Sean McVay has made a name for himself in the NFL as the next great young head coach and has already inspired several coaching hires around the league.
McVay’s offensive scheme took off as soon as he signed with the Los Angeles Rams, leaning on a rushing attack that set up play-action passing. Jared Goff has flourished under McVay and has shed his “bust” label while Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp have solidified themselves as some of the most reliable receivers around.
The offense will always be the talk of the Rams, but it has actually been their defense that has impressed most during the 2020 season. According to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com, McVay has been impressed with their play and believes they are only getting better:
“I think defense has been playing at a pretty high level consistently throughout the season. I’ve been very pleased with them, especially each of the last few weeks. They’ve definitely played at a really high level. I think we’re really getting very comfortable with some of the nuances and the newer things that we’re doing, but you’re really starting to see some of our players shine and they’ve done an excellent job. I’ve been very pleased with them.”
Under first-year defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, L.A. has been one of the stingiest defenses to play against. Their defensive metrics across the board are at the top of the NFL, an amazing feat when considering the fact Staley only had about two weeks to install his scheme.
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic shortened the offseason and eliminated any preseason games, but even those factors have not prevented the Rams from gelling as a defensive unit. Aaron Donald continues to be the most dominant defensive lineman while Jalen Ramsey has looked comfortable being deployed in the box or outside.
At 5-3, Los Angeles is on pace to snag a playoff spot but the offense will need to catch up to the defense to ensure they are playing beyond the regular season. The bye week will be a good time for McVay and his offense to recalibrate things and hopefully come out much better in the second half of the year.
