The Los Angeles Rams have a week and a half to stew on their second crushing loss of the 2025-26 NFL campaign. They battled both the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers in the last three weeks, two teams that are expected to contend for the NFC crown once again, and self-inflicted wounds and failure to execute in critical moments has reminded this team just how much farther it still has to go before reaching the top. Thursday's loss is especially tough given the divisional implications.
A fumble at the goal line prevented the Rams from taking a lead with just over one minute remaining and an unsuccessful fourth-down play secured them a 26-23 overtime loss in an incredibly compelling NFC West showdown. LA had San Francisco on the ropes after roaring back from an early 14-0 deficit, but missed opportunities once again define the night. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford feels how the rest of the team does: this loss packs a little extra pain.
“We had a chance to win it multiple, multiple times,” he told reporters, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. “Those sting and piss you off… that one is frustrating, the Philly one is frustrating.”
Rams must figure out how to win these grueling battles
Stafford completed 30-of-47 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns in defeat. Such a performance typically leads to a victory, but defensive lapses in the first half, a blocked extra point, a 49ers punch-out and an ill-fated play-call on what turned out to be the final snap of the game will send the Rams into Week 6 with a 3-2 record. A matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens (1-3) next Sunday afternoon should feel quite important following this latest outcome.
Every team wants to use frustration as fuel, but fans were hoping the Rams already got enough motivation after falling to the Eagles via a blocked field goal. How much more anguish must they endure before the exasperation translates to a signature win? If nothing else, it is encouraging to see Matthew Stafford take this disappointing result to heart. Despite being 17 years into his NFL career, the Super Bowl 56 champion seems as driven as ever.
The Rams will need him to maintain that level of mental fortitude if they are going to avenge these early heartbreakers.
