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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay faced criticism for his decision-making in the NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.
There were a few plays that caught the attention of fans and NFL experts as the Seahawks narrowly edged the Rams, 31-27.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches from the sideline during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The first came from the use of the timeout at the end of the game. McVay took a timeout before Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold found Cooper Kupp to convert a third down with 3:20 left. He took another timeout after the play as he appeared to be preparing to challenge the spot of the ball. But after a discussion with the officials, McVay did not question the play.
The Rams finally stopped the Seahawks and got the ball back with 31 seconds left. But the team could not achieve a comeback.
McVay also faced scrutiny for his decision to have the team try for fourth down on its first drive of the fourth quarter. Matthew Stafford led the team on a 14-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a turnover. If Los Angeles took the points, it would have only been a one-point game.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts as players warm up before the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
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“There are a lot of people who will say ‘Analysis,’ and the ESPN analysts will say ‘Let’s go.’ At some point, you understand the momentum of the game. You understand how everything is going,” ESPN analyst Booger McFarland said on “NFL Primetime.” “In that situation, if you’re Sean McVay, you bring in (Harrison) Mevis, you kick the field goal. Now, you put pressure on Seattle’s offense again.
“Now, if you’re Seattle’s offense, if you make a three and return the ball, we don’t need to drive for a touchdown. We have a kicker who can kick 50 yards and we’re on the grass, so we don’t have to worry about balance. So now the pressure is back on Seattle’s offense to keep the ball.”
McFarland added: “You can win with field goals.”
The ESPN analyst was far from the only one to question McVay’s plays.
McVay was extremely disappointed with the outcome and said he firmly believed his team would be celebrating at Lumen Field.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks during a news conference following the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
“I’m pretty numb… I think the whole point of this, when you don’t even allow yourself to think about anything other than just moving forward, I felt like we were going to be the team on that podium and we weren’t, and you give the credit to Seattle, but I love this group and I’m never at a loss for words, and I am now,” he said.
