'Doesn't Mean Anything': Los Angeles Rams Sean McVay Not Focused on Playoffs
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in prime position to return to the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl LVI two seasons ago, as their 28-20 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday has seen them maintain second place in the NFC West.
Thanks to a five-game stretch that has seen the Rams only lose once, that being in overtime to the Baltimore Ravens, they've battled back from uncertainty. However, even after bouncing back from a stretch where they won just once in five games, talk about the postseason isn't occurring inside the practice facility in Inglewood, California.
“Unless you told me the season ended right now, it doesn't mean anything to me," Rams coach Sean McVay said about it being too early to discuss the postseason. "So how we move forward and how we handle our business over the next 72 hours and then leading into the game on Thursday is what's most important. But love this group, love the opportunity for us to be able to learn and especially after being able to get the victory that those guys did a good job of.”
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay (right) and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (15) celebrate after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders in the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As things currently stand, the Rams are the holders of the final NFC wildcard spot, only below the Minnesota Vikings. While that may be anything to write home about now, the Rams have a somewhat favorable three-game stretch to close the season.
That starts with Thursday, when the Rams will host the New Orleans Saints (7-7), a fellow competitor for that final spot, before traveling in each of their final two games against the New York Giants (5-9) and San Francisco 49ers (11-3).
Winning all out will clinch their spot in the postseason. However, per PlayoffStatus, the Rams will have a 67 percent chance of making the playoffs if they win just two of their next three, which seems very reasonable given their recent play.
Since their bye week, the Rams have looked like a different team than the one who had lost three in a row as injuries plagued them. Veteran starting quarterback Matthew Stafford was among those who dealt with injuries, as he missed the second half of the Week 8 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys before being forced to watch from the sidelines in the 20-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Yet, since returning, Stafford has been one of the culprits for the Rams' success, looking more like his former Super Bowl MVP self, throwing for 1,250 yards and 13 touchdowns with just two interceptions in his last five games. That hot streak is something the Ram will hope to continue as they close out the season.
The Rams will look to make it two wins in five days as they host the Saints on Thursday. Kickoff inside SoFi Stadium is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. (PT).
