After overtime, the Rams edged out a 3-point win over a Bears defense that did a strong job slowing Los Angeles’ normally potent offense. In a civil postseason exchange, McVay told Dennis Allen, “Hey, unbelievable job. You kicked our ass.” He then offered a brief compliment to Johnson: “Hell of a job, man.” Johnson replied, “Go win one,” and McVay answered, “Yup, appreciate it, man.” 👏🔥
McVay had publicly voiced his issues with Johnson ahead of the game, tying it to Johnson’s postgame actions against Matt LaFleur after Green Bay’s comeback. ESPN’s Peter Schrager described the duel as two alpha minds eager to prove themselves: McVay wanting to “kick the snot out of Ben Johnson” and Johnson ready to “beat the snot out of you.” 🗣️🔥
With the win, Los Angeles heads to Seattle for a rubber match in the NFC title tilt. Seattle had just blasted a banged-up 49ers squad 41-6, while the Rams had edged the Panthers in the final minute of regulation to string together two close playoff road wins. 🧭🛣️
Odds makers pegged Seattle as about 2.5-point favorites at home, signaling near parity on a neutral field. Chicago would likely have been a road underdog in Seattle as well, so the Rams-Seahawks clash shapes up as a marquee showdown that mirrors the McVay–Johnson narrative—two top offensive minds squaring off with a conference title on the line. 🏈🏁
