NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Mistakes are bound to happen in high-pressure NFL games, and on Sunday night in the NFC Championship Game, it cost the Los Angeles Rams in an unfortunate moment.
The Rams were able to make a key stop against the Seattle Seahawks early in the third quarter in hopes of getting back within a point or taking the lead on their next drive. Seahawks punter Michael Dickson kicked the ball while Rams returner Xavier Smith waited for the ball.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) recovers a botched punt return from Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) during the second half of the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026. (Kevin Ng/Image Images)
However, Smith misjudged the ball and fell when the ball was about to reach him. He tried to catch it with his back but couldn’t do it. A Seahawks player was there to recover the botched punt.
The Seahawks scored on the next play with Sam Darnold hitting Jake Bobo for a touchdown. Seattle took a 24-13 lead early in the third quarter.
DRAKE MAYE’S CONTROVERSIAL QUARTER DOWN PLAY PROVOKES FURY ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS PATRIOTS HEAD TO SUPER BOWL LX
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) returns a punt during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026. (Kevin Ng/Image Images)
Smith drew immense criticism on social media. Smith’s fumble appeared to be a call to Kyle Williams when he fumbled in the 2012 NFC Championship as a member of the San Francisco 49ers against the New York Giants.
Fortunately for Smith and the Rams, there was plenty of time left on the clock. Rams star Matthew Stafford led the team down the field and found Davante Adams for a touchdown. Los Angeles was still in the game despite Smith’s mistake.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026. (Steven Bisig/Image Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
The second-year undrafted free agent had 27 punt returns this year for 251 yards. He hadn’t turned the ball over all season, but he had two against Seattle. He recovered the one he dropped at the beginning of the game.
