Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay delivered some of the most frank and challenging remarks from the podium at his post-game press conference.
No coach is happy after a losing effort, especially one like the Los Angeles Rams just suffered against the then 2-6 Miami Dolphins. In this loss, the Rams committed detrimental penalties and costly mental lapses, all of which seemed to come at the worst time.
Sean McVay’s Tone Distinctly Different Following Miami Loss
“There just really was a lot of examples of ‘the importance of continuity.’ I have to go back and look at this tape but it’s got to be a lot better and it’s really we got to evaluate everything and we’ve got to be a lot better.”
While it seems like a lot of “coach speak,” those who have closely watched McVay’s press conferences will note that he didn’t go back to taking on the full blame. McVay will often deflect criticism from the players by putting it squarely on his shoulders. While he didn’t single anyone out, he let the team as a whole carry this loss.
McVay continued a different approach from his normal press conference tack when asked about the offensive line play.
Rams Lacking Continuity, Consistency and Identity
“It didn’t seem very…” McVay, then stopped himself just before calling out the unit. “it seemed like you know… I want to be able to look at the tape but there was a lot of things that were not in alignment with what we’re looking for. And that’s why you hear us talk about the importance of the continuity. [We] got a lot of respect for that defense, they did a nice job but there was too many things that it just seemed like we were off.
He stopped short of laying the blame entirely on the line itself, but again, this is the most frustration McVay has expressed and he continued to express it. He was asked how he felt after missing on a few specific pivotable instances in the game.
“We’ve got to consistently figure out what’s the best way to put our guys in the right kinds of spots and trying to be able to figure out some sort of semblance of an identity. Whatever I say is going to be an excuse. Frustration is the answer to your original question and we have to be better.”
Sean McVay Feeling Like A Broken Record
This was the second time McVay spoke to the lack of identity on the team, particularly on the offense, a unit he called inconsistent. When asked what McVay’s message to the team was after the game, left guard Steve Avila perhaps revealed McVay’s true frustration level; that he has communicated the correct message, but is starting to feel like what he is saying is falling on deaf ears.
“[That we] just can’t keep making the same mistakes. Avila said quietly when asked what McVay’s parting thoughts were. “He just doesn’t want to sound like a broken record.”
