Transcripts: Postgame Quotes Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, Carson Wentz, Matthew Stafford, Kevin Dotson, Rob Haventstein, Tyler Johnson, Puka Nacua
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Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
With Rams QB Matthew Stafford going back to Detroit and Lions QB Jared Goff now
playing for the Lions, what is it going to be like for you to match up against the guy you’ve
coached?
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity. They are a really good football team. All those narratives are
fun but it’s going to be about the Lions versus the Rams. They’ve done a great job earning a home
playoff game, and winning their division. They are excellent in all three phases. Like I said, I’m
really excited about Matthew leading us, he’s done a great job this year. I’m proud of this football
team and let's see if we can put together our best game plan, and put together a great week of
preparation. Then let’s see if we can put it together for all four quarters, let it all hang out, and see
what the hell happens.”
Sean, I know that Lions QB Jared Goff has talked about how, after the trade, he got to talk
to you and that you gave him closure there. How do you think your history might affect
this matchup?
“I think that, if there’s anything, I have more appreciation for him as time goes on. He is nothing
but a class act and man, did he do a lot of really good things for us. And he’s done great things
for them. There is a reason why they’re in this position. We’re going to do the best we can, to try
to play a good, clean game and try to be able to come away with the win. But, they’ve been an
excellent offense and he’s done a great job orchestrating it. He and Coach [Ben] Johnson, and
obviously, Coach [Dan] Campbell. I think those are fun narratives, but there's nothing but
appreciation and gratitude from me. You all know there are different things that occurred but
there’s nothing but good vibes on my end. You know, we’re going to go in there and we know
we’re going against an excellent football team.”
Is there any kind of visceral, emotional reaction at the idea of a guy that you have that
much history with being the quarterback for the other team?
“I don’t get too caught up in that. I think it’s really about our team versus their team. There’s some
familiarity, just like he has familiarity with us. I think there’s going to be a lot of fun, external
narratives, but it really is going to be about us as a football team, going there and trying to play
good, complimentary football and put it all together. This is why you do it. These are awesome
opportunities. The atmosphere and the environment, we all know, is going to be great. And that’s
what NFL playoff football is about. I’m excited to just figure out whether we’re playing Saturday or
Sunday.”
Did you guys change anything else about your operation today? Also, it looked like Rams
QB Carson Wentz was getting integrated into the run game a little bit.
“Yeah, we did what we did today because we went off of wristband and [Los Angeles Rams
Coach] Mike LaFleur did a great job calling it today. Mike has been instrumental. There were
some operational things relative to using the wristband, the comfort, the familiarity there. I have
so much confidence in Mike. He could do that, but that was what we felt was the best approach.
We’ll go back to our standard, normal operating procedures next week. But I can’t say enough
good things about what Carson did, what the overall operations were, and Mike LaFluer is such
a stud. I mean, he has been so instrumental in all the good things that have occurred offensively.
The way that he’s helped me, the way that he’s been able to lead our operation with the coaches
and the players. He is a stud and I’m really grateful for him. He did an awesome job today.”
Was it still you calling the fourth downs or did you collaborate with LaFleur?
“We always do it together. I was proud of him. I’m always super impressed with the way he
handles himself. He’s so even-keeled. I might be sending it in, but he’s had a lot of timely
suggestions and different things like that. He did a great job, I’m really happy for him.”
Any concerns about the missed extra point by Rams K Brett Maher?
“You know what, I want to go back and look at it. Obviously, I’m not excited about that but we'll
look to see what occurred, and then we’ll be able to make our decisions accordingly. It was a little
bit windy down there but those are things we want to be more consistent with. And as we know,
that’s been a challenge for us.”
Was today for you guys, and maybe the 49ers, more about not showing your hand, not
showing anything, with the thought that you may see them down the road?
“Yeah, I mean we were very regulated in regards to the game planning. But these guys put their
heart and soul into it. And so I think it was really important for us to go out, give them an
opportunity to play well, play good clean football in all three phases. They were doing the same
thing, while also trying to say, ‘Let’s stay as healthy as we possibly can.’ And then you have to be
totally in the moment. You have to earn the right to have the opportunity to come back here. There
wasn’t anything that we would do in the divisional round that we ran today. We were very vanilla
in our approach. That’s why some of the operational things were adjusted. But it was still geared
towards what we thought was best for our players and for the way they went out today. I was
really happy for those guys. Like you guys know, I’ve said all along that I love this football team.
I love the mental and the physical toughness that they display week in and week out. That’s going
to be a key and critical factor for us next week.”
You mentioned being frustrated with how long it took Rams WR Puka Nacua to break the
rookie record?
“They did a great job at the end. I thought it was the football gods telling me, ‘Man, this is not how
you do it.’ You know what I mean? I’ve believed in the integrity of the game and it was one of
those deals where you want to give them an opportunity to get that, because of what he put
himself in a position for. But when you start getting outside the framework of operating how you
normally would, it was almost like they were saying, ‘Hey, you know better.’ Then, I thought that
first drive where Mike did a good job mixing it up, the ball naturally came to him. And then the one
to get the last catch record was a heck of a catch on screen where he got vertical right away. But
I was really pleased with Carson and you know, credit to the Niners. They had an understanding
of what we were trying to do, particularly at the end of the half. They did a good job.”
Los Angeles Rams QB Carson Wentz
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Take us through it. How was that game for you?
“It was fun. It was a lot of fun. It's been over a year for me since I got game action and it's been
a weird year and season for me, but I had a lot of fun out there. It was fun to get to win,
especially. But just playing with these guys, some of the guys I've been taking practice reps with
on scout team, different faces out there. We all had a lot of fun and getting the win was even
nicer.”
You made it clear to us that when you're going to go in, you're going to go all in on this.
You guys are running designed runs and other things like that. What was that like for you
and, and really hitting full send on this?
“It felt like my college days a little bit again, but no. I knew once that was part of the game plan
potentially this week. I was excited. Any way we can find a way to get a win, I've always had
that competitive mindset over the years. We have to be smart with that. But today it was ‘let's go
do this thing.’ And I had fun doing it.”
Did you think that you’d be leading the game and team in rushing?
“I wasn't planning on it, nor was I hoping that would be the case, but no. I think that was the way
of the game. It helped with the way they were playing some stuff, like soft coverage to get an
extra blocker and hopefully my big butt could come rolling through there. It was fun. Guys did a
great job opening those holes. We had fun out there.”
What was going through your mind as you guys were trying to get those records today
for Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua?
“Don't do anything dumb. We just kind of thought it should come naturally. It was pretty sweet to
get that first touchdown for him. I think he needed one more yard at that point though, but no. It
was fun. I've never gotten a chance to play with Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua too, so to
see him in person, the plays he made -- obviously we missed a couple, which were definitely on
me -- but it was fun to see that. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I knew that was a
big responsibility to help him get that record. [Nacua] is a pretty impressive kid and it’s an
impressive record. Obviously, you guys have probably seen it for a while. Impressive for him
and I’m happy for him.”
What did that feel like to win in a rivalry game, especially given the last touchdown and
the two-point conversion?
“It felt like football again. For starters, I've barely been here, so to feel the sense of the rivalry is
different. That's a good football team over there and we'll see if we run into each other again. It
was fun to go down there and not only get the touchdown, but then get the two point conversion
and see the defense get some stops like that. It was big. We knew we were playing some
backups there. It's a different type of ball game, but anytime you come away with a win in this
league, it's a good time.”
As a veteran quarterback, what's it going to be like for next week? It will be interesting
with Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford going back to Detroit and Detroit Lions QB
Jared Goff facing a former team.
“That'll be fun for those guys. I'll be there helping Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
prepare all week. I'm excited for him. It'll be a good time. Ever since I've been here, I've had a
ton of respect for [Stafford] from afar, but coming here and seeing it in person, he's a heck of a
player. The way he prepares is fun to see. I'm excited for him and I'll be there in full force on the
sideline.”
From your standpoint, what's it like when you're a guy going back to your former team?
That's got to be interesting to see on both sides with both quarterbacks.
“It comes with some different emotions for sure. I think it can be interesting leading up to it, but
once the game starts, it's just football. [Stafford] has been in big moments before, obviously.
He's played a lot of good football in big moments, so I think he'll do a great job.”
Los Angeles Rams RT Rob Havenstein mentioned that you did a double-take when you
first came in the huddle because your eye level with a lot of the offensive linemen in
there. What was the huddle operation like? What were those guys like with you?
“The huddle was good. Ever since I got here, it's been quick, fast and furious getting to know
these guys. The guys have welcomed me really well and I thought the huddle operation was
great. It's not my first rodeo with a lot of these guys, it’s the same thing. It was fun, getting in
there. We cycled Los Angeles Rams RT Rob Havenstein out and had some other guys come in
and make some good plays as well. It was cool to get other guys involved and on the field
today. I thought the guys did a great job.”
I know your focus was just on helping the Rams win today, but do you feel like you put
some stuff on tape for teams next season looking for a quarterback?
“We'll see. I wasn't really thinking that. For me, it was a long time coming just to get to play
again. Halfway through this year, I was still at home and was chomping at the bit to get a
chance to play. Obviously, the Rams gave me the call and I’ve just been here helping this team
win and find a way to get better. I got a chance today to go out and compete and I had a lot of
fun with it.”
Eight or nine weeks ago, when you made that transition, you could have been on a team
that's out of the playoffs right now, but to be a part of this game and to be part of the
playoffs, can you enjoy that journey?
“Absolutely. It was a weird year being at home and all those things, but not only just to be a part
of this team, but a winning culture. To just see how it's done here, it's a very different system for
me. There’s a lot of different things. It's a really young team, which has brought a lot of the joy
back in the game because we got guys that are just having so much fun out there. A lot of these
rookies, you can just see the joy that they play this game with. Sometimes when you get older
and you become a veteran, it can just be kind of monotonous. Seeing the joy that these guys
are playing with and their energy has really revitalized the game a little bit. I’m just seeing it from
a different lens. It's been fun and I'm thankful that I've been here. Thank you guys.”
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
How does it feel to be going back to Detroit?
“Exciting for this team just to get to where we are right now, to be honest with you. So many
people out there didn't think we'd get to this point, and the ability to get to this point is a true
testament to everybody in this locker room - coaches, everybody. It’s awesome. The opportunity
happens to be in Detroit, which is fun for me on a personal level. We have some other guys on
our team that are from the city too, which is really cool. It is going to be rocking there. They
haven't had a playoff game there in about 30 years or whatever it is. So it will be a great
atmosphere. It will be a tough task for us, but I'm definitely excited.”
How will you manage your personal emotions going into a game where you have a
chance to play a playoff game?
“Yes. We played them in 2021, here at our place. To be honest with you, a football game is a
football game once the ball is snapped. It will be a lot of stuff beforehand - I'm sure I'll have to
answer questions, and they will too. All that kind of stuff. But once the ball is snapped, it's time
to go play football. I just love being a part of this team. Love the way we fight no matter who’s
out there, what we're doing. It's been a really fun year. Looking forward to continuing.”
What are your thoughts on what it will feel like once you walk out on the field?
“I think there will be excitement just because it's a playoff game. Anytime you're in the playoffs,
it's so much fun. They're obviously a really talented football team, playing at a really high level,
all season long. They have been one of the more consistent teams in our league, so it'll be a big
challenge for us. I'll be locked in on trying to do the best that I can to get this team to be to
where we want to be at the end of the game. I'm sure it'll be exciting for everybody.”
Will you have to enhance your bubbles, so to speak? The phone calls and outside stuff
with the magnitude of this game?
“No. I don't have that much contact with anybody anyways, to be honest with you. I’m a stay to
myself kind of guy. It will be fun to see some of the people that I haven't seen in a while, that I
know are still around the building. Obviously it'll be a different scenario and won't be wearing
their colors. But still, I appreciate that so many of the people there gave me my start in this
league and took care of me for 12 years.”
Los Angeles Rams OL Kevin Dotson
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
How important was this game?
“This is a rivalry. I'm new to this rivalry, but you could tell that they really wanted to win this
game. No one held back anything. They didn't care if this game didn't really matter or whatever.
I could definitely feel the animosity before the game, during the game and after the game. So I
like this tension sometimes.”
Los Angeles Rams OL Rob Havenstein
Postgame Quotes – January 7 , 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford is not a person who has any trouble staying
present. But especially knowing the emotions that can be attached to something like this,
how will his demeanor keep everyone grounded together?
[LA Rams QB] Matthew [Stafford] is a pro’s pro. He's the guy you want leading the charge. I was
just saying that there might be a fleeting moment in the beginning of the game where it's
emotional. I'm sure Detroit's going to come out and give him the love and respect that he
deserves. If not, even better. He's that type of guy. He’s the ultimate competitor. When it comes
to game time, which we're a long ways away from here, he'll be leading charge just like he always
has been for the past 16 years or however long he’s been playing.”
You've watched Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff grow so much when he was here and then
when he left and now leading his team. Can you speak as to what his journey has been
from afar, then from up-close when he was here, and then watching him succeed in
Detroit?
“There's no surprise. [Detroit Lions QB] Jared [Goff] is a heck of a quarterback. He has all the
arm talent in the world and he’s been lighting up the stats, compared to what we've seen
watching film on other QBs. Obviously, we are playing Detroit so we can really study that. I'll
always be a Jared Goff fan. So it's been cool to see.”
Under Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, it’s been very consistent with you guys
as far as reaching the playoffs. You mentioned the seven game stretch you were on before
the Bye week. So, when you take all that into consideration, what does reaching the
playoffs, an achievement like that, mean to this group this season?
“Obviously, we're very proud but the work doesn't end here. The end goal is not to reach the
playoffs. So we're going to attack this thing the way we have been for the last seven weeks.
We'll get our game plan in, prepare the right way, get our bodies right and be ready to go.”
Los Angeles Rams WR Tyler Johnson
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
That was a fabulous touchdown in the back. Describe what it was like in that game.
“First of all, I give all glory to God for just being with me throughout this whole process. I'm glad
we were able to come out here and be victorious today. I’m proud of my team for just going out
there and fighting in the first place and the last. Hats off to the guys.”
You guys go into the playoffs as a second seed but you're as hot as anyone in the NFL
right now. Describe how you feel about this team?
“We are very confident. I'm pretty sure everybody in the locker room feels confident and is
looking forward to going into the next game and giving it our all no matter what. We're excited. I
can't wait.”
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
How are you feeling after the game today?
“The Rams won so always a great Sunday. Yeah, I can't stop smiling.”
How did you guys keep focused on the game itself with your teammates seemingly trying
to make sure you got the record?
“I guess trying to find it in the rhythm of the game and everybody feeling like it was as much
there’s. It’ll say Puka Nacua, but I wish it could say everybody. All 11 guys out there because it
really takes all 11. They should all feel that award just as much as I do because I couldn’t do it
without the guys in the front and obviously [Rams QB] Matthew [Stafford] and [Rams QB] Carson
[Wentz] out there. Everybody was involved - it was sweet to feel myself, but the enjoyment from
everybody made it more sweet.”
What was it like to see your mom after the game?
“That was super sweet. I saw my mom at the beginning of the game and we were able to have a
moment. It was cool for her to be here in this environment. I think the last time we were here, my
older brother Kai was on the team, for the 49ers, not the Rams. It was kind of a moment that hit
me earlier in the game and it was a full circle moment of experiencing it all and I'm glad my family
was able to be here to experience it with me.”
Describe that first touchdown, did you think at that point that TD was the record?
“I was glad I caught it. It was a great call. I was excited because I was like, ‘oh, this is an
opportunity for me to go get a touchdown first’. It was right in the sun and I was like, ‘ah, just don't
let this be the one to drop.’ The one thing when you're playing the football outside, you know what
side the sun is going to be on. Luckily it fell right out of the sun on the last second. I was able to
track and thought it was the record, but then nobody was celebrating with me and was wondering
what happened. I was so lost at that moment that I was on the floor. I slipped a little bit, but to
catch that touchdown, it was sweet too. It was a nice little cherry on top.”
#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
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
With Rams QB Matthew Stafford going back to Detroit and Lions QB Jared Goff now
playing for the Lions, what is it going to be like for you to match up against the guy you’ve
coached?
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity. They are a really good football team. All those narratives are
fun but it’s going to be about the Lions versus the Rams. They’ve done a great job earning a home
playoff game, and winning their division. They are excellent in all three phases. Like I said, I’m
really excited about Matthew leading us, he’s done a great job this year. I’m proud of this football
team and let's see if we can put together our best game plan, and put together a great week of
preparation. Then let’s see if we can put it together for all four quarters, let it all hang out, and see
what the hell happens.”
Sean, I know that Lions QB Jared Goff has talked about how, after the trade, he got to talk
to you and that you gave him closure there. How do you think your history might affect
this matchup?
“I think that, if there’s anything, I have more appreciation for him as time goes on. He is nothing
but a class act and man, did he do a lot of really good things for us. And he’s done great things
for them. There is a reason why they’re in this position. We’re going to do the best we can, to try
to play a good, clean game and try to be able to come away with the win. But, they’ve been an
excellent offense and he’s done a great job orchestrating it. He and Coach [Ben] Johnson, and
obviously, Coach [Dan] Campbell. I think those are fun narratives, but there's nothing but
appreciation and gratitude from me. You all know there are different things that occurred but
there’s nothing but good vibes on my end. You know, we’re going to go in there and we know
we’re going against an excellent football team.”
Is there any kind of visceral, emotional reaction at the idea of a guy that you have that
much history with being the quarterback for the other team?
“I don’t get too caught up in that. I think it’s really about our team versus their team. There’s some
familiarity, just like he has familiarity with us. I think there’s going to be a lot of fun, external
narratives, but it really is going to be about us as a football team, going there and trying to play
good, complimentary football and put it all together. This is why you do it. These are awesome
opportunities. The atmosphere and the environment, we all know, is going to be great. And that’s
what NFL playoff football is about. I’m excited to just figure out whether we’re playing Saturday or
Sunday.”
Did you guys change anything else about your operation today? Also, it looked like Rams
QB Carson Wentz was getting integrated into the run game a little bit.
“Yeah, we did what we did today because we went off of wristband and [Los Angeles Rams
Coach] Mike LaFleur did a great job calling it today. Mike has been instrumental. There were
some operational things relative to using the wristband, the comfort, the familiarity there. I have
so much confidence in Mike. He could do that, but that was what we felt was the best approach.
We’ll go back to our standard, normal operating procedures next week. But I can’t say enough
good things about what Carson did, what the overall operations were, and Mike LaFluer is such
a stud. I mean, he has been so instrumental in all the good things that have occurred offensively.
The way that he’s helped me, the way that he’s been able to lead our operation with the coaches
and the players. He is a stud and I’m really grateful for him. He did an awesome job today.”
Was it still you calling the fourth downs or did you collaborate with LaFleur?
“We always do it together. I was proud of him. I’m always super impressed with the way he
handles himself. He’s so even-keeled. I might be sending it in, but he’s had a lot of timely
suggestions and different things like that. He did a great job, I’m really happy for him.”
Any concerns about the missed extra point by Rams K Brett Maher?
“You know what, I want to go back and look at it. Obviously, I’m not excited about that but we'll
look to see what occurred, and then we’ll be able to make our decisions accordingly. It was a little
bit windy down there but those are things we want to be more consistent with. And as we know,
that’s been a challenge for us.”
Was today for you guys, and maybe the 49ers, more about not showing your hand, not
showing anything, with the thought that you may see them down the road?
“Yeah, I mean we were very regulated in regards to the game planning. But these guys put their
heart and soul into it. And so I think it was really important for us to go out, give them an
opportunity to play well, play good clean football in all three phases. They were doing the same
thing, while also trying to say, ‘Let’s stay as healthy as we possibly can.’ And then you have to be
totally in the moment. You have to earn the right to have the opportunity to come back here. There
wasn’t anything that we would do in the divisional round that we ran today. We were very vanilla
in our approach. That’s why some of the operational things were adjusted. But it was still geared
towards what we thought was best for our players and for the way they went out today. I was
really happy for those guys. Like you guys know, I’ve said all along that I love this football team.
I love the mental and the physical toughness that they display week in and week out. That’s going
to be a key and critical factor for us next week.”
You mentioned being frustrated with how long it took Rams WR Puka Nacua to break the
rookie record?
“They did a great job at the end. I thought it was the football gods telling me, ‘Man, this is not how
you do it.’ You know what I mean? I’ve believed in the integrity of the game and it was one of
those deals where you want to give them an opportunity to get that, because of what he put
himself in a position for. But when you start getting outside the framework of operating how you
normally would, it was almost like they were saying, ‘Hey, you know better.’ Then, I thought that
first drive where Mike did a good job mixing it up, the ball naturally came to him. And then the one
to get the last catch record was a heck of a catch on screen where he got vertical right away. But
I was really pleased with Carson and you know, credit to the Niners. They had an understanding
of what we were trying to do, particularly at the end of the half. They did a good job.”
Los Angeles Rams QB Carson Wentz
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Take us through it. How was that game for you?
“It was fun. It was a lot of fun. It's been over a year for me since I got game action and it's been
a weird year and season for me, but I had a lot of fun out there. It was fun to get to win,
especially. But just playing with these guys, some of the guys I've been taking practice reps with
on scout team, different faces out there. We all had a lot of fun and getting the win was even
nicer.”
You made it clear to us that when you're going to go in, you're going to go all in on this.
You guys are running designed runs and other things like that. What was that like for you
and, and really hitting full send on this?
“It felt like my college days a little bit again, but no. I knew once that was part of the game plan
potentially this week. I was excited. Any way we can find a way to get a win, I've always had
that competitive mindset over the years. We have to be smart with that. But today it was ‘let's go
do this thing.’ And I had fun doing it.”
Did you think that you’d be leading the game and team in rushing?
“I wasn't planning on it, nor was I hoping that would be the case, but no. I think that was the way
of the game. It helped with the way they were playing some stuff, like soft coverage to get an
extra blocker and hopefully my big butt could come rolling through there. It was fun. Guys did a
great job opening those holes. We had fun out there.”
What was going through your mind as you guys were trying to get those records today
for Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua?
“Don't do anything dumb. We just kind of thought it should come naturally. It was pretty sweet to
get that first touchdown for him. I think he needed one more yard at that point though, but no. It
was fun. I've never gotten a chance to play with Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua too, so to
see him in person, the plays he made -- obviously we missed a couple, which were definitely on
me -- but it was fun to see that. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I knew that was a
big responsibility to help him get that record. [Nacua] is a pretty impressive kid and it’s an
impressive record. Obviously, you guys have probably seen it for a while. Impressive for him
and I’m happy for him.”
What did that feel like to win in a rivalry game, especially given the last touchdown and
the two-point conversion?
“It felt like football again. For starters, I've barely been here, so to feel the sense of the rivalry is
different. That's a good football team over there and we'll see if we run into each other again. It
was fun to go down there and not only get the touchdown, but then get the two point conversion
and see the defense get some stops like that. It was big. We knew we were playing some
backups there. It's a different type of ball game, but anytime you come away with a win in this
league, it's a good time.”
As a veteran quarterback, what's it going to be like for next week? It will be interesting
with Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford going back to Detroit and Detroit Lions QB
Jared Goff facing a former team.
“That'll be fun for those guys. I'll be there helping Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
prepare all week. I'm excited for him. It'll be a good time. Ever since I've been here, I've had a
ton of respect for [Stafford] from afar, but coming here and seeing it in person, he's a heck of a
player. The way he prepares is fun to see. I'm excited for him and I'll be there in full force on the
sideline.”
From your standpoint, what's it like when you're a guy going back to your former team?
That's got to be interesting to see on both sides with both quarterbacks.
“It comes with some different emotions for sure. I think it can be interesting leading up to it, but
once the game starts, it's just football. [Stafford] has been in big moments before, obviously.
He's played a lot of good football in big moments, so I think he'll do a great job.”
Los Angeles Rams RT Rob Havenstein mentioned that you did a double-take when you
first came in the huddle because your eye level with a lot of the offensive linemen in
there. What was the huddle operation like? What were those guys like with you?
“The huddle was good. Ever since I got here, it's been quick, fast and furious getting to know
these guys. The guys have welcomed me really well and I thought the huddle operation was
great. It's not my first rodeo with a lot of these guys, it’s the same thing. It was fun, getting in
there. We cycled Los Angeles Rams RT Rob Havenstein out and had some other guys come in
and make some good plays as well. It was cool to get other guys involved and on the field
today. I thought the guys did a great job.”
I know your focus was just on helping the Rams win today, but do you feel like you put
some stuff on tape for teams next season looking for a quarterback?
“We'll see. I wasn't really thinking that. For me, it was a long time coming just to get to play
again. Halfway through this year, I was still at home and was chomping at the bit to get a
chance to play. Obviously, the Rams gave me the call and I’ve just been here helping this team
win and find a way to get better. I got a chance today to go out and compete and I had a lot of
fun with it.”
Eight or nine weeks ago, when you made that transition, you could have been on a team
that's out of the playoffs right now, but to be a part of this game and to be part of the
playoffs, can you enjoy that journey?
“Absolutely. It was a weird year being at home and all those things, but not only just to be a part
of this team, but a winning culture. To just see how it's done here, it's a very different system for
me. There’s a lot of different things. It's a really young team, which has brought a lot of the joy
back in the game because we got guys that are just having so much fun out there. A lot of these
rookies, you can just see the joy that they play this game with. Sometimes when you get older
and you become a veteran, it can just be kind of monotonous. Seeing the joy that these guys
are playing with and their energy has really revitalized the game a little bit. I’m just seeing it from
a different lens. It's been fun and I'm thankful that I've been here. Thank you guys.”
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
How does it feel to be going back to Detroit?
“Exciting for this team just to get to where we are right now, to be honest with you. So many
people out there didn't think we'd get to this point, and the ability to get to this point is a true
testament to everybody in this locker room - coaches, everybody. It’s awesome. The opportunity
happens to be in Detroit, which is fun for me on a personal level. We have some other guys on
our team that are from the city too, which is really cool. It is going to be rocking there. They
haven't had a playoff game there in about 30 years or whatever it is. So it will be a great
atmosphere. It will be a tough task for us, but I'm definitely excited.”
How will you manage your personal emotions going into a game where you have a
chance to play a playoff game?
“Yes. We played them in 2021, here at our place. To be honest with you, a football game is a
football game once the ball is snapped. It will be a lot of stuff beforehand - I'm sure I'll have to
answer questions, and they will too. All that kind of stuff. But once the ball is snapped, it's time
to go play football. I just love being a part of this team. Love the way we fight no matter who’s
out there, what we're doing. It's been a really fun year. Looking forward to continuing.”
What are your thoughts on what it will feel like once you walk out on the field?
“I think there will be excitement just because it's a playoff game. Anytime you're in the playoffs,
it's so much fun. They're obviously a really talented football team, playing at a really high level,
all season long. They have been one of the more consistent teams in our league, so it'll be a big
challenge for us. I'll be locked in on trying to do the best that I can to get this team to be to
where we want to be at the end of the game. I'm sure it'll be exciting for everybody.”
Will you have to enhance your bubbles, so to speak? The phone calls and outside stuff
with the magnitude of this game?
“No. I don't have that much contact with anybody anyways, to be honest with you. I’m a stay to
myself kind of guy. It will be fun to see some of the people that I haven't seen in a while, that I
know are still around the building. Obviously it'll be a different scenario and won't be wearing
their colors. But still, I appreciate that so many of the people there gave me my start in this
league and took care of me for 12 years.”
Los Angeles Rams OL Kevin Dotson
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
How important was this game?
“This is a rivalry. I'm new to this rivalry, but you could tell that they really wanted to win this
game. No one held back anything. They didn't care if this game didn't really matter or whatever.
I could definitely feel the animosity before the game, during the game and after the game. So I
like this tension sometimes.”
Los Angeles Rams OL Rob Havenstein
Postgame Quotes – January 7 , 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford is not a person who has any trouble staying
present. But especially knowing the emotions that can be attached to something like this,
how will his demeanor keep everyone grounded together?
[LA Rams QB] Matthew [Stafford] is a pro’s pro. He's the guy you want leading the charge. I was
just saying that there might be a fleeting moment in the beginning of the game where it's
emotional. I'm sure Detroit's going to come out and give him the love and respect that he
deserves. If not, even better. He's that type of guy. He’s the ultimate competitor. When it comes
to game time, which we're a long ways away from here, he'll be leading charge just like he always
has been for the past 16 years or however long he’s been playing.”
You've watched Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff grow so much when he was here and then
when he left and now leading his team. Can you speak as to what his journey has been
from afar, then from up-close when he was here, and then watching him succeed in
Detroit?
“There's no surprise. [Detroit Lions QB] Jared [Goff] is a heck of a quarterback. He has all the
arm talent in the world and he’s been lighting up the stats, compared to what we've seen
watching film on other QBs. Obviously, we are playing Detroit so we can really study that. I'll
always be a Jared Goff fan. So it's been cool to see.”
Under Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, it’s been very consistent with you guys
as far as reaching the playoffs. You mentioned the seven game stretch you were on before
the Bye week. So, when you take all that into consideration, what does reaching the
playoffs, an achievement like that, mean to this group this season?
“Obviously, we're very proud but the work doesn't end here. The end goal is not to reach the
playoffs. So we're going to attack this thing the way we have been for the last seven weeks.
We'll get our game plan in, prepare the right way, get our bodies right and be ready to go.”
Los Angeles Rams WR Tyler Johnson
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
That was a fabulous touchdown in the back. Describe what it was like in that game.
“First of all, I give all glory to God for just being with me throughout this whole process. I'm glad
we were able to come out here and be victorious today. I’m proud of my team for just going out
there and fighting in the first place and the last. Hats off to the guys.”
You guys go into the playoffs as a second seed but you're as hot as anyone in the NFL
right now. Describe how you feel about this team?
“We are very confident. I'm pretty sure everybody in the locker room feels confident and is
looking forward to going into the next game and giving it our all no matter what. We're excited. I
can't wait.”
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Postgame Quotes – January 7, 2024
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
How are you feeling after the game today?
“The Rams won so always a great Sunday. Yeah, I can't stop smiling.”
How did you guys keep focused on the game itself with your teammates seemingly trying
to make sure you got the record?
“I guess trying to find it in the rhythm of the game and everybody feeling like it was as much
there’s. It’ll say Puka Nacua, but I wish it could say everybody. All 11 guys out there because it
really takes all 11. They should all feel that award just as much as I do because I couldn’t do it
without the guys in the front and obviously [Rams QB] Matthew [Stafford] and [Rams QB] Carson
[Wentz] out there. Everybody was involved - it was sweet to feel myself, but the enjoyment from
everybody made it more sweet.”
What was it like to see your mom after the game?
“That was super sweet. I saw my mom at the beginning of the game and we were able to have a
moment. It was cool for her to be here in this environment. I think the last time we were here, my
older brother Kai was on the team, for the 49ers, not the Rams. It was kind of a moment that hit
me earlier in the game and it was a full circle moment of experiencing it all and I'm glad my family
was able to be here to experience it with me.”
Describe that first touchdown, did you think at that point that TD was the record?
“I was glad I caught it. It was a great call. I was excited because I was like, ‘oh, this is an
opportunity for me to go get a touchdown first’. It was right in the sun and I was like, ‘ah, just don't
let this be the one to drop.’ The one thing when you're playing the football outside, you know what
side the sun is going to be on. Luckily it fell right out of the sun on the last second. I was able to
track and thought it was the record, but then nobody was celebrating with me and was wondering
what happened. I was so lost at that moment that I was on the floor. I slipped a little bit, but to
catch that touchdown, it was sweet too. It was a nice little cherry on top.”
#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
| Subject | Author | Views | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ramsdude | 60 | January 08, 2024 11:40AM |
