Sean McVay comments on Xavier Smith's muffed punt: 'It was costly'

There were a lot of key plays made in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, but there was perhaps none more consequential than Xavier Smith’s muffed punt in the third quarter. It came after the Seattle Seahawks’ first possession of the second half when the Los Angeles Rams got a much-needed stop to force the punt.

Smith had muffed a punt earlier in the game but fell on that one, keeping possession. He wasn’t as fortunate this time. He bobbled it and the Seahawks recovered the loose ball, scoring a touchdown on the very next play of the game.

Sean McVay commented on the pivotal play after the Rams’ 31-27 loss, admitting “it was costly.”

“It’s tough because X-Man has been so reliable,” he said of Smith. “He bobbled the first one and we were lucky to get back on it. And that one, it was costly. I love him. He’s done a nice job. … That was a tough one.”

HUGE turnover on special teams. Seahawks take over.

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The Seahawks took a 24-13 lead on Jake Bobo’s touchdown after Smith’s fumble, just as the Rams gained a little bit of momentum. Los Angeles went right down the field after that score and got into the end zone on a 75-yard drive, but that only drew them within four points.

Who knows what would’ve happened if not for Smith’s giveaway, but there’s no question it cost the Rams points.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' Sean McVay comments on Xavier Smith's 'costly' muffed punt