TRANSCRIPTS: RAMS Head Coach Sean McVay, P Johnny Hekker, DL Sebastian Joseph-Day – Media Availability – August 25, 2020 Head Coach Sean McVay

TRANSCRIPTS: RAMS Head Coach Sean McVay, P Johnny Hekker, DL Sebastian Joseph-Day – Media Availability – August 25, 2020
Head Coach Sean McVay

(On the announcement that SoFi Stadium will not host fans at games until further notice)
"It’s a bummer. But, obviously, these are kind of the times that we’re living in. Just excited about the opportunity to play there. It was a great experience last week, so, we’ll hopefully be able to get fans in there sooner than later, but it’s all for the right reasons and being safe and being smart. That’s part of the circumstances that we’re dealing with.”

(On whether quarterbacks are activated at the beginning of practice in a different way and Offensive Coordinator Kevin O’Connell’s influence on that decision)
“Yeah, I mean he’s definitely taken a lead role in the development of those cues and their daily routine and rhythm with regards to any individual time. He’s done an outstanding job with those guys up until this point. He’s a great coach and we’re fortunate to have him here.”

(On helping players manage navigating outside aspects surrounding the pandemic and not attending games)
“Oh of course. We’re going to do everything we can to see what exactly the parameters around what ‘no fans’ exactly means. But, you want to be mindful and aware that these families are the most important thing. When you talk about the players and the coaches, we emphasize a family atmosphere and environment and want to be as inclusive in on those things as possible, and mindful of how their potential absence from those games affects the way the guy’s mindset is. We’re going to do everything we can try to minimize the effects of that and continue to find out exactly what are those parameters around no fans, and what exactly that means.”

(On if there is an update on RB Darrell Henderson Jr.)
“I don’t. No update on him.”

(On today’s rosters moves)
“You know, we just really wanted to be able to get couple other linebackers in, we had worked those guys out. (LB Daniel) Bituli was a guy that we had originally had with us earlier this offseason, so, appreciative of (Q Josh Love and (L Bryan London (II) ended up doing for us and looking forward to seeing if some of these new guys can come in and compete.”

(On whether the ability to extend plays is an additive factor for QBs Bryce Perkins and John Wolford)
“Yeah, I think so. (Q Bryce (Perkins) has done a nice job. He’s earned the right to be able to get a couple more reps and for us to evaluate him. But, certainly, anytime that you can create off-schedule and be able to do some things that aren’t within the design of the play is a very good quality you like from QBs and (Q John (Wolford) certainly has that.”

(On CB Jalen Ramsey during training camp)
“He’s been outstanding. I mean, you talk about him really raising his game. I thought I had an appreciation for the way that he played and just watching him from afar, but now really getting a glimpse and with the amount of competitive work we’re getting in these training camp settings — he’s even better than I thought. He’s had a dominate training camp. He’s making a lot of plays. We’re able to do a lot of different things with his versatility, his intelligence and he’s earning the right to say that he’s one of the best at his position the way that this camp has gone, for sure. He’s a special player. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

(On RB Xavier Jones)
“He’s doing a great job. You know, he got some more action in the scrimmage. He’s getting more opportunities in some of these one-on-one settings that we’re trying to create in practice. (Running Backs Coach) Thomas (Brown) has done an excellent job bringing him along. But, he’s a slasher. He has a nice way about being able to work edges on people, level runs off. We’ve been very pleased with him.”

(On WR Van Jefferson matching up against Ramsey)
“You’re aware. You recognize what defense and what we’re doing offensively and what a great opportunity for a young player that we think has an extremely bright future to be able to go against a player of his caliber. Those guys, they’ve been able to line up against one another quite frequently, and certainly, I know Jalen will help (WR) Van (Jefferson) raise his game and it’s been fun to watch those guys go at it.”

(On the teaching methods of Running Backs Coach Thomas Brown)
“I’ve known Thomas for a long time. But, even when we brought him in here, really just to kind of beg him to be able to take the job, he’s special. He’s just got a presence, you know? There are certain people that kind of have that ‘it’ factor and he’s certainly one of those guys. I think it’s a combination of the communication ability, the character, the command and just the capacity that he has. When you talk to him, this is a guy that has coordinated high-level football, when he was at the ‘U’ (University of Miami). He’s got a great feel for what’s going on, all 11 on offense, all 11 on defense. He’s got great command of the running back position, especially having played it at this level and what he did through the course of his career at Georgia. So, he embodies all of the things that you’re looking for in a coach and then you just watch his energy and his ability to be able to see things in live action. I couldn’t be any more impressed with him.”

(On how important it is to have raised competitive situations in practice)
“I think that’s everything. I mean, you want to try to create stressful atmospheres because we know that’s what the games are on Sundays or whenever we’re playing. As many times as we can create those competitive game-like situations that force you to think in real-time, understand the magnitude of what each of these situations entails and how we want to be able to approach it — offensively, defensively or teams. That’s something we’re always trying to create and that’s one of the major reasons for practice.”

(On if there is a timeline for S Taylor Rapp’s return)
“He’s just day-to-day right now.”

P Johnny Hekker

(On the kicking competition)
"Yeah, it's been great. The tough thing about not having any OTAs and kind of that of that aspect of the offseason in person, we haven't had a ton of opportunities to see these guys compete and kind of watch them work on their craft. But, as far as they've been working during this camp period they been all incredible. They all have great attitudes. They work well together and as well as being competitive, they root for one another and are real professionals about it. So, for being younger guys, you know, (K) Lirim (Hajrullahu) is definitely an older guy with more experience and (K) Austin (MacGinnis) has his XFL and AAF expereince. But, they work really well together and it's been just a pleasure to work with them. Having (LS) Jake (McQuaide) snapping makes the whole thing easier, because the ball is on the money and I just have the job of putting it down."

(On having a voice to determine who’s the starter)
"You know, I don't think so. I'm really just focusing on giving my best as far as holding for them. I’m going to have some input as far as, 'Okay, what do you see?' but, at the end of the day that is coach and management’s decision and I'm going to give my input when asked, but nothing unsolicited."

(On how it's been different with Special Teams Coordinator John Bonamego)
"Yeah, I think just terminology is different. A lot of the stuff that they teach is universal across special teams, scheme-wise. And it's just getting to know 'Bono's' (Special Teams Coordinator John Bonamego) terminology for things and how he wants things done, and just being another voice of reason for those guys and helping encourage all the core special teamers to buy in to what he is saying and just getting extra film time in when we can. Really just try to congeal as a special team’s unit. That's what makes special team units successful, is guys that genuinely care for one another and for the success of the team. So, being selfless— because a lot of these guys, that are coming in as young guys, have very limited special teams experience, didn't have any OTAs or offseason program to really build that continuity, so we're really putting ourselves at premium in this time of the season, just doing what we can while we're on the field and then trying to work in extra film time whenever we can."

(On how the transition has been as one of the older players)
"I think it's been somewhat easy for me. You know, ‘Coach Bono’ has done a great job of really just kind of letting me set my schedule, as far as when I'm coming to kick and when I'm going to be off. Really just checking and seeing how I'm feeling and what I am doing. For the most past, I'm my own biggest critic when I'm out there. So, if I'm not punting well, he's not going to have to say much because I'm already giving myself a tongue lashing and just being critical. So, for the most part it's just going out there and trying to just maintain and increase the standards that I have for myself and just being a guy that encourages my teammates. Because for the most part I'm not playing, you know, I’m watching a lot of practice these days. So, when I can be of an encouragement or help somebody out or do something that's going to help somebody elses practice be more successful, then I'll do that as well."

(On what it was like punting towards the Oculus in SoFi Stadium on Saturday)
"It was great. In my mind, I saw it begin a lot lower and then you get in the stadium and you see the full scale of everything, and it is just massive. You know, you saw the pictures and everything they had, all the photographs inside the stadium and then the bowl, and you're like, 'Okay, that thing looks pretty hitable'. And of course, the thing is never going to be an issue in the game because of how it wraps the entire outside of the field, no one is going to hit a ball with a trajectory that is going to hit that thing, unless it's a very bad mistake. But, warming up it's going to be every punter’s goal to sit under that thing and rip one up into it. I connected on one pretty good and it was still pretty short. So, I'm not sure. I just have to keep working, keep grinding, and I’m going to get one off the Oculus one of these days."

(On what it means to be one of very few guys who started in St. Louis and now playing in the opening at SoFi Stadium)
"It's pretty incredible. You know, I'm, of course, really thankful to the guys that have made my career a success to this point. I have a really easy job of catching a ball and kicking it. I have a lot of guys around me that have bought in to helping me be a success. So, they've helped me stay here for a long time. Of course, when the team first made the move, they sat us down gave us the conceptual drawings of the stadium, showed it to us. Me and some of the older guys left the meeting thinking, 'Oh man these rookies are going to love that thing' (laughs). To be still here with the team, you know, kind of be opening up the first game in there against the Cowboys is going to be an incredible feeling and man, I’m just really thankful to (Owner / Chairman) Stan (zur) and the management for keeping me on. And then also, for forking out the money to build that beauty."

(On any standout memories of the relocation to LA)
"I can't say there is a certain moment that just sticks out. I think being in that stadium was pretty cool. And then maybe the sendoff that we had to the Superbowl outside of the stadium, kind of seeing it as it was starting to really take shape. But I hadn't seen it between then and Saturday. So, that was pretty incredible, to get in there and actually see the seats in and all the suits. That thing has got so many suites. That's going to be pretty fun to see how people utilize that space. But yeah, I’m just really looking forward to that first game. I think that will be a great culmination."

(On K Lirim Hajrullahu being eccentric)
"I wouldn't say eccentric. All kickers have a little bit of something to them. They're all a little weird, all specialist are. I'm not excluded from that sentiment, but for the most part he is just really serious about his business. He's a guy that has had a lot of success in the CFL, and it's for a good reason. You know, he's really serious about his days when he's working and then when he's not he is taking care of his body to prepare for his next opportunity. So, he just has a great mindset and for the most part he is demanding of me as a holder, which is great. I'm not going to get better unless he is telling me what he needs and how I can get the laces in the right spot for him or a certain lean on different days with the wind out here. We’re just really working to build that continuity between all three kickers and myself."

(On playing for the first time without Cowboys K Greg Zuerlein and playing without any fans)
"I think for the first part, missing (Cowboys K) Greg (Zuerlein), the weird part about this is I'm going to get to see him, he's just going to be on the other sideline. So, that's kind of a great way to open up the season and just a cool way to see an old friend. You know, I miss him, I still text with him. Him, Jake, and I are still in a group chat and still communicate pretty regularly. He's a great friend. He just had a baby, wish them nothing but the best, as a family as well. It'll be cool to see him, bittersweet. I’m definitely going to try and talk some trash, get into his head. I've also got some great bonds with these kickers that we have now and whoever we have come that Sunday, the 13th is going to be capable and in a great position to help us put points on the board and get that first win.

“As far as playing in an empty stadium, it'll be a little eerie. It was interesting having the scrimmage there then thinking, 'Man, this is kind of what game day is going to be like'. You're going to be able to hear the game collisions and communications so much more clearly on the field. It's going to just be a unique situation, hopefully something that we don't have to deal with too much longer, but it's in the best interest of our league and our fans. So, I think just whatever we can do just to support that decision, we can't change anything about it now, so we just have to embrace it as a team and come out there ready to go. Bring our own juice."

DL Sebastian Joseph-Day


(Opening statement)
"Before we even start this, I just want to start off by saying – I want to send out my prayers and thoughts to Jacob Blake and his family. I don't know if y'all saw the video, it was real horrific, and I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to him and his family, his kids. For kids to see that, that's definitely going to influence them in a negative way growing up, so I just want to start by saying that."

(On the Detroit Lions canceling practice and if the Rams had discussions about it)
"Actually, we didn't talk about anything. First off, I want to say, shout out to the Lions for doing that. I think that's amazing, that they came together as a team to do that. We came in first thing in the morning and went straight to practice, so we didn't really have a chance to discuss the situation that happened. I talked about it a little bit with (DL Michael Brockers) ‘Brock’ and (DL Aaron Donald) ‘AD’, but that was really it."

(On the offseason and his social awareness projects)
"Well, the first thing was obviously the COVID-19 pandemic. That hit home for me, because my mom is a nurse, my mom is an at-home nurse and my dad works in the city in New York, so that really hit home. New York got hit hard and also the nurses got hit hard in the hospitals, so that was one. Two – obviously, the horrific shootings and police brutality that's been going on. I wrote an op-ed with a lot of facts expressing, how does a lack of education in certain communities, a lack of funding, a lack of fair and equal service to kids, to kids of color and kids in certain areas of this country and also the digital divide. The digital divide is essentially holding and suppressing a group. A group of people, obviously, African American, Brown kids and kids that are poor, as well, kids that don't have much. So, I did that. Then I did a little thing, a little Instagram fundraiser as well in front of the hospital to feed them. I'm just doing what should be done. Just using my platform for what should be done."

(On what he learned between the correlation of systemic injustice and education desperacy)
"I learned a lot of things. It's really crazy. It's crazy, because it goes so far back to even red lining. Like, houses, certain houses and where they would put certain groups of people, how they would not sell to African American people, so essentially, they were just put in bad places so they can't succeed. Also, when it comes to education as well, honestly, I could go on for hours about this topic. What's crazy is about this, so if there's two kids, right? That are just as smart. One kid goes to, let's say, a school in Beverly Hills and obviously they have all the resources because, you know, financially, it's a great school, they have everything they need. A kid could be just as smart and go to, let's say, somewhere bad, a bad part here. I don't know necessarily bad parts, I'm not going to say any names that are bad, but a school that obviously isn't funded as well. That kid that goes to Beverly Hills has more of a chance to get an education and learn more and grow and grow in the field that they want. They have more access to things that they want to study, that they want to get into, rather than the kid that lives in whatever area, Compton, Inglewood, wherever it may be, because the school doesn't have the resources to teach them the things that are necessarily acquirable or just there for them to learn and grow in that field, which ultimately leads to a lack of representation in places of power in this country. So, that's why I kind of wrote about it in my op-ed, I don't know if any of y'all read it. It's crazy and social injustice, obviously, that comes full circle as well. A lot of kids as well, they aren't given a fair chance to even get out of the bad situations they're in, because of lack of resources. I remember the players coalition and I went down to a school and presented a check for kids just to be able to have arts and science facilities. Crazy to think that they couldn't even branch into that avenue at first, because they didn't have the resources for that. It's just crazy to me, how that's such an issue in this country as well, I truly believe that a big help of that, was attacking education, attacking those places that are lacking the funding and lacking the money to help balance everything and make everything equal, ultimately."

(On the experience of practicing at the stadium with no fans)
"The stadium is first-class, man. It's amazing and beautiful. Shout out to everyone that had their hand in it. It's gorgeous, man. Words can't explain. The fan situation, I honestly have no idea. I'm just taking it one day at a time, man. I'm just taking it one day at time. I'm more focused on just practice and preparing for the Cowboys. Whatever happens, happens. At the end of the day, it's about keeping people safe and containing the virus, so that's really my take on it."`

(On if having no fans will be odd)
"Yeah, but to be completely honest, I'm so locked in, I'm not even going to worry about the fans. It sounds crazy. I'm not worried about the fans. Obviously, when you're playing, the fans probably juice you up, but like I said, we're in a real tough situation right now with this pandemic. At the end of the day, it's about keeping one another healthy, keeping one another safe and if that's the deal, that's the deal. If there is no fans, there is no fans. If there are, there are. I'm just here to do my job and prepare for Dallas."

(On how he plans to hype himself up without fans in the stadium to start the season)
“I’m just going to still do my routine. At the end of the day, listen man, like, I’m a sixth-round pick from Rutgers University, you know. A lot of people didn’t think I was going to be here, so that’s all the motivation that I have each and every day, to get me ready to go play a game. It’s my third year. Going on my third year. What, the average NFL career is three years? Like, I beat a lot of odds. I’m a sixth-round pick, I’m probably not supposed to be here. I’ve been blessed enough to play with the best player in the league. Another great player with Michael Brockers. Our team is loaded with amazing players, so that’s all the motivation that I really need from my brothers and just going out there and just riding out for them. That’s all the motivation that I need, to be honest.”

(On how important it was to have Brockers back on the roster and how is his relationship with Donald)
“Oh, it meant the world, man. Michael’s big bro. ‘Brock’ is big bro man and he’s shown love since the first day I got here, man. His energy is so contagious and he’s such a great leader. He leads so naturally, and words can’t describe how much he’s helped me in my development, as well. He’s a real genuine dude. Even ‘AD’ as well. AD’s an amazing guy, so humble. Like words can’t describe how great those guys are. They’re a huge part of my development, huge part of my success here. Even though it’s not much, I’m still learning, I’m still growing, I still got a lot more to do here. But, credit goes to them. I can’t say anything negative about them.”

(On what he’s noticed about Brockers and Donald’s relationship)
“Oh, there just like brothers man and it’s awesome to see. It’s awesome to see the connection they have. They just play off each other so well. They’re great human beings. At the end of the day, they’re great human-beings, not just football players. So, huge shout out to them, they’re great influencers on and off the field. Being the young player that I am, still third year, having guys like that really influences you in a positive sense, on and off the field. So, their relationship’s awesome.”

(On what he’s seen in the rookies who might be playing defensive roles)
“Yeah, you know. I think you guys have heard about it. (S Jordan) Fuller has been making plays. (S Terrell) Burgess been making plays. You know, everyone’s competing, everyone’s doing a great job, so shoutout to those rookies’ man, they’re really doing a great job.”

(On his thoughts about OLB Terrell Lewis)
“(OL Terrell Lewis, yeah he looks good man. You see that guy? You see him man? Why you all asking me obvious questions? You all see the size of that man? Like, I say, ‘Sheesh’. I remember the first day I saw him, I said, ‘That’s a grown man’. I say, ‘Sheesh. Alabama, I don’t know what they feeding you over there, man’. But yeah, it’s all going well, man.”

(The defense getting three takeaways at practice today)
“We’re just doing what we have to do, we’re competitive. A huge shoutout to the offense, because they’re challenging us each and every day and we’re challenging them. We’re just getting each other better and it’s a blessing, it really is. It’s a blessing and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about competition and we’re just jelling as a defense."

--RAMS--