Los Angeles Rams' Sean McVay 'Amazed' by Dallas Cowboys Defense
The Los Angeles Rams suffered a heartbreaking, yet controversial loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week after a poor fourth down spot by the referees.
The Rams were challenged by the gritty Steelers defense, specifically outside linebacker T.J. Watt, throughout the game. This week, they'll have the tough task of stopping Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, who, like Watt, is among the best defensive players in the league.
Rams coach Sean McVay opened up about Parsons during Wednesday's press conference.
“Micah's an amazing player and he has versatility and the ability to play on either edge or sometimes at nose," McVay said. "He plays as an off-ball backer, but he's a special player. His twitch, his overall athleticism, his ability to close and be a finisher. That's what the best players in the league are. They're finishers and that's what he is."
Unfortunately for the Rams, Parsons isn't the only Pro Bowler on the Cowboys' pass-rush, as DeMarcus Lawrence is very much on McVay's radar.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) taking a hit from the Dallas Cowboys' Defense.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
"He's been doing it for a long time," McVay said. "My first year when we played there in Week 4, he really just started to hit his stride and you're saying, ‘Who's this guy out of Boise that's a baller?’"
McVay praised Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for their "consistency" and "great job" with the front seven, and explained that Parsons and Lawrence aren't the only players making an impact on the dangerous defense.
"(Defensive end) Dante Fowler is still making plays in a lot of these situations," McVay said. "They got interior depth and there's a plethora of guys that they're rotating in and out that do a great job of influencing a lot of problems for offenses."
Newborn son Jordan John McVay has occupied a lot of his father's time at the hospital both before and after his birth. But when the Rams coach had a moment, he went home to watch film of the Cowboys' defense.
"Once you really dive into the tape, you're thinking, 'man, maybe I should've stayed at the hospital,'" McVay said.
