There wasn’t a lot to be excited about in the Rams’ locker room last winter. They lost nine of their last 11 games, finishing the year 5-12 in what was Sean McVay’s most challenging season yet.
The mood in the locker room is much different this time around. The Rams have won five of their last six games and are in position to make the playoffs – something very few people expected after the team’s offseason departures.
McVay was jacked up after the Rams’ 30-22 win over the Saints on Thursday night, as were his players. He sent his team home with a fiery speech, while also handing out six game balls to guys who had an impact on the game.
Matthew Stafford obviously got one, as did Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams. Demarcus Robinson earned a game ball for his first-half performance, and Ernest Jones and Jordan Fuller represented the defense with standout showings.
The best part of McVay’s speech was the team’s reaction when he told them they didn’t have to come back to the facility until Tuesday.
“One more (expletive) thing: I’ll see you Tuesday!” McVay exclaimed, eliciting a roar from the players.
Total team effort on a Thursday Night!
🗣️ @budlight Victory Speech pic.twitter.com/38hvXtB4AE
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 22, 2023
Stafford broke down the locker room with an expletive-filled speech of his own, reminding everyone that the Rams need to be better about finishing games.
“We gotta finish these (expletive) games off better,” he said. “We know it. All three phases. We’re (expletive) playing too damn good to make it (expletive) close at the end. Let’s (expletive) put people the (expletive) away. People are fighting for their playoff lives. That’s us too. Let’s go (expletive) win this (expletive).”
The Rams get the Giants on the road next week, a very winnable game for them. After that, it could all come down to a rematch with the 49ers in Santa Clara.