Rams Defender Reflects on NFC Title Game Loss to Seahawks

Jared Verse says defense struggled to adjust when Seattle's offense found success early

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse opened up about his team's NFC Championship game loss to the Seattle Seahawks, saying the defense struggled to recover after the Seahawks hit a big play early and the Rams "didn't know what to do" when their usual approach stopped working.

Why it matters

The Rams' loss to their division rival Seahawks in the NFC title game was a tough end to their season, denying them a chance at the Super Bowl. Verse's comments provide insight into what went wrong for the Rams' defense in that crucial game and the mental challenges they faced when their usual game plan faltered.

The details

Verse said the Rams' defense felt confident heading into the NFC Championship game, believing they had learned from mistakes in their previous matchup with Seattle. However, the Seahawks hit a 51-yard pass on their opening drive, leaving the Rams' defense rattled. Verse admitted some players, including himself, "kind of shut down mentally" when they couldn't find a way to turn the game around.

  • The Rams lost to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game in late January 2026.

The players

Jared Verse

An edge rusher for the Los Angeles Rams who reflected on his team's NFC title game loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Rashid Shaheed

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who caught a 51-yard pass that helped spark the Seahawks' offense in the NFC Championship game.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFC West division rival of the Los Angeles Rams who defeated them in the 2026 NFC Championship game.

Los Angeles Rams

The NFC team that lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFC Championship game, denying them a chance at the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“When we started having trouble, we didn't know what to do. Like some of us on the defense, some, you know, I'm going to take full blame, too. Like, there were a couple of times I'm like, but they're running the other way. Like, I don't know what to do. I can't chase. Like I'm not that fast. I can't chase him on the backside. What do I do? So when we had some troubles, we just kind of like mentally shut down.”

— Jared Verse, Rams Edge Rusher (The Pivot Podcast)

What’s next

The Rams will have two more chances to face the Seahawks during the 2026 regular season, giving them an opportunity to show they've learned from their NFC Championship game loss.

The takeaway

The Rams' NFC title game defeat highlighted the mental challenges a defense can face when its usual approach stops working, underscoring the importance of adaptability and resilience in high-stakes playoff games.