Rams McVay: I think that gap is a lot smaller than people realize

The LA Rams are 1-4, and in many ways are in a bit of a quandary. The team seems to struggle to get their arms around the right 'fix,' as is often the case with multiple challenges occurring simultaneously and sequentially. While the team did seem to put together a complete game to vanquish their NFC West Division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.

In all honesty, I completely agree with Coach McVay on the fact that the team has lost three of their four games in the L column by one possession. Could a different strategy have made a difference? Per Lineups.com, the Rams loaded up with 12 personnel in that lone victory against the 49ers in Week 3. Despite that success, the team all but abandoned the surplus of tight ends to return to a three-wide-receiver default option.

It's not only that abandonment of a successful strategy, but the out-of-alignment of carrying three and potentially four tight ends on a roster, and simply not using that surplus on game day. On the same front, the team continues to carry four running backs, while typically featuring RB Kyren Williams.

The conversation between J.B. Long and HC Sean McVay is absolutely worth your time to watch in its entirety. It's a 20:29 minute interview, and Long gives a masterclass in leading Coach McVay to touch base on topics that matter to the fans and to the chances for the team.

While the Rams head coach sounds up to the task of turning things around, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Wins do not come in streaks organically. Victory in the NFL will always be about preparing the right way and respecting the opposing team.

As much as we'd love to see this team rattle off seven wins out of the gates, even a 7-1 run after the BYE week this year only elevates the team to an 8-6 record. So as much as we'd love to say the team can do it, and they can, the bar is set higher in 2024.

As always, thanks for reading.

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