It was a crucial Week 16 game for the Los Angeles Rams, with implications for the number one seed in the NFC against divisional rival Seattle Seahawks.
Despite some quality performances from Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua, the Rams were unable to hold down the Seahawks in overtime, losing 37-38.
Seattle is now in sole possession of the first seed in the conference, with the Rams now in position to be a wildcard team in the playoffs.
Outside of the good performances from the starting QB and star receiver, one member of the Rams organization recently had one of his better games in the loss on Thursday.
The Los Angeles Rams made their first selection of the 2025 NFL Draft on Day 2 after trading out of Day 1. At the 46th overall pick, the Rams selected tight end Terrance Ferguson from Oregon.
Ferguson entered the organization as the fourth option on the depth chart and has not seen much use throughout his rookie year in Los Angeles, but has shown glimpses of what he can do in the league.
In the previous five weeks, Ferguson has not been used as much, as he only caught the ball once for 6 yards on 6 targets.
In the Week 16 loss to Seattle, the second-round draftee had one of his more productive games as a rookie. The tight end has 3 receptions (his most in a single game) for 33 yards (his second most in a single game) and a touchdown reception.
Sean McVay discussed the development of Ferguson, stating that he still believes the player can reach new heights.
“It’s been steady and I think it’s been something that you’re really excited about how bright his future is, because all he’s doing is getting better,” McVay said of the rookie. “He’s so coachable. He’s secure enough to be able to acknowledge the areas he needs to improve. I think he’s got great examples of veterans around him, being able to see what it looks like to do right.”
“You guys heard me say it all the time, repetition is the mother of learning. He’s playing a lot of meaningful snaps in some big-time games and some big-time atmospheres. That’s only going to continue to serve him well and I think the best is yet to come, like I’ve talked to you guys about.”
Ferguson has registered 177 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 receptions this season, a somewhat impressive feat for the fourth tight end at his respective position.
Selecting Terrance Ferguson was a bit of a surprise move from the Los Angeles Rams.
As mentioned, the team had Tyler Higbee (considered the best player at his position), Colby Parkinson (who entered the second year of his three-year, $22.5 million deal), and Davis Allen (who entered his third season in the NFL).
But the 2025 NFL Draft pick is taking it as an opportunity to learn from the experienced players in the league and calls it a blessing.
“You get a room like that and the guys are one,” the rookie said. “Better men off the field as well.”
“I learn a lot of things from all those guys off the field and on the field. Just being able to have people in your circle that you trust, you can learn from, it’s such a blessing. It’s such a big part of my development… It’s truly a blessing.”
With more opportunities coming as he progresses, Ferguson will be a key contributor to the team in the future.
