WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — Coach Sean McVay was fired up after the Los Angeles Rams beat the New York Jets.
Yes, he was excited about the 19-9 win. Yes, he was pleased by their former Jets players and staff members' performances. Yes, he was ecstatic about tight end Tyler Higbee’s go-ahead touchdown.
But, the first point he brought up was the group’s togetherness.
Despite a slow offensive start, leading to a 6-0 deficit in the second quarter, the Rams continually made stops, especially on fourth downs. It was only a matter of time before they surged to victory.
“You guys just stayed connected," McVay told his team.
Connectedness has been a growing characteristic among McVay’s squad. The Rams, whose seven of their nine wins have come within one score, have found ways to win close games because of it.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford said every team grows closer as seasons progress because of the amount of roster turnover in the NFL. It takes time for players to gel, especially young ones. However, Stafford added that the Rams have done well to compete despite a slew of early season injuries during a 1-4 start.
As players have returned from injury, they have become a more complete team, winning four straight games entering Week 17. The Rams have won these matchups differently, from a 44-42 win shootout over the Buffalo Bills to a rainy 12-6 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.
“This group has done a nice job of fighting their tail off through all that,” Stafford said. “...We have gotten healthy down the stretch and grown into the football team we could be.”
Stafford said the team has earned “every bit” of its 9-6 record and credited McVay with his game management in tight battles. The team does not win or lose because of its previous results; it earns it each week.
Stafford also said the Rams have focused on themselves and found success, growing their understanding of this concept throughout the year. Around their bye week, they emphasized the importance of finishing games and finding energy late.
“It is more about us than anything else,” Stafford said. “We go out there and play the way know how to play… We have taken that approach as of late and it has been a good outcome for us.”
Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said the team is becoming mentally tougher every week. The team has handled its business and grown more confident as it has worked together throughout the year.
LaFleur said the team believes it can win every week. Even when it is behind at halftime or down double-digits in other game stages, it has faith in each other to fight.
“Our guys are getting more and more confident, through the continuity, through the hard work, through the practice and all that," LaFleur said. “(They are) starting to gel and play off each other, and a brotherhood is being formed."
Running back Kyren Williams, who has rushed for over 400 yards and scored four touchdowns during the Rams' four-game winning streak, has been vital to their success.
“There's an energy about that guy that all the guys just feed off,” LaFleur said. “We are seeing his best ball right now, and I know he even feels like there's more out there.”
Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune
Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Inglewood, California.
On the other side of the ball, the secondary has become more connected, according to defensive coordinator Chris Schula. Their young defensive lineman have also grown together.
Shula said the group, which has held opponents to 14 or fewer points in three of its last four games, has naturally come together as it has played in close games. Their experience in those situations has helped them become comfortable with them.
“I don't think you can force it,” Shula said. “There is nothing like playing in those games, going through those adverse situations together and coming out on the other end.”