With aging players, no first-round selection, and head coach Sean McVay mulling retirement, the Los Angeles Rams faced a bleak future after one of the greatest Super Bowl hangovers in league history a year ago.
The Rams, led by McVay, were depressing after scaling the mountain and winning the Lombardi Trophy by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. The fall back to Earth was as painful as it was humiliating, and the victory had not satisfied him as he had hoped.
One choice away from riches, TV opportunities, and a welcome infusion of balance in his life. However, McVay finally made the decision to return.
After double digit victories and a postseason trip, it appears he made the correct decision. After finishing 10-7, the Rams will try to move on to the Divisional Round by hosting the Detroit Lions on Sunday night.
Though this year has been quite remarkable, is McVay’s best? He wasn’t really certain.
“I don’t know about that.” McVay remarked. “I believe that being a part of this squad makes me really proud. Above all, I believe that I have a lot more gratitude and respect for the trip rather than it simply being words, especially in light of the experiences we’ve had over the course of this seventh year.
” We’ve kind of lived it out more regularly, I believe. Although they may not have made the news as much since we were seeing great outcomes, I believe that the difficulties we had last year and the many that came before that helped us develop the fortitude and mental toughness that proved to be useful to us.”
Two key elements contributed to Los Angeles’ successful season: quarterback Matthew Stafford’s remarkable effectiveness following his recovery from a turbulent 2022 and McVay’s use of youthful players to elevate the offense.
After suffering a season-ending injury, second-year back Kyren Williams showed remarkable fortitude to earn the starting spot, be wounded during the 2023 campaign, and still gain over 1,100 yards. Receiver Puka Nacua shattered the rookie record for catches and receiving yards in a season.
McVay is the offensive coordinator, therefore his influence can be seen throughout the team’s creation. But the coach clung to the team’s toughness, for the benefit of both himself and his supporters.
“I’m pleased of this team because I think they have a distinct personality and a well-developed culture.” stated McVay. “Compared to some of the selfish stuff that I wasn’t afraid to acknowledge, especially last year, I’m around a lot of people that you want to be motivated not to let them down.”
For the Rams, this season has been a triumph regardless of what occurs on Wild Card Weekend. A club that is finally in position to choose a first-round choice, whose quarterback is still performing at a high level, and whose coach has renewed his commitment have a more promising future thanks to the rise of emerging stars.
Perhaps for the first time in a long time, Los Angeles can be sure that the future will be just as brilliant as the present.