The Seattle Seahawks missed a huge interception late in the third quarter of Sunday night’s NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. But the stop still resulted in a long fourth down that should have given them the ball back with an 11-point lead.
At least, that was the case until Riq Woolen was punished for an ill-timed taunt.
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After the game, Woolen was seen jeering on the Los Angeles Rams sideline, apparently celebrating the pass breakup that occurred not long ago. While it’s unclear exactly what he said, it was enough for officials to issue him an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting.
And, since it was a fourth-and-12 game, it gave the Rams a new set of blows.
Matthew Stafford also took full advantage. On the next play, he immediately found Puka Nacua for a 34-yard touchdown pass down the left side of the field.
Just like that, Woolen’s taunting free throw finally tied the score to just four points.
While the taunting penalty itself can be controversial, especially since it’s currently unknown what exactly Woolen said on the field, Woolen shouldn’t put himself in a position to be punished — especially with a spot in the Super Bowl at stake.
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Apparently, some of Woolen’s teammates felt the same way on the sidelines.
The Seahawks led 31-27 entering the fourth quarter.
This article will be updated soon with more information.