HOUSTON – Head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford addressed the media after the Rams' joint practice with the Texans on Saturday. Stafford was limited in practice this past week, but was a full participant against the Houston defense.

McVay was happy with the effort from the offense and defense, but said there's still work to be done. Stafford, meanwhile, felt good in his return as a full practice participant and had some high praise for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The full press conference can be viewed below.

Here were the most significant quotes:

"[Stafford] wanted to get the work in, and I thought really their overall etiquette in terms of staying away from him was really good. And I was pleased with the way that our line competed." - McVay

McVay raved about the Texans' professionalism and the way DeMeco Ryans runs the organization, saying they were "first-class." Still, even without the Texans' grace, Stafford and the other quarterbacks were well-protected by the Rams' offensive line.

Despite several lingering injuries to the men up front, McVay said players like Beaux Limmer, Zach Thomas and Warren McClendon Jr. have stepped up and performed well on Thursday. McVay expects starting tackle Jonah Jackson to start working back into regular practice next week.

"I don't think we're, you know, where we need to be, but I think we're making progress, you know, and that's why we're going to use all that time, every day matters… 17 days, or something like that, until we play against Detroit, so we still have work to do, but I've been really pleased with the progress." - McVay

There is still work to be done, but McVay wants to hammer out those details in practice, not in the preseason. He's always cautious with starters and potential contributors during the preseason, so joint practices are some of the best reps those players will get prior to the start of the season.

McVay said the four joint practices they've taken part in are "equivalent to game-like reps." Being in a controlled setting against a different NFL defense tells him a lot. The team isn't exactly where he wants them to be, but they showed progress against a playoff team from last season.

"Tyler [Johnson] was here last year, and [Xavier Smith] was too, so those guys kind of picked up where they came off. [Jordan Whittington] does a great job of, you know, just being a sponge out there, trying to soak up as much as he can from those guys that have been there before him. All of them are physically talented in their own way, and play to those strengths." - Stafford

With Puka Nacua still recovering from a knee injury, the Rams have given receivers like Johnson, Smith and Whittington opportunities to catch passes from their veteran quarterback. All those players have unique skill sets to offer the Rams' offense, and Stafford said they all "play to those strengths. And that's what you want to be as a football player."

Whittington, a sixth-round rookie out of Texas, has already made a name for himself in the preseason, showcasing his tough running after the catch and pristine route running.

Smith is a second-year speedster out of Florida A&M who was clocked at a sub-4.40 40-yard dash time at his college Pro Day. He's performed well in the preseason, making some spectacular catches while also getting work as a return man.

The veteran Johnson is entering his fifth NFL season, and second with the Rams. His 6-foot-1 frame combined with strong hands makes him a weapon in contested catch situations.

"I'm a huge fan of watching him [Stroud] play. Throws the ball with ease, plays with like, a really calm aggression, which I like. His first touchdown to Tank Dell, letter of the law in the preseason this year, that's buzz coverage right into a dagger window, usually not throwing that ball. But hey, they didn't play it as well as they could, and he fit it in there for a touchdown. I mean, that's playing ball in an aggressive way, but smart." - Stafford

Stafford and Stroud traded compliments in their respective press conferences and also got some time to talk after practice. Stroud said he didn't want to "fanboy", but Stafford is one of his favorite players and was happy to ask him some questions.

Stroud won Rookie of the Year last season when he passed for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions in 15 games, leading the Texans to the playoffs. Stafford also led the Rams to the playoffs, and both were selected for the Pro Bowl.

In his second pro season, Stroud is looking to build off a fantastic rookie year, and there are few people better than Stafford for him to learn from. Both players are pocket passers with strong arms and a high football IQ.