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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay faced criticism for his decision-making in Sunday night’s NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
There were a few plays that caught the eye of NFL fans and pundits as the Seahawks narrowly beat 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. Vasquez)
The first came on his timeout call late in the game. McVay called 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 looked ready to challenge the ball. But after a discussion with officials, McVay did not challenge the play.
The Rams eventually stopped the Seahawks and got the ball back with 31 seconds left. But the team could not mount a comeback.
McVay also faced scrutiny for his decision to have the team go for it on fourth down on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Matthew Stafford led the team on a 14-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a turnover on downs. 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’s a lot of people who will say ‘Analytics,’ and ESPN analytics will say ‘Go.’ At some point you have to understand the momentum of the game. Understand how it’s going,” ESPN analyst Booger McFarland said on “NFL Primetime.” “In that situation, if you’re Sean McVay, you bring (Harrison) Mevis out there, you kick the field goal. Now you put the pressure back on Seattle’s offense.
“Now, if you’re Seattle’s offense, if you go three-and-out and you give the ball back, we don’t have to drive for a touchdown. We have a kicker who can kick a 50-yarder, and we’re on grass, so we don’t have to worry about the footing. So now the pressure goes back to Seattle’s offense to keep the football.”
McFarland added, “You can win with field goals.”
The ESPN analyst was far from the only one to question McVay’s play calling.
McVay was extremely disappointed with the result and said he was confident his team would celebrate at Lumen Field.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks during a news conference after 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 finality of it all, when you don’t allow yourself to think about anything other than just moving up, I felt like we were supposed to be the team on the podium and we weren’t, and you give Seattle credit, but I love this group and I’m never really at a loss for words, and I am right now,” he said.
