How Rams have quickly rebuilt into an NFC playoff contender

Eric Williams

NFC West Writer

Winners of three straight, the Los Angeles Rams have quickly rebounded from an embarrassing 5-12 season to a potential path to the NFC playoffs with five games left this year. Sean McVay is doing one of his best coaching jobs in his seven years in charge in L.A. 

So, how has he done it? 

McVay says the Rams developed toughness and resiliency during their underwhelming 3-6 start, and those qualities are now showing down the stretch.

“I’m seeing a mentally and physically tough team,” McVay told reporters after his team’s latest victory, a 36-19 win at home over the Cleveland Browns. “I’m seeing guys stay connected. I’m seeing guys create their own energy. 

“They create an energy that makes it so fun to be able to go to work and continue to push in the right direction. I’m seeing great leadership from a lot of our veterans, and now we’ve got to just keep it going.”

It helps to have a roster featuring three foundational pieces in defensive tackle Aaron Donald, quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Cooper Kupp. Along with those three, the Rams hit on several of the team’s league-high 14 selections in this year’s draft.

The most notable is fifth-round receiver Puka Nacua, who already has set a rookie, single-season franchise mark for receiving yards with 1,029 through 12 games. Nacua has 77 receptions and four touchdowns.

A handful of other rookies have also made significant contributions. Second-round guard Steve Avila has helped to solidify the offensive line, edge rusher Byron Young has five sacks, and defensive tackle Kobie Turner (5.5 sacks) has emerged as an impact player inside next to Donald.

During L.A.’s three-game winning streak, the Rams have held opponents to 16.3 points per game.

Los Angeles has benefited from some veteran defenders who have had bounce-back seasons. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon leads the team in interceptions and pass breakups (10). Safety John Johnson…

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Publish date : 2023-12-05 18:35:12

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