Why do the Rams keep starting slow? Coach Sean McVay has a definitive answer, and it might not be what you think! He’s not buying the popular theory that preseason rest is to blame for their early-season struggles. Could his controversial strategy actually be the key to their late-season success, or is he just making excuses?
The Los Angeles Rams’ recent history of stumbling out of the gate has ignited a persistent debate regarding their unconventional NFL preseason strategy under Head Coach Sean McVay.
In both the 2023 and previous seasons, the Los Angeles Rams faced significant early-season deficits, with records like 3-6 and 1-4 respectively, fueling concerns about their Rams slow starts.
Despite these initial struggles, the team consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, orchestrating impressive second-half surges that ultimately secured playoff berths, even allowing for star player rest in crucial final weeks.
Critics frequently attribute these Rams slow starts to the Los Angeles Rams’ unique approach of largely resting their starters during the NFL preseason, a practice that contrasts sharply with other teams like the Bengals who adjusted their strategy.
However, Coach Sean McVay vehemently rejects this “convenient narrative,” firmly stating his intention to maintain his established NFL preseason philosophy and dismissing it as the root cause of the team’s early-season challenges.
McVay emphasizes the meticulous thought behind their football strategy, focusing on simulating game conditions and prioritizing player health, believing that optimal physical condition at the start of the regular season is paramount.
This ongoing discussion encapsulates the age-old “rest versus rust” dilemma in professional sports, with Sean McVay clearly favoring player health and long-term readiness over immediate game-readiness from preseason snaps.
As the Los Angeles Rams prepare for a challenging Week 1 matchup against the Texans, the efficacy of McVay’s unwavering approach and his football strategy will once again be under the microscope, with all eyes on their start to the season.
