(East Los Angeles, CA)[From The Editor’s Desk]: In one of the Rams’ most important games of the season to date, they put it all together in Seattle and won their 3rd consecutive game, defeating their NFC West members, the Seahawks, in overtime, (26-20). In doing so, they evened their season record at (4-4) as nearly all teams reached the midway point of the season.
Coach McVay was certainly in a good and a bright mood during his regular Monday meeting with the press as he addressed quite a few areas of the game and finished with a congratulatory statement to Dodgers’ Manager, Dave Roberts and the team on their World Series Championship.
It’s now a good time to pull up that easy chair or get into your “best” space that can give you those all-important minutes to update yourself on what is happening with the Team per the media availability and the perspectives that Coach McVay provides about the team each and every week.
Rams Transcripts – Head Coach Sean McVay, 11/4/24, Monday
[Head Coach, Sean McVay]
(On whether there are any injury updates from Sunday’s game)…”Pretty good, guys had their typical bumps and bruises. The guys that actually left the game, Josh Wallace had a lower leg contusion, but I think he’s going to be okay though. We kind of dodged the bullet there, which is a positive. As far as Kam Curl, he was kind of in and out, just felt that knee but we’ll continue to monitor him. I thought he did play well with the snaps that he did play throughout the early parts of that game and really into the second half. Really with Rob [Havenstein], he got his ankle. He’ll probably be out for the Dolphins game, but it shouldn’t be any longer than that, we’ll see. He’s a tough guy. I knew when he didn’t come back in that game that he probably hurt his ankle pretty good so he has a sprain there, but it’s nothing that is [necessary to be placed on injured reserve] ‘IR’. He will be out for the Dolphins game.”
(On whether OL Joe Noteboom will be active for the Dolphins game on Monday)…”I think Noteboom will be back, yes. I do expect Joe to be activated. I anticipate us starting Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila’s [designated to return] clocks as well this week.”
(On the first and second-year players on defense combining for 15 sacks this year which leads the NFL and what stands out about that group)
“Number one, these guys are doing a great job. I think the coaches have done a great job putting them in the right spots. Ultimately, it’s a player’s game. There was an investment in this draft class, especially when you look at Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. I thought both of those guys made their presence felt in a big way yesterday. I thought yesterday was kind of a coming-out party for Braden Fiske in a way. He’s done some really good things. It’s tough that he only was charted with two sacks. He sure had an impact on a lot more than that when you go back and you watch the film, but he and Verse have been really good. You look at just the effectiveness… I thought Tyler Davis played a really good game yesterday. He had some good snaps. [Defensive Line Coach] Giff Smith, [Outside Linebackers Coach] Joe Coniglio and [Assistant Defensive Line Coach] AC Carter have really done a great job leading that group up front. Then you’re seeing Jaylen McCollough seem like he’s always in the right spot at the right time and Kam Kinchens. This defensive group as a whole and really just this rookie class, I’ve been really pleased with them. They’re earning their confidence. These guys work really hard throughout the course of the week. They’re earning their confidence and it’s really fun to see the maturation and the growth as we go week to week.”
(On trading up for Fiske in the Draft and whether his performance on yesterday was the expectation when they gave up assets to draft him)…”Yeah, you look at it and there are always these draft charts and different things like that. When we were able to get Jared and then you look at the consistent across-the-board love that we had for Braden Fiske, we wanted to figure out a way to be able to go get him and pair him up with some of the other guys that we had in-house when you look at Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown III and then being able to see both Kobie and Byron [Young] in their second years and what Michael Hoecht can do as a versatile chess piece. He’s done a really good job and he’s been so steady and consistent. This guy’s demeanor, he loves the game, he loves to compete, and I think he’s getting more and more comfortable, and I think he’s really understanding what we’re trying to get done. I can’t say enough about the job that [Defensive Coordinator] Chris [Shula] and our other defensive coaches have done to put these guys in good spots.”
(On whether he expects CB Tre’Davious White to be traded by the deadline tomorrow)…”There’s a possibility. [General Manager] Les [Snead] has had some dialogues with some teams. Those are very fluid conversations so there is a possibility, but nothing is imminent as of right now.”
(On whether they have discussed any potential trade acquisitions before the trade deadline)…”No, there hasn’t been anything that we’ve really talked about. Nothing of that nature. ‘Tre’ is a guy that I know there has been some dialogue between Les, [Team President] Kevin [Demoff] and his agent, so we’ll see if anything ends up coming to fruition.”
(On whether he has seen how Giff Smith reacts on the sidelines during games)…“Oh yeah. One of my favorite things is just to watch the sideline in general and some of the reactions and you can see how invested guys are, and then you’re feeling that in the moment. These guys are in it with them, and they want to see them do well so badly because of the work and the love that they have for these guys. Giff is one of many coaches that you can see living and dying with these guys every play.”
(On what he’s learning from young players who are becoming stars and whether he draws any comparisons to coaching players such as Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey during his first few years as a head coach)…”That’s a really good question. I think what you’re learning is how to cultivate the authenticity that they came in with and make sure that there is a humility… not even a humility because these guys naturally have it, but an ability to not let the external circumstances or the positive praise or affirmation or the pressure that accompanies you once you establish yourself as somebody to change that in any way. Remain that internally secure person and that refreshingly authentic person through a lot of the things that make this league great but can also water you down if you get caught up in it. There’s an internal security, a comfort and a confidence that is from the natural things that come into who they are as human beings and the atmospheres and environments they’ve been a part of. You want to make sure that you build on that as opposed to restricting their ability to let circumstances change the beauty of what they are while also remaining humble and continuing to ascend in the direction that you want where they’re not relying on anything other than the security that they have and the willingness to want to just elevate others around them and not getting caught up in some of the things that inevitably you can get caught up in and lose your way when things go well.”
(On Verse speaking about the conversation that resonated with him during OTAs regarding where he should direct his energy and what that was like from his perspective)…”I think it was really just helping him understand… man, this is one of the things we love about you but where are the spots that we want to activate this side of your personality and how can you still be that guy when we’re positively pushing one another but understanding that we’re on the same team? One of the things I love about this guy is that he comes from a great family, he’s incredibly respectful, but he has an edge to him that is so healthy. I think it’s one of the special things that makes him who he is. You see that in his play energy. His personality comes out on this tape and that’s what we loved about him. You forget these guys are coming into their own and continuing to mature and I think he knows I cared enough about him to be able to give him that honest feedback. What’s great about him is he applies it immediately. Then you talk about alright, well where are those spots to still make sure, hey, you’re not taking me so literally that you’re not able to have that enjoyment. I think he’s found that sweet spot. He and Joe Coniglio… it’s really cool watching Joe Coniglio pour into him, how coachable this guy has been, and then the reverence and respect he has for Michael Hoecht and Byron Young. That’s a really cool tight-knit group that outside linebacker group. Brennan Jackson and Nick Hampton are two other guys that you’re excited about. It’s a fun group and I think Joe Coniglio does a great job of cultivating a pretty cool culture in there.”
(On whether Noteboom or Warren McClendon Jr. will start at right tackle on Monday)…”There is a good possibility for either or. We’ll work through those things. I just found out right before I jumped. [Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance] Reggie’s [Scott] getting the medical report, and you find out about Rob that it’s definitely going to be where he’s missing this Miami game. I haven’t had a chance to even sit down with our coaches yet, we’ll evaluate. I thought Joe made some good progress, but I thought Warren did a nice job stepping in and he played some quality snaps for us yesterday. These are positive things that we can figure out and then it’ll be a positive to see what that means in terms of Jonah Jackson’s availability for the Dolphins game. We expect him to be ready to go and Steve [Avila] is a possibility as well.
(On Safety John Johnson III’s status)…”He’s not quite cleared yet. There are still a couple of little hurdles that he needs to be able to get over. He isn’t going to be ready for that clock to start. That’s a possibility and then we’ll keep our eye on Troy Reeder as well. The guys that will be available will be Steve and Jonah. Jonah’s for sure and then with Steve, we could start his clock whether or not that means that he’ll actually be activated, we’ll see how he’s feeling and how he’s doing. Good thing is we have an extra day to be able to kind of get that figured out leading into the Dolphins which you know is going to be a great challenge.”
(On whether he would release CB Tre’Davious White if they can’t work out a deal at the deadline)…“We haven’t gotten to that part yet. I wouldn’t rule out anything, but we haven’t had those types of conversations. It’s just been about whether or not [if] we find a partner for him because like you’ve heard me say I’ve been incredibly impressed with the professionalism and what a stud. One of my favorite things…you asked about Giff Smith yesterday… watching how into it Tre White was on some of the different plays and the excitement. You watch him on Tyler Johnson’s catch on the sideline on the first play of the offensive possession in overtime, it speaks a lot to the human being and the man he is and what a great player he’s been in this league. I’ve learned a lot more about how he’s handled this and that says as much as anything to me over the last month. He is a stud in every sense of the word.”
(On an update on P Ethan Evans and if he’ll be available this week)…“There’s a possibility of that. There’s a clearance hurdle that he needs to be able to get over on Wednesday. If that’s something that does end up looking good based on the evaluation medically, he’ll be ready to go. If not, it’ll make him out for another week.”
(On his evaluation of how NT Bobby Brown III has played this season)…“I think Bobby’s done a great job. I think after the first couple weeks, we really challenged our front to step up, especially in some of those early down situations. I think Bobby has been at the forefront of a lot of the early down efficiency that’s earned us the opportunity to be aggressive in some of those known pass situations, whether that be second downs or some of the third downs. Bobby was great yesterday. I thought he knocked out the run in early downs, played with great hands and was able to show some great range down the line of scrimmage. That play in particular was a huge play by him and for Omar [Speights] to be able to have that kind of violence on his arrival. Those two guys, that’s a game-winning play right there. When you really look at that sequence leading up to it, the tackle by Kamren Kinchens to be able to get it to a third down and one and then what Jared Verse makes on the third and one and what those two guys you just mentioned, in addition to the rest of the front on fourth and one, what a cool example of guys making them snap it one more time and complimentary football. Then four plays later, Demarcus Robinson is making a catch in the end zone and the Rams are going crazy so that was pretty cool. Bobby’s done great.”
(On what he’s seen from LB Omar Speights on the field and in the film room)…“I’ve seen a guy that’s consistently put in the work. You can see he’s got a routine and a rhythm that he has established where he’s doing extra work, taking care of his body, he’s got film [and is] very conscientious. This guy was a pro. I use the word a lot as it relates to this rookie class, especially the guys on defense. They’re grown men and they’re mature beyond their years. I think that’s been reflected in Omar Speights and that’s why you’re not surprised that when he does get an opportunity to be able to step up and play more snaps, he makes his impact felt. He certainly did that yesterday and I’ve been really happy for him. [Inside Linebackers Coach] Greg Williams does a great job leading that group. We’ve had a lot of different guys playing at that spot. Yesterday, Omar made some big plays and I thought [Christian] Rozeboom had a really good game. I thought he was productive. I thought he made a lot of different plays and was able to influence and affect the game in a positive way, but Omar’s a stud [and] mature beyond his years for a rookie.”
(On his reaction to Good Morning Football crew naming Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula their “Coach of the Week”)…“I did see that. [Sports Commentator] Peter [Schrager] sent me that this morning. I think that’s well deserved. I think that’s a credit to Chris, his staff, and then ultimately the players bringing it to life. Chris has really done a great job. He’s so steady. He’s got such a great vision for each of these players and he’s got an amazing ability to be able to collaborate and connect with his coaches and his players. He’s a stud and pretty cool of Peter to recognize that. I would agree with him on it.”
(On Jared Verse’s play energy, how it reminds him of what Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald brought to the team, and what he remembers about the effect it had on the rest of the defensive unit)…“I think it’s as simple as this. There are a lot of great things these guys possess, but in a very cyclical league, things change, schemes change and consistent things that show up, toughness, wins over time. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. We wanted to find tough people. We wanted to find mentally and physically tough players that have an edge, an energy, and then an ability to execute in crunch time moments. Those guys were checking those boxes in their career and you’re starting to see it come to life here for us. That’s probably the least amount of words when I know I can just talk forever to you guys.”
(On what him and QB Matthew Stafford spoke about as it relates to the game-winning play to Demarcus Robinson)…“I think when you look at that receiving group as a whole, you could see Cooper [Kupp] made his presence felt in that game. I thought what was really cool is we had a four-play drive to win the game and the ball goes to three different receivers in the three passes. We ran it once. Kyren [Williams] had a good, tough, physical run on the third play of the drive but Tyler Johnson, what a big play. This guy’s got a great swag, great energy and charisma to himself. Tutu [Atwell] makes a big catch on a bootleg on the far sideline, great throw and catch by he and Matthew. For Demarcus to be able to end it, having four touchdowns in the last couple weeks, it was great. It was a little movement pass right there. He ended up winning on an inside release, set the corner high and he decided to go SportsCenter with the one-handed catch, but Matthew dropped it in the bucket. It was cool. Demarcus is a guy that has consistently delivered, but that drive I thought was really reflective of all the guys being able to contribute. When you see three different guys catch it on the three passes in that drive and then obviously Cooper made his presence felt having a bunch of catches and targets in some critical moments throughout the game. In that last one, he was the one that solidified and secured the edge which is a credit to him as well. Demarcus was great. [I’m] really happy for him.”
(On his thoughts about Stafford’s performance in the first half of the season)…“I think he’s been great. There’s been a lot of moving parts around him and just kind of finds ways to be able to establish a rapport with guys. I thought what was cool about yesterday is it wasn’t ideal in terms of just some of the things that we’re looking to do offensively for a lot of different reasons. He just stayed steady. When the game was on the line and he got his opportunity, I thought there were some really good throws he made when we were trying to win it before regulation that we thought we had a chance. It didn’t go down the way we wanted, defense makes a stop and then really you’re saying, ‘Let’s keep the ball in his hands.’ He delivered in a big way. I thought it was an amazing job by Kyren Williams on that first play, being able to kind of save the protection when [Seahawks LB] Ernest Jones IV ended up blitzing internally. Matthew was great. I think he’s at his best in those important moments and that’s why you’ve seen him have such success and consistency over time. He was having fun. You guys should see the little slide that he had on his after his game-winning touchdown pass. He’s running down. He ended up looking like he was sliding into home around like the 20-yard line. Check that one out.”
(On whether he’s spoken to Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts recently)…“ I have. Dave’s great. I was really happy for Dave and more impressed with just the consistency at which he’s led over time. I talked to him a little bit before the World Series and then got a chance to talk to him right before they had their parade. Dave’s awesome. I look up to Dave. We try to mimic and emulate a lot of the ways that he goes about it. It’s a pretty cool little deal, being able to lead the way and manage those guys. You could see the love and respect that they all have for one another and the way they’ve navigated through it. Congrats to the Dodgers and Dave Roberts. He knows what a fan of his I am.
