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ENGLEWOOD — The Rams have chosen to prioritize next week’s game over Sunday’s matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. With the team already qualified for the playoffs, resting the eight starters on the offensive line was more important than aiming for an 11th win.
But when Jimmy Garoppolo rolled out and found Tyler Johnson for a fourth-quarter touchdown, Garoppolo was seen pointing down Seattle’s sideline while Johnson celebrated in a way unworthy of print. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known that.
Good or not, the Rams’ comeback attempt fell short on Sunday, losing 30-25.
With the loss, the Rams (10-7) move into the NFC’s fourth seed and will host the loser of Sunday night’s game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Johnson’s TD missed, but the Rams gained some momentum before a two-point conversion meant the game would be tied. On the ensuing drive, Koby Durant broke up a Seattle third-down pass and rookie receiver Jordan Whittington’s double move tipped him over. Garoppolo found Whittington for a 50-yard gain and Joshua Carty made a 38-yard go-ahead field goal to give the Rams their first lead of the day.
The Rams defense played a mix of starters and reserves for much of the day, but nearly won the game with a game-clinching turnover on the next drive.
When defensive tackle Tyler Davis took the ball from running back Kenny McIntosh and safety Kamren Kinchens, he was always in a convenient position to pick it up and return it deep in Seattle’s territory. However, outside linebacker Kia Thomas, who was called up from the practice squad before the game, was called for an offsides penalty nullifying the play.
Seattle (10-7) marched down the field with little resistance from there, with quarterback Geno Smith finding Noah Fant at the goal line. Despite the tackle, which literally tipped him over, the tight end managed to keep the ball. However, the two-point conversion didn’t work, and the Rams trailed by five points with 3:19 remaining.
The Rams had their last chance to play against No. 4 and No. 3 from the Seattle 9. However, Garoppolo’s throw to Whittington was low and the Rams were back on downs.
