TRANSCRIPTS: Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, Run Game Coordinator Aaron Kromer, QB Jared Goff - Media Availability - November 6, 2019

TRANSCRIPT: Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, Run Game Coordinator Aaron Kromer, QB Jared Goff - Media Availability - November 6, 2019

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay
(Opening Remarks)
“From an injury update standpoint, (WR) Brandin Cooks is going to see the specialist again in Pittsburgh. He’s flying out there, he’s really en route right now, he’ll meet with them tomorrow. To go back to what you had asked the other day, he has not cleared concussion protocol yet. We’re really just continuing to gather information. The first visit was very beneficial, got a lot of good information that I think gives him a peace of mind, gives us a clear-cut idea of, ‘All right, how do we want to continue to progress moving forward?’ With all that being said, he will be out for this week. He’ll be out for this week, he’s still going through that but there’s no setbacks, anything like that. It’s all moving in the right direction. Kind of like we’ve talked about, you can’t be smart enough with – the human being more than anything – with something like this. That’s exactly the precautionary measures that we’re taking and I know Brandin feels good about it. If he feels good, that makes us feel good.”

(On if Cooks will stay in Pittsburgh through the team’s game there on Sunday)
“I think he’s going to come back. Really, just continue to really work on, ‘Let’s do everything we can to just get himself right, feeling back to normal,’ which he already does, it’s just kind of following the protocol that the doctors are going to give us to really put himself to hopefully get back on the field if that’s what everybody thinks is best for Brandin.”

(On if there have been discussions about Cooks not returning at all)
“It has not been. That hasn’t been something we’ve talked about. Most importantly, that comes from, ‘How are you feeling, Brandin? How does your family feel about these types of things?’ With something like this, that’s first and foremost with our consideration as we move forward. I know he feels good, I think he did feel a lot better having gone to the first visit to Pittsburgh to get some clarity on maybe, ‘Why have some of these things occurred? What can we do from a preventative maintenance standpoint to just try to alleviate the risk for this occurring in the future?’ If this is something that’s not going to inhibit his ability moving forward, then that’s where you start saying, ‘All right, what are the next steps to getting back on the field if that’s what all parties feel are best.’”

(On if he’s seen anything that the offense can do to get the run game going more in the second half of the season)
“When you talk about the running game – we’ve talked about it before – it truly takes all 11 (players). There’s been a lot of different reasons, whether it be some of the things that we can do a better job as coaches, whether we can do a better job execution, some of the defensive structures that have elicited some different responses to that question. There’s a lot of things that we expect to do better. I do feel good about having a solution-oriented plan in terms of how we want to attack week in and week out. The way that we go against Pittsburgh’s defense is probably different than Seattle or somebody else because part of the running game is you want to have an identity and a core philosophy. But also, what are some of the plays and some of the schemes that are conducive for success against what they’re activating front-structure and coverage-wise. There’s a lot of things – I think, more than anything, it’s continuing to figure out the continuity with some of the newer players that we do have, and then getting some of our backs, where we’ve kind of had a rolodex. (R Todd (Gurley II) has been injured at some points, (R Malcolm (Brown’s) missing games, we’re getting (R Darrell Henderson (Jr.) up to speed, so I think there’s a combination of things.”

(On Gurley II being used half as much as he has in previous seasons and if that will change in the second half of the year)
“I think really, what it boils down to, is it certainly isn’t exclusive to a lot of things that Todd can control. We just haven’t been as efficient running the football. If you just say, ‘All right, let’s accelerate where he had 160 so carries or something like that probably through eight games last year.’ Where he’s at now, if we’re averaging the same per rush – not exclusive to what he was averaging – what does that then look like from a numbers standpoint? Then, in some instances too – we talk about it – you like to have a run-pass balance. Most importantly, we want to move the football. There are certain things that you get structurally on the other end that maybe say, ‘All right, it’s really not sound to do some of the things that we would like to do.’ I think there’s a lot of things that we can do better. I think that it’s going to be a week-to-week thing like we’ve talked about. Really, the challenge for us in a positive way is we’ve got three guys that we feel really good about. How do we incorporate all those guys and get them into the flow of a game?”

(On if he’s happy Gurley II doesn’t have 160 carries at this point and is going into the second half after a limited workload in the first half of the season)
“I don’t know that I would say that, because it’s never really been something where we’re looking at a pitch count, a workload. We want to be the most efficient offense we can possibly be. Certainly, if you said, ‘What would your pick be?’, I’d much rather see some of the production that we’ve seen over the years past. What I do think is important to emphasize is that it certainly is not exclusive to what Todd can control. There’s a lot of factors that have gone into that and what I love is the way that he’s continued to compete. He’s made his presence felt in some different ways that aren’t exclusive to what show up on the stat sheet, but it sure is appreciated in this building with some of the things you see him do protection-wise and just demonstrating an unselfish approach for a player like him.”

(On how the offense benefits from having three reliable running backs)
“I think it does. I think the big thing for us is finding a way to get into enough of a rhythm where you allow those guys to get into the flow of the game. You do still want to be considerate of the fact that I think football can be a flow-type feel – especially when you’re a running back and you get a guy going, you get him into a rhythm, you’ve got to get plays off, you’ve got to be efficient on those early downs. I think for us overall, it’s about maximizing our early down opportunities, not putting yourself in those negative situations where now you can truly present a legitimate run-pass balance that puts defenses in conflict. That’s one of the things that we have to do a better job of – making people pay with both phases. If you’re going to be a really good offense in this league, you have to be able to do both and those are things that we’re constantly striving to do better collectively. I’m confident that hopefully we’ll see some good, positive results and it’s going to be a tough challenge against the Steelers this week.”

(On if WR Josh Reynolds will step into Cooks’ spot)
“Yeah, he steps in. We move guys around, but he’s the next guy up in terms of what he did in (WR) Cooper’s (Kupp) absence last year. I thought just saw immediately, the one thing you do feel really good about, you hate to see any of your players injured, but when Brandin gets hurt so early in the Cincinnati game, you operate in the exact same way that we would have had Brandin played because of the confidence we have in (WR) Josh (Reynolds). He can do a lot of different things. I think you see him maximize the opportunities that he did have with two big catches down the field. Like we were talking about with the (running) backs, I think the hard thing is, is Josh is a guy that we’ve wanted to get more involved but, it’s hard to get those guys into a flow, especially when you don’t know, ‘All right what are the coverages dictating? How do you get a guy a couple touches to get him into a rhythm?’ That’s when I thought you saw Josh play at his best when he was able to really just play and you could feel why he’s a player we have a whole lot of confidence in.”

(On if there’s an update on LB Clay Matthews’ and RB Malcolm Browns’ progress)
“(L Clay (Matthews), he’s looking good. He’s got a nice beard right now, too. I was just complimenting him on that. He’s feeling good. I think the anticipation for both those guys is if they continue to progress the right way throughout the week, you should expect to see them ready to roll.”

(On if he makes the case that the team is better now going into the second half than at the start of the season with all the changes on the roster or if there has been too many injuries)
“What I would say is we’re better equipped to know from a coaching standpoint, ‘What are the things that we want to be able to correct from the previous eight games? What are the things now that we’ve got some different personnel?’ It’s always about adjusting and adapting to your players. I think we’ve got some clarity and we feel good about the plans that we are going to implement in this second half of the season. Now the nice thing is, is it’s about how do we find a way to play well in all three phases putting it together week in and week out against the opponent that we’re playing? The approach that we take against the Steelers will be different than whoever we play the following week. But, I do feel better about where we’re at, I think there’s some clarity. I think all the good teams get better as the season progresses and that’s exactly what we expect from our guys.”

(On the plays called for Gurley II in the Cincinnati game and if that expresses the amount of confidence he still has in Gurley)
“Absolutely. He’s a big-time player. You just look at the feel that he has when you get down into the redzone. Whether it’s making a great touchdown catch against Atlanta, whether its punching it in on a toss-crack against Cincinnati. The third-and-10 was a huge conversion that we had to have in the backed-up situation at the end of the first half. He’s made a lot of plays, he’s going to continue to do that. I just think the experience that he can draw on and one of the things that you always feel, he’s got a good energy and enthusiasm about himself. He brings a confidence level with the people around him. When you just hear the way that he has a good juice before games, it makes me feel better about it. In those situations, you continue to have a lot of confidence in Todd, so absolutely. Those things don’t waiver as we go into the second half of the season.”

(On looking at the Steelers offensive line and how he can see that matchup with his defense)
“They do a great job, I’ve really been impressed. Just being able to see the way that they protect the quarterback. I think they do an excellent job schematically picking and choosing. Balls coming out, finding backs on checked downs, picking and choosing their spots, to take some things down the field when you get the structures that they want. I think (Steelers Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks) Coach (Randy) Fichtner, (Steelers Head) Coach (Mike) Tomlin, they’ve done an excellent job of being able to kind of put (Steelers Q Mason (Rudolph) in some of the situations that help. They’ve got great veteran offensive line that’s played well for a long time. I want to say they’ve given up the fewest sacks of the league, they’re physical. When you talk about, ‘What is the epitome of a Pittsburgh Steelers team?’ Tough on both fronts, physical. That’s what you see form this football team, it’s going to be a great challenge for us. (Steelers RB James) Conner brings a different element, (Steelers RB Jaylen) Samuels did an excellent job against the Colts last week. You look at him catching 13 balls and you feel him as a runner as well. Making sure that we tackle well, swarm to the football and then account for those guys in the passing game is going to be a big point of emphasis.”

(On if the Steelers are doing anything different with Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick or if he is a dynamic playmaker)
“I think they’ve done a great job using him. You can see he’s gotten more comfortable from when he started early on and they’re able to mix in and use him in some different ways. When you just look at him, especially playing as a post-safety, his ability to play visual on the quarterback, make the appropriate breaks – when you’ve got really one shot to find an angle. I thought that was the play of the game, where he ends up having the pick on (Colts QB Brian) Hoyer, they’re running a four-verts off a play-action concept and he takes it the distance. They had a chance to go up 17-3 right there, then he ends up tying it and I thought you felt the momentum shift in their favor. He’s made a bunch of impact plays. He can play in the post, he can play down in the box. He’s a great player and he’s been a big addition for them.”


Rams Run Game Coordinator Aaron Kromer
(Opening Remarks)
“It’s good to be back. It seems like when you have a week off during the season, or a week off a game anyways, it seems like a lifetime for the players and for the coaches. I think that’s what we are experiencing now, but the guys excited going out to walk-thru, meetings and practice the other day, it’s been good. The other thing is, (OL) David Edwards going in and playing at guard and doing a good job as a young player — being solid, being physical, looking like a stout player – meaning that he can hold up against power. Also, having the ability to move to make the blocks that we need to be made. Running in space, blocking at the line of scrimmage, he’s been a bright spot for us. Being able to find him and put him in there, you really never know what you are going to get until they get in these games. It was exciting to have the power and the athleticism that he had and the experiences that he’s had so far.”

(On how OL David Edwards’ transition has been in practice and if he sees progression)
“Yeah. Like any young player, every experience is the first time. When you add those together, and together, and together and you continue to give the guy reps, and for him to experience it, he picks up quickly. That’s when you have a feel that a guy is going to be a good player in the long run because the faster that he picks up things that you want him to fix or get better at, the more you can add to his plate. That’s what he’s done.”

(On if he feels like Edwards was a steal in the draft based off his performance so far)
“We were really lucky that he was in the draft at the time when we picked him. Especially, from what he’s shown already to this point. We’re excited to have him. Really, like I said, for him to be picked at that point in the draft and to have this much production just when you first get in the games, that says a lot to who he is and what he was. For whatever reason he didn’t get drafted sooner. I’m just glad we got him.”

(On going into the season knowing that it would be a transition process considering the challenges on the offensive line and where he feels they are in that process at the midway point of the season)
“For two years, we were constantly playing with the same five guys and everybody stayed healthy. Obviously, that’s an unusual situation, but we were glad it happened. We had a lot of success because of it, I believe, as far as an offensive line because there is continuity and guys knew how to work next to each other, and those kinds of things. That hasn’t happened this year – putting new guys in and then getting them trained. Then, they get hurt and another guy goes in, and then we trade out another guy. That’s the NFL though. Although you wish it didn’t happen, it has. Our goal and our focus every day, honestly, is don’t look ahead, look to now. What have I learned? Keep reminding myself of what I’ve learned playing, and how I can get better with those experiences. Try to look forward to what I might be learning sooner than later so it doesn’t happen in the negative. There has been plenty of positives as well as negatives that we can build on. I really think that as these next games come along, I think we’re really going to grow.”

(On how important it is in the process to have veteran offensive linemen like T Andrew Whitworth and T Rob Havenstein available to help coach the younger players)
“Very much so. We had it last year with (former Rams C John) Sullivan, knew a lot about how to do things and how experiences might be during a game. Now, just having the Tackles to be able to talk to those inside guys. (C) Austin Blythe, we’re acting like he’s a veteran. He’s in his second year of playing. We think he’s been here 15 years because of the youth of the other guys. They’re really working together. That’s the beauty of the offensive line in most places is the guys are willing to work together. They understand that if they can help each other get better, the entire team gets better. They don’t try to keep their secrets to themselves. They try to teach each other to get better and even if it’s a backup. The best lines are guys that the starting tackle tells the backup right tackle that he could beat him out someday, ‘This is how you should do it. This is what you should be ready for. This is what you should be looking at.’ Then in case we need him someday, he’s ready. Then when the starter comes back, he’s ready to go back in. The unselfishness of the line is where you can really get better quicker. I think it’s looking up and I think we’re getting better and better each week.”

(On what challenges the Steelers front seven present and what he thinks he can learn from the offensive line in this game)
“Obviously, a very talented front. High draft picks, productive, experienced, powerful, quick. I mean they’ve dominated. You watch the Colts game, and they’ve taken some of the top draft picks that they’ve had to the wood shed a little bit last week. We need to be prepared for that and we need to be on our aggressive edge. We need to be sound with our eyes and our technique and we’ll see what happens. But I believe we have confidence that we can get that done. They’re a very explosive and powerful group though.”

(On having the opportunity to play a game where both teams are battling to be the most physical)
“The most important thing as an offensive lineman, in my opinion or even as a football player, is focusing on, ‘I have to do what I have to do and not worry about the result of the play. Worry about what I did, where my eyes were, what I saw, how I did it, whether it was successful or not and go onto the next play.’ If you start worrying about whether you gained one yard or lost a yard or gained 20 yards, that has nothing to do with you. You have to make sure that you are handling your individual job. If you stay in that focused lane, you’ve got a chance to have success.”


Rams QB Jared Goff
(On how he’s feeling entering the second half of the season)
“I feel great, I had a nice little relaxing bye week. I was able to chill out, catch up on some sleep, I feel really good.”

(On if he took a vacation)
“I stayed in the area. I went up to Santa Barbara for a couple of days, but I stayed in the area.”

(On if it’s more important for the mind or the body to get away from football)
“Both. I think you can over do stuff in anything you do, football is no different. You do want to take the time away, especially during the bye week. With that being said, it’s hard. You do want to get up here and workout and watch film, and you do. It is hard to completely shut it off, but you do want to take some time to let your brain relax and let your body relax, like you mentioned.”

(On if he’s talked to WR Brandin Cooks)
“Of course.”

(On what his read is on what’s happening with Cooks)
“He’s clearly getting a couple second opinions. I think he’s’ going to be fine. He’s in good spirits and we expect him to be fine. It will be tough not having him. Whether it’s this week or further, I think (WR) Josh (Reynolds) did a great job and has continued to and will step up again this week.”

(On what it means for Reynolds to be able to step in and be ready to play)
“It shows how locked in he is daily on everything. He’s a guy that can play both positions, ‘X’ and ‘Z’, and has in the past and we’ve moved him around. For him to be able to do that, not only this past game we played, but like you mentioned last year, in that Seattle game, he jumped right in and then played most of the rest of the year and has done it consistently. He’s a guy who I have as much confidence in as anybody on our team. I get excited once he gets his chance.”

(On how Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick changed the Steelers defense)
“He’s a great player, he plays that center field position pretty well. You see the way he’s able to make breaks on plays, he’s got great hands, he’s a great tackler. He’s a great player and has helped them a lot.”

(On if it will be excited playing in Pittsburgh for the first time)
“Yeah, it will be cool, never being there and knowing the history there and knowing everything that’s gone on that field. It’s very similar to a place like Lambeau or something like that. You do feel that history and do feel that with their crowd and the passion of the city, it will be fun. It’s one I’m looking forward to.”

(On the challenges the team has gone through in the first half of the season and if they are now a stronger team)
“Sure. We feel great. I think we’ve made some moves that have helped us. It’s always tough to do stuff like that from the front-office standpoint, and from (Head Coach) Sean’s (McVay) standpoint. I think we’ve done some stuff to help us and we feel like we’re in a great place. We feel like moving forward, we’re where we want to be, and have been practicing well. I’ve been really starting to jel, and I feel like we’re in a good spot.”

(On if WR Cooper Kupp seems faster and if it’s possible if he came back better)
“I think he’d say so. I think he’d definitely say so. I think he looks stronger, I think was always the word I used. Preseason. Then, now, obviously, everyone’s seen him play throughout this point. He just looks stronger, he looks like he’s developed more. I think he’ll be the first to say that whatever he was doing offseason-regimen wise is something that he will probably like to continue to do. He looks great, obviously everyone’s seen him. He looks fast, he looks strong, he looks physical and he’s playing well.”

(On if he had to regain chemistry will Kupp or if they picked up right where they left off)
“Maybe a day or two during training camp. It was pretty seamless.”

(On the one-year anniversary of the Borderline shooting and Woolsey fire and reflecting on that time)
“It’s always tough to think about those families and just consider them obviously knowing what they went through last year. I think you think about the fires obviously, the last couple weeks we’ve been dealing with that a little bit. Obviously, last year there was a lot of devastation with that and then the shooting as well, it is tough. I’ve been lucky enough to be in a situation where I can help and can do some things that give back and able to feel like I can make a difference and try to do my best in any way I can. I have been able to do some of that stuff with California Strong. Again, I think just thinking back to that, we’re always thinking about those families and I know I speak for everyone, we’re here to help and anything they would need moving forward, we’re always here.”



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