtime win over the Chicago Bears.
The Rams offense, which led the league in offensive DVOA during the regular season, struggled to get into a rhythm for most of the game.
"Offensively, man, we didn't do a very good job for our team tonight," McVay said after Harrison Mevis kicked a 42-yard field goal to win the division game. "But I thought our guys could beat it."
After scoring a touchdown on their opening drive to cap a 14-play, 85-yard drive, the Rams had 174 yards late in the third quarter.According to research, it was their fewest yards on third down in a game this season.
"I don't like the idea of the gym of the game I have been out of the first story, where we have been doing good," said McVay."By protecting, he saved us the little actions that I have done for our team. But I said it, you will be a great deal of time to get a good job."
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for a league-leading 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns during the regular season, completed 20 of 42 passes for 258 yards against the Bears.According to Research, Stafford failed to throw a touchdown for the second time in his playoff career.This was the first time Stafford failed to throw multiple touchdowns in a playoff start for the Rams.
"I definitely didn't get into a great rhythm today," Stafford said."There's no question about it. I had some opportunities in the passing game, just some things made it difficult. Obviously, I could have been better.
"But it's about winning playoff football. We played well, last year we took a few yards in the snow and ended up losing, so that's too bad. So I'm happy to play a little bit worse today and come home with a win. So we'll take it."
According to research, Stafford recorded 11 off-target shots on Sunday, the most as a member of the Rams (since 2021).
Despite the offense struggling much of the game, Stafford led the Rams to his 55th career game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime, 11 more than the closest player since entering the NFL in 2009.Safety Kam Curl set up the game-winning drive in the 47th quarter after intercepting Williams' 6-yard pass.The Rams marched 54 yards in 10 plays and defeated their opponent on a field goal by Mewis.
The win put the fifth-seeded Rams in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since Los Angeles won Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 campaign.They next play Sunday at No. 1 seed Seattle, where they advance after beating the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 on Saturday night.
"[We have to] be at our best," McVay said of the Seahawks."You saw that game last night. They're firing on all cylinders. They look really good, and I'm glad I can dive into this tape and find out how we can improve."
The Rams split the season series with the Seahawks, winning 21-19 at home in Week 11 and losing 38-37 in overtime at Seattle in Week 16. The Rams finished Game 2 with a 30-14 lead in the fourth quarter.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who had five catches for 56 yards against the Bears, said it seems right that Los Angeles Seattle will return next week for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl.
"I don't think the football gods would want us to go back out there and see the All-Father [Cooper Kupp] and have a chance to right our wrongs," Nacua said."So it's going to be a big challenge for us and we're excited about it."
