Make California Post a Preferred Source Through four games of the NFL Season, the Los Angeles Rams have looked more human than they were anticipated to be.
Raiders legend and Hall of Famer Howie Long told The Post’s Adam Schein on “Schein Time” why Rams coach Sean McVay can still save the season, while acknowledging he hasn’t been impressed with the team’s recent play.
Los Angeles is coming off a gritty, come-from-behind 24-20 road victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, to improve to 2-2.
Long said that he was a “bit disappointed last week,” and wants to see more production on third-down situations.
“They don’t have a closer on third down, really a real closer — just a guy who throws the fear of God into you,” Long said. “And I think that impacts them.”
McVay is only 40 years old but might be one of the most experienced coaches in the NFL, as he’s in the middle of his 10th season coaching in the NFL.
Last season, the Rams offense was injured at the receiver position, and Long said he enjoyed watching McVay adjust by sending three tight ends out on the field to help with the running game.
Now, the roles have been reversed as the tight ends have been banged up while the receivers have been healthy, so McVay has been once again adjusting his offense and relying on pre-snap motions with the wideouts.
While reigning MVP Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions on Sunday, he also threw for 317 yards in the pouring rain. Wide receiver Puka Nacua, who was sidelined for their previous two games due to a groin injury, returned to the field and spent a majority of it being motioned before the snap.
The result went as the Rams offense had hoped, as he had 12 targets come his way, with nine of them being hauled in, collecting 125 yards.
“I think Sean McVay is brilliant,” Long said.
The segment on the Rams ended as Long spoke about the challenge that is the rest of the NFC West.
This Sunday, the Rams will be off, as they will play on Monday night in a home game against the Buffalo Bills, while their division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, will face off in an NFC Divisional Round rematch for first place in the NFC West.
Long said he knows McVay and the Rams will be glued to their seat watching that game.
“He’s so invested in everything. He wants to win so badly,” Long said. “He understands — he comes from a family that’s been around football for a long time, so he understands what it’s all about.”
