How brutal Riq Woolen dropped interception, taunting penalty led to Rams touchdown

Dan Treacy

•
How brutal Riq Woolen dropped interception, taunting penalty led to Rams touchdown image

At any level of football, the simplest lesson might be to not beat yourself. No one told Seattle Seahawks CB Riq Woolen.

Woolen left the door wide open for the Los Angeles Rams with a brutal two-play sequence in Sunday's NFC championship game, turning a certain Rams punt into an instant first down followed by a touchdown.

After the sequence, Seahawks defenders were seen arguing on the sidelines as the Rams crept closer.

Here's a look at Woolen's brutal mistake during the NFC championship game.

LIVE: Follow updates from Seahawks vs. Rams in NFC championship game

Seahawks near interception

Woolen had a clear shot at an interception of Matthew Stafford deep into the third quarter on Sunday, a play that would have put the Seahawks in a great position up by two possessions with the ball and decent field position, but a drop caused in part by Puka Nacua instead set up a fouth-and-12 and certain L.A. Punt. 

The play still fired up Woolen and the Seahawks, as it initially looked as though Seattle had gotten L.A.'s offense off the field. A penalty against Woolen quickly changed the game.

MORE: How Seahawks defense compares to Legion of Boom

Seahawks taunting penalty

With a punt seemingly coming, Woolen let the Rams' sideline know — and the officials let him know that he crossed the line. Woolen was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, gifting the Rams 15 yards and a free first down.

The penalty itself put the Rams into roughly Harrison Mevis' field goal range, which would have allowed L.A. To tie the game, but Woolen paid the price for his penalty on the very next play.

MORE: Ranking the 15 greatest Seahawks players ever

Puka Nacua touchdown

With new life, Matthew Stafford took a shot down the field for Nacua, who burned Woolen for a 34-yard touchdown to bring the Rams back within four points.

After the embarassing sequence for Woolen, Seahawks defenders were seen arguing on the sidelines. Fox cameras captured Woolen jawing with rookie safety Nick Emmanwori

If not for Woolen's penalty, the Seahawks' offense would have had the ball while leading by 11 with the chance to take their next drive into the fourth quarter.

Senior Content Producer

Senior Editor