When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff, coaches are always willing to praise the accomplishments of other NFL coaches. While it’s competition on the football field, it’s all about respect off the field. So when offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur spoke recently about Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, fans knew it would be jam-packed with flowery praise.
They were right
Per Rams beat writer Adam Grosbard, Lafleur had plenty to share about the Seahawks defense:
“He is always evolving. That is why you have a lot of respect for him. They are always going to throw different wrinkles at you, and even if they have had some success with things situationally, he knows he has to make adjustments too” – Mike LaFleur re: Mike Macdonald
It’s been quite the battle this season. Not only did the two rivals split their contests, but they managed to end the regular season with a one-point difference. Right now, Los Angeles clings to a one-point advantage.
Rams hold an advantage in the game within a game as well
Perhaps more importantly, the LA Rams hold specific advantages in the game within a game as well. Defensively, the Horns held the ‘Hawks to just 19 points in one game. The Rams secondary has picked off Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold six times while allowing just two touchdowns. And Matthew Stafford has outperformed Darnold.
Of course, he’s outperformed many quarterbacks this season.
While the Seahawks have had their way to this point, Los Angeles has had to scratch and claw to get to this point. As both team ready for the clash of NFL titans, it may serve LA well to have built a forte for winning the close ones. Since both games were within two points on the final scoreboard, it’s the type of resolve that players and coaches need at the ready.
LA is not out to win in style. This is a team that wins ugly, but wins all the same. This team keeps coming, and that has been a huge feather in head coach Sean McVay’s cap. When it’s win or go home, Los Angeles has learned an entire array of new ways to win.
LaFleur is honest in his praise of the Seahawks’ head coach. But he knows him well, and that allows him to anticipate Macdonald’s moves in his own strategic planning. To win on the football field, the coaches have to strategize how to win. LA has checked that box.
As always, thanks for reading.
