McVay learning and growing

[Kupped]

This weekend was really a great testament to just how much McVay has grown. I think it's easy to forget or maybe take for granted just how young he is and how much he can still learn.

I didn't appreciate just how much the defensive scheme was tweaked until I rewatched some of the games and listened to a couple of podcasts. The Rams finally pulled a Patriots and came out with a D that was really opponent-specific. They went big up front.. brought secondary closer.. used Reeder and Jones together at ILB.. and just fucked the 9ers run game up. Totally. It was beautiful. How much of this was solely Morris and how much of it was collaboration, I have no idea.. but that this happened under McVay's watch speaks really well to what they can do, moving forward. McVay made it a goal to learn more about different defenses over the last few years and it looks like his teams are starting to integrate multiple concepts. Awesome.

The offensive game plan was balanced and mature. I've talked a lot about identity, and that offensive game was exactly the identity I'd hoped for. A tough run game that at least maintains the legitimate threat of the run balancing the offense. A mix of really smart pass designs.

Most importantly, maybe, to me... he just looked more mature, serious and in control on the sideline than I think I've ever seen him. He's been that way all through the playoffs.. but he's balancing his really fun, upbeat traits with a slightly more serious and level headed tone. I love it.

He's truly ascending as a coach and it's awesome to see.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

This weekend was really a great testament to just how much McVay has grown. I think it's easy to forget or maybe take for granted just how young he is and how much he can still learn.

I didn't appreciate just how much the defensive scheme was tweaked until I rewatched some of the games and listened to a couple of podcasts. The Rams finally pulled a Patriots and came out with a D that was really opponent-specific. They went big up front.. brought secondary closer.. used Reeder and Jones together at ILB.. and just fucked the 9ers run game up. Totally. It was beautiful. How much of this was solely Morris and how much of it was collaboration, I have no idea.. but that this happened under McVay's watch speaks really well to what they can do, moving forward. McVay made it a goal to learn more about different defenses over the last few years and it looks like his teams are starting to integrate multiple concepts. Awesome.

The offensive game plan was balanced and mature. I've talked a lot about identity, and that offensive game was exactly the identity I'd hoped for. A tough run game that at least maintains the legitimate threat of the run balancing the offense. A mix of really smart pass designs.

Most importantly, maybe, to me... he just looked more mature, serious and in control on the sideline than I think I've ever seen him. He's been that way all through the playoffs.. but he's balancing his really fun, upbeat traits with a slightly more serious and level headed tone. I love it.

He's truly ascending as a coach and it's awesome to see.

Yep. I’m surprised it took so long. In the 2018 Superbowl it seemed obvious that Belichick would play his defense to beat McVay’s offense. The template was already there. But McVay did not account for it and tried to shove ‘what we do best’down Bills throat. It nearly worked. Maybe if Kupp is in the game it does, or Gurley is healthy. But it was obvious to me going into the Super Bowl that different options were needed.

 

[madrid311]

It looks like yes, he is learning but also he was holding back, playing coy. he knew he would have to make changes. doing it at the right time. go rams

 

[thirteen28]

I like that in the middle of the season he finally figured out that you can't just put it all on the QB, no matter how good he is, because even with a clear upgrade at the position teams figured out how to stop the O. He finally adjusted, and committing to the run game behind Sony helped get the Rams back on track. I felt like the problems that occurred last year were exacerbated by his failures to adjust and that made a bad situation worse. With a new guy under center who had started off extremely strong, it was finally clear to him when the wheels seemed to be coming off that more had to be done and that even a great QB needs support from the run game. Shining the light on that former blind spot was a huge ancillary benefit to the big QB swap this offseason.

 

[12intheBox]

First off - I love the guy and would sign him to a lifetime contract right now if I were Stan. He has resurrected this franchise and turned us into perennial contenders.

But - I would like to know what his process is for challenges. Is someone up in the booth feeding him info? It seems like his basis for when to challenge is based more on how badly he wants the call to go the other way versus having good video proof.

I'm fine with the way he otherwise uses time outs - I know that can be a source of tension for some others. Yes, sometimes you need to stop the clock at the end of the game, but using a TO to keep an offensive drive going is fine with me.

 

[AZRams]

First off - I love the guy and would sign him to a lifetime contract right now if I were Stan. He has resurrected this franchise and turned us into perennial contenders.

But - I would like to know what his process is for challenges. Is someone up in the booth feeding him info? It seems like his basis for when to challenge is based more on how badly he wants the call to go the other way versus having good video proof.

I'm fine with the way he otherwise uses time outs - I know that can be a source of tension for some others. Yes, sometimes you need to stop the clock at the end of the game, but using a TO to keep an offensive drive going is fine with me.

As frustrating as it is to watch him toss TOs all over the place I can't honestly recall a game where it really came back to bite.

Am I not remembering right?

 

[OntarioRam]

I agree 100% and have been planning to make a similar post to eat some humble pie. I still am a critic but, for the first time, he is adapting for the better in my perception. It is great to see! He was always a very good coach even with his flaws. He is now entering the realm of the elite IMO and shutting people like me up.

 

[RamsSince1969]

He got a ton of grief about having no time outs. Well, he didn't need them. Scoreboard! Look up at it. But, but, but, but...oh shut up!

 

[rdlkgliders]

It sure seems as though we are working toward a more balanced offense one that had me even thinking lets throw here and Sean stuck to his guns. Trust me it isn't often he runs and I want a pass.
It also appears as though we are spending a lot more effort to insert a game plan on both sides of the ball that is tailored to the opponent, whereas in the past I have felt he was more of the lets just execute well and that is enough

 

[MachS]

The offensive game plan was balanced and mature. I've talked a lot about identity, and that offensive game was exactly the identity I'd hoped for. A tough run game that at least maintains the legitimate threat of the run balancing the offense. A mix of really smart pass designs.

Offensively it's incredibly tough to run on TB and SF. Knew we would come out with a pass first offensive plan then sprinkle the run game in later, which was the correct decision. Against CIN we will be able to run the ball if we want. I still expect our normal balance of early passing on 1st down, but I think this is a game Akers and Michel could control and allow us to hold the ball for big TOP.

 

[IE Rams]

Maybe if Kupp is in the game it does, or Gurley is healthy.

This right here. If we had a healthy Gurley and Kupp, we win that SB. No doubt.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

This right here. If we had a healthy Gurley and Kupp, we win that SB. No doubt.

But they weren't healthy and McVay didnt have a plan. I think his desire to hire Staley was because at that point he was all offense. He needed to understand what defensive coordinators were trying to do.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Immediately after the Conference Championship, with the first microphone shoved in his face... he kept saying "we are not done yet"... "one more to go"... etc.

He's locked in. The whole team is.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Immediately after the Conference Championship, with the first microphone shoved in his face... he kept saying "we are not done yet"... "one more to go"... etc.

He's locked in. The whole team is.

McVay appeared to decline the Halas Trophy when Kroenke tried to hand it to him.

Kind of like ... 'No thanks that's not the trophy I want to hold'

 

[Angry Ram]

He got a ton of grief about having no time outs. Well, he didn't need them. Scoreboard! Look up at it. But, but, but, but...oh shut up!

 

[snackdaddy]

McVay is all about winning. For a while he was in Jared Goff's corner. Supporting him every step of the way. When it became clear Goff hit his ceiling, and maybe regressed some, he knew he had to do something. He coulda stuck with Goff. Won games. Made the playoffs. But no way they get to the Superbowl without Stafford.

Just being a winning coach who could make the playoffs was not good enough for McVay. He wants a championship in the worst way and is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. No matter who's feelings get hurt. Now he's one win away from that happening. If it does happen I have a feeling he won't be satisfied with just one.

 

[Ramon Ram]

From what I saw on the last challenge his elbow never touched the ground. I wanted more replays but they just showed the one and moved on.

 

[Merlin]

McVay is all about winning. For a while he was in Jared Goff's corner. Supporting him every step of the way. When it became clear Goff hit his ceiling, and maybe regressed some, he knew he had to do something. He coulda stuck with Goff. Won games. Made the playoffs. But no way they get to the Superbowl without Stafford.

Just being a winning coach who could make the playoffs was not good enough for McVay. He wants a championship in the worst way and is willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. No matter who's feelings get hurt. Now he's one win away from that happening. If it does happen I have a feeling he won't be satisfied with just one.

Yeah and I think this year's playoff field was grueling. Much tougher than 2018. Rams needed that extra edge at QB that's for sure. That 9ers team we just beat would have knocked us out. Probably that Bucs team too.

Difference in a top QB is important but it's also something that can be only a slight upgrade in efficiency at times. Look at Garoppolo. He's a second tier guy at best, probably mediocre is best description for him and he almost got his team past the Rams. Give them Stafford and it's likely they win but the Rams DL has a lot to say about that. Those lesser guys can make plays too it's just that slight increase in odds in your favor that you're paying for. Stack that roster and cross your fingers basically.

 

[Corbin]

I love McVay and he is growing and maturing into the position and learning from mistakes.

Makes me howl in laughter at those that think they know more than he does.

I will admit, I was yelling at those okay calls at the tv that we kept missing on 3 or 4th and short in the NFCG. Afterwards, the realization I know sick than compared to any of those guys.

 

[gogoat1]

OK, he is not done "growing" just yet.
On Sunday when the Rams had a critical 3rd and a foot, the Rams came out in the Fuck!ng SHOTGUN !!
That should never, ever happen. The Rams did not complete the pass on 3rd down. QB sneak on 4th and gave the ball back to the Niners.
Sean, here is when you do. QB under center, RB behind him and give it to Sony. IF you are going to throw, fake the hand off and pass the ball. IF it does not work, do in again and actually hand the ball off.
When I seen the Rams come out in shotgun I jumped off the couch so hard that I got a head rush and almost fell over. Then the sneak and we gave the ball up.
There are simply too many things than have to go right on a basic pass play. Odds are not good enough. Simple task usually means simple solution, run the Fing ball.
AND Sean, those 3rd and 2 plays where you decide for some reason to throw the ball over the top 20+ yards down the field have to go. They are cool when they work and make you feel good but the odds are not in out favor. Try a simple short pass to Kupp, OBJ, Higgs or dump off to RB. Those have a much higher odds of success.
And ALWAYS do it under center AND sometimes, sometimes maybe just run it on 3rd and 2.
Shotgun should only be used when it is pass play only. Runs out of it suck.
There, I said it.
Now go win the game Sean and win me over at the same time.