SB LVI Rams legend Eric Weddle chides Rams fatal flaw that cost them a SB trip

The Los Angeles Rams knew that this would be the ultimate test. And to be honest, the NFC Championship Game will likely be more competitive than the upcoming Super Bowl. But competitiveness is not a victory, and the NFL playoffs are a win-or-go-home scenario. Los Angeles did not win.

It was a game once again decided by one score. But it was also a game decided by the failure of NFL officials to enforce the rules. It was a game decided once again tainted by lousy special teams play. And in a game that halted an MVP-esque season of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, it's off to the NFL draft and the 'we'll get 'em next year' consolation prize.

But former Rams safety Eric Weddle did not take this loss in silence. He stepped into the social media maelstrom to rally fans to hold onto hope:

"Rams have dealt with subpar STs all season. They will respond. Nothing new for this team. Really unfortunate to have it show up again in the biggest moments! We got the MVP and the best coach in the league to dig our way out. Lets goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. " - Eric Weddle on social media

It was an anti-climactic end to a dramatic game

Special teams cursed LA Rams all season

It may not be the way fans hoped the season would end, but it certainly was not a surprising end to the playoff run. The Rams made it to the wild card round in 2023, the divisional round in 2024, and the NFC Championship Game in 2025. If you need hope at this dark hour, next year is already shaping up to be pretty special.

In three games against the Seattle Seahawks, the team was 1-2, but managed to score on one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL. The problem was the inability of the defense to force a punt and a special teams performance that coughed up the football. On third downs, LA's offense was held to 1-of-8 conversions.

The Seahawks converted 7-of-13 third-down plays.

Eventually, poor tackling was corrected. But the damage was done. The Seahawks played just well enough in the second half to maintain their four-point lead. In the end, the game was not lost by one aspect. All three phases of the Rams game prevented them from winning their third consecutive road game.

There are no consolation prizes for losing. And the Rams have entered the offseason prematurely. Still, if you are patient, there are enough positives to cling to hope for the future.

As always, thanks for reading.