The Los Angeles Rams pulled off the largest comeback in the NFC Championship Game history in an overtime thriller, but everyone is talking about the call that wasn't. A seemingly obvious pass interference penalty was not called, which forced the New Orleans Saints to settle for a field goal in the fourth quarter. Greg Zuerlein kicked a 48-yard field goal to force overtime, and then won it with a 57-yard field goal for a 26-23 Rams' victory. Los Angeles is entering their first Super Bowl since the 2001 season, when they were the St. Louis Rams. Zuerlein's fourth-quarter kick came with 15 seconds to play, as Jared Goff missed out on two throws that could've resulted in touchdowns, which would've given his team in the victory in regulation.
Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman is the one that got away with a no-call in the fourth quarter, as he hounded the Saints' receiver, not allowing him to get anywhere near the ball coming his way. It was ruled an incomplete pass, and the Saints settled for a Will Lutz 31-yard field goal. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton confirmed after the game that the league had already called him to tell him that the refs blew the call. They called it a pass interference and an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit, but Payton still admitted that his team missed out on opportunities to put the game away, and gave the Rams all the credit for the win.
Rams head coach Sean McVay turns 33 years old on Thursday and will be the youngest head coach in Super Bowl history on February 3rd in Atlanta, Georgia. His defense set up the game-winner in overtime, as Drew Brees was hit as he threw a fluttering pass, which was intercepted by John Johnson III. That ended the Saints' chances to return to their first Super since the 2009 season. That was the last time they were in the NFC Championship Game, which was an overtime win over Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings at the Superdome.
The Rams avenged their loss to the Saints in New Orleans earlier this season, as Zuerlein kicked four field goals on the day. Todd Gurley did find the end zone once, while Goff threw for 297 yards and a touchdown to Tyler Higbee. Brees did throw two touchdowns on the day and had 249 yards through the air, but the Saints fall in a thrilling postseason contest for a second straight season. They were the recipients of the "Minnesota Miracle" against the Vikings a season ago.
The Rams will now await the winner of the Kansas City Chiefs-New England Patriots AFC Championship Game later Sunday night. Some may be hoping for a Chiefs victory so we can revisit the record-setting Monday night battle the two teams had earlier this season.
Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman is the one that got away with a no-call in the fourth quarter, as he hounded the Saints' receiver, not allowing him to get anywhere near the ball coming his way. It was ruled an incomplete pass, and the Saints settled for a Will Lutz 31-yard field goal. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton confirmed after the game that the league had already called him to tell him that the refs blew the call. They called it a pass interference and an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit, but Payton still admitted that his team missed out on opportunities to put the game away, and gave the Rams all the credit for the win.
Rams head coach Sean McVay turns 33 years old on Thursday and will be the youngest head coach in Super Bowl history on February 3rd in Atlanta, Georgia. His defense set up the game-winner in overtime, as Drew Brees was hit as he threw a fluttering pass, which was intercepted by John Johnson III. That ended the Saints' chances to return to their first Super since the 2009 season. That was the last time they were in the NFC Championship Game, which was an overtime win over Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings at the Superdome.
The Rams avenged their loss to the Saints in New Orleans earlier this season, as Zuerlein kicked four field goals on the day. Todd Gurley did find the end zone once, while Goff threw for 297 yards and a touchdown to Tyler Higbee. Brees did throw two touchdowns on the day and had 249 yards through the air, but the Saints fall in a thrilling postseason contest for a second straight season. They were the recipients of the "Minnesota Miracle" against the Vikings a season ago.
The Rams will now await the winner of the Kansas City Chiefs-New England Patriots AFC Championship Game later Sunday night. Some may be hoping for a Chiefs victory so we can revisit the record-setting Monday night battle the two teams had earlier this season.
