The Los Angeles Rams will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, with the winner advancing to a spot in the Super Bowl. These two NFC West rivals split their regular season meetings, with the home team winning each game. The Rams won by two in Los Angeles, while the Seahawks won by one in overtime in Seattle.
The Rams notched two road victories in these playoffs already, traveling to the No. 4-seed Panthers on wildcard weekend and following that up with a frigid win at the No. 2-seed Chicago Bears last Sunday night. Meanwhile, as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Seahawks got a first-round bye before blowing out the 49ers in Seattle last Saturday.
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua on the Impact and Leadership of RT Rob Havenstein
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 31: Rob Havenstein #79 of the Los Angeles Rams and Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams react after William’s rushing touchdown during the third quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
For this divisional rematch, the Rams hoped they’d be getting a major boost with the return of one of their starters: RT Rob Havenstein. The veteran tackle has been out since Week 11 with an ankle injury and had his practice window opened this week, allowing him to return to practice before he’s activated off of Injured Reserve (IR). However, the Rams officially ruled Havenstein out on Friday, meaning backup OT Warren McClendon will start once again against the Seahawks.
“Yeah, I think it’s something that [Rams HC Sean McVay] does a great job of taking advantage of, the opportunities for us to be in walkthroughs and to communicate with each other,” Rams WR Puka Nacua said during his media availability on Thursday. “But then you also see big [Havenstein’s] played almost as many games as [Rams QB Matthew Stafford].”
“So take those opportunities when we’re not on the field, and Coach isn’t there, the ability to see some of these defenses for a couple of years in a row, and the ability to see some of the nuances that have helped him have success. And for him to give it to McClendon, [LT Alaric Jackson], to some of the other guys out there has been — it’s fun. And then also just his toughness you see. It’s never easy to go through injuries but [having] the mental fortitude to still show up every day and communicate is something that’s noticed by us.”
The Los Angeles Rams Face a Tough Challenge in Seattle
The first two meetings were decided by a combined three points. Each team won at home. Now, the rubber match is for a berth in the Super Bowl, where either team will likely be favored against the AFC representative.
In the playoffs, the Rams offense hasn’t performed at their usual level. If Los Angeles is to score against this elite Seattle defense, their offense will need to be more efficient. The Rams had arguably the best offense in the league during the regular season — and a return to form would be most welcome.
Rams WR Puka Nacua Sends Strong Message on Rob Havenstein’s Injury Return