Sean McVay will face his most important job before Rams ever take the field

The Los Angeles Rams have basked long enough in the oohs and ahhs lavished upon them this offseason. Head coach Sean McVay is well aware that nobody remembers who was supposed to succeed. For all the early applause, the Rams must earn their place atop the power rankings and the Super Bowl odds leaderboard.

That's a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. All 31 other teams have been constantly queried, "How will you beat the Rams?" Quentin Lake already knows every opponent on L.A.'s schedule will bring the best game they've got.

McVay must walk a fine line as head coach. He must encourage the team when the chips are down. He must teach while critically evaluating his pupils. One of his most important tasks this season will be keeping his team grounded.

Giving in to public discourse risks taking off too early, "peaking" before the race has even begun. Better to shut out the noise and put nose to grindstone.

Keeping Rams grounded is Sean McVay's most important task

The Rams have been here before. General manager Les Snead knows what it takes to restock a championship-capable roster. Once that is accomplished, it's up to the players and coaches to deliver.

The reality is that nothing is won or lost in the offseason. 32 teams scramble to improve their rosters, forge better strategies, and create playoff contenders. When the dust settles, only one of the 32 will wear rings. As much as praise and projections say otherwise, the Rams must view themselves as simply in the mix with a bunch of other good teams.

Optimism is not a problem, but overconfidence certainly can be. That's all the more reason McVay must keep his players' feet on the ground and remind them that they haven't won a thing yet.

In that regard, Rams fans should have no worries whatsoever. McVay is a leader of the highest order. Many of the roster's veterans have been there, done that. McVay's leadership and "tough love" will be particularly important to frame the development of rookies and newcomers.

To reach the pinnacle this season, L.A. must stay healthy and hungry. That will be a difficult task to accomplish over the next eight months. McVay is positive by default, but watch for the tone of his coachspeak to reverse polarity.

To keep players focused, he will have to point out critical flaws and keep the pressure cranked high. Managing the team mindset is part of the job description in getting his group where it needs to go.

As always, thanks for reading.

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