WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – The Rams are looking to bounce back in Week 5 against the Packers at SoFi Stadium after a road loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday.
On Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford spoke with the media about the team's red zone offense so far this season and the daunting Green Bay defense they're about to face. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and defensive coordinator Chris Shula also spoke with the media on Thursday about the upcoming matchup with the Packers, who are coached by LaFleur's brother, Matt.
Here are some of the most significant quotes and talking points from the press conferences, which can be viewed below:
"When you look at going 1-for-4 (in the red zone on Sunday), there's so many things that we talked about... I could go on a very long-winded answer, but ultimately it boils down to decision-making and execution. And it starts with, alright, are we putting players in positions to be able to have success? And then with those opportunities... is there an opportunity to execute at a consistent level?" - McVay
The Rams' inability to score in the red zone on Sunday ended up being the difference in the game, as Chicago won 24-18 while scoring on two of their four red zone drives. It's a theme that's persisted throughout the season. Los Angeles has scored on 41.2% of their red zone drives, and McVay said they will put an emphasis on that in practice, but "you can't let the other stuff fall by the wayside."
Outside the red zone, the Rams rank seventh in offensive success rate (48.7%), but inside the red zone, they rank 18th (40.4%), according to NFLverse data. McVay said it comes down to "energy, edge and execution," but added that isn't exclusive to the red zone. The Packers have allowed touchdowns on 60% of their opponents' trips inside their 20-yard line, so McVay and his squad will have an opportunity to bounce back at home in Week 5.
McVay also talked about limiting penalties, and said "playing with the (right) technique" is the best way to avoid those unnecessary infringements. Of the Packers' defense, McVay said "they've done a great job of taking the ball away." He added that the Rams' pass rush and coverage playing as one will help force more of those turnover opportunities on their end.
"(The Packers) mix it up (on defense). I think they're really talented... they roll their front, so those guys are really fresh when they come in. They play hard, they're really talented on the second level and then I think their backend is one of the best if not the best we've played this year." - Stafford
The Packers' defense has some statistical standouts early in the 2024 season. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt has three sacks in four games, while linebacker Quay Walker has 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks. On the backend, safety Xavier McKinney and cornerback Jaire Alexander have combined for six interceptions already. Stafford said "it's going to be a huge challenge" to go against a defense with proficiency at all three levels.
For the second-straight season, the Rams are trying to ramp up after a slow start. Stafford said they "haven't earned enough victories" early on and everyone needs to contribute to the resurgence.
In terms of red zone offense, Stafford said there's differences in space and coverage techniques that make it more difficult to execute. Still, he said "we haven't done a good enough job of (executing) the last couple weeks."
"It's a totally different scheme than what Joe B(arry did)... It's more, if you want to call it in the Niners, Jets realm so there's obviously differences." - LaFleur
The Rams' offensive coordinator knows the Packers well, as his brother, Matt LaFleur, is the team's head coach. Yet, Green Bay has a new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, who's implemented a different scheme that's more reliant on deep zones and less blitzing than it had been previously.
LaFleur also spoke about the red zone offense, saying that the team needs to find ways to execute better and that it "starts with all of us" from the coaches to the players. He added that there's "no panic" creeping in, but they can't expect better results by kicking field goals at such a high rate.
Ahead of the brotherly coaching brawl, LaFleur said that he and Matt "say a little less to each other on Monday or Tuesday in terms of schematics," but they still talk like they always do. He also said "I don't think my mom likes it," when her two sons face off against each other, but then jokingly said "my mom likes me more." I guess that rooting interest will be resolved by her gameday attire.
"That's the age old question (how to create more interceptions). If I knew it, I would do it right now. But, you know, that's something you harp on, we know that's one of the most important things, as everybody knows, other than points that's the biggest stat when it comes to winning or losing. I think it comes from playing good defense... you get them in more vulnerable situations." - Shula
The Rams have just one interception through the first four weeks of the season, and none since Week 1. To generate more of those, Shula talked about getting opposing offenses into more third-and-long situations, or other obvious passing downs that warrant taking shots down the field.
Shula also said they need the secondary "over communicate" with veteran safety John Johnson III out due to injury. Rookie safety Kam Kinchens has taken a slew of snaps in his place, and Shula said that having constant communication will allow everyone to play faster and without hesitation.
There are "always things" that Shula wants to improve upon at all three levels. Right now, the pass rush can adjust to blocks and cadences, while the second level can be more consistent with their drops and communication, according to Shula.
