Now that our Rams have exited the playoffs, who are you pulling for the rest of the way.

I am thinking Pittsburgh in the AFC and Minnesota in the NFC

What say you?

This is the name I remember most from the age of four or five in my early life.

My Mom used to talk about the LA Rams and Deacon Jones quite a bit. She loved Deacon the most, and later had a real affinity for Little house on the prairie. ;]

Now the 2017 Rams played a playoff game on the same field he once roamed and killed Quarterbacks.

Mom would be so happy.

I'm quite happy as well.

UPSWING

Well, I told y'all that I wasn't getting into any of this until after the season. Unfortunately, our season is over. Fortunately, we made the playoffs. I haven't had time yet to sit down and evaluate many prospects, so I am basing much of this on what I saw from 2016 or heard from people whom I trust.
Cut
WR Tavon Austin
ILB Mark Barron

I don't see anyone trading us anything for Austin. Barron played well for us, but we can find a better fit for our scheme at a cheaper price.

Re-Sign/Extend
DT Aaron Donald - 6 years $120 million (extension)
CB Nickell Robey-Coleman - 5 years $30 million
S LaMarcus Joyner - 5 years $35 million
WR Sammy Watkins - 4 years $36 million
CB Trumaine Johnson - 5 years $60 million
S Cody Davis - 3 years $4.5 million
C John Sullivan - 1 year $2 million
DT Tyrunn Walker - 1 year $790,000
CB Troy Hill - ERFA
HB Malcolm Brown - ERFA
OLB Matt Longacre - RFA

I think we attempt to bring back our big FAs and succeed. The Watkins' contract might turn heads, but I don't think he's earned more.

Free Agency
OLB Aaron Lynch - 2 years $3 million
ILB Todd Davis - 4 years $20 million

Todd Davis was one of Wade's starting ILBs in Denver. He's a tough kid who isn't afraid to throw his body around in run support. Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown, and Zach Brown are a few other ILB options.

Aaron Lynch is an upside guy. He's shown flashes of great ability as a pass rusher. The question is if McVay and co. are willing to bring his character questions into the locker room. He's always had the potential to be a legitimate 6 to 10 sack per year edge rusher when his head is screwed on right.

Trade
Rams trade Round 1 Pick #23 and Round 6 Pick #20
Browns trade Round 2 Pick #3 and Round 3 Pick #1

Browns have a ton of picks in this year's draft. It makes a lot of sense for them to move around.

NFL Draft
Round 2 Pick #3 - Tim Settle NT Virginia Tech
Round 3 Pick #1 - Nick Nelson CB Wisconsin
Round 3 Pick #23 - Leighton Vander Esch ILB Boise State
Round 4 Pick #23 - Tyrell Crosby OT Oregon
Round 5 Pick #23 - Joe Ostman OLB Central Michigan
Round 6 Pick #21 - Arrion Springs CB/S Oregon
Round 6 Pick #23 - Scott Quessenberry C UCLA
Round 7 Pick #23 - Jordan Scarlett HB Florida

Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
HB: Todd Gurley
XWR: Sammy Watkins
ZWR: Robert Woods
SLWR: Cooper Kupp
TE: Gerald Everett
LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Rodger Saffold
C: John Sullivan
RG: Jamon Brown
RT: Rob Havenstein

SDE: Michael Brockers
NT: Tim Settle
DT: Aaron Donald
WOLB: Robert Quinn
WILB: Alec Ogletree
SILB: Todd Davis
SOLB: Matt Longacre
LCB: Trumaine Johnson
RCB: Kayvon Webster vs. Nick Nelson
SLCB: Nickell Robey-Coleman
FS: LaMarcus Joyner
SS: John Johnson III

K: Greg Zuerlein
P: Johnny Hekker
LS: Jake McQuaide

The more I think about how people (including myself) weren't really giving much value to experience.

I didn't look up all the exact numbers but.

only 3 2nd year QB's have won a super bowl (warner, big ben, brady)
No rookie QB has ever won a super bowl.

Only 2 first year coaches in the history of the super bowl era have ever won one. (2 in 50 years)

We had a great young team.. but if you really look at it reasonably. It almost never happens.

It also makes me realize what a miracle team the 1999 team was.

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I think this is going over looked by a WIDE margin. But I immediately noticed how vulnerable the entire defense looked without him. Brockers is a critical player on this team. The game completely changed when he went out and I'm not even exaggerating. Please tell me I'm not the only one to notice this? We have to lock him up long term and solidify the NT position

Tonight was tough, but not totally unexpected. Bad ending to a great year. Tough schedule next year, too. A lot of work ahead.

Tough decisions too. At this point, cb is up in the air. Who do you sign and who walks? Webster gets hurt a lot and Tru is gone if he wants top money. I say resign Joyner and NRC maybe and look for a fa cb. Maybe Hill or Petersen move up.

Don’t know about Watkins. Yeah he draws a top defender and needs more touches but I don’t see him earning elite money.

Really want to see us find some better interior lb play. I like OA and Barron, but not sure we have the run stuffer we need there.

Then you have to start thinking about a new LT and C at some point as well.

Crucial offseason - they nailed the last one. Let’s hope they can do it again.

Btw, enjoyed this forum a lot this year - looking forward to 2018 season with you guys!

now that the season is officially over, which of our free agents should be let go/re-signed this off season?

as much as I believed Sammy Watkins was going to be a sure re-sign, i’m not sure about that anymore.

Trumaine? he played well this season but who knows how much he and his agent will be looking for.

Joyner may be the only for sure re-signing this off season. McQuaid and Sullivan should both be re-signed as well.

Barwin, Davis, and a few others are up in the air.

This is all my opinion of course. What do you guys think?

Opening play Gurley gets 4 on the ground. Two incomplete passes followed. Punt.

Next drive, Gurley gets 8 on first down on the ground. Two incomplete passes followed. Punt.

Third drive, Gurley caught a pass on first for 3 yards. Two incomplete passes followed. Punt.

McVay is a HELLUVA coach, and we are lucky to have him. But he’s gotta learn. His inability to either establish the run or stick with the run cost us most of the games we lost this year.

Not sure if you guys planned one of these, mods, but just want to say THANK YOU to the Rams for a great season. Losing at home sucked, but hey, these guys are gonna be around for a long time.

Future's bright all, let's load that defense, plug some holes, and make a real run next year!

Pulled our legs right out from underneath us. You blew in my man.
Never got Gurly going. That stupid pass attempt early on, 2nd and 2 and they pass, incomplete. Then they run out of the shotgun(I HATE those plays), stuff then punt.
Get the damm first down, run Gurly get the first down on 2nd and two. Get a rhythm.
McVay did not call a good game. never liked the look on his face the whole time.

For those of you hoping for another ‘99 like run, sorry. That team had something you’ll never see again in the NFL.

However, this team has all the makings of a dominant team going forward.

Coach looked like a virgin on prom night tonight, and honestly, we should have expected that.

Goff looked great under pressure. The defense got gassed early due to a couple fluke TOs.

Don’t run away from this team. They have IT in spades, they’re just young from top to bottom.

There are weapons on both sides and our cap space is insane.

This will be a great team going forward.

Keep your head up Rams Nation, the future is bright for us.

When ever our uniforms get updated in the next couple of years, I am hoping they go thicker on the Horns on the helmet. The Horns look to thin to me ever since they changed the scheme when they were in St. Louis. Just my opinion and was wondering what you all thought is all

So gotta kill a little time here and maybe get my mind off the way that time has slowed to a crawl...

Basic grading criteria:
A = 4 starters
B = 3 starters
C = 2 starters

2014
1. OT Robinson
1. DT Donald
2. CB/S Joyner
3. RB Mason
4. S Alexander
6. CB Gaines
6. QB Gilbert
7. OT Van Dyk
7. FS Bryant
7. DE Sam :eek:
7. C Rhaney

Grade: B+ but only because Aaron Donald is a future HoF player, and Joyner is a Pro Bowl level player.

2015
1. RB Gurley
2. OT Havenstein
3. OT Brown
3. QB Mannion
4. OT Donnal
6. WR Sasser
6. OG Wichmann
7. LB Hager
7. DE Ifedi

Grade: B+ due to addition of Pro Bowl RB, and two good OL starters.

2016
1. QB Goff
4. TE Higbee
4. WR Cooper
6. TE Hemingway
6. LB Forrest
6. WR Thomas

Grade: B+ due to addition of franchise QB, a starting TE, and a Pro Bowl returner who might help us down the road on offense too.

2017
2. TE Everett
3. WR Kupp
3. S Johnson
4 WR Reynolds
4. LB Ebukam
6. DT Smart
6. FB Rogers
7. LB Price

Grade: B+ for now, given that it's still too early to judge.

Does anyone know of possibly such a place? Or maybe just a spot thats known for team neutrality?

Id like to get out the house for this game but dont want to wander into some die hard den of Seachicken love.

Sure, the old time Raider fans, who were band wagoners in the 80's, probably won't change. But as I remember, the true sustaining popularity of the Raiders in LA was cemented after their Super Bowl wins. The only Super Bowl ever won in LA, as good as the Rams were, they never sealed the deal.

Today is the real beginning, where the city is starting to thrill over the possibility of how far the Rams go. Take it all the way to Minneapolis (2nd time), and the Raiders luster will wane and the Chargers will be always be pretenders and interlopers.

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Highlight Heaven is a good YouTube channel to subscribe if you haven't.

Not only is McVay the youngest coach in the league, and the youngest to ever coach in the playoffs, but I think Goff is the youngest starting QB as well, at least according to this site; https://247sports.com/nfl/oakland-raiders/Gallery/Every-NFL-starting-QB-youngest-to-oldest-53427821. As a Ram fan going back to the early seventies, I can only hope these two can stay together like Brady and Belichick. Throw Gurley in there and this can really turn into something special. How can you not be excited about this future of this young team?

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2018/01/watch_cleveland_browns_perfect.html

Watch Cleveland Browns Perfect Season parade live, beginning at 11:45 a.m. (video)
By Zachariah Durr, cleveland.com



CLEVELAND, Ohio - Tune in here Saturday at 11:45 a.m. to watch a live video stream of the Perfect Season parade in which fans are gathering to protest the Cleveland Browns' 0-16 season.

The parade begins at noon - when the temperature is expected to be in single digits -- and will circle around FirstEnergy Stadium. Our live video will start at 11:45 a.m. and will feature sports reporter Nathaniel Cline talking with parade participants and spectators before festivities jump off at noon.

You can also follow all angles of the parade on cleveland.com's social media accounts. Video of the full parade route also will be shown on Facebook Live, in addition to coverage on our Twitter and Instagram accounts.

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Downtown Rams Wild Card Weekend Roundtable

It's Wild Card weekend and so our team here decided to give you our predictions this week of each game.


Meet our Panel:


Jake Ellenbogen (@JKBogenDTR)


Blaine Grisak (@bxgrisakNFL)


Alex Kelly (@Nation_Rams)


Gary Weed (@ksudodger)


James Lamar (@Lamar_Football)


Nicolas Galarreta (@Rams24_7)


Joseph Isola (@JISO57)


Mark Lujan (@MLujan520)


#5 Tennessee Titans vs. #4 Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday @ 4:20PM EST

The Titans were able to sneak into the playoffs last week with a 15-10 win over the rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, they have the tough task of playing what was at one point the hottest team in the league.


Jake: Titans 24, Chiefs 20


When you look at the loss of Eric Berry from the beginning of the year, that has clearly hurt the Chiefs. Still a great offense but the Titans have a solid defense. I expect Derrick Henry (who is better than Murray anyway) to pound the rock and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to force a turnover or two to take this one to the next round.


Blaine: Chiefs 27, Titans 20


The Chiefs aren’t the team they were earlier in the season, but they have been better and are running the ball like they did earlier in the season. Marcus Mariota is not a quarterback that is going to take advantage of the depleted secondary.


Alex: Chiefs 27, Titans 17


Alex Smith and Kareem Hunt have brought the Chiefs back to life after a mid-season skid. DeMarco Murray is out and Marcus Mariota hasn’t played great all year. That’ll be the difference in this one


Gary: Chiefs 31, Titans 17


No DeMarco Murray is a killer for the Titans. Alex Smith will make plays when needed and the defense will bend not break.


James: Chiefs 24, Titans 20


The Chiefs have had an explosive offensive attack at times this season. When Alex Smith pushes the ball downfield, they are a tough group to stop. Kareem Hunt will have tough time finding space against a stout Titans run defense lead by Jurrell Casey, but the passing defense will allow Hunt a lot of space in the flat and on screens. Ultimately, this game will come down to turnovers, and the Titans are the only team in the playoffs with a negative turnover differential.


Nick: Chiefs 31, Titans 14


The Titans benefitted from playing a weak schedule & in a weak division. They don’t belong and will get blown out by the Chiefs behind Kareem Hunt


Joseph: Chiefs 27, Titans 17



The Titans made the playoffs after a fairly unimpressive season. Mariota turned the ball over a decent amount and the running game struggled even with a solid offensive line and two notable running backs. The Chiefs, with experienced coach Andy Reid, are hitting their stride after a lack luster middle of the season. The Chiefs have a better defense and a very explosive offense behind Hill, Hunt, and Kelce. The Chiefs should prevent the Titans from scoring enough points to make this a tight match up. While I expect a good game, I also think Kansas City will return to New England after blowing them out to start the season.


Mark: Chiefs 31, Titans 24


Mariota puts the Titans on his back but comes up short, against an up and down Chiefs teams who find their groove and comes alive on offense. Kareem Hunt finds the end zone twice and Alex Smith leads a 2 minute drill to close the game out.


VERDICT: 7-1 Chiefs


#6 Atlanta Falcons vs. #3 Los Angeles Rams on Saturday @ 8:15PM EST

The Rams meet the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons in their first postseason game since 2004...which was against the Falcons.


Jake: Rams 30, Falcons 20


The most exciting game of the week is going to offer a good matchup. In the end I think when you look at how many weapons the Rams have, how well their playing and how lost the Falcons look without Kyle Shanahan you wonder if this could be a blowout. I don't think so, the Falcons did win last season 42-14 in this building. It will be close but Todd Gurley will close the door.


Blaine: Rams 31, Falcons 20


The Falcons are the defending NFC champions and have the experience. However, Rams have scored 25+ per game in their last five games that their starters played while the Falcons have scored under 25 per game in their last five games. Rams get their rematch with Minnesota.


Alex: Rams 31, Falcons 17


The Rams are rested and are ready to go to their first playoff game since 2004. The Falcons struggle forcing turnovers and the Rams have a good record when they win the turnover battle. The Falcons also have a banged up line, and I expect Aaron Donald to have a field day.


Gary: Rams 24, Falcons 10


I think this game will come down to which defense makes more plays and with the 2 best linemen for the Falcons not playing, it sets up very well for AD, Quinn, Brockers and crew to get to Matty Ice early and often.


James: Rams 34, Falcons 24


The Falcons have been so inconsistent this season, that it is difficult to predict which team the Rams will play. I will stick to what we can be sure of. The Falcons run a defense like what is run in Seattle and we know that Sean McVay can scheme the Rams in ways to attack that type of defense. Julio Jones is a beast, and paired with a receiving threat out of the backfield like Devonte Freeman, the Rams will have all they can handle on defense. When it comes down to it, the Falcons don’t have the offensive firepower, as they did last season, to keep with the Rams attack.


Nick: Rams 28, Falcons 17


The Rams continue their winning formula behind strong days from Gurley and Woods. The Rams pass rush gets Ryan off his game and minimizes Julio’s opportunities. The game doesn’t come down to Ficken as the Rams win by two scores


Joseph: Rams 28, Falcons 14


The Rams should be able to win their first playoff game in over a decade. The last time the Rams played in the playoffs it was a loss in Atlanta. This time should swing in the Rams favor. The Falcons will not be able to stop the rushing attack of LA. Atlanta relies on a strong pass rush from their young defense, but McVay will be prepared. Quick throws with short drop backs; play action, and screens should all be used to prevent Atlanta’s pass rush. The Rams will have to make sure to pay attention to Julio Jones, who can go off for multiple touchdowns and 100+ yards in any given game.


Mark: Rams 38, Falcons 10


A game that I’m too emotionally invested into but here we go….The national media seems to think the Rams don’t have the playoff experience to match up with Atlanta, this is where I tell you they have it all wrong. Forget records, forget age and forget about the fact that the Rams haven’t been to the playoffs in 14 years. The Los Angeles Rams come out and dominate the Falcons in all 3 phases making them look very much like a team that has the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. LA stuns Atlanta much like they did Seattle in week 15.


VERDICT: 8-0 Rams


#6 Buffalo Bills vs. #3 Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday @ 1:05PM EST

The Bills made it by the skin of their teeth, but regardless, they ended a 17-year playoff draught. No one can take that away. However, the Jaguars or rather Sacksonville plans on taking away the opportunity to play the Patriots in the AFC divisional round with their historic defense.


Jake: Bills 21, Jaguars 12


This one seems like a nightmare matchup for the Bills. However, I have my money on them. It's a crazy year, the Jaguars haven't looked great as of late and Tyrod Taylor does a great job of not turning the ball over. If the Jags can't force Tyrod to turn the ball over the Bills will control this game.


Blaine: Jaguars 27, Bills 9


Bills have the feeling of a Cinderella team, but Jacksonville just overmatches them. A hurt LeSean McCoy doesn’t help.


Alex: Jaguars 24, Bills 9


These are two teams that haven’t played in a playoff game in a long time. The Jags have lost two straight, but that will end here. Andy Dalton can’t save the day this time.


Gary: Jaguars 27, Bills 14


Same problem as Titans for the Bills. Shady McCoy is not 100% which costs the Bills. But if Evil Bortles shows up, he might let the Bills hang around. In the end, Bortles gets it done with rushing and defense


James: Bills 20, Jaguars 17


The Bills Super Bowl was making the playoffs, but I’m not sure they’re done. The Jaguars have lost two games in a row to inferior competition, and now I think they make it a third. With the game on the line Blake Bortles hardly seems like the player that can lead his team to victory, and will likely continue to make costly turnovers. The Jags defense is loaded, but have been exposed at times this season against good offensive lines. Talent wise, the Jaguars are far superior to the lowly Bills, but the Bills are riding an emotional high that I believe will take them to Foxborough.


Nick: Jaguars 17, Bills 13


The Jags win a nail biter by one possession, thanks to the Sacksonville defense sealing it in the end. The Jags offense can’t muster much, but the defense adds a score and holds Shady McCoy & the Bills in check all day


Joseph: Jaguars 24, Bills 7


Congratulations to Buffalo for ending their extremely long playoff draught! However, I can’t see it going much further than the first round. Their only chance of winning is if Blake Bortles throws multiple interceptions and McCoy goes for two or more touchdowns. Jacksonville’s defense is elite and a serious threat to shut out this Buffalo offense, which is fairly average. The Jaguars should easily win this and get ready for a rematch in Pittsburgh.


Mark: Jaguars 23, Bills 10


In a game where Lesean McCoy isn’t gonna be 100 percent healthy, the Jags defense should be able to contain the Bills offense with ease. Bortles will struggle but Jacksonville will do enough in the run game to win, Fournette is just too much for Buffalo to handle. Sorry Bills fans.


VERDICT: 6-2 Jaguars


#5 Carolina Panthers vs. #4 New Orleans Saints on Sunday @ 4:40PM EST

The Saints are back in the playoffs and they come right into a home game and a revamped defense. It also helps Cam Newton is coming off his worst performance as a starting QB in his career.


Jake: Panthers 24, Saints 23


I really am not confident in Cam Newton. What I am confident in, is this Carolina defense. The lights are bright and perhaps we get a good game out of Cam but I expect the Panthers to steal one on the road and set up an easy road to the NFC Championship. One rule of thumb, you never want to play the same team three times in a season. Carolina has lost two but got closer last game. This is the one where they overcome it all.


Blaine: Saints 24, Panthers 13


Cam Newton couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn if he had tried last week. This postseason has the feel of a last hoorah for Drew Brees. Panthers have lost to the Saints twice already this season and I don’t expect that to change.


Alex: Saints 38, Panthers 10


Cam Newton is coming off of a career-worst performance against the Falcons. He looked lazy. It’s not a good time to be lazy. I think Brees and the Saints light the Panthers up.


Gary: Saints 34, Panthers 21


Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara will exploit the Panthers biggest weakness (not really a weakness) in run defense. Saints defense has surprised all year. Could come down to which Cam shows up.


James: Saints 30, Panthers 28


It would be nice to gush about how Cam Newton will roll right over the Saints, but he’s been inconsistent so often this year, that it’s a hard bet. No one on the Saints really wants to play the Panthers for a third time, and I think this will be the biggest slugfest of the weekend. The rookie running backs, Kamara and McCaffrey are going to take backseats in this one as each team tries to neutralize them. Cam Newton will throw a late pick to Marshon Lattimore, and Drew Brees will lead the Saints on a game winning drive.


Nick: Panthers 24, Saints 21


Newton and the Panthers get rolling against an overrated Saints defense. The underrated Panthers D is able to limit Kamara and Ingram, forcing Brees into too many obvious passing situations. Panthers win by less than a possession after a late Saints comeback attempt


Joseph: Panthers 31, Saints 28


In what may be the only upset in the weekend, Carolina will be able to get their first victory against New Orleans this season. It is extremely difficult to beat a team three times in one season, but the Saints sure do have a chance. The reason I favor the Panthers here is because Carolina is able to get it done even when Cam does not play great. Their defense knows New Orleans well and should work to limit Brees from have an explosive showing. If they can contain the Saints offense and play their own brand of offense they should be able to play off the upset and go into Philadelphia with momentum.


Mark: Saints 27, Panthers 14


A division rematch, this game should come down to whoever protects the football and who wins the time of possession. Both teams can run the ball well but New Orleans can do it better. Alvin Kamara shows out in his first career playoff game while Mark Ingram chews the clock in the fourth qtr. Another close one but Cam Newton turns the ball over and Carolina can’t keep up.


VERDICT: 5-3 Saints

It’s been 13 seasons of saying this could be the year and here we are and it has finally happened, post season football is back! The RAMS are the second youngest team in the NFL with only a hand full of experienced players with sudden death football experience. So my question to the great RAM fans of ROD, what is your confidence level heading into tonight’s prime time game against the Falcons?

GO RAMS!

http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/l...0105-story,amp.html?__twitter_impression=true

High-school years gave Rams coach Sean McVay his first taste of fame
Sam FarmerContact Reporter


The legend of Sean McVay only grows at the Marist School, a sprawling campus of red-brick buildings tucked into the hilly suburbs just north of Atlanta.

It wasn’t so long ago that the 31-year-old Rams wunderkind — the likely NFL coach of the year — thrilled Marist students and fans, not with his headset wizardry but with his forehead-slapping, ankle-snapping moves as a high school quarterback.


McVay’s game video was like a video game. The bright-eyed kid with straight and shaggy blond hair (not spiked like now) was so good that he was named 2003 State Player of the Year in Georgia, edging future Detroit Lionsstar Calvin Johnson in the process.

“That was ridiculous,” McVay said almost sheepishly this week during a break from preparations for Saturday night’s playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Coliseum. “He was a five-star recruit, best receiver in the country, and here I am, just a tough competitor that’s on a state championship team. Really what that was is it was a reflection of the team success we had, and then we were able to have some good stats because we won the state championship.


Miami of Ohio, didn’t get a chance to throw the ball much in the run-based offense at Marist. So he took particular umbrage on those rare occasions when his passes were intercepted.


Kathleen Hersey, actor David Hasselhoff, Fox News anchor Brett Baier and longtime Miss America host Bert Parks.

Marist football plays in Georgia’s AAAA division, even though it would be in the bottom third of smaller AAA schools in terms of enrollment. Still, the program has been remarkably successful under coach Alan Chadwick, winning two state championships and finishing as runner-up nine times.

These days, there’s an island of Rams fans in the middle of Falcons country.

“I’m just walking around with my chest poking out like you wouldn’t believe,” said Chadwick, who has coached at the school for 41 years. “I’ll be sitting at the bar having dinner or something like that. The TV is on, and I’ll be sitting next to some guy I don’t even know, and they’ll have the Rams on there, and I’ll say, ‘Hey, I coached that guy.’ I’m just bragging like crazy all over the place.

“I’m spreading that word as much as I can.”

McVay, who was an outstanding soccer player as a kid, eventually gravitated to football, where his grandfather and father made their mark. His grandfather, John McVay, coached the New York Giants then, as a front-office executive, helped build the San Francisco 49ers dynasty with Bill Walsh. Sean’s father, Tim, was a defensive back at Indiana.

Tim has been a constant at Rams games this season, watching as his son has run a reverse with a franchise that went 4-12 last year. These Rams finished 11-5 — although they didn’t play their starters in the finale, a meaningless loss to the 49ers — and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Football courses through the family’s veins, so it’s no surprise the young McVay grew obsessed with it. His friends would tease him about being a football nerd, often opting to study film with coaches when he could have been hanging out.

“We’ve had a lot of talented kids, we’ve had a lot of talented quarterbacks, but nobody like Sean,” said Paul Etheridge, his offensive coordinator in high school. “I’d say he was the best Marist quarterback we’ve ever had. We’ve had some better passers, but we’ve never had a better runner or a better overall quarterback.

“I’m not just talking about football skills. I’m talking about understanding the offense, reading defenses, and most importantly ability to lead and ability to communicate.”

McVay said those experiences in high school helped him pour the foundation for the coach he is today.

“Marist is a special place,” he said. “Some of the best coaches I’ve been around are those people I worked with in high school. What you realize is when you have an environment and an atmosphere like we had at Marist, where guys cared about each other, the coaches were great teachers and communicators, whether it’s high school, college or pro, I think coaching is coaching.

“That was really for me, as a young guy growing up, is seeing what you think is doing it the right way.”



sam.farmer@latimes.com

Follow Sam Farmer on Twitter @LATimesfarmer

Times staff writers Gary Klein and Andy McCullough contributed to this report.

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