Transcripts: LOS ANGELES RAMS VS. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS WEEK ONE POSTGAME TRANSCRIPTS
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LOS ANGELES RAMS VS. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS WEEK ONE
POSTGAME TRANSCRIPTS
LOS ANGELES RAMS
HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY
SEAN McVAY: Great team win. I love the resilience. A lot of respect for Coach Carroll and that outfit.
That's a good football team. We all know that. They've done it at a high level for a long period of time.
Really just happy for these guys, for the work that they've put in, for that to be on display today. I think
one of my favorite parts about it was things didn't always go perfect and these guys just stayed steady.
They were even keeled. They just continue to pick one another up and I loved the way we handled the
ebbs and flows of the game which is exactly what occurs in football. A lot of guys stepped up and made
big-time plays. I could go through a plethora of people but I'm so proud of this team. I'm so proud of this
group. It was awesome to be able to see a lot of the work that they put in come to fruition. But it's one
game, and they know that. We've got to continue to keep it rolling. We'll enjoy this and then we'll move
forward towards a phenomenal football team next week.
Q. Several long drives and also the way that you guys were running the ball, what does that say
about kind of the vibe --
SEAN McVAY: Well, I thought there was some positive things and then there was some challenging
moments where we kind of shot ourselves in the foot. But what I did love was we were able to just
recover. Especially on the 18-play drive to start out the game. It wasn't perfect by any stretch. I made a
terrible play call that puts us in a bad situation where Van gets a block, but that's on me, and we were
able to overcome it. What a play on 2nd and 17 by Matthew and Pooka to be able to get it down to the 1-
yard line and for us to go tempo and have Kyron punch that thing in -- I thought the defense did a good
job in the first half. Credit Seattle for being able to sustain drives. They were just getting little chunks at a
time, and then eventually we ended up getting stops. They weren't making all those plays in the second
half because I think our guys forced those stops. Offensively we were able to sustain drives. I thought
really Tutu Atwell came to life in the second half in a big way. Puka Nacua, what a grown man he was
today. Kyron Williams, Cam Akers, Higbee made his plays. Matthew was outstanding, and I thought the
offensive line protected really well. There's some things that we can certainly clean up, some situations
that I can do a better job of putting our guys in better spots, but overall there was a grittiness, there was a
toughness, there was a resilience on display from this team, and I loved it.
Q. You started the day five for five on 3rd down. On that opening drive I think you were 65 percent.
You've got to be super efficient on 3rd down --
SEAN McVAY: You want to be efficient on all downs. I think it's a real credit to Matthew's execution. I
thought the protection and the way he was able to recognize and read coverages, progress through
things. Even on that first drive as you mentioned, I thought Van Jefferson's 3rd and 10 catch on the end
break was a huge freaking huge play, to be able to extend that drive. But I don't know exactly what we
finished at the end, overall stats-wise towards the latter part when you get into some of the four-minute,
but I thought Matthew was excellent. You could really see -- you give him a click and he's able to survey
it. What a throw to Puka on the right sideline, and he sat in there and deliver it. There was a rush bearing
down on him, and he's our guy, and he played like the guy that we all know and love, and I'm sure happy
to be able to see him out there competing the way he is with his teammates. He elevates everybody.
Q. Was there a specific moment in the game when you said Matthew (indiscernible)?
SEAN McVAY: I think it was throughout. I thought he was sharp throughout the game. There was a
couple plays that -- you show me a great quarterback, I'll show you a guy that's always going to want a
couple plays back, and I thought he was best in those biggest moments. Also thought there was a couple
that I got in late, even the touchdown run where Kyron scored from seven yards out when we ended up
taking the lead, that first coming out of the second half, I thought that was excellent. I got that one in a
little late. He recognized it, ended up making a check and got that play off right in time. But his overall
command, his communication, just everything that you want your quarterback to represent, this guy is
checking all the boxes, and really happy for Matthew.
Q. I know this might be something hard to evaluate in real time, but what did you like about the
offensive line?
SEAN McVAY: I think what I liked is the way that they were able to strain. I liked the way they were able
to finish towards the latter part of the game. I felt like we had clean pockets for the most part because we
weren't in some great situations. We were operating off of some of our 2nd down and longer calls a lot of
the day, and that's not usually a good situation that you want to be able to live in, but credit to those guys,
and especially handling the noise. This is a great atmosphere and environment. You're absent, your
verbal cadence when you get into the shotgun and even underneath the center and some of those tighter
areas to the red zone and even if you're backed up. I thought they were really good overall. There was
some movement, and you give them credit. Nwosu and some of their guys are really good players on the
front. Bobby made some plays in the run game as well as Jordyn Brooks. I thought Coby Bryant made his
presence felt. They did a good job, and then it was a credit for the guys to be able to execute because
sometimes if they're committing to one thing or the other, you've got to be able to make them pay. But
there will always be things that we can clean up, but I just love the grit, I love the toughness, I loved the
way they stayed together and stayed connected. That's exactly what we want.
Q. Tyler and Bryson both had plays in the air, but it seemed like they were getting really involved
in some of the dirty work, as well. What did they do today?
SEAN McVAY: I think in a lot of instances, those guys are an extension of the offensive line, especially
when you're committing them to the blocking surface. I'm glad you brought up Tyler Higbee, captain, guy
that really is a glue guy for this football team. I thought that was a huge play that he played 30 yards down
the sideline with a good player with Love in coverage on him, he and Matthew had a great rapport on that
route. Bryson ended up making a big catch on the crossing route. But I thought those two guys, and Nick
Caley does such a good job with that group overall, Jordan, and Davis Allen even got a snap. Even
though that was a bad play call I had on the 3rd down that led us to the 4th down where Cam punched it
in. Really happy for those guys. They're going to continue to be big parts of what we do moving forward.
Q. Defensive preseason expectations for you guys, you said you were eager to get out there and
have them shoot their shot. What do you think the message that was delivered?
SEAN McVAY: I thought they shot their shot. I think it was one game. Here's the reality. Those guys put in
a lot of hard work and I was glad that it came to fruition today, but you've got 17 opportunities that are
guaranteed, and so what I think is really important is that we understand what a great job with the work
that was put in, what a great job accomplishing the goal that we had today, and now how do we enjoy but
how do we understand what got you in those positions was the work you put in, was having that growth
mindset, and I think this team embodies that. I couldn't care less what's said outside. There might be
some change in narratives, and that doesn't affect any way that we'll go about our business right now
because if you read it, you feed it, good or bad, and so I don't think that's something that I've ever gotten
caught up in, and I don't get the sense that these guys have gotten caught up in other than going and
playing as a team, loving one another and playing as hard as they possibly can to be able to do their job
because they don't want to let the guy down next to them, and there's a great relationship they have with
their coaches. It's a special group. I'm really enjoying it. I certainly love working with this team and want to
keep this thing going.
Q. The defense held Seattle to 12 yards in the second half --
SEAN McVAY: Was it 12 yards?
Q. Nine on the last carry.
SEAN McVAY: So three total? Or are you saying 12 plus nine? Either way it's outstanding. That is
freaking great. When you're able to get some rush opportunities, you're able to get some of the isolations
that we got where Aaron can come to life and then it's not just about Aaron, either. He is a special one of
one type of player but there's some guys around him that expected to come in and play well, and I
thought they did that, and I can't wait to really dive into this tape and really see. But such a credit to the
defensive staff, Raheem's leadership, I thought the three defensive captains with Ernest Jones, with
Aaron Donald and with Jordan Fuller, they did a great job, but it was about the whole group's effort today.
It felt like they were doing that, and it was why the offense was able to really get going because they felt
like they were just getting the ball back, and then I thought it was imperative that offensively we were able
to control possession. I want to say we almost had 40 minutes of possession. Anytime you're able to do
that, that's usually critical and key for success.
Q. (Indiscernible).
SEAN McVAY: Normally I would have gone for a field goal? Is that what you're saying?
Q. In years past. What kind of decision did you feel that was?
SEAN McVAY: I thought it was confidence in the players' ability to execute that play, and they did it. It's
always about those guys. I think the two previous poor play calls set up the good one on 4th down, so I'd
like to say we were setting that one up, but we were trying to score on 2nd and 3rd down, as well, and
love the way that our guys ended up creating that surface on the edge, and it was great subtle ball
handling by Matthew and good job by Cam being able to punch it in.
Q. You expressed confidence in your receivers stepping up, but (indiscernible) what stood out to
you?
SEAN McVAY: Just the way they had played. We had gotten opportunities, even though you guys might
not have seen it and you maybe had when you had been out to some of the practices, but I'm so proud of
those guys but I'm not surprised. That's what Tutu Atwell had been doing going months back, and I
thought he really started to play with a lot of confidence towards the latter part of last year when he got
his opportunities that were earned. Puka Nacua has come in and he's as mature a rookie as I've ever
been around, and he is a physical, tough, strong player. He's got a great way about himself, and both of
those guys stepped up, and Van Jefferson is going to continue to be a big part of this, as well. My favorite
thing Van did, after we missed the one down the field, he came back on a 2nd down and ended up
making a critical catch underneath, got vertical to get us into a 3rd down and manageable, and that's what
I want to be able to see from our guys. Guys like Kyron Williams stepped up. But these are the things that
when you get a chance to see it come to life every single day, you feel confident that when the lights
come on, it's not too big for these guys, and they can play well, and we've got to continue to do it. I'm not
surprised because of the confidence that I have in those guys based on the way they go to work every
single day.
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QB MATTHEW STAFFORD
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Well, hard fought. It was up and down. Obviously started the game nice and
then the nice drive was a one tough because that's the way NFL football is. That's a good defense we
played. I felt like our guys did a good job of handling the noise. It was loud all day. Coleman led the way
up front. They did a great job and kept me clean and was able to click through some progressions and hit
some guys. There's still a few I want back. Could have been even better, I think. But it's a good start.
There's going to be things to clean up both in the run game and the pass game, but just proud of these
guys coming in here and not listening to what everybody else has to say about us and just go out there
and play.
Q. So many different types of blocking surfaces today. A lot of guys, tight ends and receivers and
linemen and backs being versatile like that, what is that like?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, obviously the goal is to give the defense a whole lot to look at. Guys on
the edge play all sorts of different blocks, and try to make them think out there and let us go play and play
fast. Coach did a great job of getting the game plan together, guys went and executed it. We'll look at this
one, try to find a way to be better.
Q. What do you think of the way Tutu stepped up today?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, doing a great job. It's what I've been seeing in practice and those guys
got to take a lot of confidence in going out there and making plays like that, and again, there's a few I
want back but both those guys and could have been even an better day. We'll continue to work hard,
continue to try and get better, and see where it takes us.
Q. First time out there since the New Orleans game. Did it take you a minute or so to get into it?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: No, I felt pretty good. Obviously like I said, it's never 100 percent clean, and
there's things that -- after I watch the tape I'm sure I'm going to want back. Both fundamentally and just
result of the play, as well, but it was a good start.
Q. It's just one win, but how satisfying because outside expectations aren't high and it seems like
this team has a chip on its shoulder about that.
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, I think we're excited because we put the work in. I think the cherry on top
is getting to see y'all's reaction to it. I think the big thing for us, though, is we care about it because we put
the work in. It wasn't given to us. We've got a bunch of guys earn a bunch of spots on this team no matter
what their draft status was, it doesn't matter. Guys put the work in to go get the win and we've got to go
out there and do it again.
Q. In terms of leaving last season the way that you did and the conversation this offseason,
coming out this way --
MATTHEW STAFFORD: I think I want to come out and play good football. I know I can when I'm healthy
and I feel good, and I felt good today. I feel good leaving here, so that feels nice. Our guys up front did a
hell of a job keeping me clean and the guys on the outside made some plays. I still have things I can be
better at, and I'll continue to try to be better.
Q. Was there a moment in this game or a throw you made where you were like, that's right, I feel
healthy?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: I don't know that that was a healthy moment. There was a few I felt pretty good
about. That one late in the game to Puka on the sideline was a pretty good shot. Had some movement in
the pocket a little bit and he did a great job at the top of the route and had to throw that one to a spot and
he did a nice job catching it. There was a few in the game that are always a little bit more high wire act
than others.
Q. When you score 20 straight points on the road in the second half, how much of that is rhythm?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: It's execution to be honest with you. The first drive we executed great. We had a
couple negative plays. We overcame them, scored. Second drive, a couple penalties, a couple negatives
plays, tough to overcome. Tough to do it twice in a game. But just go out there and execute. It's not
perfect. Not every play was five yards and a cloud of dust. It might go one yard run, nine yard pass, the
next one is an eight yard run, an incomplete pass and a conversion on 3rd down. It's executing one play
after the another no matter what the play previous was and our guys did a great job of doing that.
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DB DERION KENDRICK
(On the defense’s performance today) “We played the best that we could. We did well enough. I had a
play where I got undisciplined and it led to a touchdown. I got in on a couple plays, got a couple tackles,
got a couple pass break ups, and then I gave up the one [touchdown].”
(On the second half defensive performance and if they felt like they were dominating) “They weren’t
getting what they wanted. Geno [Smith] likes everything in front of him. He likes everything in front of him
or the deep ball. They go for the explosives and then stands on his check downs. If a play breaks down,
stay on his check downs, go tackle it or finish the sack. That’s what we did.”
(On the team’s expectations and if the team showed what they can do) “We showed it a little bit. We have
to keep it going. Take this week, watch the film, figure out what we need to get better on and come back
next week and show them again.”
WR TUTU ATWELL
(On how he feels about having a career high game) “I feel great. When my opportunity got called and the
ball came my way, I made a play of it. Just get the ball and catch the ball.”
(On what he feels is the difference from this season compared to last season) “Just more opportunities.
More chances coming my way and I’m just going to make the most of it.”
(On how he got settled in the game during the second half) “Just pretty much doing my job. I got a rhythm
every time I’m on the field, so I try to make the best of it. Just that one little catch or whatever it may be,
that’s when I get going.”
DB RUSS YEAST
(On the defensive performance) “I’m just happy everybody went out there and flew around. I think we all
had fun. It was a sight to see for us all to go out there and have each other’s back. It was fun.”
(On coming into the game as underdogs and if that worried them) “No, it didn’t worry us at all. We’ve
been here. All offseason, [we heard] how bad we are, how we can’t do this or can’t do that. It was just
motivation. We were ready to come out here, have fun and prove everybody wrong.”
(On what made the defense effective today) “I think we just played hard. We played physical and we flew
around. I think that made a world of difference. Our guys are confident in each other and we all thought
we could get the job done.”
(On any adjustments they made between the first half and second half) “We just stayed true to what we
knew and stayed true to our game plan. We came out here and just wanted to execute a little bit better.
Execute better than what we did in the first half on a couple plays we thought kind of got away from us
and gave them some opportunities that we thought they shouldn’t have had. It was just play sound and
continue to trust in each other.”
DT AARON DONALD
(On what made the Rams defense so effective in the second half) "I just think we did a good job. We
bottled them up and did better at the run in the second half. We were able to get after them, we got some
opportunities to put some pressure on them at times. Guys were flying around and made stops."
(On if any adjustments were made at halftime) "No adjustments. I think we planned good. The couple
penalties we got hit with early coupled with the runs they were able to bounce out and hit us real early.
We talked about that, then we corrected it, fixed it, and that was that pretty much.
(On what this win does for the Rams team psyche after being the underdog coming in) "We expected this.
Obviously, the world didn't know, but this is what we've been seeing at camp -- guys flying around, guys
making plays, and we just translated that to the game. So we ain't shocked. We ain't surprised. The world
might be, but we expected this."
OL ROB HAVENSTEIN
(On how he felt about protecting Matthew Stafford on the first away game) “With any NFL game you get
some good and some bad. I have some stuff to clean up on the outside. I had a couple of bad pressures.
It was good to see everyone fighting out there as a unit. Five guys were playing as one, protecting each
other. When some guy dropped the ball a little bit, another picked up the slack. We have to look at the
film but I was definitely proud of going out and competing.”
TE TYLER HIGBEE
(On their younger receivers in Week 1) “I’ve been here since those guys have been here obviously and
it’s exciting watching them grow into this role they have now. They’re great players. I knew they were
going to come out and make some plays today and that’s what they did. They expect that out of
themselves, we expect that out of them as a team, as an offense, and to step up to make those plays.”
(On what it felt like to be a part of the team’s performance) “It feels good. It’s always nice to be able to
clear up that stadium before the end of the game. I’ve been fortunate enough to do that a couple times,
it’s always nice.”
(On the Rams having a chip on their shoulder this season) “We don’t really take outside noise into how
we go about (playing). I think the key for us was a shift in training camp. The way we practiced, the way
we got after it, the way we competed. That was something that happened the second half of training
camp and I think we’ve been building on it. Guys are just going out there and competing the right way and
it was good to see the exact same thing happen here.”
LB ERNEST JONES
(On what made him effective in the second half) “In the first half we just knew that everything they had
was because of us whether it was missed fits or over-running the ball. The second half, we came out and
we said, ‘Regardless of the outcome, we are going to play more disciplined,’ which is to execute the play.
That’s what happened.”
(On whether the outcome of the game surprised him or not) “It doesn’t. It doesn’t surprise us at all. We
knew coming in that we were going to have a good team and if we play within ourselves, we can play
anybody. We’re excited to continue to show ourselves.”
WR PUKA NACUA
(On how that felt for his first NFL game) “It was a dream come true. It couldn’t be any better. Being able to
come out with a win, it was a blast. I had a ton of fun out there.”
(On what memories he has here and what it was like playing in Seattle again) “I remember when you get
the sun to come out, it always feels nice out here in Seattle. So to get back out here and the sun was out,
that felt right.”
(On if people will think he should’ve been drafted higher than the fifth round now after his performance
today) “I’m not sure, I’m just doing my job. I had the opportunity come my way and I took advantage of it.”
(On what expectations he had for himself in this game) “Do my job right every time. There’s still things
that I need to fix up in the run game, but my expectation was to come out with a win.”
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
HEAD COACH PETE CARROLL
PETE CARROLL: That was a really frustrating start for us. The Rams did really well. They took care of
the ball and did a nice job. I have a lot of respect for Sean (McVay) and the job that he does. They did a
heck of a job today. First half we had the ball four times and we got in scoring position. We didn't get our
touchdowns out of the drives, missed field goal, and it felt like we were moving and we were in control of
that part of it, but the second half we just couldn't get any first downs. Couldn't make the ball go. Got
harder as the game went on and we didn't do well. On the other side of the ball was a third down disaster
for us, 11 for 17, so great job by Stafford. He's just that good. We gave him opportunities. We didn't get
heat on him, and we needed to generate it. I look at a little bit of misjudgment on my part that we would
be able to do things we’ve been doing and be able to play a good football game. Didn't work out that way.
We needed to pressure them more and get heat on them to cover them up and get off the darn field. This
is a big challenge for us to bounce back. Look what we're going against. Going to go against one of the
hottest teams in the world coming up in Detroit. We'll see how this goes. Now it's about us digging back
into it. We've done a ton of the right stuff all the way through. I've been telling you how the preparation
has gone. When it matched up and came time, we weren't able to get off the field like we thought we
would be able to. They did a nice job taking care of it and didn't give us the football other than the blocked
kick. That's enough to play a good football game if they can take care of the ball, and they did. We’ve got
a lot of work to do.
Q. Update on Charles Cross and Abe Lucas?
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, Charles has like a sprained big toe, and the x-rays from what I heard didn't look
bad. We'll see. But he felt something and so we had to look at him. Abe's (Lucas) knee just acted up on
him again. He doesn't have a knee injury. Just the same knee we rested him on during camp just got
really sore during the game and couldn't fire the way he needed to, so we had to get him out of there. I
don't know what to tell you about that one.
Q. On how they played in the first half…
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, it kind of felt that we gave up the first drive and got off the field the rest of the
opportunities in the first half. So, it's 13 to seven and looked it like we were in a very good football game
and ready to go. We came out to go for the win and play good football and be aggressive, but we didn't
execute the way that we had counted on. We didn't finish the way we needed to. It's really obvious. Why
that happened, we’ve got to go back to work and see what we can do to help the guys. I have a big role in
this. I've got to make sure I am helping our guys on defense and make sure that the assessments we
make on offense, we can count on better than we did. We just didn't execute like we thought we could.
Q. On only having two quarterback hits on 38 dropbacks.
PETE CARROLL: We didn't blitz a lot. We did some. But he got rid of the football really well. It's all
aspects, didn't cover him as tight as we needed to and didn't rush enough to disrupt him. He's a great
thrower, and if you give him time he can tear you up, and he did. He had a great day today.
Q. On the offensive issues in the second half...
PETE CARROLL: Starkly different to me the way we played in the first and second half. We were in there
talking about it right now, trying to figure out how it got so erratic. We weren't on it and didn't convert and
get the ball moving. We didn't run the ball, we didn't do anything. Did nothing in the second half. We were
trying and calling the stuff and we had things that we thought we could do, and we weren't able to get it
done.
Q. How hard was that for an offense when both tackles go out in quick succession?
PETE CARROLL: It's about as hard as it gets when both guys go. We'll see how Stone (Forsythe) and
Jake (Curhan) did, but you could see at the end we were hurting a little bit (protecting).
Q. What was your thought on the personal fouls from your team at the end of the game?
PETE CARROLL: I thought we lost our minds a little bit, and we'll talk about that. That shows you the
frustration and based on the expectation that we were going to be better and not in that situation. I don't
like seeing this look, that looks terrible. We'll talk about that. That's not something that I'm concerned
about. We were in that position and we've got to make better decisions.
Q. When the guys were coming out pre-game, did you pay attention to Bobby's ovation?
PETE CARROLL: As a matter of fact I did. I thought that was amazing. I felt it. I felt the response of the
fans to him. I thought he played a really good ballgame today. I couldn't tell all of it, but I thought he
played really well today and meant a lot to him. I thought he did a really good job being poised about it
like you would hope and expect he would playing his old team. But I thought that was an extraordinary
statement by our fans of appreciation and love for the guy that has given so much to this program. He
deserves every bit of it, and I thought it was perfect moment.
Q. On Jordyn Brooks’ first game back…
PETE CARROLL: He did pretty good. We’ve got to see how he did coverage-wise because they did hit a
lot of stuff inside and we played a lot of zone stuff and mixed our zones up. We weren't able to get in front
of many balls, but I don't know. I’ve got to look at the film. A great accomplishment. We rested him a little
bit. He added up some plays, so we got him out of there, kind of what we were thinking would happen.
Devin (Bush) was ready to play and all that, but it's a great accomplishment for him to get back.
Q. The penalty they called on Tre Brown on the third down. Did you get a good look at that?
PETE CARROLL: No, I didn't. I mean, I would like some information on it.
Q. What did you think of Tre Brown's day?
PETE CARROLL: I’ve got to look at the film.
Q. How has the team responded all off-season and pre-season, how surprised were you?
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, I am surprised and disappointed that we weren't cleaner. 13 to six, no big deal.
We were in pretty good shape. Moved the ball well in the first half, and really felt like we should be able to
take the next step and take control of the football game. I thought we were in great shape to do that. It's
shocking to me now that we weren't able to take advantage of that. I don't care what the score is at
halftime. I like being ahead which we were, and I like the fact that we moved it. They also scored on the
first drive and didn't score on any of the other drives. So, we felt like we had a real shot. I don't think we
were cocky at all. We surely didn't talk like that. We didn't respond well enough.
Q. On Tyler Lockett...
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, he's fine. He was examined but he was fine. (Boye) Mafe had his knee looked
at, but he finished the game, so he was alright. That's all we have.
QB GENO SMITH
Q. What do you feel like changed for you guys as an offense first to second half?
GENO SMITH: That would be good to see on film, to see exactly what changed. I feel like we just didn't
execute when it comes down to it. You know, I'll be the first to say that as always you can put that on me.
It's my job to make sure we're ready, always prepared, always competing. I just feel like we didn't do that
to the best of our ability in the second half. Just one game. Obviously not the way we wanted to start, but
the good part is that it's not 17. So we got to figure out how to get better from this and we got 16
opportunities to go out there and right this wrong.
Q. How surprised I guess though are you by the result just given I guess the expectations you
guys had coming into the year?
GENO SMITH: It's the NFL. They're a good team. They're a couple years removed from winning the
Super Bowl. They got some key players there that helped them do it. I'm surprised, yes, I am. I didn't
expect to come out and lose at all, let alone in that fashion. Hats off to the Rams. They wanted it more
and played harder and executed better.
Q. How much of a challenge is it to have not one but both tackles go down to start the second half
and try it run the offense the way you had coming into?
GENO SMITH: Yeah, I mean, when you lose any of your key guys it's going to be a challenge. We got
guys who continue to step up, and so we expect those guys to step up. I don't think they were the reason
we didn't execute. I think like I said, when you look at it, you put that on me. I got to go out there and play
better for the guys and make sure we're on point. But it's a challenge to lose your guys. We need those
guys. They're a big part of our offense. When it comes down to execution I got the ball in my hands and I
got to go out there and make the plays no matter what happens.
Q. You said the Rams wanted it more. How concerning is that alone?
GENO SMITH: You know, that's something we got to get better at. We got to understand we got to go
earn it every play, every down, every single game. Like I said, it's the NFL. I know we got a lot of young
guys who for their first time are playing regular season football and might not know how hard you got to
play to go out there and get wins. They don't come easy, and so I think this is going to be a great learning
experience for us. I think we can look at these moments later in the season and say that we gained from
it. Obviously it stinks today and it sucks. Really does. I hate losing. I don't like losing. But the one thing I
do know about this team and myself is that we're going to get back to work and come tomorrow, really
starting tonight, I'm going to get back to work and fix things and figure out how to be better for next week.
Q. Is it a wake-up call?
GENO SMITH: I hope so. It better be. You know, we don't lose at home. We can't do that. Let alone in
this fashion. So for a lot of guys around here, including myself, we got to look ourselves in the mirror,
point the finger, and figure out how to get better.
Q. The touchdown in the second quarter to Metcalf, take us through that play.
GENO SMITH: Yeah, great play call by Shane. We got some man-to-man coverage right down there and
DK ran a great round. Got open, I was able to find him in the end zone, and it was great to have that
happen.
Q. Other touchdown opportunities in the first half and you settled for field goals. Was that
disappointing?
GENO SMITH: Yeah, very disappointing. We talk about scoring touchdowns, finishing drives, and that's a
big emphasis for our offense. When we get down there in the strike zone around the 15, 20 yard line, we
got to keep moving the chains until we get into the end zone. I feel like we kind of stalled. There are some
things we can do better. It's going to be important for us to fix those things moving into the future.
Q. What did you see to make you think the Rams want it more?
GENO SMITH: Just by the score. They went out and executed and did what they were supposed to do. It
was a tough environment. Our fans were rocking and it was loud and it wasn't easy. They found a way. I
think that's something that obviously we'll see those guys again, but it just looked like they were playing
harder and that's why they won.
Q. Sorry if you answered this already, but what happened on the third downs?
GENO SMITH: Man, that was a big disappointment, but overall we just didn't execute. That's something
that we'll be able to look at on film, figure out a way to get better from it. Just from my vantage point
without watching film felt like we didn't execute to the best of our ability.
Q. There was 14 black quarterbacks who started in week one. Wondering what that means to you
to be part of that?
GENO SMITH: It's a tremendous honor just to be able to start, and I guess that's kind of history making. I
don't know really what to say about that right now. I'm kind of just stuck on the game. I'll say I'm honored.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
LB BOBBY WAGNER
(On what it was like to have the 12s give him the loudest ovation we have heard in some time) “It was
cool. I mean, it’s always been love from even the moment I left, coming back. They’ve always had a piece
of my heart. It was something that was really special. Unfortunately, we couldn’t give them the win.”
(On what happened today) “I think the biggest thing is that we have to get off the field. Like, third downs
were really bad. We kept extending the play. Toward the end of the game, we have to make sure that we
keep our cool and keep our composure and not beat ourselves.”
(On how surprised he was about the third down performance) “It definitely was surprising. It definitely was
not something we anticipated or expected, but it happened. We have a lot more games left and we will
figure it out.”
(On whether he sensed that the Rams played harder) “I don’t know. I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m pretty
sure a lot of people wrote them off, said that they weren’t going to be anything this year. Coming into this
first game, I’m pretty sure they were going to be fired up. Especially in a divisional game and playing us
you didn’t expect anything less.”
(On whether it worries him that another team may have wanted it more)
“Not at all. It’s one game.”
(On whether anything seemed different about the Rams run game) “They sprinkled in a little bit of 12
personnel. They ran a lot of more, like, gap scheme, pullers, things of that nature. But you know I thought
we played it pretty decent. We just need to get off the field on third down.”
(On whether there is any consolation in saying that the run defense was pretty good) “I got to watch film.
It’s kind of hard to figure everything out right now. We felt like there are still some leaky yards there in the
run game, pass game, that we can get better at. We can get better. It’s the first game.”
(On whether he said anything to DK Metcalf after the taunting penalty) “Yeah, we addressed that. So,
we’re good.”
(On the third down challenges, was it players on the field not executing, or a lack of identification of the
play)
“We just need to execute. They made some great throws, but we could do better overall. The whole
defense, from the rush to the linebackers to the secondary. We could all do better.”
(On whether the Rams were doing some different in the passing game than what they had shown in the
past) “I think they were trying to space us out more. They were running more routes outside of the hash
that made us have to honor that which kind of opened up the middle. But, we’ll adjust.”
(On what they need to work on for next week) “The biggest thing is third down. We need to get off the
field. Freshly off the field, that is probably what I would say.”
(On what he would tell the young players after a game like today) “I think it’s a combination between this
is the NFL, and you’re going to get their best shot. Regardless of the record, regardless of the team,
they’re going to come back. Those guys get paid, too. Those guys have families, too, that they’re trying to
feed. So, you need to bring your A game every single time you step on the field. So, you take that, but at
the same time you understand this is week 1. There are 16 more games left. There’s a lot of teams that
start off 8-0 and fade to the back; there’s a lot of teams that struggle in the beginning, and catch fire right
before the playoffs. It’s the team that takes their losses and learn from their mistakes throughout the
course of the season, play better, have camaraderie that’s going be, I believe, at the end, happy with the
results.”
WR DK METCALF
(On what happened today with the offense) “The first half, you see, we scored on all drives. I don't think
we punted not one time. Then, in the second half, it seemed like we hit a roadblock, and I just felt like the
Rams played harder than us. Their defense played harder than our offense, and you know they reaped
the benefits from it.”
(On what happened between him and Ahkello Witherspoon) “Well, I was blocking, and I guess I blocked
him a little too hard and pushed him to the ground. He got all mad because he felt like I blocked him in the
back. I mean, that's just how I play. I block every play, and when I don't have the ball, I'm never taking a
play off or jogging trying to take a play off. So, that's what transpired.”
(On if the officials told him what they thought was unsportsmanlike) “I saw their coaches yelling at me or
saying something to me and their players, I let that get to me, and I retaliated. You know the second man
always gets called, so, just have to be better in that aspect.”
(On if Bobby Wagner talked to him about his unsportsmanlike conduct) “No sir, not yet.”
(On the Rams playing hard) “You never want to see another team or the opposing team, especially
somebody in your own division, play harder than you. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of mistakes that we
have to clean up on film. I can't wait to get back to it tomorrow and fix our mistakes, and practicing and
winning always takes the bad tastes out of your mouths. Looking forward to this week.”
(On if the team took the Rams lightly) “No. Any Sunday, anybody can get beat in this league. You should
never take anybody lightly. They played harder, and I felt it out there on the field. You all probably saw it
watching the game. Whenever a team plays harder than you, you're definitely susceptible to losing.”
(On the turn of events in the second half) “It's not dramatic because we always expect to go out there
and score anytime we have the ball and always expect our defense, of course, to stop them. When things
don't go our way we have to overcome adversity and start leaning on each other and not go our separate
ways. We all have the Seattle Seahawks jersey on. The coaches are in it together with us, and everybody
in that locker room is in it together. You can't just start separating, you always have to stick together and
play as a team.”
LB JORDYN BROOKS
(On how special it was to be back on the field) “It was special. Just to be out there with the guys, like you
said, not the outcome that we wanted, but it was great to be out there. It was very humbling. I’m just
grateful to be out there, so I thank God.”
(On what it means to have Bobby Wagner back) “Absolutely, having a guy like that next to me makes my
job 10-times easier. The communication part of it is probably the biggest part. I don’t know how many
tackles he had; he probably had 100 tackles today. I just appreciate playing next to him. We’ll get over
this one and bounce back.”
(On how the defense performed against the run) “I thought we played pretty good versus the run today.
We had a few mistakes there at the end as far as penalties, but I thought, for the most part, we played
sound in the front seven.”
(On how the Rams adjusted in the second half) “We just couldn’t get off the field on third-down. We let
some explosive plays get out on us, which led to some field goals. I think they only scored two
touchdowns, but they got a bunch of field goals, and good field position. We’ve just got to clean some
things on defense for third-down and we’ll be right where we need to be.”
RB DEEJAY DALLAS
(On how much of the first half is a feeling-out period) “I look at it as an opportunity. This is really the first
time that everybody is together. It’s going to take some time, we’ve got next week to prepare for. Early in
the game it was a feeling out process, we still had a lead, we’ve just got to finish. We’re still maturing as a
team.”
(On what the Ram’s defense changed in the first half) “I’m not really sure. I’ll have to check the film out
and see what they changed and find a fix from there.”
(On the impact of losing Charles Cross and Abe Lucas) “It’s always next man up. Those two guys (Cross
and Lucas) are studs. You want them on the field at all times, we’ve got other guys, it’s the NFL, you’ve
got to be ready when your number is called.”
(On his takeaways from this game) “I just think we’ve got to learn how to finish. Last year, we played good
Seahawks football, and I think we’ve got to flush last year. Flush last year because we’re not going to
sneak up on anybody this year. I’m just ready for next week.”
(On the return of Bobby Wagner) “Man, Seattle loves Bobby. I love Bobby. He makes playing football fun.
Having Bobby back in Seattle is amazing.”
S JULIAN LOVE
(On not stopping the Rams offense on third down) “Could be a lot of factors. We’ll give kudos to them,
they blocked us up pretty well, got open versus us. As a collective effort on defense we just have to be
better.”
(On how Los Angeles’ long offensive drives affects the defense) “We’re all in shape. We all are ready to
run around however long the drive may be. You just have to execute. I think those drives lasted long
because of our third down numbers. You got to improve on that going forward.”
(On not panicking after Week 1) “It’s a long football season. This team is resilient. We’re going to improve
going forward. It’s not end all, be all Week 1. It’s a long season. This team is tough and we’re going to
bounce back.”
RB ZACH CHARBONNET
(On his first NFL game) “It was a tough game, with the loss and stuff like that but still enjoyed being out
there. I know we’re going to clean stuff up and come back stronger next week.”
(On the mindset heading into Week 2) “What’s happened, happened. Nothing really to look back on, just
going on the film, cleaning up, and putting our head down and continuing to work and get better each and
every day.”
(On having two offensive tackles out) “It’s just next man up mentality so I’m not really worried about it. I
know the guy behind him is just going to do their job so it’s not really a concern to me.”
NT JARRAN REED
(Opening statement) “It was good. We all practice hard and we were trying to come out here and play as
hard as we can for each other. We will get back to work Monday. We’re not going to get down because
it’s one game. We’re going to keep pushing keep and keep playing hard for each other on this defense.”
(On the defensive third down issues) “We have got to get to the quarterback plain and simple. We have to
get home. We have to win our one-on-ones and we have to communicate as one. That’s unacceptable,
that’s on us, we have to take that to the chin. We have to go get better starting Monday.”
(On the Rams getting the ball out fast) “We know that they were going to go quick-game and get the ball
out fast. That’s just a compliment to us on the flip side because we have guys that can get to the
quarterback. Them getting the ball out pretty fast, once again it’s tough. If you don’t win on first contact
with a guy that’s getting the ball out that fast, things like that can happen like tonight.”
FS QUANDRE DIGGS
(On what he took from the tough second half) “We have a lot to learn, we came in and they had a great
gameplan for us and we didn’t execute the way we were supposed to. Hats off to them, we have to get
back in the lab and get back to work, that all it is. It’s week one of the season out of a 17-game season,
we weren’t going to win the Super Bowl week one. At the end of the day, we lock in, we fix what we need
to fix, and we come to work with a worker’s mentality.”
(On what he saw from the young receivers on the Rams) “They had a good game, hats off to those guys.
They had a really good game and for us we have to be better on the back end and we will be.”
(On an explanation for the roughness call) “He flopped, it is what it is. I got to be smarter at the end of the
day. He flopped, so it is what it is.”
(On coming back next week) “Super confident. I don’t lose faith that I have in my team over one week. I
think we will be fine, sometimes it’s good to have a wake-up call early in the season and we got it over
with now. We got punched in the chin, we have to see how we come out and fight, and come out and fight
next week.”
TE NOAH FANT
(On the numbers on third down) “Well I haven’t seen the numbers yet, without the numbers it can’t be
good. If we’re being real, we got to be better. We got to complete passes. Not to be negative about it, but
we hold ourselves to a high standard and that wasn’t it.”
(On why they weren’t good on third down) “I’ll have to get back to you on Monday, there’s a lot of things
that could’ve gone wrong. It could’ve been routes ran a different way, it could’ve been missing
assignments, its could’ve been a multitude of things. I’m not going to put any blame anywhere when I
haven’t really looked at it. We definitely have a lot to think on.”
(On what he is feeling right now) “Super frustrated for me personally. That was a tough loss for us but
we’ll will see where it goes.”
#HelmetHornsMatter
“Well, the color is good, I like the metallic blue,” Youngblood recently said while laughing, via NFL Journal. “The horn is terrible. It looks like a ‘C.’ When I first saw it on the logo I honestly thought it was a Charger logo.
“Now when I see it on the helmet, it just isn’t a ram horn. There is no distinct curl like a mature ram horn. I don’t know how the Rams could get that wrong. That is your symbol and it has been for what? Seventy years or more? Longer than I have been alive? It’s just not us, it’s not the Rams.”---Mr. Ram Jack Youngblood
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/11/2023 09:39AM by Ramsdude.
POSTGAME TRANSCRIPTS
LOS ANGELES RAMS
HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY
SEAN McVAY: Great team win. I love the resilience. A lot of respect for Coach Carroll and that outfit.
That's a good football team. We all know that. They've done it at a high level for a long period of time.
Really just happy for these guys, for the work that they've put in, for that to be on display today. I think
one of my favorite parts about it was things didn't always go perfect and these guys just stayed steady.
They were even keeled. They just continue to pick one another up and I loved the way we handled the
ebbs and flows of the game which is exactly what occurs in football. A lot of guys stepped up and made
big-time plays. I could go through a plethora of people but I'm so proud of this team. I'm so proud of this
group. It was awesome to be able to see a lot of the work that they put in come to fruition. But it's one
game, and they know that. We've got to continue to keep it rolling. We'll enjoy this and then we'll move
forward towards a phenomenal football team next week.
Q. Several long drives and also the way that you guys were running the ball, what does that say
about kind of the vibe --
SEAN McVAY: Well, I thought there was some positive things and then there was some challenging
moments where we kind of shot ourselves in the foot. But what I did love was we were able to just
recover. Especially on the 18-play drive to start out the game. It wasn't perfect by any stretch. I made a
terrible play call that puts us in a bad situation where Van gets a block, but that's on me, and we were
able to overcome it. What a play on 2nd and 17 by Matthew and Pooka to be able to get it down to the 1-
yard line and for us to go tempo and have Kyron punch that thing in -- I thought the defense did a good
job in the first half. Credit Seattle for being able to sustain drives. They were just getting little chunks at a
time, and then eventually we ended up getting stops. They weren't making all those plays in the second
half because I think our guys forced those stops. Offensively we were able to sustain drives. I thought
really Tutu Atwell came to life in the second half in a big way. Puka Nacua, what a grown man he was
today. Kyron Williams, Cam Akers, Higbee made his plays. Matthew was outstanding, and I thought the
offensive line protected really well. There's some things that we can certainly clean up, some situations
that I can do a better job of putting our guys in better spots, but overall there was a grittiness, there was a
toughness, there was a resilience on display from this team, and I loved it.
Q. You started the day five for five on 3rd down. On that opening drive I think you were 65 percent.
You've got to be super efficient on 3rd down --
SEAN McVAY: You want to be efficient on all downs. I think it's a real credit to Matthew's execution. I
thought the protection and the way he was able to recognize and read coverages, progress through
things. Even on that first drive as you mentioned, I thought Van Jefferson's 3rd and 10 catch on the end
break was a huge freaking huge play, to be able to extend that drive. But I don't know exactly what we
finished at the end, overall stats-wise towards the latter part when you get into some of the four-minute,
but I thought Matthew was excellent. You could really see -- you give him a click and he's able to survey
it. What a throw to Puka on the right sideline, and he sat in there and deliver it. There was a rush bearing
down on him, and he's our guy, and he played like the guy that we all know and love, and I'm sure happy
to be able to see him out there competing the way he is with his teammates. He elevates everybody.
Q. Was there a specific moment in the game when you said Matthew (indiscernible)?
SEAN McVAY: I think it was throughout. I thought he was sharp throughout the game. There was a
couple plays that -- you show me a great quarterback, I'll show you a guy that's always going to want a
couple plays back, and I thought he was best in those biggest moments. Also thought there was a couple
that I got in late, even the touchdown run where Kyron scored from seven yards out when we ended up
taking the lead, that first coming out of the second half, I thought that was excellent. I got that one in a
little late. He recognized it, ended up making a check and got that play off right in time. But his overall
command, his communication, just everything that you want your quarterback to represent, this guy is
checking all the boxes, and really happy for Matthew.
Q. I know this might be something hard to evaluate in real time, but what did you like about the
offensive line?
SEAN McVAY: I think what I liked is the way that they were able to strain. I liked the way they were able
to finish towards the latter part of the game. I felt like we had clean pockets for the most part because we
weren't in some great situations. We were operating off of some of our 2nd down and longer calls a lot of
the day, and that's not usually a good situation that you want to be able to live in, but credit to those guys,
and especially handling the noise. This is a great atmosphere and environment. You're absent, your
verbal cadence when you get into the shotgun and even underneath the center and some of those tighter
areas to the red zone and even if you're backed up. I thought they were really good overall. There was
some movement, and you give them credit. Nwosu and some of their guys are really good players on the
front. Bobby made some plays in the run game as well as Jordyn Brooks. I thought Coby Bryant made his
presence felt. They did a good job, and then it was a credit for the guys to be able to execute because
sometimes if they're committing to one thing or the other, you've got to be able to make them pay. But
there will always be things that we can clean up, but I just love the grit, I love the toughness, I loved the
way they stayed together and stayed connected. That's exactly what we want.
Q. Tyler and Bryson both had plays in the air, but it seemed like they were getting really involved
in some of the dirty work, as well. What did they do today?
SEAN McVAY: I think in a lot of instances, those guys are an extension of the offensive line, especially
when you're committing them to the blocking surface. I'm glad you brought up Tyler Higbee, captain, guy
that really is a glue guy for this football team. I thought that was a huge play that he played 30 yards down
the sideline with a good player with Love in coverage on him, he and Matthew had a great rapport on that
route. Bryson ended up making a big catch on the crossing route. But I thought those two guys, and Nick
Caley does such a good job with that group overall, Jordan, and Davis Allen even got a snap. Even
though that was a bad play call I had on the 3rd down that led us to the 4th down where Cam punched it
in. Really happy for those guys. They're going to continue to be big parts of what we do moving forward.
Q. Defensive preseason expectations for you guys, you said you were eager to get out there and
have them shoot their shot. What do you think the message that was delivered?
SEAN McVAY: I thought they shot their shot. I think it was one game. Here's the reality. Those guys put in
a lot of hard work and I was glad that it came to fruition today, but you've got 17 opportunities that are
guaranteed, and so what I think is really important is that we understand what a great job with the work
that was put in, what a great job accomplishing the goal that we had today, and now how do we enjoy but
how do we understand what got you in those positions was the work you put in, was having that growth
mindset, and I think this team embodies that. I couldn't care less what's said outside. There might be
some change in narratives, and that doesn't affect any way that we'll go about our business right now
because if you read it, you feed it, good or bad, and so I don't think that's something that I've ever gotten
caught up in, and I don't get the sense that these guys have gotten caught up in other than going and
playing as a team, loving one another and playing as hard as they possibly can to be able to do their job
because they don't want to let the guy down next to them, and there's a great relationship they have with
their coaches. It's a special group. I'm really enjoying it. I certainly love working with this team and want to
keep this thing going.
Q. The defense held Seattle to 12 yards in the second half --
SEAN McVAY: Was it 12 yards?
Q. Nine on the last carry.
SEAN McVAY: So three total? Or are you saying 12 plus nine? Either way it's outstanding. That is
freaking great. When you're able to get some rush opportunities, you're able to get some of the isolations
that we got where Aaron can come to life and then it's not just about Aaron, either. He is a special one of
one type of player but there's some guys around him that expected to come in and play well, and I
thought they did that, and I can't wait to really dive into this tape and really see. But such a credit to the
defensive staff, Raheem's leadership, I thought the three defensive captains with Ernest Jones, with
Aaron Donald and with Jordan Fuller, they did a great job, but it was about the whole group's effort today.
It felt like they were doing that, and it was why the offense was able to really get going because they felt
like they were just getting the ball back, and then I thought it was imperative that offensively we were able
to control possession. I want to say we almost had 40 minutes of possession. Anytime you're able to do
that, that's usually critical and key for success.
Q. (Indiscernible).
SEAN McVAY: Normally I would have gone for a field goal? Is that what you're saying?
Q. In years past. What kind of decision did you feel that was?
SEAN McVAY: I thought it was confidence in the players' ability to execute that play, and they did it. It's
always about those guys. I think the two previous poor play calls set up the good one on 4th down, so I'd
like to say we were setting that one up, but we were trying to score on 2nd and 3rd down, as well, and
love the way that our guys ended up creating that surface on the edge, and it was great subtle ball
handling by Matthew and good job by Cam being able to punch it in.
Q. You expressed confidence in your receivers stepping up, but (indiscernible) what stood out to
you?
SEAN McVAY: Just the way they had played. We had gotten opportunities, even though you guys might
not have seen it and you maybe had when you had been out to some of the practices, but I'm so proud of
those guys but I'm not surprised. That's what Tutu Atwell had been doing going months back, and I
thought he really started to play with a lot of confidence towards the latter part of last year when he got
his opportunities that were earned. Puka Nacua has come in and he's as mature a rookie as I've ever
been around, and he is a physical, tough, strong player. He's got a great way about himself, and both of
those guys stepped up, and Van Jefferson is going to continue to be a big part of this, as well. My favorite
thing Van did, after we missed the one down the field, he came back on a 2nd down and ended up
making a critical catch underneath, got vertical to get us into a 3rd down and manageable, and that's what
I want to be able to see from our guys. Guys like Kyron Williams stepped up. But these are the things that
when you get a chance to see it come to life every single day, you feel confident that when the lights
come on, it's not too big for these guys, and they can play well, and we've got to continue to do it. I'm not
surprised because of the confidence that I have in those guys based on the way they go to work every
single day.
DraftScripts by ASAP Sports
QB MATTHEW STAFFORD
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Well, hard fought. It was up and down. Obviously started the game nice and
then the nice drive was a one tough because that's the way NFL football is. That's a good defense we
played. I felt like our guys did a good job of handling the noise. It was loud all day. Coleman led the way
up front. They did a great job and kept me clean and was able to click through some progressions and hit
some guys. There's still a few I want back. Could have been even better, I think. But it's a good start.
There's going to be things to clean up both in the run game and the pass game, but just proud of these
guys coming in here and not listening to what everybody else has to say about us and just go out there
and play.
Q. So many different types of blocking surfaces today. A lot of guys, tight ends and receivers and
linemen and backs being versatile like that, what is that like?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, obviously the goal is to give the defense a whole lot to look at. Guys on
the edge play all sorts of different blocks, and try to make them think out there and let us go play and play
fast. Coach did a great job of getting the game plan together, guys went and executed it. We'll look at this
one, try to find a way to be better.
Q. What do you think of the way Tutu stepped up today?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, doing a great job. It's what I've been seeing in practice and those guys
got to take a lot of confidence in going out there and making plays like that, and again, there's a few I
want back but both those guys and could have been even an better day. We'll continue to work hard,
continue to try and get better, and see where it takes us.
Q. First time out there since the New Orleans game. Did it take you a minute or so to get into it?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: No, I felt pretty good. Obviously like I said, it's never 100 percent clean, and
there's things that -- after I watch the tape I'm sure I'm going to want back. Both fundamentally and just
result of the play, as well, but it was a good start.
Q. It's just one win, but how satisfying because outside expectations aren't high and it seems like
this team has a chip on its shoulder about that.
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, I think we're excited because we put the work in. I think the cherry on top
is getting to see y'all's reaction to it. I think the big thing for us, though, is we care about it because we put
the work in. It wasn't given to us. We've got a bunch of guys earn a bunch of spots on this team no matter
what their draft status was, it doesn't matter. Guys put the work in to go get the win and we've got to go
out there and do it again.
Q. In terms of leaving last season the way that you did and the conversation this offseason,
coming out this way --
MATTHEW STAFFORD: I think I want to come out and play good football. I know I can when I'm healthy
and I feel good, and I felt good today. I feel good leaving here, so that feels nice. Our guys up front did a
hell of a job keeping me clean and the guys on the outside made some plays. I still have things I can be
better at, and I'll continue to try to be better.
Q. Was there a moment in this game or a throw you made where you were like, that's right, I feel
healthy?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: I don't know that that was a healthy moment. There was a few I felt pretty good
about. That one late in the game to Puka on the sideline was a pretty good shot. Had some movement in
the pocket a little bit and he did a great job at the top of the route and had to throw that one to a spot and
he did a nice job catching it. There was a few in the game that are always a little bit more high wire act
than others.
Q. When you score 20 straight points on the road in the second half, how much of that is rhythm?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: It's execution to be honest with you. The first drive we executed great. We had a
couple negative plays. We overcame them, scored. Second drive, a couple penalties, a couple negatives
plays, tough to overcome. Tough to do it twice in a game. But just go out there and execute. It's not
perfect. Not every play was five yards and a cloud of dust. It might go one yard run, nine yard pass, the
next one is an eight yard run, an incomplete pass and a conversion on 3rd down. It's executing one play
after the another no matter what the play previous was and our guys did a great job of doing that.
DraftScripts by ASAP Sports
DB DERION KENDRICK
(On the defense’s performance today) “We played the best that we could. We did well enough. I had a
play where I got undisciplined and it led to a touchdown. I got in on a couple plays, got a couple tackles,
got a couple pass break ups, and then I gave up the one [touchdown].”
(On the second half defensive performance and if they felt like they were dominating) “They weren’t
getting what they wanted. Geno [Smith] likes everything in front of him. He likes everything in front of him
or the deep ball. They go for the explosives and then stands on his check downs. If a play breaks down,
stay on his check downs, go tackle it or finish the sack. That’s what we did.”
(On the team’s expectations and if the team showed what they can do) “We showed it a little bit. We have
to keep it going. Take this week, watch the film, figure out what we need to get better on and come back
next week and show them again.”
WR TUTU ATWELL
(On how he feels about having a career high game) “I feel great. When my opportunity got called and the
ball came my way, I made a play of it. Just get the ball and catch the ball.”
(On what he feels is the difference from this season compared to last season) “Just more opportunities.
More chances coming my way and I’m just going to make the most of it.”
(On how he got settled in the game during the second half) “Just pretty much doing my job. I got a rhythm
every time I’m on the field, so I try to make the best of it. Just that one little catch or whatever it may be,
that’s when I get going.”
DB RUSS YEAST
(On the defensive performance) “I’m just happy everybody went out there and flew around. I think we all
had fun. It was a sight to see for us all to go out there and have each other’s back. It was fun.”
(On coming into the game as underdogs and if that worried them) “No, it didn’t worry us at all. We’ve
been here. All offseason, [we heard] how bad we are, how we can’t do this or can’t do that. It was just
motivation. We were ready to come out here, have fun and prove everybody wrong.”
(On what made the defense effective today) “I think we just played hard. We played physical and we flew
around. I think that made a world of difference. Our guys are confident in each other and we all thought
we could get the job done.”
(On any adjustments they made between the first half and second half) “We just stayed true to what we
knew and stayed true to our game plan. We came out here and just wanted to execute a little bit better.
Execute better than what we did in the first half on a couple plays we thought kind of got away from us
and gave them some opportunities that we thought they shouldn’t have had. It was just play sound and
continue to trust in each other.”
DT AARON DONALD
(On what made the Rams defense so effective in the second half) "I just think we did a good job. We
bottled them up and did better at the run in the second half. We were able to get after them, we got some
opportunities to put some pressure on them at times. Guys were flying around and made stops."
(On if any adjustments were made at halftime) "No adjustments. I think we planned good. The couple
penalties we got hit with early coupled with the runs they were able to bounce out and hit us real early.
We talked about that, then we corrected it, fixed it, and that was that pretty much.
(On what this win does for the Rams team psyche after being the underdog coming in) "We expected this.
Obviously, the world didn't know, but this is what we've been seeing at camp -- guys flying around, guys
making plays, and we just translated that to the game. So we ain't shocked. We ain't surprised. The world
might be, but we expected this."
OL ROB HAVENSTEIN
(On how he felt about protecting Matthew Stafford on the first away game) “With any NFL game you get
some good and some bad. I have some stuff to clean up on the outside. I had a couple of bad pressures.
It was good to see everyone fighting out there as a unit. Five guys were playing as one, protecting each
other. When some guy dropped the ball a little bit, another picked up the slack. We have to look at the
film but I was definitely proud of going out and competing.”
TE TYLER HIGBEE
(On their younger receivers in Week 1) “I’ve been here since those guys have been here obviously and
it’s exciting watching them grow into this role they have now. They’re great players. I knew they were
going to come out and make some plays today and that’s what they did. They expect that out of
themselves, we expect that out of them as a team, as an offense, and to step up to make those plays.”
(On what it felt like to be a part of the team’s performance) “It feels good. It’s always nice to be able to
clear up that stadium before the end of the game. I’ve been fortunate enough to do that a couple times,
it’s always nice.”
(On the Rams having a chip on their shoulder this season) “We don’t really take outside noise into how
we go about (playing). I think the key for us was a shift in training camp. The way we practiced, the way
we got after it, the way we competed. That was something that happened the second half of training
camp and I think we’ve been building on it. Guys are just going out there and competing the right way and
it was good to see the exact same thing happen here.”
LB ERNEST JONES
(On what made him effective in the second half) “In the first half we just knew that everything they had
was because of us whether it was missed fits or over-running the ball. The second half, we came out and
we said, ‘Regardless of the outcome, we are going to play more disciplined,’ which is to execute the play.
That’s what happened.”
(On whether the outcome of the game surprised him or not) “It doesn’t. It doesn’t surprise us at all. We
knew coming in that we were going to have a good team and if we play within ourselves, we can play
anybody. We’re excited to continue to show ourselves.”
WR PUKA NACUA
(On how that felt for his first NFL game) “It was a dream come true. It couldn’t be any better. Being able to
come out with a win, it was a blast. I had a ton of fun out there.”
(On what memories he has here and what it was like playing in Seattle again) “I remember when you get
the sun to come out, it always feels nice out here in Seattle. So to get back out here and the sun was out,
that felt right.”
(On if people will think he should’ve been drafted higher than the fifth round now after his performance
today) “I’m not sure, I’m just doing my job. I had the opportunity come my way and I took advantage of it.”
(On what expectations he had for himself in this game) “Do my job right every time. There’s still things
that I need to fix up in the run game, but my expectation was to come out with a win.”
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
HEAD COACH PETE CARROLL
PETE CARROLL: That was a really frustrating start for us. The Rams did really well. They took care of
the ball and did a nice job. I have a lot of respect for Sean (McVay) and the job that he does. They did a
heck of a job today. First half we had the ball four times and we got in scoring position. We didn't get our
touchdowns out of the drives, missed field goal, and it felt like we were moving and we were in control of
that part of it, but the second half we just couldn't get any first downs. Couldn't make the ball go. Got
harder as the game went on and we didn't do well. On the other side of the ball was a third down disaster
for us, 11 for 17, so great job by Stafford. He's just that good. We gave him opportunities. We didn't get
heat on him, and we needed to generate it. I look at a little bit of misjudgment on my part that we would
be able to do things we’ve been doing and be able to play a good football game. Didn't work out that way.
We needed to pressure them more and get heat on them to cover them up and get off the darn field. This
is a big challenge for us to bounce back. Look what we're going against. Going to go against one of the
hottest teams in the world coming up in Detroit. We'll see how this goes. Now it's about us digging back
into it. We've done a ton of the right stuff all the way through. I've been telling you how the preparation
has gone. When it matched up and came time, we weren't able to get off the field like we thought we
would be able to. They did a nice job taking care of it and didn't give us the football other than the blocked
kick. That's enough to play a good football game if they can take care of the ball, and they did. We’ve got
a lot of work to do.
Q. Update on Charles Cross and Abe Lucas?
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, Charles has like a sprained big toe, and the x-rays from what I heard didn't look
bad. We'll see. But he felt something and so we had to look at him. Abe's (Lucas) knee just acted up on
him again. He doesn't have a knee injury. Just the same knee we rested him on during camp just got
really sore during the game and couldn't fire the way he needed to, so we had to get him out of there. I
don't know what to tell you about that one.
Q. On how they played in the first half…
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, it kind of felt that we gave up the first drive and got off the field the rest of the
opportunities in the first half. So, it's 13 to seven and looked it like we were in a very good football game
and ready to go. We came out to go for the win and play good football and be aggressive, but we didn't
execute the way that we had counted on. We didn't finish the way we needed to. It's really obvious. Why
that happened, we’ve got to go back to work and see what we can do to help the guys. I have a big role in
this. I've got to make sure I am helping our guys on defense and make sure that the assessments we
make on offense, we can count on better than we did. We just didn't execute like we thought we could.
Q. On only having two quarterback hits on 38 dropbacks.
PETE CARROLL: We didn't blitz a lot. We did some. But he got rid of the football really well. It's all
aspects, didn't cover him as tight as we needed to and didn't rush enough to disrupt him. He's a great
thrower, and if you give him time he can tear you up, and he did. He had a great day today.
Q. On the offensive issues in the second half...
PETE CARROLL: Starkly different to me the way we played in the first and second half. We were in there
talking about it right now, trying to figure out how it got so erratic. We weren't on it and didn't convert and
get the ball moving. We didn't run the ball, we didn't do anything. Did nothing in the second half. We were
trying and calling the stuff and we had things that we thought we could do, and we weren't able to get it
done.
Q. How hard was that for an offense when both tackles go out in quick succession?
PETE CARROLL: It's about as hard as it gets when both guys go. We'll see how Stone (Forsythe) and
Jake (Curhan) did, but you could see at the end we were hurting a little bit (protecting).
Q. What was your thought on the personal fouls from your team at the end of the game?
PETE CARROLL: I thought we lost our minds a little bit, and we'll talk about that. That shows you the
frustration and based on the expectation that we were going to be better and not in that situation. I don't
like seeing this look, that looks terrible. We'll talk about that. That's not something that I'm concerned
about. We were in that position and we've got to make better decisions.
Q. When the guys were coming out pre-game, did you pay attention to Bobby's ovation?
PETE CARROLL: As a matter of fact I did. I thought that was amazing. I felt it. I felt the response of the
fans to him. I thought he played a really good ballgame today. I couldn't tell all of it, but I thought he
played really well today and meant a lot to him. I thought he did a really good job being poised about it
like you would hope and expect he would playing his old team. But I thought that was an extraordinary
statement by our fans of appreciation and love for the guy that has given so much to this program. He
deserves every bit of it, and I thought it was perfect moment.
Q. On Jordyn Brooks’ first game back…
PETE CARROLL: He did pretty good. We’ve got to see how he did coverage-wise because they did hit a
lot of stuff inside and we played a lot of zone stuff and mixed our zones up. We weren't able to get in front
of many balls, but I don't know. I’ve got to look at the film. A great accomplishment. We rested him a little
bit. He added up some plays, so we got him out of there, kind of what we were thinking would happen.
Devin (Bush) was ready to play and all that, but it's a great accomplishment for him to get back.
Q. The penalty they called on Tre Brown on the third down. Did you get a good look at that?
PETE CARROLL: No, I didn't. I mean, I would like some information on it.
Q. What did you think of Tre Brown's day?
PETE CARROLL: I’ve got to look at the film.
Q. How has the team responded all off-season and pre-season, how surprised were you?
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, I am surprised and disappointed that we weren't cleaner. 13 to six, no big deal.
We were in pretty good shape. Moved the ball well in the first half, and really felt like we should be able to
take the next step and take control of the football game. I thought we were in great shape to do that. It's
shocking to me now that we weren't able to take advantage of that. I don't care what the score is at
halftime. I like being ahead which we were, and I like the fact that we moved it. They also scored on the
first drive and didn't score on any of the other drives. So, we felt like we had a real shot. I don't think we
were cocky at all. We surely didn't talk like that. We didn't respond well enough.
Q. On Tyler Lockett...
PETE CARROLL: Yeah, he's fine. He was examined but he was fine. (Boye) Mafe had his knee looked
at, but he finished the game, so he was alright. That's all we have.
QB GENO SMITH
Q. What do you feel like changed for you guys as an offense first to second half?
GENO SMITH: That would be good to see on film, to see exactly what changed. I feel like we just didn't
execute when it comes down to it. You know, I'll be the first to say that as always you can put that on me.
It's my job to make sure we're ready, always prepared, always competing. I just feel like we didn't do that
to the best of our ability in the second half. Just one game. Obviously not the way we wanted to start, but
the good part is that it's not 17. So we got to figure out how to get better from this and we got 16
opportunities to go out there and right this wrong.
Q. How surprised I guess though are you by the result just given I guess the expectations you
guys had coming into the year?
GENO SMITH: It's the NFL. They're a good team. They're a couple years removed from winning the
Super Bowl. They got some key players there that helped them do it. I'm surprised, yes, I am. I didn't
expect to come out and lose at all, let alone in that fashion. Hats off to the Rams. They wanted it more
and played harder and executed better.
Q. How much of a challenge is it to have not one but both tackles go down to start the second half
and try it run the offense the way you had coming into?
GENO SMITH: Yeah, I mean, when you lose any of your key guys it's going to be a challenge. We got
guys who continue to step up, and so we expect those guys to step up. I don't think they were the reason
we didn't execute. I think like I said, when you look at it, you put that on me. I got to go out there and play
better for the guys and make sure we're on point. But it's a challenge to lose your guys. We need those
guys. They're a big part of our offense. When it comes down to execution I got the ball in my hands and I
got to go out there and make the plays no matter what happens.
Q. You said the Rams wanted it more. How concerning is that alone?
GENO SMITH: You know, that's something we got to get better at. We got to understand we got to go
earn it every play, every down, every single game. Like I said, it's the NFL. I know we got a lot of young
guys who for their first time are playing regular season football and might not know how hard you got to
play to go out there and get wins. They don't come easy, and so I think this is going to be a great learning
experience for us. I think we can look at these moments later in the season and say that we gained from
it. Obviously it stinks today and it sucks. Really does. I hate losing. I don't like losing. But the one thing I
do know about this team and myself is that we're going to get back to work and come tomorrow, really
starting tonight, I'm going to get back to work and fix things and figure out how to be better for next week.
Q. Is it a wake-up call?
GENO SMITH: I hope so. It better be. You know, we don't lose at home. We can't do that. Let alone in
this fashion. So for a lot of guys around here, including myself, we got to look ourselves in the mirror,
point the finger, and figure out how to get better.
Q. The touchdown in the second quarter to Metcalf, take us through that play.
GENO SMITH: Yeah, great play call by Shane. We got some man-to-man coverage right down there and
DK ran a great round. Got open, I was able to find him in the end zone, and it was great to have that
happen.
Q. Other touchdown opportunities in the first half and you settled for field goals. Was that
disappointing?
GENO SMITH: Yeah, very disappointing. We talk about scoring touchdowns, finishing drives, and that's a
big emphasis for our offense. When we get down there in the strike zone around the 15, 20 yard line, we
got to keep moving the chains until we get into the end zone. I feel like we kind of stalled. There are some
things we can do better. It's going to be important for us to fix those things moving into the future.
Q. What did you see to make you think the Rams want it more?
GENO SMITH: Just by the score. They went out and executed and did what they were supposed to do. It
was a tough environment. Our fans were rocking and it was loud and it wasn't easy. They found a way. I
think that's something that obviously we'll see those guys again, but it just looked like they were playing
harder and that's why they won.
Q. Sorry if you answered this already, but what happened on the third downs?
GENO SMITH: Man, that was a big disappointment, but overall we just didn't execute. That's something
that we'll be able to look at on film, figure out a way to get better from it. Just from my vantage point
without watching film felt like we didn't execute to the best of our ability.
Q. There was 14 black quarterbacks who started in week one. Wondering what that means to you
to be part of that?
GENO SMITH: It's a tremendous honor just to be able to start, and I guess that's kind of history making. I
don't know really what to say about that right now. I'm kind of just stuck on the game. I'll say I'm honored.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
LB BOBBY WAGNER
(On what it was like to have the 12s give him the loudest ovation we have heard in some time) “It was
cool. I mean, it’s always been love from even the moment I left, coming back. They’ve always had a piece
of my heart. It was something that was really special. Unfortunately, we couldn’t give them the win.”
(On what happened today) “I think the biggest thing is that we have to get off the field. Like, third downs
were really bad. We kept extending the play. Toward the end of the game, we have to make sure that we
keep our cool and keep our composure and not beat ourselves.”
(On how surprised he was about the third down performance) “It definitely was surprising. It definitely was
not something we anticipated or expected, but it happened. We have a lot more games left and we will
figure it out.”
(On whether he sensed that the Rams played harder) “I don’t know. I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m pretty
sure a lot of people wrote them off, said that they weren’t going to be anything this year. Coming into this
first game, I’m pretty sure they were going to be fired up. Especially in a divisional game and playing us
you didn’t expect anything less.”
(On whether it worries him that another team may have wanted it more)
“Not at all. It’s one game.”
(On whether anything seemed different about the Rams run game) “They sprinkled in a little bit of 12
personnel. They ran a lot of more, like, gap scheme, pullers, things of that nature. But you know I thought
we played it pretty decent. We just need to get off the field on third down.”
(On whether there is any consolation in saying that the run defense was pretty good) “I got to watch film.
It’s kind of hard to figure everything out right now. We felt like there are still some leaky yards there in the
run game, pass game, that we can get better at. We can get better. It’s the first game.”
(On whether he said anything to DK Metcalf after the taunting penalty) “Yeah, we addressed that. So,
we’re good.”
(On the third down challenges, was it players on the field not executing, or a lack of identification of the
play)
“We just need to execute. They made some great throws, but we could do better overall. The whole
defense, from the rush to the linebackers to the secondary. We could all do better.”
(On whether the Rams were doing some different in the passing game than what they had shown in the
past) “I think they were trying to space us out more. They were running more routes outside of the hash
that made us have to honor that which kind of opened up the middle. But, we’ll adjust.”
(On what they need to work on for next week) “The biggest thing is third down. We need to get off the
field. Freshly off the field, that is probably what I would say.”
(On what he would tell the young players after a game like today) “I think it’s a combination between this
is the NFL, and you’re going to get their best shot. Regardless of the record, regardless of the team,
they’re going to come back. Those guys get paid, too. Those guys have families, too, that they’re trying to
feed. So, you need to bring your A game every single time you step on the field. So, you take that, but at
the same time you understand this is week 1. There are 16 more games left. There’s a lot of teams that
start off 8-0 and fade to the back; there’s a lot of teams that struggle in the beginning, and catch fire right
before the playoffs. It’s the team that takes their losses and learn from their mistakes throughout the
course of the season, play better, have camaraderie that’s going be, I believe, at the end, happy with the
results.”
WR DK METCALF
(On what happened today with the offense) “The first half, you see, we scored on all drives. I don't think
we punted not one time. Then, in the second half, it seemed like we hit a roadblock, and I just felt like the
Rams played harder than us. Their defense played harder than our offense, and you know they reaped
the benefits from it.”
(On what happened between him and Ahkello Witherspoon) “Well, I was blocking, and I guess I blocked
him a little too hard and pushed him to the ground. He got all mad because he felt like I blocked him in the
back. I mean, that's just how I play. I block every play, and when I don't have the ball, I'm never taking a
play off or jogging trying to take a play off. So, that's what transpired.”
(On if the officials told him what they thought was unsportsmanlike) “I saw their coaches yelling at me or
saying something to me and their players, I let that get to me, and I retaliated. You know the second man
always gets called, so, just have to be better in that aspect.”
(On if Bobby Wagner talked to him about his unsportsmanlike conduct) “No sir, not yet.”
(On the Rams playing hard) “You never want to see another team or the opposing team, especially
somebody in your own division, play harder than you. I'm pretty sure there were a lot of mistakes that we
have to clean up on film. I can't wait to get back to it tomorrow and fix our mistakes, and practicing and
winning always takes the bad tastes out of your mouths. Looking forward to this week.”
(On if the team took the Rams lightly) “No. Any Sunday, anybody can get beat in this league. You should
never take anybody lightly. They played harder, and I felt it out there on the field. You all probably saw it
watching the game. Whenever a team plays harder than you, you're definitely susceptible to losing.”
(On the turn of events in the second half) “It's not dramatic because we always expect to go out there
and score anytime we have the ball and always expect our defense, of course, to stop them. When things
don't go our way we have to overcome adversity and start leaning on each other and not go our separate
ways. We all have the Seattle Seahawks jersey on. The coaches are in it together with us, and everybody
in that locker room is in it together. You can't just start separating, you always have to stick together and
play as a team.”
LB JORDYN BROOKS
(On how special it was to be back on the field) “It was special. Just to be out there with the guys, like you
said, not the outcome that we wanted, but it was great to be out there. It was very humbling. I’m just
grateful to be out there, so I thank God.”
(On what it means to have Bobby Wagner back) “Absolutely, having a guy like that next to me makes my
job 10-times easier. The communication part of it is probably the biggest part. I don’t know how many
tackles he had; he probably had 100 tackles today. I just appreciate playing next to him. We’ll get over
this one and bounce back.”
(On how the defense performed against the run) “I thought we played pretty good versus the run today.
We had a few mistakes there at the end as far as penalties, but I thought, for the most part, we played
sound in the front seven.”
(On how the Rams adjusted in the second half) “We just couldn’t get off the field on third-down. We let
some explosive plays get out on us, which led to some field goals. I think they only scored two
touchdowns, but they got a bunch of field goals, and good field position. We’ve just got to clean some
things on defense for third-down and we’ll be right where we need to be.”
RB DEEJAY DALLAS
(On how much of the first half is a feeling-out period) “I look at it as an opportunity. This is really the first
time that everybody is together. It’s going to take some time, we’ve got next week to prepare for. Early in
the game it was a feeling out process, we still had a lead, we’ve just got to finish. We’re still maturing as a
team.”
(On what the Ram’s defense changed in the first half) “I’m not really sure. I’ll have to check the film out
and see what they changed and find a fix from there.”
(On the impact of losing Charles Cross and Abe Lucas) “It’s always next man up. Those two guys (Cross
and Lucas) are studs. You want them on the field at all times, we’ve got other guys, it’s the NFL, you’ve
got to be ready when your number is called.”
(On his takeaways from this game) “I just think we’ve got to learn how to finish. Last year, we played good
Seahawks football, and I think we’ve got to flush last year. Flush last year because we’re not going to
sneak up on anybody this year. I’m just ready for next week.”
(On the return of Bobby Wagner) “Man, Seattle loves Bobby. I love Bobby. He makes playing football fun.
Having Bobby back in Seattle is amazing.”
S JULIAN LOVE
(On not stopping the Rams offense on third down) “Could be a lot of factors. We’ll give kudos to them,
they blocked us up pretty well, got open versus us. As a collective effort on defense we just have to be
better.”
(On how Los Angeles’ long offensive drives affects the defense) “We’re all in shape. We all are ready to
run around however long the drive may be. You just have to execute. I think those drives lasted long
because of our third down numbers. You got to improve on that going forward.”
(On not panicking after Week 1) “It’s a long football season. This team is resilient. We’re going to improve
going forward. It’s not end all, be all Week 1. It’s a long season. This team is tough and we’re going to
bounce back.”
RB ZACH CHARBONNET
(On his first NFL game) “It was a tough game, with the loss and stuff like that but still enjoyed being out
there. I know we’re going to clean stuff up and come back stronger next week.”
(On the mindset heading into Week 2) “What’s happened, happened. Nothing really to look back on, just
going on the film, cleaning up, and putting our head down and continuing to work and get better each and
every day.”
(On having two offensive tackles out) “It’s just next man up mentality so I’m not really worried about it. I
know the guy behind him is just going to do their job so it’s not really a concern to me.”
NT JARRAN REED
(Opening statement) “It was good. We all practice hard and we were trying to come out here and play as
hard as we can for each other. We will get back to work Monday. We’re not going to get down because
it’s one game. We’re going to keep pushing keep and keep playing hard for each other on this defense.”
(On the defensive third down issues) “We have got to get to the quarterback plain and simple. We have to
get home. We have to win our one-on-ones and we have to communicate as one. That’s unacceptable,
that’s on us, we have to take that to the chin. We have to go get better starting Monday.”
(On the Rams getting the ball out fast) “We know that they were going to go quick-game and get the ball
out fast. That’s just a compliment to us on the flip side because we have guys that can get to the
quarterback. Them getting the ball out pretty fast, once again it’s tough. If you don’t win on first contact
with a guy that’s getting the ball out that fast, things like that can happen like tonight.”
FS QUANDRE DIGGS
(On what he took from the tough second half) “We have a lot to learn, we came in and they had a great
gameplan for us and we didn’t execute the way we were supposed to. Hats off to them, we have to get
back in the lab and get back to work, that all it is. It’s week one of the season out of a 17-game season,
we weren’t going to win the Super Bowl week one. At the end of the day, we lock in, we fix what we need
to fix, and we come to work with a worker’s mentality.”
(On what he saw from the young receivers on the Rams) “They had a good game, hats off to those guys.
They had a really good game and for us we have to be better on the back end and we will be.”
(On an explanation for the roughness call) “He flopped, it is what it is. I got to be smarter at the end of the
day. He flopped, so it is what it is.”
(On coming back next week) “Super confident. I don’t lose faith that I have in my team over one week. I
think we will be fine, sometimes it’s good to have a wake-up call early in the season and we got it over
with now. We got punched in the chin, we have to see how we come out and fight, and come out and fight
next week.”
TE NOAH FANT
(On the numbers on third down) “Well I haven’t seen the numbers yet, without the numbers it can’t be
good. If we’re being real, we got to be better. We got to complete passes. Not to be negative about it, but
we hold ourselves to a high standard and that wasn’t it.”
(On why they weren’t good on third down) “I’ll have to get back to you on Monday, there’s a lot of things
that could’ve gone wrong. It could’ve been routes ran a different way, it could’ve been missing
assignments, its could’ve been a multitude of things. I’m not going to put any blame anywhere when I
haven’t really looked at it. We definitely have a lot to think on.”
(On what he is feeling right now) “Super frustrated for me personally. That was a tough loss for us but
we’ll will see where it goes.”
#HelmetHornsMatter
“Well, the color is good, I like the metallic blue,” Youngblood recently said while laughing, via NFL Journal. “The horn is terrible. It looks like a ‘C.’ When I first saw it on the logo I honestly thought it was a Charger logo.
“Now when I see it on the helmet, it just isn’t a ram horn. There is no distinct curl like a mature ram horn. I don’t know how the Rams could get that wrong. That is your symbol and it has been for what? Seventy years or more? Longer than I have been alive? It’s just not us, it’s not the Rams.”---Mr. Ram Jack Youngblood
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/11/2023 09:39AM by Ramsdude.
| Subject | Author | Views | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ramsdude | 106 | September 11, 2023 09:38AM |
| Ramsdude | 36 | September 11, 2023 11:35AM |
