Should we be concerned about Puka Nacua’s injury, or should he be limited in practice as a precaution? Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, offers some insight into how “banged up” LA’s rookie receiver is following the team’s bye week. There are many press conferences in the NFL where the coach appears to say little of substance. During his latest press conference, I believe McVay provides a bit more insight than usual. That realization begins when he talks about Nacua and the knee injury he’s been nursing for the past few weeks.
The head coach gives a troubling response, but then retracts it.
“It’s just banged up, you could see he was a little bit limited in terms of just some of his overall movement against Green Bay (Packers), and you know just the style at which he played, and I’ll be interested to see if he’s ever truly back full speed…not full speed but feeling like you don’t have to be cognizant taking care of him to get him to game day feeling as good as possible.” So that’s kind of the thought process.”
Whether McVay means when or if (we see Nacua returning to full speed), it’s a troubling response. The head coach then semi-redacts the “full speed” comment and implies that he is looking forward to the day when the player will no longer need to be monitored in this manner or will be removed from the injury report. The question remains, when can we expect Nacua to return to full speed? There is no clear answer, and unfortunately for Los Angeles, their rising star receiver is not the only one who should be concerned.
How is LA’s starting quarterback faring? Matthew Stafford is expected to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Can the quarterback take snaps under center?
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“Taking a snap has no effect on that specific injury.” There are certain things you can do with your hands that, in previous experiences with quarterbacks, have limited them. That will not be the case for him.”
Is Sean McVay referring to Jared Goff in this context? Did Goff have trouble taking snaps under center when his thumb was injured? What I know for certain is that Goff defeated Seattle in the playoffs despite his injured thumb. Now it’s the Rams vs. Pete Carroll and the Seahawks, but Stafford is the one with the thumb drama.
Remove the records. These two divisional rivals put up a good fight.
In any given year, regardless of how the other team has been performing, either team can find a way to win their matchup.
“I admire Coach Carroll’s leadership tremendously.” Knowing you’re well aware of how good they are. Their personnel, as well as their players. What a great job they do of consistently improving. One of the things I admire about them is that they consistently take action. You know they’re always playing with an identity. Despite the fact that they may be doing a few things differently schematically here and there. There is a way and a style of play that comes to life on tape, both defensively and offensively, and on special teams.”
The Seattle Seahawks have been playing excellent football. Seattle has improved since trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. That’s not to dismiss Wilson, who can still put up numbers, but Geno Smith has outperformed expectations. Seattle appeared to need to rebuild following the Wilson trade, but instead has remained competitive and relevant. Who’d have guessed?
“It appears that they are always improving. If problems arise, they always find a way to solve them. They have really good leadership from their players, which is why they’re 6-3 and have done an excellent job…we know it’s going to be a great challenge, and we’re looking forward to it.”
LA, like it or not, is still alive. However, they will need wins, particularly against divisional opponents, to maintain their position. LA defeated Seattle in Week 1 to begin the season, but that was then and this is now.
“I’ve been really impressed with them as a whole…you can tell they’ve improved…That, I believe, is a sign of a great team…”
If good teams find ways to improve, and the Rams have regressed since Week One, what kind of team are they?
The Rams have made some changes since their bye week in Week 10 in order to improve. The signing of Carson Wentz was the most significant change. There are numerous perspectives on this signing.
Will Wentz be able to take advantage of this opportunity?
“Matthew (Stafford) does such a good job of leading that way, and Carson has a lot of experience, as you can see…it’s been smooth so far.” In terms of actual football, we’ve only been exposed to practice on the field, and we’ll get a chance to see how today’s practice goes.”
Time will tell whether Wentz remains a backup or moves on to something more. Until then, the Rams will work to integrate him into the team as they prepare for the second half of the season. The story of this season is not yet complete. McVay is aware of this, but in order for LA to succeed, the team must believe in their chances.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to know that you’ve got half the season ahead of you.”
McVay is certainly delivering the message to the team. Learning how to close out games is one way this team can improve. LA must consistently take, hold, or play their best late in games. Los Angeles has been competitive in big games, including against the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, but they have fallen short. The Rams must find a way to play big in big moments and maintain momentum. The head coach appears to be aware.
There were a lot of things we could take and continue to build on, and a lot of things that, if you’re not careful, you might say, “Well, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves…”…If we just stay in that moment, we can do some things that will get us back to where we want to be.”
Should we expect the team to be significantly better after the break? Should we hope for progress and look ahead to the next season? McVay appears to be committed to the Rams this season, which is encouraging for Rams fans. It’s also encouraging that, despite some of the team’s questionable performances, he hasn’t given up.
I think being refreshed, recharged, rejuvenated, being able to just kind of take a step back but get a little bit clearer picture of ‘Hey, how do we want to move forward? How can we continue to encourage one another? Handle each day correctly?’ That is the approach these guys have taken. I’ve had a great time working with this group and am excited to tackle this week with them.”
This Rams team is 3-6 and has mostly disappointed since starting the season 1-0. The next few weeks will reveal whether or not LA is capable of winning games now, or if they are preparing to be capable and competitive next season. Can Los Angeles do both? With a half-season remaining, anything is possible.
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