The Los Angeles Rams lost the Week 16 overtime thriller to the Seattle Seahawks by one point. But a bizarre two-point conversion that seemed to defy logic not only tied the game for the Seahawks but also left Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford publicly demanding an explanation from the league.

“I just want to know that rule because I thought on plays like that, like two-point plays inside of two minutes and stuff, I didn’t think you were allowed to advance a fumble. Otherwise, I think everybody would just go down. If you’re going down, just fumble it forward and let somebody else advance it,” Stafford said.

“I obviously don’t know the rule well enough. I’m sure they talked to New York or whatever. But that one was interesting to me. I’m sure I’ll get an explanation. We’ll get an explanation.”

Around the 6-minute mark in the fourth quarter, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and his offense lined up for a 2-point conversion. Darnold fired a pass straight to running back Zach Charbonnet, but it hit linebacker Jared Verse’s helmet and went backwards. Rams safety Kamren Curl tried to collect it, but tight end AJ Barner was in a contest with linebacker Nate Landman, whose leg hit the safety’s arms.

Barner’s leg also touched Curl’s neck softly before the ball landed in the end zone. Everyone thought the play was over. But Charbonnet picked it up. Referees initially called it an incomplete pass, but called it a successful attempt after replay, as the pass was going backwards. Everyone was stunned.

Section 7 – Backward Pass and Fumble of the 2025 NFL rule book clearly states that “any player of either team may recover or catch a fumble and advance, either before or after the ball strikes the ground, unless the fumble occurs on fourth down, after the two-minute warning, or during a Try.”

However, the confusion about the decision prevailed. While Stafford demanded an explanation, the head coach claimed the referees made a mistake.

Sean McVay calls out the controversial two-point conversion

The Rams’ head coach clearly looked unhappy during the post-game conference and demanded answers.

“I’ve never seen anything or never been a part of anything like that, and I’ve grown up around this game,” McVay said. “We do want clarity and an understanding of the things that we can do to minimize that when we rejected the two-point conversion.”

While the fans stated different rules from the NFL rule book, rules analyst Terry McAulay clarified that replay can reverse the decision of a backward pass ruled as a forward pass and incomplete. He also wrote that the recovery team is given the ball at the spot of recovery. It doesn’t matter if the whistle was blown or not.

Top Stories

“Rest in Peace”: Prayers Pour In From Dan Marino as Dolphins Legend Mourns Tragedy in South Florida Football

Tony Pauline’s 2-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Browns Secure Franchise QB, Commanders Beat Chiefs to Jeremiyah Love

Footage Surfaces of Puka Nacua’s Brother Samson Slapping Fan After Arrest for Allegedly Stealing Lakers’ Adou Thiero’s SUV

“RIP”: Prayers Pour In as Tom Brady’s Raiders Struck by Tragedy

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Loses Faith in Kansas City With Cowboys Decision as FOX Host Calls Out Clark Hunt’s Ownership

The Seahawks broke a lot of records as the controversial conversion took them into overtime, where they won by converting the third 2-point conversion. They became the first NFL team to win on an overtime 2-point conversion. They are also the first team to win a game after allowing a touchdown on the first overtime drive.

Until the league provides a clear explanation, the controversial play will remain a confusing footnote on the Rams’ season.