Sean McVay voices the perfect response to repeated questions about Chicago cold

Yes, we've broached the topic of the Los Angeles Rams facing both the bitter cold and the Chicago Bears. We've covered how the cold may complicate veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford's injured throwing hand. We've even questioned the wisdom of preparing to play in the bitter cold by practicing in mild weather.

So when pressed by the media at a pre-game press conference to address his concerns over the cold weather, head coach Sean McVay scoffed at the mere suggestion of concern over the weather. And his response was perfect:

"I’m going shirtless. No, you know what, I will say this, [quarterback] Matthew [Stafford], since he got here, he introduced me to the wetsuit stuff. I’ll wear that. Maybe I’ll have a heated vest. I’ve had some guys who have had that. Here’s what I do know:

I can’t think about too many things. I trust whatever [senior director of equipment] Brendan Burger’s got ready for me. I’m going to actually get with him after we get done with practice today. He’ll show me everything that he’s got. Usually, it’s a thumbs up. I don’t give a crap about me being warm or cold. That s**t doesn’t matter at all.

It’s about our players, but ‘Burg’ takes good care of me." - Head coach Sean McVay

And with that, it's clear that the team has little worry about players or performance as pertains to the influence of Mother Nature. To a competitor like Sean McVay, the weather is nothing. If anything, it's simply one more gauge in the package of measuring who wants to win more. To him, it is certainly his team.

Why is Sean McVay's response perfect for his team?

Even as Los Angeles returns to the NFL playoffs for the third consecutive season, this team is merely 1-2 since winning Super Bowl LVI. And the team's narrow margin of victory against the Carolina Panthers left plenty of room for doubts in the divisional round. But after all, this is still a young team.

Comments from McVay carry a lot of weight. His confidence in his team not only boosts morale, but it sets a high bar of expectations that everyone wants to meet. For players who need to focus despite the distractions, his messaging is clear and singular. The cold and wind are no excuse.

This team expects to win, because the head coach expects to win.

And so it falls to a matter of self-fulfilling prophecy. Dancers who watch their feet fail to perform gracefully. Mountain climbers never dare to look down. And football players who expect to be numbed in the cold are numbed by the cold.

This team expects to win, regardless of the temperature.

In the end, it comes down to setting expectations. Sean McVay has made his expectations perfectly known. All that remains is for the players to execute effectively.

As always, thanks for reading.