“We Are L.A. Strong!”
(East Los Angeles, CA)[From The Editor’s Desk]: Attention all of our Rams fans!! The regulaly scheduled NFL Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are in full swing and right up front to start things off, we find the two main leaders of the team engaging with the always-present, L.A. Rams credentialed media corps,
They are always ready, willing, and able to capture all of the media surrounding the start of the new season, which begins in just less than 100 days from the time this transcript was published.
Without further adieu, here is the first transcript featuring Head Coach Sean McVay and his quarterback, Matthew Stafford. We remind our followers and readers of “all things Rams” to bookmark each in that precise folder location on your device. More transcripts and informational updates will be coming soon!
Here are the dates of the League’s (10) day OTA offseason workouts: May 27-28, May 30, June 2-3, June 5, June 9-10, June 12. The Team’s Mandatory minicamp is slated for June 16-18.
Rams Transcripts – Head Coach Sean McVay & QB Matthew Stafford – 5/28/25
*[Head Coach Sean McVay]
(On what he’s seen so far from TE Terrance Ferguson)…“Terrance has been good. Really today was the first day that we could do 11-on-11. These guys got here a couple weeks ago, seen a guy that’s been really attentive in meetings, got a really good feel. Really it’s routes on air and then what we saw today, which is a limited body of work, but just been really impressed with him and really the rookie class as a whole. Our vets have done a good job welcoming these guys with open arms but looking forward to seeing him just continue to take it a step at a time. (Tight Ends Coach Scott) “Scooter” Huff does a great job with our tight ends. So far so good.”
(On his impression of WR Davante Adams thus far)…“I think the first thing I’ve been really impressed with his willingness to share, his openness and his refreshing humility in terms of being coached but then being able to offer his insight. It’s fun to be able to listen to…he and Matthew have a dialogue of their accumulated experiences and getting on the same page for how they want to be able to do things. But he’s been great. Similar to what I was just saying about Terrence, but he’s been great in the meetings, incredibly detail-oriented. You can see how smart he is. There are a couple things that are new in terms of the vernacular, but a lot of this stuff is same as or maybe just a couple subtle tweaks. But his ability to be able to learn, his ability to be able to listen and then ultimately lead has been a big factor.”
(On how Adams can influence some of the younger players)…“I think there’s nothing more powerful…seeing is better than said. The way he moves, but then his willingness to share. I think what’s cool is, is these guys, the more comfortable they get, the more comfortable they’ll be to be able to ask questions. I think (Wide Receivers Coach) Eric Yarber, (pass Game Coordinator) Nate (Scheelhaase) and (Offensive Assistant) Rob (Calabrese) do such a great job of creating an open dialogue. We want our meetings to be conversational, not just transferring information. The way that he moves, what’s his rhythm and routine, and then his willingness to share based on his experiences and credibility that he’s earned over the years.”
(On WR Puka Nacua’s absence at OTAs)…“Oh yeah, this was months ago. He’s traveling with his family, pretty cool opportunity. Got to be able to go travel with his mom. He was getting back today. He’ll be here so he’s done a great job of communicating a couple months ago. And then, um,
(On if he’s seen a different level of preparedness from WR Jordan Whittington)…“It’s funny I was just talking to him out on the field. What I think is great is when guys put the work in and they just continue to show I’m getting better and better and I’m creating value, whether that’s on teams or whether that’s doing a great job within his role as a receiver, you can see the accumulation of experiences led to a confidence, ability to be able to fill in when needed. Thought he had a really good day today. You can see he’s just got a real comfort level in terms of what’s being asked. What’s the intent of some of these plays? What are the route nuances and where do I fit within these concepts? And so I’ve just been really proud of the progress, the maturity. But when you talk to people’ going back to his time at Texas, this is who he’s been. He’s been all that and more with us and today was an excellent step in the right direction for him.”
On whether the team is still interested in trading for Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey)…“Oh yeah, we would never close out those opportunities.”
(On an update about the status of that potential trade with a June 1st deadline approaching)…“You and I both know that’s not a real date though. Here’s what I would say. There’s not a whole lot that I have to offer. There are a lot of layers with something of that magnitude when you’re talking about the caliber of the player, the compensation that they’re looking for in return, what does that look like in terms of how they want to handle what he’s actually do? Obviously, we love Jalen. We know Jalen intimately. There would be some things that we would need to be able to do if that was going to be a direction that we went. We certainly haven’t closed the door on that, but there hasn’t been a whole lot of dialogue as of late in regard to some of the communication and so we’ll see if that changes. These things can happen quickly, but it’s really same as what it was a couple weeks ago.”
(On if he expects the trade conversations to ramp up)…“I would say this, there really hasn’t been any meaningful, tangible dialogue as of late but that can always change pretty quickly as you know.”
(On if he would want to add to the secondary if the team cannot add Jalen Ramsey)…“No, I feel good about where we’re at. Obviously, Jalen’s a unique deal, but I think we all feel this way in terms of the guys that have played. We’ve gotten a lot of guys that have played meaningful ball at the corner position at the safety. We’ve got some different guys that can flex between safety dime, linebacker, the nickel star spot. I think that the way that guys will approach, similar to the previous question, there are a lot of young guys, or maybe even guys that are new to the Rams but have accumulated a bunch of experience that I think are only going to continue to take steps. I think when you really look at it, I thought that (CB) Cobie Durant took amazing strides last year. Obviously (CB) Ahkello Witherspoon played great. I think him being here in the offseason is a big deal. Darious Williams has been an excellent player for us. I don’t think anybody can minimize that hamstring injury that he had to work through in the early parts of the year. And then it was great to see (CB) Derion Kendrick out here and (CB) Emmanuel Forbes made a play. So there’s a handful of guys. I saw Shaun Jolly get in on a pick today. So I do feel really good about the development of that group led by (Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator) Aubrey Pleasant, (Safeties Coach) Chris Beake and (Defensive Assistant) Mike Harris.”
(On CB Emmanuel Forbes getting a full offseason program with the team and how he’s looked so far)…“I was really impressed with the way that he came in, his willingness to be coached, his openness to maybe some different techniques. And that’s really tough to do in the middle of the year, especially given the background of the Washington. And I thought he came in with a great demeanor and disposition. Aubrey always does such a good job of being able to connect with guys, let me connect with you first, then let me learn how we can continue to communicate, speak the saying languages, and then I’ll be able to slowly feed you what we’re trying to be able to get done in bite-size increments. And you’ve just seen the progression. Today was the first step, but you can see even when he’s responding to questions, what he’s showing in the walkthroughs, even watching him in some full speed settings today, you see the ability in some of the individual drills, the movements, the ability to get in and out of breaks and things like that and then the length and the ball skills to be able to pick the ball off. Those are big deals. I thought he did some really good stuff against Seattle in week 18 last year. And so I’m encouraged to really use this as an evaluation. And you guys know, we try to get as many meaningful reps in these settings as possible. The closest thing to real football without playing tackle is when we can put the pads on. So there still is an understanding of we’re just trying to set foundations, but I think he’s done a really good job with what he can control.’
(On how he’s handled watching film with quarterbacks on the roster and teaching them as they make the jump from college)…”Yeah, that’s a really good question. the first thing is who’s the quarterback coach or the coordinator and what’s been their rhythm and routine? And, (Quarterbacks Coach) Dave Ragone…I’ve obviously known Dave for a while, but when you talk about a guy that has such a specific, sequential process for the weekly rhythm for the quarterbacks while also having the necessary flexibility to say, ‘Alright, this is how Matthew’s done it, this is how Jimmy’s done it. Now I’m really being able to help Stetson continue to develop a rhythm and routine.’ And I think what he does a great job of is he’s able to really reach that person with the most experience while also accommodating to somebody that’s getting familiar with it. But I think it’s being able to break it up into segments, similar to how we kind of implement a game plan, and then make sure you don’t take anything for granted. I mentioned it earlier, the conversational meetings. You can give all this information guys kind of nod, but unless you force them to give it back to you and then they’re able to show it in jog through or some of these walkthrough settings and then in the practice. But I just think Dave does a great job and really I have such trust in him to be able to kind of implement that with those guys.”
(On the status of RB Kyren Williams’ potential contract extension)…”Yeah, I think first of all, (agent) Drew (Rosenhaus) been out outstanding. I think the dialogue has been really healthy and the one thing about these negotiations is trying to be able to figure out, alright, where is that? That line that that fits what everybody wants to be able to get done. And we all know how much we love Kyren. Drew’s got a responsibility. I think his communication’s been excellent and Kyren has been the same stud that we know, great demeanor, great willingness to come out here to work, to be able to get better. He’s been great in terms of our communication. It means a lot just because you don’t minimize those things are real and those are real things that guys have to navigate. You want to make sure that you’re asking the right questions, giving them opportunities to be able to give you that feedback and just keep the communication lines open. Hopefully we’ll see where this goes, but I think it’s been really healthy and positive progress for sure.”
(On what he liked about RB Jarquez Hunter coming out of Auburn)…”I think when you look at it, really all six of our picks we had a real appreciation for. I think that’s what lessened his group in collaboration with our coaches did a great job is let’s have a vision for how these guys fit. Let’s play the game in terms of, alright, where do we think the rest of the league sees these guys? Jarquez was a guy, in addition to some other running backs that we had real appreciation for, there was a vision for how he fit. We got a chance to have a Zoom meeting with him as coaches, just liked his demeanor. I think when you look at the production that he had at Auburn going against the caliber of players that he’s going against, he’s a guy that can hit home runs and so there was a lot to like about him, but the other five guys and really a lot of these undrafted free agents felt the same way.”
(On flag football being part of the 2028 Olympic games and if he would encourage players to participate)…“Yeah, I think it’s great. I think that is so far away from me. Coaching years are dog years, you know that. You hear (Vikings WR) Justin Jefferson come out and talk about, man, that would be really cool. That’s awesome. Like I think you give guys the opportunity to say, ‘Alright, well what’s your preference on it?’ And I think whatever our guys are…there’s going to be the availability for maybe one guy on each team to be able to do that. And if that’s something that players say they want to be able to do, then I think it’s a really cool experience for them to be able to be a part of while also acknowledging that man, there are some other guys that have been doing it. I’m not going to pretend to understand the nuances tactically and what that game entails, but I think it’s good. I think it’s great.”
(On the communication and chemistry between Stafford and Adams)…“Well, I think he just said it. It’s his ability to communicate, to connect and then he listens to understand. You get around a lot of people and they’re just telling you what they want, but he’s got this really great way of having real clarity on what he’s looking for, but an openness and a humility to be able to listen and work in coordination and man, that’s where you inspire people to want to be able to work alongside you. And he’s done that with receivers. He does that with the offensive lineman. It’s really whoever. And that’s why I think when you’re innately thrust into a leadership position, it’s why when you talk to his teammates or coaches, everybody loves this guy. I’ve said it and I’ve referenced it a couple times. I remember a few years ago Dan Orlovsky said, “He’s got this great way to be one of the guys, but you also know he’s the man at the same time. And that’s a real fine line to be able to balance, but he does that authentically and organically with his personality. But he’s got great communication and he’s put in so much work to have such an understanding of what it looks like to do this at a high clip. I just see him over there. He is getting ready to turn 50 here pretty soon too, so I’m just kidding. Didn’t see you over there, big guy!”
(On why Lakers’ Head Coach, J.J. Redick being at practice today)…“You know what I like is the opportunity to be able to have people that are in similar platforms where you’re always trying to learn and share. And even though there might be some different things specifically or tactically, there’s so much crossover in leadership in the platform that we’re blessed to be able to have. I got connected with JJ a little bit before he took the job, and had always respected him from afar. But I mean, you talk about a well-thought-out guy, a great willingness to be able to look inwardly at, alright, where are those areas of improvement, understanding how you bring people together. And so really enjoyed him coming out and I think the guys did today too.”
*[Quarterback Matthew Stafford]
(On his connection with WR Davante Adams during Day 1 of OTAs)…“Oh, it was good. It’s always a work in progress. We’re always talking out there, which is a lot of fun. A guy that’s a veteran player, has played a lot of football, and had a lot of success, so it’s fun just trying to communicate as much as I can with him. Obviously, he’s made some great plays today but it’s fun to work with guys that understand the game and still have a lot left in the tank. So, it was good.”
(On whether he watched film on Adams before he arrived in Los Angeles)…“I mean, I’ve sat and watched from the other sideline a bunch of times. I’ve played against him a bunch, so I kind of know what he’s about. Obviously, I’ve grown to have even more appreciation just being in the room with him and working with him. So, he’s got a great career going and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
(On Adams’ impact on the younger players on the team)…“He’s definitely a veteran guy. He’s got a bunch of snaps under his belt. I’m doing everything I can to try to bring him along in our offense as fast as possible. He understands the game so that’s great. We just go out there and all work together, try to be as good as we can. It’s early, first practice out on the grass running around, so just trying to get our feet wet and continue to work hard and get better.”
(On whether he does anything in specific when trying to learn a receivers tendencies)…“Yeah, I was texting with him late last week a little bit and just saying, ‘Hey man, you’re a great player because of your skillset and I’m going to continue to work and watch… whether that’s watching live after I throw and then go back and rewatch and make sure what I was seeing and feeling at that moment was real.’ Then we just talk about it too right, after every single set, it feels like we’re over there talking about, ‘Hey, this is kind of how I’m thinking that I’m going to come out of this or feel that.’ and it’s just constant dialogue. Honestly, those are the best relationships I’ve had with the receivers and the most success that I’ve had is guys that want to talk to you on what they felt, what they were doing. I can also say, ‘Hey, this is what it looks like from my angle and go from there. But he definitely has that feeling, he has that understanding and that’s a huge positive.”
(On what he has learned from Adams during offseason workouts that he didn’t previously know prior to playing alongside him)…“I mean, I’ve always had a ton of respect. So, it just continues to be the same. I always hated going against him because I knew he was going to put up numbers and play at a high level. But just watching him go about it in whatever year this is for him, to be out there in May working the way he’s working, doing what he’s doing to try to get caught up on our offense as fast as possible. Just the way he goes about his business is commendable for sure.”(On whether he’d be interested in playing flag football in the 2028 Olympics for Team USA)…“Sure. I mean, nobody’s going to want me to, but yeah, sure. It’d be fun. I’ll coach.”
(On whether he noticed a big difference in his film preparation leading up to games when he transitioned from college to the NFL)…“Oh yeah, absolutely. It’s something that I think you’ve got to learn as you go. I mean, it’s one of those things that I leaned on the veteran guys that I had around me when I was first coming around in the NFL to try and help me through that process. Then, I was around smart players as well and just tried to pick their brain. But everybody kind of has to figure out the formula that works for them. There were some interesting times too. The game’s evolved so much in 17 years. I mean, what used to be around on defense is not around anymore and there’s just so much more complexity to it. Then, playing with a guy like [Former Lions WR] Calvin [Johnson], early in my career, I would watch all this tape and then you go out and play the game and nobody was running the same coverages because they were just clouding to him the whole game or doubling him or whatever it was. So, you’ve got to kind of figure it out as you go, but I was always just trying to be a sponge and just take as much as I possibly could in about the game of football. I think later in my career it’s helped me out.”
(On whether he leaned on coaches at all or whether he leaned more on the veteran players in his quarterback room)…“Yeah, some coaches. I mean, obviously, I had some experienced coordinators when I first got into the league, the guys that really helped me out. Then, players as well. Coaches are doing so much to try and prepare for the next game or scout ahead, do all those kinds of things. You got to lean on the guys that are actually playing in those games and how they go about it and how they get ready. I was able to bounce some ideas off of those guys.”
(On rookie TE Terrance Ferguson)…“ I think it’s just always fun when you get young guys in here eager to come out here, play football and prove themselves. Whether it’s guys on offense or defense, it’s exciting to have young guys around here that… and our front office has done a hell of a job the last couple years of finding guys that are ready to go and play. Just excited for him, for his opportunity. Obviously, I was a fan of his during the season last year in college when I saw him running around there at Oregon doing some really nice stuff. Excited for him. Again, it’s all a development at this stage. We’re just trying to figure out who we’re going to be as a team. Everybody is trying to figure out how they can get better as a player, and he’s no different, but excited to have him.”
(On finding new ways to incorporate WR Tutu Atwell into the offense)…“I think we’re building that version right now, right? We’ve run whatever that was, 18, 25, 30 plays, whatever it was today. We’re figuring that out. We’re building as we go. Tutu, I got a lot of respect for, too. He’s a really smart guy. He’s a guy that can play all three spots for us because of his ability to understand where he fits. I think he continues to get better. I think I’ve seen him grow as a football player, seen him grow as a human being, all of those kinds of things as a professional. He’s done a hell of a job the last couple years and I think when you turn the tape on and watch, it shows up. Happy for his success, happy for us to get another chance to work with him for another year and looking for big things. Obviously, he’s got the one thing everybody knows, he can really run, but I think he plays away from his body really well, catching the football, understands where he fits in the run game and the schemes and obviously [Head Coach] Sean [McVay] and the coaching staff does a really nice job of finding ways to utilize his best traits and best attributes on a down-in down-out basis.”
(On RB Kyren Williams going through his first contract negotiation)…“I’m hesitant to talk about anybody else’s business. I just know the kind of player that Kyren is and the kind of human being and the teammate that he is. We all love and respect him. The way he goes about his business, the way he works, the way he plays the game, it jumps off the screen. I know to you guys as well, just the passion that he plays with, so not surprising that he’s out here when the football is put down on the ground he’s playing. Whatever needs to happen for him and for us as a team, that’s not my business, but I love having him as a teammate, love him and I respect the way he plays and goes about his business.”
(On the strides that WR Jordan Whittington has made from year one to now)…“ I think he put in a great off season. I saw him working with Puka [Nacua] and some of those guys. So, he’s come back ready to go. He’s a physical dude, can run, great special teams player, a guy that can fit in like Tutu—can kind of play all the spots if you need him to, which is great. The more of those guys that you have on your team, the better. Just excited to see his growth too. The more opportunities these guys get to play NFL football, the better they’re going to be. He’s definitely a guy that when he gets an opportunity, he really does everything he can to try and take advantage of it. You got a bunch of guys like that on your team, you feel pretty good about it.”
(On how he would describe the process of getting to know Adams)…“It’s definitely motivating. I want to be great for all the guys in that locker room. You get new players in, guys that you’ve got a ton of respect for and man I want to make sure that he’s getting everything he needs from me and likewise. I know he probably feels the same way. So, it’s always a process, getting to figure that kind of stuff out but just the few reps that we’ve had out here today and all that, I mean, he is a special player for a reason. He has been a really good player in this league for a long time for a reason. I’m going to do everything I can to try and help him have great success here and if we do that, then that’s going to be successful for our team. So, I’m doing everything I can to try and make sure that I’m as good as I can be for everybody in that locker room but he’s definitely one of them for sure.”
–RAMS–
