Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas (20) in the first half during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was hit helmet-to-helmet by San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward.
The NFC Championship Game was bound to get chippy, considering it was between two NFC West rivals in the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. The Rams defense hit 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel hard numerous times throughout the game, while San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner hit Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford in the back of the head. Things got uglier in the fourth quarter.
When Stafford connected with Odell Beckham Jr. for a huge 29-yard gain. But as Beckham came down with the catch, 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward hit him helmet-to-helmet, netting him a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.
Rams: Odell Beckham Jr. hit helmet-to-helmet by Jimmie Ward
The Rams gained 44-yards as a result of the penalty, helping them move down field. They eventually settled for a game-tying, 40-yard field goal by kicker Matt Gay.
Luckily for the Rams, the 49ers next two drives stalled out. They punted the ball away, allowing Los Angeles to take a 20-17 lead on a 30-yard field goal. On San Francisco’s final drive, Garoppolo threw an interception to linebacker Travin Howard to clinch the win by the Rams.
Beckham was just fine after the hit, and now he and the Rams are going to Super Bowl 56