Sean McVay Says Bye Week Arriving at Right Time for Los Angeles Rams, Tired Rookies
Few teams need a breather more than the Los Angeles Rams.
They currently sit at 3-6 and are yet to end a three-game losing streak—complete with a blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys and an embarrassing outing against the Green Bay Packers in which they put up just three points.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford’s thumb injury is still a concern, and in an attempt to save their season, the Rams waived backup Brett Rypien in favor of Carson Wentz.
Nacua attempts to break a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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This is a team that is in turmoil and, frankly, feeling the effects of a roster that can’t consistently compete with most teams. Los Angeles’ heavy roster turnover means the 53-man roster is disproportionately filled with inexperienced players. The transition from college to the NFL could be a part of why the Rams’ rookies (even receiver Puka Nacua in recent weeks) are struggling.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke on Monday about the break his rookie class may need.
“Yeah, I think it's big,” McVay said. “It's basically like the equivalent of them going through a full collegiate season when you include a lot of these guys we're talking about (who) played in the three preseason games leading into the regular season, which we’re nine games through, as we all know. So I think it's great.”
Nacua, like the rest of the offense, has seen his production slip during these last two losses. He has just six total catches for 75 yards in that span, despite seeing 14 targets. Some are concerned the marathon of a season has created a bit of a rookie wall.
“I think it's really good for our team,” McVay said. “I think it comes at the right time. I think it'll be a good chance to not only physically, but mentally, just be able to kind of just pull away for a little bit.”
McVay will return home to his wife and newborn child as he prepares for Los Angeles’ Week 11 contest with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s surely grateful for the break, both on and off the field. It’s also another week for Stafford to recover from his thumb injury which, if the Wentz signing is any indication, is a little worrisome.
It goes without saying that Week 11 is as must-win as non-elimination games get. A 3-6 hole is difficult to climb out of—3-7 may be impossible.
Either way, McVay looks forward to the bye week and all of its benefits. He hopes his team, especially the neophytes, reap some, too.
“Let yourself kind of just relax, get refreshed, get rejuvenated,” McVay concluded. “And be ready to attack a great opportunity that we have in this latter part of the season.”
