The Los Angeles Rams’ travel plans for their season opener in Australia were viewed by many as questionable. The Rams had pursued a different philosophy compared to the San Francisco 49ers, deciding to arrive a little more than 24 hours before kickoff.
Coach Sean McVay and the Rams fell short on the field, losing 27-7 to the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC West contest.
“I know there’s gonna be a lot of narratives that appropriately put the blame on me, and then we’ll move forward the right way," McVay told reporters after the game. "… I don’t believe (the travel plan) is why we didn’t play well enough. I really don’t.”
Los Angeles treated the Week 1 game as practically a normal business trip. The Rams have also decided to leave Australia as soon
as possible.
While football fans and pundits questioned the Rams’ approach, the team had spent the past two years preparing for this trip, sending “15 staffers over the last two years and (they) have tracked their bodies and sleep rhythms,” according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager.
Did jet lag play a factor? The Rams allowed a touchdown in each of the final three quarters. The Rams’ offense also managed to turn the ball over twice, including an interception thrown by veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
When do the Rams play next?
The Rams return to action for a Week 2 game against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football on Sept. 21.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sean McVay defends Rams' Australia travel plans after loss to 49ers
