The Los Angeles Rams bounced back on Sunday with a 27-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, just a week after their heartbreaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. While the team celebrated, head coach Sean McVay wasted no time refocusing the locker room for the next challenge.

With a week off behind them and a Thursday night clash against the San Francisco 49ers on the horizon, McVay urged his team to recharge and lock in. “Joe Coniglio, Giff Smith, Drew Wilkins—you know, really our guys. I can’t say enough about what a great job our group has done,” he said. The head coach’s message showed confidence in his staff’s preparation and the team’s ability to apply what they’ve learned on the field. 

“The players bring it to life. I think they’ve got great coaches that are helping them be able to bring it to life. We’ve seen two of the best backs, and oh, by the way, here comes Christian McCaffrey on Thursday. So, you know, there’s no rest for us, but love where this group’s at,” McVay added. 

There was urgency in his tone, knowing how quickly momentum can shift in the NFL, especially after last week’s loss. With division opponents lined up in back-to-back games, the Rams need to stay sharp and physically ready.

He emphasized the importance of quick recovery and staying game-ready, stressing that players need to stay disciplined both on and off the field to handle the pressure of a tight schedule. He also made it clear that even after a tough road win, there was no room for complacency in the locker room.

With urgency and focus on the game plan, McVay also took a moment to show genuine appreciation for his team’s effort and unity. “There’s something about this team. I love you guys. So proud of you guys. Let’s just keep building together, man. One day at a time” he said.

The sentiment was a nod to the fact that while preparation and determination are essential, building bonds and team morale is just as important in McVay’s leadership.

That sense of unity extended to the field, where quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t shy away from owning the team’s rough patches.

Matthew Stafford bears responsibility for ‘Ugly’ third quarter

Quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t hold back after the Rams’ 27-20 win over the Colts, calling parts of the game “ugly” even though they got the win. When asked about closing it out, Stafford said, “Oh, it was great. It was ugly for us there for the third quarter in the beginning of the fourth. But found a way.”

Stafford cited a turning point late in the fourth quarter, when the Rams began a drive from their own 12-yard line with 1:33 remaining and went deep to Tutu Atwell.

He continued,” So happy for him, man. What a stud he is. Had some limited opportunities today. But in those opportunities he played great. So happy for him to get that play. I thought so many guys on our team played great.”

Atwell broke free for an 88-yard go-ahead touchdown that gave the Rams a lead they never surrendered, just moments after their defense had allowed a long scoring play. The sequence captured the game’s wild momentum swings, and Stafford made sure to credit his teammates for stepping up.

“Oh, it’s great. I’m a lucky guy when it comes to throwing to these guys. I mean, everybody in the skill position had a hell of a game,” he said. His words were a tribute to the team chemistry that helped the Rams overcome their mid-game slump and piece together a thrilling comeback win.

The win showed the Rams’ toughness and proved Stafford was right to trust his playmakers, something that’ll matter with a tough NFC West schedule coming up.