NFL Twitter was in a glass case of emotion after watching the Los Angeles Rams blow a 27-3 lead to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, only to win 30-27.
That was something, wasn’t it. The Los Angeles Rams looked to have had the game won, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-3 in the third quarter. But, the Rams suffered multiple blunders against Tom Brady, allowing them to tie the game up at 27 with less than a minute remaining in regulation. But, the Rams still had some magic in them.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s 44-yard pass to Cooper Kupp helped set up a successful field goal attempt by Matt Gay, giving them the walk-off 30-27 win. The Rams will now face the rival San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
As you might have guessed, Twitter users lost their minds after watching what was a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Rams… pic.twitter.com/F549QzfeEt
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 23, 2022
Matthew Stafford, 0-3 in the playoffs with the Lions.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 23, 2022
Matthew Stafford, 2-0 in the playoffs with the Rams.
The Rams lost 4 fumbles and blew a 24-point lead to Tom Brady and still won. They have been purified by fire and are now unkillable
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) January 23, 2022
Wow @RamsNFL win with FG with 4 sec/ unbelievable! 30-27 Rams over @Buccaneers
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 23, 2022
COOPER M'FN KUPP!!!!!!!!! #Rams WOWOWOWOW whatta game!
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 23, 2022
How do you leave Cooper Kupp by himself on the last play of the game?He lliterally has 6,000 receiving yards this year.
— Justin Forsett (@JForsett) January 23, 2022
THAT Cooper Kupp out route at THAT moment in the game!?!?? FILTH.
— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) January 23, 2022
He absolutely is a graduate of Him University.
I can't believe the Buccaneers came back. And then I can't believe the Buccaneers lost.
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) January 23, 2022
Tristan Wirfs being out was monumental. You can’t do anything offensively if your Offensive line can’t block the opposing teams Defensive front. That was the story much the game for the Bucs. But what a comeback despite the loss.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 23, 2022
Even though the Bucs lost, I was thoroughly impressed with Byron Leftwich's playcalling in the second half. Big reason they came back in the first place.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) January 23, 2022
I'd be very pleased if he's the next #Bears head coach.
NFL Twitter reacts to epic Rams-Buccaneers Divisional Round Game
It looked as though the Rams had a chance to close out the game before the end of the third quarter. Los Angeles’ defense were beating up on Brady and Tampa Bay’s offensive line. But once Kupp fumbled on a reception, it gave the Buccaneers life. Not only that, but the Rams made mistake after mistake after mistake.
The fumble by center Brian Allen on the snap, cornerback Jalen Ramsey getting beat by Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans for a touchdown, a fumble by running back Cam Akers on Los Angeles’ penultimate drive of the game. Once Leonard Fournette ran into the end zone for the game-tying touchdown, it looked as though Tampa Bay carried all the momentum.
Yet, that momentum quickly went back to the Rams on an impressive throw by Stafford and an incredible catch by the wide open Kupp.
There were already questions as to whether Brady will retire after this season or if he will give it another go in 2022. Now, that question is going to dominate the remainder of the playoffs and the entirety of the offseason, waiting for the seven-time Super Bowl champion makes an announcement.
Stafford finished the game completing 28-of-38 pass attempts for 366 yards and two touchdowns. Kupp caught nine of 11 targets from Stafford for 183 yards and a touchdown.
Brady threw for 329 yards, one touchdown and one interception while completing 30-of-54 of his throws.
The Rams will host the 49ers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The winner of the NFC Championship Game will return to that very stadium for Super Bowl 56.