Coach Sean McVay feeling super about Rams despite unanswered questions

Coach Sean McVay feeling super about Rams despite unanswered questions

Rams are projected as Super Bowl contenders, but are they really? Sean McVay likes what he sees, but there are questions that need answering, especially after so many departures on defense.

www.latimes.com

Coach Sean McVay feeling super about Rams despite unanswered questions​

His team’s offseason program complete, Rams coach Sean McVay plans to vacation in New York, Greece and Monaco before training camp begins.

“I’ll be able to live a little, enjoy myself — and then I’ll come back stressed and ready to roll,” McVay joked.

When the Rams report to UC Irvine in late July, the pressure will be on McVay.

The Rams ended the Jared Goff era by trading the quarterback — and two first-round draft picks — to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford. General manager Les Snead gave Stafford the potential deep threat the team denied Goff last season by signing veteran receiver DeSean Jackson.

Those additions, combined with players such as receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, and defensive stars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, could make the Rams one of the favorites to contend for a berth in Super Bowl LVI, which will be played Feb. 13, 2022 in SoFi Stadium.

McVay said he embraces expectations.

“This job is about pressure day in and day out,” he said. “I think that’s what you want. If you start avoiding pressure, if you don’t like it, this is not for you.”

The Rams have made the playoffs three times in four seasons under McVay. They lost in the NFC wild-card round in 2017, advanced to the Super Bowl in 2018, missed the postseason the next year and advanced to the divisional-round last season.

McVay and Snead are banking that Stafford, a 12-year veteran, will provide the missing piece for another Super Bowl run.

“He’s one of those guys that I think is a true igniter,” McVay said of Stafford. “He makes everybody around him better.

“I feel like I’ve become a better coach in the few months that we’ve been able to spend together and we’re looking forward to do a lot of good things together.”

Throughout offseason workouts, Rams players said they were embracing high expectations.

“Last time we were picked to go to the Super Bowl, we went,” Woods said. “So, I think that’s a good thing. ... We’re a loaded team. We have all the parts. We have all the pieces to get where we need to go.”

Stafford, the receiving corps and the continuing emergence of second-year running back Cam Akers are reason for optimism about the offense. But the line is in flux after the departure of coach Aaron Kromer and center Austin Blythe. Kevin Carberry replaced Kromer. Austin Corbett could move from guard to center to replace Blythe. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth will turn 40 during the season.

Donald and Ramsey anchor a defense now under the direction of coordinator Raheem Morris, who replaced Brandon Staley. Can lineman A’Shawn Robinson fill the void left the departure of Michael Brockers? Who steps up to replace the talent and leadership of safety John Johnson, now earning millions from the Cleveland Browns?

Those are just a few of the questions that might be answered during training camp when the Rams begin preparing for their Sept. 12 opener against the Chicago Bears.

McVay will continue to hold out starters from preseason games. The Rams might add depth to the roster this summer in preparation for joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders, and preseason games against the Chargers, Raiders and Denver Broncos.

Whitworth, a 15-year veteran, said big expectations are “a good thing” for a team accustomed to winning. Whitworth pointed to last season’s wild-card playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks as a “culture-type win.”

“We didn’t go into that game with any expectation other than win, and it really didn’t matter whether it was the playoffs or the next game on the schedule,” he said. “And I think that’s where you really started to see a culture and franchise that just expects to win.

“And, hopefully, we can keep that mentality and that culture strong.”

 

[Ramstien]

I'll say this besides talent this team has strong leadership.

 

[leoram]

The storyline this year will be a true collaboration between McVay and Stafford. Game plans through the week will give Matthew the "intent" of each play and Stafford will be able to execute that intent with a similar command as Manning and Brady did. Between series, McVay, Phillips, Stafford, O'Connell, and Carberry can adjust the plan to the defense and I expect there will be several times McVay doesn't actually call a play in the headset as much as he makes suggestions about where the opportunities may exist. McVay now is free to become less a teacher and more an innovator and problem solver. Though I pounded the table for OLine upgrades, having linemen with YEARS of experience in the system can allow for the type of continuity necessary for Stafford to make changes at the line pre snap without having to worry about which players won't understand his reads. Whereas Goff had to decipher McVay's calls and then implement them, Stafford, by the latter half of the season, will know and see the game unfold with ideas of his own that will win in ways McVay hadn't considered (similarly but less contentiously than the LaFleur/Rodgers dynamic). It may lead to a more pass happy approach but only so in games where the running game simply isn't there for them.

I'm actually curious to learn how McVay will adjust to how the officials have become reticent to call holding by the OLines. After so many seasons of watching AD get grabbed and arm wrapped with impunity, will he have Carberry teach the Packer's technique of "holding on every play" to improve protection? I would. Then, when the officials start focusing on calling it, AD would be allowed to feast and the opposing offenses would become helpless. Simply showing clips after every game to the refs of all the missed calls simply hasn't changed a damned thing.

Finally, the defense once again begins and ends with Aaron Donald. While there are several other nice players that perform their jobs adequately, AD alone is the difference between top 10 and bottom 15 all by himself even with Ramsey in the backfield. In all my years of watching football, I've never seen a football teams so reliant on one player for success. You can have a goalie in hockey, a pitcher in baseball, or a generational talent in basketball, but one man rarely makes THAT much of a difference when playing 11 on 11. For anyone who disagrees with me, please rewatch the last Rams game of the 2020 season. That #1 defense was shredded and incapable of getting off the field with an injured AD not performing his usual heroics. Without him, Morris would have to call a game more like the gambling Haslett than the controlled Staley.

 

[Merlin]

“This job is about pressure day in and day out,” he said. “I think that’s what you want. If you start avoiding pressure, if you don’t like it, this is not for you.”

 

[CGI_Ram]

Sean McVay explains the importance of becoming more than just an offensive-minded coach

The overwhelming sentiment when the Los Angeles Rams hired Sean McVay as their head coach in 2017 was that he would immediately improve the offense, being a former offensive coordinator. And after he pegged Wade Phillips as his defensive coordinator, it seemed even…

theramswire.usatoday.com

Sean McVay explains the importance of becoming more than just an offensive-minded coach​

The overwhelming sentiment when the Los Angeles Rams hired Sean McVay as their head coach in 2017 was that he would immediately improve the offense, being a former offensive coordinator.

And after he pegged Wade Phillips as his defensive coordinator, it seemed even more obvious that McVay would focus primarily on Jared Goff and the offense. However, he hasn’t ignored the defense and special teams group.

In the last four years, he’s become even more involved in those phases, especially after letting Phillips go and bringing in Brandon Staley as the new defensive coordinator. That’s been a concerted effort from McVay, ensuring he can talk to his defensive players and specialists as if he was their coordinator.

On a “Chalk Talk” conference call with over 150 high school coaches, McVay was asked how he stays involved on defense and special teams. His answer was very insightful and gives a glimpse into his mindset as a head coach.

“This was something I thought a whole lot about when I first got the job because the one thing I didn’t want is our defensive players or our guys that are specialists or the core special teams players saying, ‘Aw, he’s just the offensive coordinator that’s the head coach,’” McVay said. “So the first thing I did was I made sure I’m involved in all three phases, but I know the language and I can speak to them as if I’m one of their coaches on that side of the ball. It shows that you’re invested, it shows that you’re important and I think it also gives you credibility as a coach if you know all three phases of what’s going on. You’re gonna take and allocate more time to the offensive side of the ball, especially if you’re a play caller. And I don’t think you ever want to lose sight of that identity. But the way you can make sure the players know that, hey, this is very important on defense and in the kicking game is by knowing it – you invest in being able to communicate. I thought it was really important for me to be able to communicate to Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey the same that Raheem Morris is or the same way that Brandon Staley did last year. And when you do that, that demonstrates that you do care enough because you can communicate to them in their language and I think it also gives you some more credibility that you have a big-picture knowledge and perspective, while also letting guys lead and do their jobs.

“I think it’s really powerful to be able to coach all 22, if you will.”

Raheem Morris has taken over as McVay’s defensive coordinator and the two have a strong connection that goes back years. McVay has had his fingers on the defense more in the last two years than he did with Phillips, and the result last season was L.A. having the No. 1 defense in football.

McVay is still only 35 years old and entering his fifth season at the helm, so he hasn’t stopped learning on the job.

 

[Faceplant]

Two thoughts that have been shared by many on here over the McVay era:

1. Sounds like McSlay is a sort of micromanager and I wonder how his coaches/players feel about it.

2. I fear burn out with this guy.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Two thoughts that have been shared by many on here over the McVay era:

1. Sounds like McSlay is a sort of micromanager and I wonder how his coaches/players feel about it.

2. I fear burn out with this guy.

That's the first thought that went through my mind when he said that he loved the pressure.

You have to be able to delegate authority and feel comfortable with it or it's all going to build up and can explode on you.

 

[12intheBox]

So am I. We are going to crush this year.

 

[oldnotdead]

There is no question McVay is a micro-manager to a certain degree. It's his way of assuming ownership which isn't a bad thing per se. He did allow both Phillips and Staley to "do their thing". But it was different for both. With Staley, he was directly involved with the innovation of the scheme. After that point, he pretty much allowed Staley the space to play it.

He micro-managed Goff until he broke him instead of simply coaching him up and allowing him to take the next step himself. Sean is best when he allows himself to delegate. To trust the people he hires to do what they do best.

I think Sean has finally struck a balance where he can do what he does best which is innovate. He has a DC in Morris with whom he has a long-standing friendship but most of all trusts. It's obvious Sean now has a QB he can simply plug n play and whom he trusts to execute his offense. I suppose the crucial element with McVay is having his trust.

But perhaps one of Sean's biggest contributions is the one least talked about. As head coach, he's the one who creates the culture of the team. This is where being young has worked to his advantage. He more easily relates to young athletes and has a created a culture that invests in his players. The team culture in LA is what makes players want to come to LA and to stay here. It's become an integral part of why this team is headed for tremendous success.

All head coaches mold their team in their image to a large degree. McVay is happier now because he understands he has the pieces to have the team to be what he wants it to be....a winner. It's not just having Stafford, it's much larger than that. He has the coaches and the players with their skill set to set this team up for success, not simply for winning now, but over the long term.

 

[snackdaddy]

Pressure? What pressure? You just got the quarterback you wanted. Now you're a legit Superbowl contender. Expectations are high. No pressure at all.

 

[12intheBox]

All of the great NFL coaches micro manage - until they don’t have to. Any of you out there who run your own businesses know this. If you completely and unconditionally trust the guy or girl underneath you to handle it then they handle it - if there is any doubt - you make sure. That’s honestly what I want in a coach. With all the turnover we have - it’s expected that he makes sure things are done right.

 

[ReekofRams]

He’s not trying to to take over or interfere with the other coaches, he’s simply wanting to be in a better position to communicate and help all the players if he can. But he does this within the boundaries that the position coaches and he has previously agreed to.

 

[Merlin]

When I have worked for micromanagers they have been the leaders I took good notes on to make sure I would be nothing like them. Just the worst guys I had the displeasure of working for. So for me I just don't see that in McVay. None of us know of course, we'd have to be in that coaching circle as a coach to know. But he doesn't strike me as one of those types and it surprises me to see takes where fans think he's one of them.

Wade is a great example of who McVay is as a head coach IMO. He was able to bring in a Hall of Fame coach to his staff in part because he knew his son, but also because Wade was sold on him through conversations. And from there he picked Wade's mind and even after a ton of success with him to include a Super Bowl he had the balls to move on for the purpose of bringing in a scheme that he felt was superior to what Wade ran. How many young coaches have the cajones to do that. Not many IMO.

And once again we don't know but I suspect McVay has mastered the nuances of both schemes. We're about to find out in fact. Because Morris is not well steeped in Fangio's scheme so if we continue to run it well that is a nod toward the thought that McVay is bridging that gap. This is why I can't wait to see what Morris does. How he runs the defense is going to be a tell for us on that because it's not like we have a Fangio disciple sitting on our staff to teach it to him.

He's still learning but I'll tell you I haven't been this happy with a coach since Vermiel. And I think when all is said and done he'll be our greatest head coach in our history. I hope he's our coach until he signs that huge TV contract that seems to be his future in fact.

 

[Rams43]

I’m in agreement with those that don’t consider McVay a micromanager, at least with his assistant coaches.

On the contrary, I think McVay has notably allowed his assistants to do their thing and the results have been very gratifying. Just look at the constant stream of promotions for his assistants since ‘17. And there are several coaches currently on board that may be getting promotion interviews next offseason.

As to the Rams players that have departed? I don’t recall any with unkind words for McVay after leaving. Do you?

 

[CoachAllred]

He micro-managed Goff until he broke him instead of simply coaching him up and allowing him to take the next step himself.

Disagree. Unfortunately Goff required micro managing.
And we will see this year that the problem wasn't McVay.
I know it's going to be very disappointing for the die hard Goff fans
But, McVay and his former pupil are heading in two completely opposite trajectories.
Mark my words.

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

Disagree. Unfortunately Goff required micro managing.
And we will see this year that the problem wasn't McVay.

Disagree, good new is we’ll find out soon enough this year

Personally, it’s my belief McVay over managed Goff almost criminally

Time gets to reveal so no use bickering

 

[Juice]

Micromanagement is a term that is used to descibe a organizational stereotype that can cover a lot of behaviors. Behaviors that differ from one job to the next. I think a lot of people micromanage because they know they can't do their own job that well. That's not Mcvay.

I think McVay is a good enough coach to realize if part of his system or his team is not progressing, and there is no sign of correction, it needs to be dealt with. I'm sure that covers all three phases of the game as well. I don't think Goff was micromanaged. I think he lost his confidence, and then just couldn't keep up. I think it was genuially frustrating for all of them.

I agree that there is no bad word coming from ex Ram coaching staff who have moved on or recieved better offers, but I know some player who probably want to, but can't. No team wants a player who publicly shames another coach. You think Levon Bell is going to play next year?

 

[bluecoconuts]

Some of the comments on Flying Coach indicate that McVay runs a tight ship. Added with comments from within the staff who were on the sidelines saying that it got to a point last year where McVay was no longer building Goff back up, but rather just tearing him down, I do think that there are some legitimate reasons for concern. The coaches in Sean's staff seem to really love him, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't run a tight ship. He seems very much like a work hard play hard type of guy, so he gets along with plenty of people and has a good time. However, anytime you hear of a leader tearing guys down and not building them back up should make people pause for a moment. That's never a good sign in my opinion. That doesn't mean you don't come to a point where you realize a guy isn't going to do it for you, but you can do that without beating them down repeatedly.

That doesn't mean that McVay wont grow, and for what it's worth, McVay seemed to agree by saying that he spoke with Jared post trade for a while and he did wish that he had done some things differently, so there's hope that he does take it to heart. Detroit has allowed Goff to step up more and from all accounts he seems to have really taken control of that room. The parting of their relationship may have been the best move for both sides, Goff can continue to grow on his own, and McVay can get someone with more experience and ability to improvise.

I think that McVay is still learning a lot of the finer points of being a head coach vs a coordinator, but that comes with more experience, and he's gotten better each year with adapting to different things that he see's on the field, so I'm not too worried.

Long term though? Yeah, I don't know if he's going to be coaching at 60, the media loves him and he clearly loves them right back. He'll be on TV doing colour commentary eventually, because he's going to realize that it allows him to love and be a fan of football with a fraction of the stress. Hopefully that happens after he's won a couple of Super Bowls for us.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Sort of easy to imagine McVay as our coach for years and years.

Then again, he’s reached a high point in his profession at a young age… I worry as young as he is he will want a new challenge at some point.

 

[Faceplant]

He's still learning but I'll tell you I haven't been this happy with a coach since Vermiel.

Interesting. Those player HATED Vermeil until he was basically forced to change his style and ease up on them. Also, Vermeil had exactly one good season with the Rams..... and I have always been of the mind that Martz (with the obvious addition of Faulk, Warner and Holt) were the real catalysts for that season.