Sean McVay explains why Rams are delaying journey to Melbourne

The Rams are in Woodland Hills.

The San Francisco 49ers already are on the bottom in Melbourne, Australia.

Both groups are getting ready for his or her Sept. 10 opener at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Rams will depart late Tuesday night time, arrive in Melbourne about 16 hours in a while Thursday and play Friday (5:30 p.m. PDT Thursday).

Rams coach Sean McVay is conscious that if his Super Bowl-favorite group performs properly and wins, his journey technique shall be hailed as good. If the Rams lose, it could possibly be ridiculed.

McVay mentioned Friday that the postgame evaluate shall be “circumstantial based on what happens,” and that the Rams make choices based mostly on what they really feel is in the most effective curiosity of the gamers.

“I understand the narratives,” McVay mentioned, including, “That’s just part of the nature, but what you have to do is be able to separate the actual result for what is actually sound in terms of your process.

“I’m comfortable with that. That’s the world that we live in. … That’s kind of the price of doing business.”

The Rams employed an analogous journey technique final season, once they remained in Baltimore after taking part in the Ravens, after which traveled to London to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Rams arrived the day earlier than the sport, after which routed the Jaguars.

The flight to Australia is for much longer, however McVay mentioned that “staying in our rhythm and routine” was deemed greatest by a collective that features Reggie Scott, the Rams’ senior vice-president for sports activities drugs and efficiency.

“The thinking in its simplest form is what do we deem the best for our football players and for them to try and be at their best,” McVay mentioned. “There’s different approaches and theories, but I do have a lot of trust in our group and we’ll see. Hopefully, it works out.”

This would be the first NFL recreation in Australia, a possible boon for a league wanting to broaden its world footprint.

“What we try to do is focus on the things we can control,” McVay mentioned, “and then just really abide by clear parameters that guys can follow so that it’s seamless and then they feel as fresh as possible.

“Easier said than done. But when you have the right people, it’s served us well over the years.”

Aaron Donald’s standing undecided

Aaron Donald rejoined the Rams final week, however the three-time NFL defensive participant of the 12 months, who retired in 2023, has but to undergo a full 11-on-11 follow.

Can he play in opposition to the 49ers?

“Don’t have that sense quite yet,” McVay mentioned, including, “This week will be a big week for him in terms of how he feels, and then we’ll just kind of take it a day at a time and see where he’s at.

“If he feels good enough to go — great. If not, I’ve got a lot of confidence in the other guys that will be ready to step up if that’s the case.”

Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and Tyler Davis are among the many inside linemen who’ve taken reps since coaching camp started in July.

Last Sunday, after agreeing to phrases with the Rams, Donald mentioned he didn’t need to be given something — he wished to earn his position.

“Ain’t rushing,” he mentioned of his timeline, including, “Just continue to stack them days and see where we at.”

Donald, 35, is taking part in on a one-year contract that features $10 million in base wage, and per-game roster bonuses that might complete $10 million, based on Overthecap.com. The deal additionally consists of incentives that might make it value $30 million.

With 4 void years added, the salary-cap hit for this season is $5.8 million and $17.9 million subsequent season, based on the web site.

Defensive finish Myles Garrett, who has been sidelined for just a few weeks due to a knee difficulty, and receiver Puka Nacua (groin) are “making really good progress,” McVay mentioned.

On the Rams’ depth chart, Stetson Bennett is listed as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s backup with rookie Ty Simpson third.

“I look at it as a 2a, 2b,” McVay mentioned. “We’ll see how we approach the game.”