Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay took full responsibility for the team’s travel strategy ahead of the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia after Monday night’s dominant response to its season-opening loss.
The Rams beat the New York Giants 28-6 to improve to 1-1, looking completely different from the team that lost 27-7 to the 49ers in Melbourne 11 days earlier.
Asked after Monday’s victory about the difference in execution between the two games, McVay pointed directly at himself and the decision to arrive in Melbourne roughly 24 hours before kickoff as the main reason for a lackluster season opener.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn and sometimes you have a dumbass coach that makes travel plans that puts you in bad spots,” McVay said. “There you go.”
Los Angeles tried to avoid any acclimation period to the time difference by arriving in Australia shortly before the game. San Francisco, however, traveled to Australia many days in advance, giving the 49ers ample time to settle there before the game.
The result brought scrutiny of the Rams’ approach, as San Francisco controlled the opener in a 20-point victory.
However, Monday painted the total opposite picture with the Rams racking up 481 yards despite playing without wide receiver Puka Nacua, while their defense limited the Giants to 182 yards.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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In Aaron Donald’s return game, Matthew Stafford completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception.
Wideout Davante Adams stepped up, catching eight passes for 195 yards and two scores. Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 164 rushing yards.
Los Angeles hosts the Denver Broncos on Sunday night in Week 3, with kick-off set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
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