The Los Angeles Rams got back on track with a dominant 28-6 win over the New York Giants in Week 2 after a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers to open the regular season.
After struggling to get anything going offensively in Australia, many were quick to blame the Rams’ questionable travel plans as they didn’t arrive until one day before the game.
Head coach Sean McVay refused to use the travel schedule as an excuse in the days after the loss, but finally admitted it was a mistake after the Rams’ win on Monday Night Football, via ESPN:
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn and sometimes you have a dumbass coach that makes travel plans that puts you in bad spot."
Sean McVay on the difference with the Rams between Week 1 and Week 2. pic.twitter.com/RjfnnGLuJn
— ESPN (@espn) September 22, 2026
The travel plans weren’t the only reason the Rams fell to the 49ers in Week 1, but they certainly played a role. McVay taking responsibility while mixing in some humor shows why so many players enjoy being coached by him as he is never one to shift blame elsewhere.
The Rams will now look to keep their winning ways going and get over .500 when they travel to Empower Field at Mile High for a Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football.
Aaron Donald ‘felt good’ in Rams return
The biggest storyline in the Rams’ home opener against the Giants was Aaron Donald making his return after more than two years off.
Donald retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season, but after the Rams acquired Myles Garrett this offseason, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year regained the fire and decided to come back.
The 35-year-old did not make the trip to Australia in Week 1, so his first game action came against the Giants and he admitted to being a little more fired up than usual.
“I did a bit more jumping than I usually do,” Donald said. “So it kind of amped me up a little bit, man. It felt good. Felt good to be back coming out, being embraced how I was. So it was definitely special.”
Some rust was naturally expected in Donald’s first game back and he admitted afterwards that he was feeling a little bit sore. However, he still found a way to record three tackles and one tackle for loss in the Rams’ dominant victory over the Giants.
