(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: Of course, the year 2022 will come to a calendar close on Saturday, 12/31, but the New one, 2023, will start for the Rams on their much-awaited cross-town rivalry match-up with the Los Angeles Chargers.
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For your reading up and catching up on the upcoming “Battle For L.A.” this Sunday in the NFL’s Week #17, here are the most recent transcripts that covered many aspects of the Charger game, the current injury list, to a brief recap of the Broncos game. We present them here for your reading, your interpretation, and your deepest understanding—the Rams Transcripts – Head Coach Sean McVay, QB Baker Mayfield, and LB Bobby Wagner, from Wednesday, 12/28/22. Pull up a chair and take a sip of your favorite cup of coffee or your best beverage.
–Head Coach Sean McVay–
(Opening Remarks)…“Okay, injury wise, (OC) Brian Allen did not participate. (DT) Marquise Copeland was limited. (DT) Aaron Donald did not participate. (TE) Tyler Higbee did not participate. (OT) Ty Nsekhe did not participate, he was sick. (WR) Ben Skowronek did not participate with his calf. (QB) John Wolford didn’t participate with his neck and (LB) Travin Howard was limited.”
(On why Tyler Higbee is on the injury report)…“Just giving him a veteran rest day.”
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(On if he expects Ty Nsekhe to be back practicing this week)…“I do, yeah. I think he’s had a little bit of a fever and that’s kind of going around, so hopefully he feels better tomorrow.”
(On how he was influenced by Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley when he coached with him)…“Well, that’s a good question. I think number one, he was instrumental in bringing the system kind of that’s foundationally derived from his defensive background. Obviously, there’s a lot made of his history with (Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Consultant and former Broncos Head Coach) Vic Fangio, but he definitely put his own spin on it. I think what you got a chance to do is work with a great coach, a great football mind. From the time of his interview, we immediately hit it off and you can see. I’m not surprised at all by the success that he’s had, but I think he just learned about the drive, the consistent approach, the relentless approach to try to be able to find solutions, put players in the right positions, have some agility and flexibility with regards to the things that you can present to an offense, really understanding how to limit some of the things that offenses are really trying to do. He’s a great coach, learned a lot from him.”
(On if he keeps in touch with Brandon Staley)…“Oh, yeah. We keep in touch.”
(On what he’s seen from Chargers QB Justin Herbert and their offense)…“Yeah, I think really as a team they’ve played outstanding ball recently. Justin’s obviously a great quarterback. He’s got great weapons. I think (Chargers Offensive Coordinator) Joe Lombardi does a great job of, similar to what I was just saying about Brandon, you can see there’s an intent behind everything that they’re trying to do. Obviously (Chargers RB Austin) Ekeler, (Chargers WR) Mike Williams, (Chargers WR) Keenan Allen, (Chargers TE) Gerald Everett has done a great job for them this year, and then Justin makes it all go. And so now that they’ve got their full cast of characters out there, they’re a real problem to deal with. They can beat you in a lot of different ways and so I’ve seen a quarterback that is doing things that he’s in rarefied air in terms of early on in his career, and he seems like he’s got a great way about himself too which is why his teammates seem like they love him and does a great job in a lot of different things.”
(On what he’s seen from the Chargers defense the last few games)…“I’ve seen a great job being able to do different things based on how they want to slow down the opponent. There’s enough versatility where they’ve got a core foundation of things that they want to be able to do, but then also enough complimentary mixers, and then whatever they think is in the best interests situationally, whether it be on the rundowns, pass downs, third downs in the red area, where they can kind of change it up based on how they want to try to stop whatever the given opponent is and what they deem to be really dangerous. But the versatility in the personnel groups, the ability to be able to move some of those joker type players around, I think Brandon does an excellent job of that, just like he did with us. And then you can see some similar principles, but then also the evolution that he’s had over the last couple years to fit it to what they’re doing with the Chargers.”
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(On the challenge going against the versatile Chargers’ defense)…“Yeah, I think it’s that. It’s the multiplicity, the different things that they can present, whether it be their front mechanics, the different coverage things, some of the different ways that they can activate five guys and sometimes four and try to be able to use your back. But he does a great job and I think it’s about kind of having that adaptability and then in some instances making sure that you kind of have some foolproof plays. And there’s nothing that’s perfect, but if you’re putting guys in a position where based on whatever they present you feel like they can execute, those are the things that we’re hunting up but those are some of the things that we’ve got to be ready for. I think you’re exactly right. It’s definitely showed itself the last couple weeks.”
(On if he’s talked to USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley at all about QB Baker Mayfield)…“Yeah, I’m a fan of coaching and so I’ve always just appreciated his work from afar. We got a chance to connect last off-season and we had each other’s numbers where we’ve texted a little bit. That was one of the first texts when we ended up getting Baker that he was excited that he would be out here. Lincoln was actually at the game the other day and so I got a chance to talk to him in the locker room afterwards, but tremendous coach. I think what you can really see that you can appreciate is the relationships that he builds with those guys and then how he maintains it even after they’re done playing with him. You could see even in watching the Heisman, how connected he is with (USC QB) Caleb Williams. But when you talk to Baker about his relationship not only with Lincoln’s wife, but the two little girls and how grown up they are, you can’t fake that. And I think, when you accompany that with, ‘Hey, we’ve got a relationship, I really care about you, and then I can also help you become a better football player.’ You’re checking some really important boxes as a coach and certainly he’s done that.”
(On if he anticipated a head coaching job for Brandon Staley when he worked with him)…“Absolutely, yeah. I think I wasn’t surprised at all. He had a drive and a motivation and a love and a passion for the game that’s as strong as anybody that I’ve been around and so tremendous respect. I think what he was able to do where you come right in, you have a huge influence on a lot of really great things that went on defensively. Similar to what I was saying about Lincoln, you’re building relationships with the coaches and the players and so after we had lost that Divisional Round to the (Green Bay) Packers and you get a chance where if a team’s open-minded when they’re interviewing, I thought there was a good chance that he would get a job, and it worked out that he didn’t have to move too far.”
(On when he begins to have a conversation with GM Les Snead about next year’s roster)…“Yeah, that’ll be one of the first things that you do. You kind of get the exit physicals and then you start looking towards the future and a lot of things that go into that, but that’s after the season.”
(On what the conversations are like about allocating money for the roster)…“I think it depends on, alright, well what type of money do we have to allocate? How do we want to do that? And you always start with your own roster, re-signing your own guys that are free agents. Then you look at what are the external ways to be able to onboard certain players? What is your draft capital? What is the depth of that look like? Because Les and his group, they’re in the midst of studying the draft. So, as you’re really trying to fill out your whole team, you got to understand, all right, how much money do you have that you can allocate to be able to spend in that off-season? What does that look like in regards to resigning your own? And then the different ways that you can onboard, whether that be through free agency, through the draft, or through trades.”
(On his view of the evolution of the ‘push push’ offensive play and how it has evolved as an offensive strategy)…“We’ve had variations of a QB sneak that’s in alignment with that. You obviously see Philly (Philadelphia Eagles) has had an incredible amount of success, and then they’ve had a couple complimentary mixers off of that where everybody squeezes down, and see they get the ball out on the perimeter. But even when people know they’re doing it, against Chicago (Bears) a couple weeks ago, it really didn’t matter because of the strength and the push that they can get from the interior parts of their line. And really, it even affects the tackles and then obviously (Eagles QB) Jalen (Hurts) is so strong at the quarterback position. But it’s one of those ways, if you’re trying to get a yard, it seems like a pretty efficient way to be able to do it. And maybe you’ll see that this week if we get into those short yardage situations.”
(On if he’s felt reinvigorated towards the end of the difficult season)…“I would say yeah. I think it’s about a shift in perspective. It doesn’t mean that this doesn’t wear on you and when you’re so used to being able to have a thought process as it relates to after these two games that we have left in our regular season. So that’s a challenge because you want to do everything in your power to try to help guys get a chance to be able to play in the postseason and what that means. But I think it’s about just being able to control what you can and initially when you haven’t been through those types of things before, I think you’re learning a lot about yourself, the people around, and then you really have a choice to be able to make. You can complain or feel sorry for yourself about it, or you can try to be solution oriented. And the players, like I’ve said, have been the best influence and inspiration to me because of the consistency at which they’ve come in, continued to go to work. And what I take as much pride in as anything is I think you’re seeing those guys get better. It might not always be reflected in… what a great job those guys did the other day, where a lot of things work out and they’re able to control a game from start to finish. But even when I mentioned going back to Seattle or like we’ve talked about some of the red zone sudden change stops that our defense had against Kansas City, there’s been a lot of things that have inspired me in what has been no question about it, the most challenging year that I’ve had since I’ve been in L.A.”
–Quarterback Baker Mayfield–
(On if he has had any thoughts or conversations about where he will play next season)…“No, I’m a free agent after this so I really haven’t given it much thought to be honest with you. Just trying to roll with it one day at a time, but yeah, we’ll see. It should be interesting, but all that doesn’t start until March anyways, so we’ll see how it goes.”
(On if there is anything he wants to show in the remainder of the season)…“Like I talked about, I think continuing the improvement and being comfortable in the system and just showcasing my abilities and the ability to lead. Just looking forward to continuing to progress and get everybody better too.”
(On what he has seen from the Chargers defense and how they have improved with being multiple)…“They’re creating a lot of plays being able to be multiple, just giving guys different looks and being able to hold some of the disguises and blitzes and stuff like that. They’ve created a lot of plays over the past few weeks. Obviously clinching the playoffs they’ve been on a roll and (have) been playing complimentary football, so we’ve got to be ready for a great challenge.”
(On the deception of the Chargers defense and what quarterbacks can do to combat this)…“They do a really good job of hiding a lot of things, so just trust in your eyes going through progressions. This is a (Panthers Offensive Coordinator) Ben McAdoo-ism right here, ‘Don’t expect it to say what you think it’s going to say.’ The post snap reads and all that and that stays true because the good teams, like they are, they hide it and they disguise well so you’ve just got to trust the progressions and go through it.”
(On why he pointed to Head Coach Sean McVay after one of RB Cam Akers’ touchdowns)
“No, just a good call. Giving him kudos, giving credit where it’s due.”
(On if he feels more comfortable at the offensive line)…“Yeah, (it’s) definitely a lot more comfortable now. It’s beginning to be a little bit more second nature when it comes to changing the plays, criteria, stuff like that. So yeah, it felt good.”
(On if there are any similarities between Head Coach Sean McVay and USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley)…“Yeah, personality-wise, they’re pretty similar behind the scenes. They’re both extremely sharp guys. Their memories (are) off the charts, being able to talk about plays from years past exactly when it was and who it was against. Those are special traits. Those are the only two guys I’ve ever been around that do that. They’re special in that aspect and they also put guys in a good position to showcase their talents and have a great position for success.”
(On what he likes about the offense as far as what it has allowed him to do individually)…“I think we saw on Sunday that we were able to marry up the run and pass game. It all looked similar with motions, formations, personnel. So just being able to give similar looks and being completely different post-snap. We talk about the defensive structure on the back end, similar for us making it look like one thing and it being something different. This is a system that allows you to do that and allows guys to create those open plays.”
(On the Carolina Panthers having success, how he thinks Panthers QB Sam Darnold has played, and if he saw this coming)…“Oh yeah. I mean I still stay in touch with those guys, that’s why I told you guys it was so hard to leave. It’s a great group there and I reached out after they won the last one. They’re close. They got two games left, they can close it out and still win the division and make the playoffs which is pretty special. We were talking about it after the coaching change and just getting on a roll and making sure they continue the momentum. It’s good to see that. Sam’s rolling right now. They’ve got the run game going so it’s fun to see that.”
(On if he has been involved in a situation where he is pushing a guy over the goal line and his perspective on how that has evolved)…“I like to get involved. There’s a certain thing (about) pushing guys across the edge. You talk about it after the game and you see the momentum, you see the O-linemen getting involved and you see the passion in guys and the will and the want to win. I’m not mad about it at all from an offensive perspective by any means. It’s good to see all our guys get involved, even in the open field when they’re not allowing defensive guys to push our running backs back and carry that momentum.”
(On what he thinks about Chargers QB Justin Herbert)…“I think Justin’s a baller. What he’s been able to do so far in his career is nothing short of spectacular. So he’s been fun to watch. (He’s a) really dynamic guy and I think with the injuries that they have had this year, he’s had to carry a lot of that and so I think he’s done a really, really good job.”
–LB Bobby Wagner–
(On if he surprised himself with his acrobatic interception against the Broncos)…“Did I surprise myself with an acrobatic play? Come on man. No, I didn’t surprise myself. I knew I could do that. I wanted (LB) Ernest (Jones) to go block the other guy so I could run towards (Broncos QB) Russ (Russell Wilson), but it didn’t happen.”
(On Ernest Jones becoming the lead blocker on his interception return)…“Yeah, he knew the mission, you know what I mean? Heat of the moment he got too excited, but it was cool. It was fun.”
(On what he has seen from Chargers QB Justin Herbert)…“I feel like there’s been a lot of growth since last year to this year. I think there’s been a lot of phases throughout the season, but of late he’s been playing really, really well. He’s a guy that can make pretty much every throw. There’s not too many quarterbacks that can roll out to the right and then throw across their body, across the field, accurate and 60 plus yards down the field. It’s a guy that they trust, a guy that I have a respect for, and it’s going to be fun playing against him.”
(On the challenges that Chargers RB Austin Ekeler presents)…“He’s going to get the ball. The biggest thing is he’s really good in the run game. I think he’s a lot more powerful than people give him credit for but they get him out in the back field and he’s on all types of routes and he’s somebody you have to be conscious of. They find different ways to get him the rock, especially in the red zone. I think that’s him. They’re going to find a way to get him touches. He’s not like a traditional running back where you just hand the ball off to him and that’s how he gets his touches. He’s going to get the ball in the run game, going to get the ball in pass game, they’re going to run different routes, they’re going to put you in different situations to kind of isolate linebackers and try to have one-on-one guys to try to make them miss. He’s a guy that you definitely have to know where he is at all times.”
(On if Chargers QB Justin Herbert has the ability to extend plays and find the open receivers)…“I think the biggest thing is he has a lot of faith and trust in his arm. Like I said, there’s not too many quarterbacks that can roll out one way in a direction and throw across their body. I’m pretty sure that’s not in the quarterback manual. When you’re blessed to be able to do that, as defenders you have to make sure that you’re conscious of that. So if you see somebody downfield or somebody open on the backside, there’s a chance that he trusts his arm enough to make that throw. It’s one of those discipline games, one of those games you have to be on the details, and it should be a fun one for sure.”
(On if there is more concern about playing an entire season the older he gets)…“No, I think (in) the offseason you prepare yourself for the duration of the season. My first, I don’t know, six years we were going really deep into the playoffs and so we were playing 18 plus games every time. It doesn’t matter whether it’s now or when I was younger, I think the hardest game to get ready for is that Thursday night game because there’s just not that much time to cram in all the stuff that you would normally do in the whole week for that Thursday game. So for me if anything has been a challenge it’s always that Thursday night game, but that’s always been a challenge and I would confidently speak for every player that it’s a challenge for everybody because it’s hard. Regardless of the game, you could have a 80 play game or 60 play game and then have to turn around and be ready by Thursday, which I think most guys start feeling good around that time. It’s always tough and I don’t imagine it getting any easier.”
(On what he does in the offseason to prepare his body for the season)…“I work out a lot. I meditate a lot. I do yoga a lot. I hoop a lot. You just try to stay active. I think as you get older, there’s not really that time where you’re not active. I think the longer you take off the harder it is to get back in shape, so I don’t really take much time off. I might not lift as much early on, but I’ll still be running, I’ll be on the bike, I’ll do something to stay active. Then as my body recovers then I’ll start adding the weights and the intense workouts.”
(On DT Larrell Murchison)…“Well, the dance definitely sticks out. When you come into a team, like kind of where he came into the team, he was quiet, doesn’t really say much, just meeting with the coaches trying to get sped up on the defense and stuff like that. Then he goes out and gets a sack and starts dancing and starts talking and we were like, ‘Yo, where’s this? Where did this come from?’ He’s put in a lot of work to try to understand the scheme and understand the nuances of the defense and I think it was really fun to just watch him just have fun out there and let loose and not worry about always being right or whatever, but just making plays. Once he started doing that, everybody was feeding off that energy because like I said, he probably said about four words before that point. It was fun to see him play.” ##Rams##
