Coach Sean McVay and Rams gamers saved their focus Thursday on getting ready for his or her NFC wild-card recreation in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings.
Nonetheless, their hearts had been with these affected by the wildfires which have ravaged Southern California.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford mentioned that the Vikings had been receiving the Rams’ full consideration whereas the Rams had been on the crew’s facility in Woodland Hills.
“But we’re also human beings,” Stafford informed reporters, “and feel for the people of our community.”
The Rams had been scheduled to play the Vikings on Monday night time at SoFi Stadium, however the NFL introduced Thursday that the sport is being moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The choice was made in session with public officers, the collaborating golf equipment and the NFLPA.
Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. PST Friday morning via Seatgeek.com for Rams season ticket members and at midday to most people.
McVay as soon as once more famous the bigger challenge.
“The most important thing is, let’s hopefully get this situation that’s bigger than football under control as quickly as possible so that it gives us the best opportunity to be in L.A.,” he mentioned. “If it’s not in L.A., then the game will still be played and we’ve got to be able to get ready.”
McVay and the Rams navigated an analogous state of affairs in November 2018.
Within the aftermath of a mass capturing in Thousand Oaks, and with wildfires raging in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Rams canceled apply whereas getting ready for his or her recreation in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks. In that occasion, many Rams gamers, coaches and assist employees evacuated their houses.
A number of days later, after the Rams defeated the Seahawks earlier than an emotional crowd of greater than 70,000 on the Los Angeles Coliseum, McVay and his gamers spoke of their need to raise spirits.
Or, as former star lineman Aaron Donald mentioned on the time: “Give people something to smile about.”
Rams coach Sean McVay has been making an attempt to maintain the deal with their wild-card recreation in opposition to the Vikings whereas understanding the consequences of the fires in Southern California.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Instances)
McVay reiterated that theme Thursday.
“What sports represents is an opportunity for people to come together and provide a temporary sense of relief from some of the things that they’re going through,” he mentioned. “And I am excited about the opportunity for our team to go compete, and people can be proud to have a team that represents a lot of things that are right about sports.”
McVay mentioned earlier than apply that some Rams staff had been instantly affected this week by the fires however no gamers or coaches. Nevertheless, after the exercise, the Rams canceled media entry to the locker room in order that gamers probably affected by the Kennith hearth that broke out Thursday afternoon close to Woodland Hills may go away, a crew official mentioned.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s employees contains many former Rams employees members and gamers, together with O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, each of whom communicated with McVay this week after seeing devastating video in regards to the fires.
“More just friends checking up,” McVay mentioned, “not necessarily worried about ‘how does that affect our game?’”
On Oct. 24, the Rams defeated the Vikings 30-20 in a Thursday night time recreation at SoFi Stadium. Stafford handed for 4 touchdowns in a victory that was key within the Rams’ turnaround from a 1-4 begin.
Stafford, operating again Kyren Williams, receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and offensive linemen Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson had been held out of Sunday’s season finale in opposition to the Seahawks in order that they might be rested and unhurt for the wild-card recreation and a playoff run.
“I feel pretty good,” Stafford mentioned, “and rested and ready to go.”
Stafford, 36, is in his sixteenth NFL season.
Through the first 12 with the Detroit Lions, Stafford obtained three alternatives to take part within the playoffs and didn’t win a recreation.
Now he’s making his third playoff look in 4 seasons with the Rams, a resume that features a Tremendous Bowl title to cap the 2021 season.
“I cherish those opportunities because I know how tough they are to get,” Stafford mentioned. “Each season has its own story on how you get there, some are a little more smooth sailing than others.
“Obviously, this one was a tough start, and the way we battled back as a team and as a group is something I’m really proud of, and obviously put ourselves in position to be where we want to be.
“You’ve got to just take every opportunity in this league and run with it.”
