Refs waste no time screwing Rams in NFC Championship Game with world watching

The Los Angeles Rams had hoped that the NFL officials understood how important it was to the reputation of the NFL to remain objective. But after Puka Nacua had called out the NFL referees for subjective play calling, they have made it a point to ignore masking their anti-Rams bias.

Unfortunately, since that outburst, Los Angeles has paid the price. Statistically, penalties have gone decidedly against LA in games after Nacua's gaffe. Still, the NFC Championship Game is a premier stage, and the NFL would insist that officiating would pause on their revenge tour.

Well, think again.

With the offense facing a third down and ten yards to go on the Seattle Seahawks 23-yard line, quarterback Matthew Stafford dropped back to pass, and was subsequently sacked and fumbled the football. LA retained possession, but was forced to kick a field goal.

Everyone in the stadium and the broadcast booth witnessed a blatant face mask by the Seahawks. It was an obvious facemask and/or roughing the passer penalty, either of which would have resulted in a first down for the offense. But no flag flew

At halftime

Los Angeles Rams 13
Seattle Seahawks 17

NFL has to fix subjectively applying rules

The facemask of Matthew Stafford was not a ticky-tack penalty. It's one of the core penalties implemented by the NFL rules committee to protect quarterbacks. Unless you play for the LA Rams and are named Matthew Stafford, it seems.

Every play counts. Every uncalled penalty leaves a huge void in the game's tempo, and it's clearly affording the Seahawks in the biggest game of the season. The outcome of the game must be decided by the players on the football field, not by the flags thrown or not thrown in error during the game.

These teams are too closely matched for the game to be decided by a blown penalty call (on not called). Unfortunately, the higher stakes and brighter lights have not discouraged the officials from favoritism. And when it comes at a pivotal moment of the game, there is nothing the team or fans can do.

The game is close, but not close enough. Los Angeles is down at halftime and must kick off to open the second half. There is a full half of regulation to play. But the slope to victory has gotten much steeper for the LA Rams in the second half.

As always, thanks for reading.