The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for a critical NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Lumen Field in Seattle. Tensions are high as both teams prepare to face off for the third time this season, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. The Rams are entering this match with a sense of urgency and heightened focus.
During a press conference on Thursday, Rams linebacker Jared Verse acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding this week’s preparations. “The energy’s just different this week,” he stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to improving every aspect of their game. Verse noted that mistakes are being called out more proactively, as players strive to elevate their performance in anticipation of the big game.
While Verse refrained from discussing the Seahawks directly—citing a request from his public relations team—it’s clear that the rivalry is palpable. The Rams and Seahawks have been locked in a competitive battle since the Rams edged out Seattle for the NFC West title last season based on tiebreakers. This season, their two previous encounters have resulted in one win each, setting the stage for a decisive showdown.
In their first matchup, the Rams secured a victory in Inglewood, thanks in part to a missed field goal by the Seahawks in the final moments. In their second meeting, the Seahawks triumphed in Seattle after a dramatic punt return for a touchdown sealed the deal. With both teams showcasing their strengths—Los Angeles with the league’s leading offense and Seattle boasting the top defense—the stakes could not be higher.
The coaching matchup adds another layer of intrigue, with Rams head coach Sean McVay facing off against Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ new coach. Macdonald’s defensive strategies are designed to counter McVay’s innovative offensive schemes, which have influenced teams across the league. McVay praised Macdonald’s ability to adapt and maximize his players’ potential, stating, “They do a great job of accentuating their personnel and being able to adjust and adapt.”
As the game approaches, the individual matchups will be closely watched. Quarterback Matthew Stafford faces off against former Rams linebacker Ernest Jones IV, while star receiver Cooper Kupp looks to make an impact against a team that once celebrated his Super Bowl MVP performance.
While the Rams’ defense has faced Sam Darnold multiple times in the past two years, they remember the last postseason encounter where they sacked him eight times during a wild-card victory. Darnold, now leading the Seahawks, has shown resilience, notably during the second meeting in December when he led a game-winning overtime drive despite facing significant pressure.
The Rams’ strategy revolves around applying consistent pressure on Darnold, with Verse emphasizing the importance of making the quarterback feel uncomfortable. “If us on the edge, the D-line or the D-tackles up front can get through there and get a good hit on him… he knows that we’re coming,” he explained.
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes clash, McVay remains focused on instilling a sense of courage in his players. “They understand the stakes,” he said. “What I want is for our guys to be able to be courageous in terms of our ability to go cut it loose.”
Fans can expect an electrifying matchup as the Rams and Seahawks battle for a coveted spot in the Super Bowl. The NFC Championship promises to deliver drama and excitement, with kickoff scheduled for 15:30 local time on Sunday.
