NFL news: Rams’ Xavier Smith muffs punt at crucial point

Mistakes are inevitable in high-pressure NFL games, and on Sunday night in the NFC Championship Game, it cost the Los Angeles Rams dearly at an unfortunate time.

The Rams were able to make a key stop against the Seattle Seahawks early in the third quarter in hopes of getting back within a point or taking the lead on their next drive. Seahawks punter Michael Dickson punted the ball with Rams returner Xavier Smith waiting for the ball.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83) recovers a fumble punt return from Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) during the second half of the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

However, Smith misjudged the ball and fell when the ball should have been coming to him. He tried to grab it behind his back but couldn’t pull it. A Seahawks player was there to recover the muffed punt.

The Seahawks scored on the next play with Sam Darnold hitting Jake Bobo for a touchdown. Seattle took a 24-13 lead early in the third quarter.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) drops a punt return during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

Smith drew immense criticism on social media. Smith’s turnover appears to be a callback to Kyle Williams when he fumbled during the 2012 NFC Championship as a member of the San Francisco 49ers against the New York Giants.

Fortunately for Smith and the Rams, there was plenty of time left on the clock. Rams star Matthew Stafford led the team down the field and found Davante Adams for a touchdown. Los Angeles was still in the game despite Smith’s blunder.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of the 2026 NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026. (Steven Bisig/Imagn Images)

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The second-year undrafted free agent has 27 punt returns this year for 251 yards. He hadn’t fumbled all season, but he had two against Seattle. He picked up the one he had dropped earlier in the game.

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