Rams' Sean McVay On Perceived Jared Goff Slight: 'Don't Twist My Words'
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and new quarterback Matthew Stafford appear to be syncing much quicker than expected after the team stunningly traded away former starting QB Jared Goff.
Things have gone so well between McVay and Stafford that some are perceiving the head coach's elation with his new play caller as more of a satisfaction with moving on from Goff.
Hosting over 30,000 fans, SoFi Stadium announced it would be opening the doors for its practice on Thursday afternoon, where interviews with members of the organization took place leading to McVay's gushing over the new acquisition of Stafford. The head coach expressed a feeling of being reinvigorated and is highly optimistic for the season ahead compared to previous offseasons.
McVay later addressed the media over how his praise of Stafford was misconstrued to imply some kind of jab at Jared Goff. “I hate that I even have to say this, but I think I made a comment earlier that was definitely taken out of context,” said McVay during the open practice held in Inglewood, California inside of the team's new $6 billion stadium.
Based on reports from the start of training camps, Stafford has already demonstrated acute understanding of McVay's dynamic playbook, and is ready to provide added firepower for an offense that took a step back last year as a result of Goff's sup-par performances.
The head coach added, “I am very excited, I have been in a good mood because of the confidence I have in this team. But by no means is that a slight to anybody, like Jared, who has done a phenomenal job the last four years here.”
McVay hopes that the inclusion of Matthew Stafford, sophomore running back Cam Akers, and a formidable depth of receiving talent the Rams back to a high-octane offense reminiscent of the 2017-2018 team that made the tandem of Jared Goff and former running back Todd Gurley one of the league's best QB-RB duos.
With the addition of rookie wide receiver Tutu Atwell and a top-5 defense led by DT Aaron Donald, the Rams continue to hold their breath as the inclusion of the 33-year-old Stafford may be the sign of a new era in LA.
The former Detroit Lions quarterback produced 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 4,084 passing yards for a 2020 squad deficient with skill players. After top receiver Kenny Golladay left the Motor City for the Big Apple, Stafford appears to be equally ecstatic to be on a team with not just a depth of talent, but a head coach determined to get the best of the starting quarterback.
Stafford commented on his new setting after playing 12 years for a stumbling Lions organization:
“I know I have a big challenge in front of me to make sure that I’m leading this team as best as I possibly can,” said Stafford during training camp interviews. “All they want from me is to play at a high level and do things the right way so that’s what I’m going to try and do."