I’d argue that the headline is a bit of a trick question because both Sean McVay and Chris Shula need to get the Los Angeles Rams and their respective units back on track after a disappointing showing against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Both are under tremendous pressure.
Where was the complimentary football?
The first game of the year for the Rams didn’t start out all bad, they forced an interception and had a chance to add points before Matthew Stafford gave the ball back to the 49ers on a questionable throw.
The defense tried,
but failed to keep the Rams in the game as L.A.’s offense faltered, and faltered some more as the 49ers took advantage of their opportunities far more than the Rams did.
You can blast Chris Shula, he deserves blame, but the offense wasn’t good either. The complimentary football McVay talked about so much last year wasn’t there consistently in Week 1.
The pressure in on both McVay and Shula to turn things around. However, if we are being honest, one of those coaches as a much higher chance to lose their job than the other. McVay’s job shouldn’t be in jeopardy, but the pressure is on nonetheless to get this season on track.
The Rams need to get right in Week 2, and it’s not just one side of the ball that needs to look better. Everything needs to look better against the New York Giants, or else the Rams may fall to 0-2.
If you think the negative press this week was bad, just wait for an 0-2 start. Of course, the Rams can avoid that with a win, but they need to win, and winning in the NFL, is the hardest thing to do.
Sean McVay addresses narrative that Rams didn’t play to their new CBs’ strengths (ramswire)
“After the Rams added tremendous talent to their secondary, spending $175 million on contracts for Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, Los Angeles believes it has a secondary that could win championships for years to come.
However, their defensive coordinator, Chris Shula, is being doubted after such a poor performance. Not only did the 49ers strike through the air, but they were also nearly unstoppable on the ground; San Francisco put up 379 yards of total offense, including 174 rushing.
So, was the issue scheme, ability, both, or a mix in addition to other factors? Head coach Sean McVay addressed the issue with the secondary and the developing narrative that despite their corners excelling in man coverage, they were used as zone defenders in Melbourne.“
West Coast Read: Can Sean McVay Turn Rams’ Nightmare Into Expected Dream Team? (foxsports)
“Since being anointed a super team this offseason, McVay has done his best to guard against complacency, tamping down talks of the Rams engineering a perfect season and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February for the second time in his head coaching career in the team’s home stadium.
The Rams’ media onslaught crescendoed with an appearance on “60 Minutes” over the weekend. But after laying an egg on national television in the league’s first international game Down Under, McVay just wants to get things back to normal and win a game.“
Chris Shula will have to crank up the heat for Rams defense to survive (ramblinfan)
“That’s especially true with Myles Garrett, an organic megasource of pass-rush pressure, on injured reserve.Having Aaron Donald back would help on the interior, but there’s no way Shula can repeat his passive strategy against the Giants on Monday and expect better results.
Chris Shula needs to reimagine this Rams defense
Shanahan’s dismantling of Shula and the Rams defense was a masterclass in exacting death by a thousand papercuts. Aside from one 39-yard bomb for former LA receiver DeMarcus Robinson, no play the 49ers called gained more than 18 yards – on a Brock Purdy scramble.“
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Breaks Silence After Bad News (heavy.com)
“It’ll be a collective effort to kind of pick up where he is not there. But at the same time, we all just have to play a little bit better. Obviously, we can help on the offensive side of the ball, scoring points and doing the things that we’re supposed to do, too. Football is a great team game. This will be an opportunity for us to prove that for a few weeks now, as he’s recovering.”
There are significant concerns about Garrett and his health, both over past instances and his future on the field.“
Rams’ Myles Garrett Receives Major Concern From Surgeon (sports.yahoo)
“Dr. Robert Klapper sat down with ABC7’s Curt Sandoval to speak about the concern that Garrett’s swelling is something that could be a problem.
“If you are dealing with swelling over weeks and weeks, that tells you there is more of a chronic situation going on. Is it the meniscus? Yes, but how much has the cushion- the meniscus acted like sandpaper to irritate the cartilage in addition?” Dr. Klapper said.
Garrett will undergo surgery, but that could potentially not be enough to fully heal the issues or irritation that Dr. Klapper is speaking about.“
Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Giants: How to watch, listen to and live stream Monday Night Football Week 2 (ramswire)
“The Rams and Giants last met in Week 17 of the 2023 season on New Year’s Eve where the Rams won 26-25 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 317 yards and one touchdown, with two interceptions. Wide receiver Puka Nacua had a team-leading 118 receiving yards on five receptions. Running back Kyren Williams had 87 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Defensively, defensive end Kobie Turner had five total tackles, including two for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Defensive end Aaron Donald also had five total tackles and two for loss, adding two sacks. Outside linebacker Byron Young had four total tackles, including two for loss, and one sack.
Kickoff for Monday night’s game at SoFi Stadium is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. pacific time on ESPN and ABC.“
MERCH PHOTOS: Rams x Elwood – Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the 1951 World Championship (rams.com)
“The LA Rams x Elwood Limited Collection commemorates the 75th anniversary of the 1951 World Championship through a timeless, six-piece collection. This collaboration pays homage to championship eras of the past through Elwood’s signature approach to vintage garments, paired with the iconic logos of the 1951 LA Rams.
Available Friday, September 18 at RamsFanshop.com and in-person at the Equipment Room at SoFi Stadium.“
NFL Week 2 uniforms: Rams debut ‘Classic Sol,’ Ravens go all-white (espn.com)
“Los Angeles will wear its “Classic Sol” alternate threads against the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.” The uniform honors the Rams’ championship in 1951, with this season marking the 75th anniversary. A sol-colored jersey includes royal blue stitched and colored numbers. The three-stripe royal blue sleeve design is a direct nod to the uniforms worn in the 1951 season. The Giants will counter by going all-white.“
NFL QB rankings, Week 2: Caleb Williams, Lamar Jackson and Trevor Lawrence soar into top five (nfl.com)
“
I begin this QB Index with a disclaimer: With only one week’s worth of evidence, there is more volatility than usual.
Reputation matters, but so do recent results. We’re a long way from solidifying the standing of many of these quarterbacks, and because we saw some unexpected outcomes in Week 1, prepare yourself for some aggressive swings.
It’ll even out eventually. For now, I have one bit of advice: Buckle up.
NOTE: Up/down arrows illustrate movement from the Week 1 QB Index.“
Giants Brace for Sean McVay’s Rams After Cowboys Upset (athlonsports)
“Even though scattered players did media availability, Rams week opened Wednesday with the Giants’ return to practice. Harbaugh announced the Giants would head west Saturday to get accustomed to the time zone and field at SoFi Stadium.
Harbaugh also knows the Giants will need to prepare for the Rams, who both may be angry and are considered a super team for a reason.
“This is a very well-coached football team,” Harbaugh said. “Great football coach, Sean McVay. They play fundamental football. They’re very disciplined. That’s really their calling card. The schemes are excellent, but more so it’s the fundamental nature of the way they play that makes them who they are as a football team, and that’s our challenge.”
Comment of the Day:
“I have to say. As a long time Rams fan. I am really disappointed, how some are reacting here, after just one game. There is a heavy layer of context, having to do with the Rams first game failure. Travel being one of them. Fail. But, I am a Ram fan. I dont have to have a correct take on this blog, to feel good about, how I fan. Go Rams! Damn, some want to tear everything down after just one freaking game. Thats my take, and I am sticking with it. Go Rams!!” -Petrie45
