Incredible fake-punt call is Rams’ second special-teams stunner of game
The St. Louis Rams stunned the Seattle Seahawks and they can credit two amazing special-teams sleights of hand.
In the first half, the Rams pulled off an incredible punt return fake-out for a touchdown that almost defies explanation.
Then, in the waning moments of a game it appeared the Seahawks were going to steal, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher made a call that took some serious onions.
From their own 18-yard line with just under three minutes left, desperately protecting a 28-26 lead, Fisher called for his punt team to take the field on fourth down. But there was no punt.
Punter Johnny Hekker threw to a wide-open Bennie Cunningham for 18 yards and an improbable first down.
The Rams would run out the clock and go on to win, although not without a heart-attack moment. Rookie running back Tre Mason fumbled near midfield, and despite a slew of Seahawks players around the ball, the Rams miraculously came up with the ball and took a knee to close out the upset.
But back to the fake … who calls that?! If the Rams miss, the Seahawks already are in field-goal range with a chance to milk the clock and win the game.
The guess is that if you’re the Rams, sitting at 1-4 with a chance to beat the world champion Seahawks, why not lay it all on the line?
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm