The Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks had a thrilling back-and-forth in Sunday’s NFC Championship game at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash., and when it was all said and done, Sam Darnold and company came away with a 31-27 win — and a ticket to Super Bowl LX.
For the Rams, it was another failed bid to return to football’s grandest stage.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua felt he could have done more to help Los Angeles overcome its NFC West rivals Seahawks, admitting he failed to capitalize on prime red-zone scoring chances and on some plays with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“We had our opportunities in the red zone, and I just wasn’t on the same page as Matthew, just the opportunities that I missed,” Nacua told reporters after the game, via Arash Markazi of the Sporting Tribune.
“Those moments flash by in your head, and I apologize to the defense for putting them in those situations.”
In any case, Nacua made his presence felt and did not disappear in the all-important matchup against the Seahawks. He led all players in the game with 165 receiving yards and a touchdown on 9 receptions and 14 targets. His touchdown came in the third quarter while being covered by Seahawks defensive back Tariq Woolen, who got flagged for taunting in the previous play.
With the Rams down by four points, Nacua tried to keep Los Angeles’ hopes alive near the end of the fourth quarter, but he failed to stay inbounds after a 21-yard catch, as time ran out.
Stafford threw for 374 passing yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions, while the Rams went 4-of-5 in the red zone. However, they were just 1-for-8 on third downs.
Nacua and the Rams concluded their 2025 NFL season with a 12-5 record and a pair of victories in the playoffs.
