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Rams beat Seahawks 26-20 with walk-off, 39-yard TD
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Rams beat Seahawks 26-20 with walk-off, 39-yard TD

The Rams and Seahawks both had their chances to win in Sunday’s divisional game.

But in the end, quarterback Matthew Stafford made the throw, Demarcus Robinson made the catch and Los Angeles came away with a walk-off, 26-20 victory in overtime.

While Seattle scored a 14-yard touchdown with just 51 seconds left to send the game to overtime, the red zone problems that had plagued the Seahawks for most of the game followed them into overtime.

Quarterback Geno Smith moved the Seahawks deep into Rams territory with a 31-yard pass to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But from that point on, running back Kenneth Walker was without a gain on fourth-and-1 from the LA 16, due to a turnover on downs.

That was the third time the Seahawks got into the red zone and finished with zero points. The previous two times, Smith had thrown interceptions to Rams defenseman Kamren Kinchens — one of which was returned for a 103-yard, go-ahead pick six early in the fourth quarter.

While the Rams had scored four times in the fourth quarter, their offense finally got going again in overtime. Stafford somehow hit Tyler Johnson between multiple defenders for a 24-yard gain to start the drive. He then connected with Tutu Atwell for a 16-yard gain to the Seattle 43.

One play later, Seattle moved all eleven defenders into the penalty area. Stafford feigned a handoff and then fired a deep shot to Robinson, who made a one-handed catch in the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown.

That was the ball game.

Stafford finished the game 25 of 44 for 298 yards with two touchdowns and one pick.

Smith was 21 of 34 for 363 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He nearly threw a fourth before firing his 14-yard TD pass to Smith-Njigba on Seattle’s tying drive, but cornerback Darious Williams dropped the ball.

Smith-Njigba played one of the best games of his young career, with DK Metcalf inactive due to injury. He finished with seven catches for 280 yards with two picks. Tyler Lockett caught three passes for 63 yards with a touchdown.

Cooper Kupp led the Rams with 11 catches for 104 yards. Robinson finished with six catches for 94 yards with two touchdowns.

Los Angeles played the entire second half without Puka Nacua, who was ejected for throwing a punch late in the second quarter.

Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein also left the game with an ankle injury. Seattle safety K’Von Wallace also left with an ankle injury.

Los Angeles sacked Smith seven times and finished with 11 QB hits. Rookie defenders Jared Verse and Braden Fiske each had strong games, combining for 3.0 sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass defense.

The Rams are now 4-4 after starting the season 1-4. They will host the Dolphins next Monday evening.

Now sitting at 4-5, the Seahawks have a week to adjust their bye week.