The last three years have been quite memorable for the Rams after more than a decade of missing the playoffs and struggling to finish above .500. Sean McVay has played a big role in the resurgence of the Rams, leading them to two playoff appearances (including one Super Bowl) in three years.
Sunday’s game against the Cardinals will mark the final time McVay runs out of the tunnel at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with the Rams, with the team moving into SoFi Stadium next season.
Reflecting on his time with the Rams and the games played at the Coliseum, McVay picked two of his most memorable games at the historic stadium.
“I would have to say the one that stands out was probably the Cowboys game because it represented a chance to advance in the playoffs and get to a conference championship,” McVay said. “That was our first win in the playoffs since we’ve all been here. That atmosphere, that environment, but there’s a bunch of special times. That was a special night when we played Kansas City for all the other things outside of football that represented things that are a lot bigger than the game and what that kind of offered in terms of a reprieve for the community. Those are some games that definitely stand out.”
The two games McVay is referring to, of course, are the Rams’ 30-22 win over the Cowboys in the divisional round last season, and their epic Monday night shootout with the Chiefs, which was moved from Mexico City to Los Angeles because of field conditions.
The Rams won that game 54-51, but it carried more meaning than just the final score represented. It came not long after the tragic shooting in Thousand Oaks shook the local community, and after wildfires spread throughout Southern California and displaced residents in the area – including some members of the Rams.
It’s easy to see why those games would stand out in McVay’s mind, as they’re surely two of the most memorable moments in the minds of Rams fans, too.
After creating several positive memories at the Coliseum and learning about the history there, McVay hopes to close the book on a high note with a win on Sunday.
“I knew just the history of the venue and all the different great things that had taken place there. But, probably couldn’t appreciate it fully until you get there and get an opportunity to compete there,” he said. “Then you even start to even get educated on all the things that have occurred. It’s been a special place, there’s been a lot of good memories there. We’ll see if we can have our last one as a positive one.”
