Los Angeles Rams Transcripts - December 20, 2020 Head Coach Sean McVay, QB Jared Goff, Jets Head Coach Adam Gase and Jets QB Sam Darnold
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Los Angeles Rams Transcripts -
December 20, 2020
Head Coach Sean McVay, QB Jared Goff, Jets Head Coach Adam Gase and Jets QB Sam Darnold
Head Coach Sean McVay
(Opening Remarks)
“First of all, congratulations to the Jets. They came in here ready to go, made enough plays to win the football game and hats off to them. We didn’t do enough to get it done and it’s very disappointing. I thought we had a good week of preparation, but offensively, just unbelievably poor to start the game, penalties shot ourselves in the foot, dug ourselves in too deep of a hole. You get a punt blocked, defense kind of kept us in it, and then it was kind of a flip of momentum. But ultimately, we make no excuses. We’re going to go back, look at this, and we’re going to learn from it and we’re going to move forward. That’s all I know how to do. It’s extremely disappointing, but you’re not going to get any excuses from me and I have to do a better job at having our team ready to go.”
(On his decisions on the last offensive series with the two long passes on third and fourth down)
“Yeah, we felt like we were going to be able to get an opportunity. Really on the third-down, we had some looks that we felt like we had a good isolation, but clearly, we have to be able to progress there. And then on the fourth down, had (TE) Gerald Everett in a man-to-man situation, and then (WR) Cooper (Kupp) on an underneath route, where, if we didn’t love that, kind of a little high low. Ultimately, we didn’t make those plays, but we got the coverage and the looks that we were looking for there.”
(On if he could sense why they were making uncharacteristic mistakes such as dropped passes)
“It’s hard to say. I think you have to go back and look at it. You don’t want to make any sort of excuses. Had a little bit of a layoff and we weren’t nearly as sharp. I thought the penalties were really hurtful for us too. We had some big hits in the run game where you look like you’re getting yourself. We had one that actually scores and it comes back, so it’ll be interesting to really go back and look at this. I’m not going to make any excuses though. We didn’t do enough, and I have to be better for our football team.”
(On what he saw from QB Jared Goff today)
“I have to go back and look at it. I thought he did a good job getting us a couple scoring drives, and then we had our opportunities and ultimately, collectively we didn’t make enough plays and get it done.”
(On what he believes the main issue was with their performance today)
“I have to do a better job of getting us ready to go. And really, it was in all three phases. It wasn’t good enough. This loss will demoralize us only as much as we allow it to. It’s going to be embarrassing, sick to your stomach about it, but we do have two games left and we have to find a way to respond and rebound on a short week, not really a short week but this week, as we get ready for the Seahawks. That was very humbling, and it’s going to be humbling, but we’re going to move forward. That’s exactly what we’ll do. That’s all I know how to do.”
(On why he didn’t go to two tight end sets earlier, which seemed to work the previous two weeks)
“Yeah, we really didn’t have a chance to get any plays because we were three and out. The snaps were so few and far between and we had the penalties. So, the first half was really just not much of an opportunity to get any sort of drive continuity or rhythm if you will. I don’t know if it was as much about the personnel groupings as it was the execution.”
(On what he said to the players afterwards, and how he learns from what happened today)
“Just like anything else, whether you lose or you win, you always learn. You move forward and you can’t allow the previous result, whether it be good or bad, to affect the way that you prepare for the following week. And so, what I say to the team, I keep that between us but I expect us to be able to respond. I’m going to go back to work, look at this, be honest with the mistakes that I made and where I can be better to help prepare and make sure that we avoid making some of the same mistakes twice. But like I said, this is not the result, or not the type of game that we expected, but this is why you play sports.”
QB Jared Goff
(On why the offense did not have rhythm the first half of the game and what he was seeing from his perspective)
"Yeah, I think they did a good job defensively doing some things to prevent us from getting into that rhythm. I think with that being said though, bottom line we didn’t execute up to our standards offensively in the first half. I thought in the second half we bounced back and played a lot better, but it was too little, too late obviously."
(On if he had any sense that a letdown against the Jets would be possible over the last ten days of preparation)
"No."
(On losing an opportunity to clench a playoff spot and where he feels this puts the team going into the games against the Seahawks and Cardinals)
"Yeah obviously a disappointing loss and it’s going to sting for a day. We have a game coming up next week that we were going to have to win anyways and I think we know that and obviously we’re disappointed with how today went and embarrassed. You’re sick to your stomach about it, but I think like I said, we knew we have to win that game against Seattle next week and we’ll handle Week 17 when it gets here. Next week will be a big one for us, absolutely."
(On if he can diagnose the final two passing plays on the last offensive series)
"Yeah, the first one to (R
Cam (Akers), I would have liked to give him a little bit more of a chance there or maybe progress through the play. Didn’t love where I put it. The second one, yeah I got everything we wanted, threw a ball out there and (Jets S Marcus) Maye made a good play. I mean, he made a great defensive play and we weren’t able to convert on it.”
(On what happened with the interception)
"I forced a ball I shouldn’t throw. I just thought I could fit one in to (WR) Robert (Woods) and he made a great play."
(On if it’s possible for the young team to mature to the point where it can take advantage of these opportunities)
"I think it’s very possible. I think, like I mentioned today, it’s extremely disappointing but we’ve shown time and time again that we respond in the right way. What better chance is there to respond then next week against the Seattle Seahawks? I know for this week, really for these 24 hours, we’ll be disappointed about this, but starting tomorrow we’ll be ready to go and geared up to go up to Seattle."
(On if the New York Jets were executing well or if there were some missed plays)
"Both. Honestly, I think it was more missed execution on our part. They played well defensively, and especially up front they were able to play really well. But honestly, we didn’t execute. I didn’t execute. We didn’t do a lot of the things we had prepped to do and that’s how you lose a game, is by not executing what you’re supposed to execute."
(On if there was any thought to change the play to something shorter on third down and fourth down deep shots)
"No."
Jets Head Coach Adam Gase
Opening Statement…
I’ll just start out with the injuries: Quinnen (Williams) went out, he’s in the concussion protocol. Everyone else returned. I thought the guys did a good job working together in all three phases. We had some big plays in the game. We did some good stuff in the closing minutes to finish it off. We had a little lull there at the beginning of the fourth quarter where we had to get some things cleaned up to help us keep the lead we had. I thought the guys did a great job of keeping their heads down, working, and finishing he game the right way.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: Can you describe your emotions as you took victory formation three times? And what did you say to the players afterwards?
I don’t think I have paid as much attention to the victory formations as I did this game because I was making sure we were good. I didn’t want anything going on. I just kept talking to Sam (Darnold) about getting our guys back in the huddle, making sure he did the right thing with using the clock. It’s been a while since we have been in that. I’m just happy for our guys. They’ve done such a great job of how they’ve worked. They’ve been through a lot of adversity. It’s been too long for us to even remember what a win feels like almost. It’s great to see those guys that excited.
Otis Livingston, NBC New York: Again, you guys got off to a great start and led at the half. Everything was going in your favor. It didn’t end up being an easy victory. Talk about the team’s resilience to be able to get that first win of the season.
Any time you’re playing a team that’s pretty good, they have the number one defense, their offense has tons of players, guys that can make…you saw it today, it just takes one or two touches and, all of a sudden, they’re from one side of the field to the other very quickly. The guys just kept coming back, wiring in. I thought the defensive coaches did a great job being aggressive in the right way. I can’t say enough about Marcus Maye. What he did in this game…he almost tried to end it himself with an interception, but then he made a hell of a play at the end of the game. I’m just glad that he was out there.
Rich Cimini, ESPN: For weeks, we have been asking you questions about going 0-16. Is there a big sense of relief off your shoulders? Put it in personal perspective.
I’m happy for our guys. If you watch them work every day and see how hard they compete in games, they deserved this. They deserved it a while ago. We had a few snatched away from us and to finally close out a game against a good team says a lot about what kind of character we have in this locker room.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: Is that as good as you have seen Sam across the board this season?
He did a great job. He made the right decisions. There was no panic. He was calm throughout the game. That third down play was textbook of going through his progressions and finding the back. It’s a good thing we had a Hall of Fame running back (Frank Gore) in there that seems to make plays at the right time.
Otis Livingston, NBC New York: Having lost so many games down the stretch as well, what was the difference today? How were you guys able to not only get off to a great start, but to be able to seal the deal at the end, and doing it in all three phases?
It was well executed. I think guys really did a good job of following the plan we out together on Wednesday as a unit. It had to be played a certain way. We talked about throwing the stat book out at the end of the game. It was about getting positive plays on offense, making sure that we kept those guys in front of us on defense, eliminate explosive plays, trying to find negative plays, put pressure on the quarterback. On special teams, we thought we had to steal a possession. Guys just did a great job of doing their job. We had 11 guys trust in each other.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Tell us about the decision on fourth-and-one in the third quarter at the goal line. Number one, going for it, and then going to Frank (Gore)
I don’t even know if it was fourth-and-one. It almost looked like if they moved the ball slightly, it would have been a touchdown. I don’t know if I could have lived with myself on that one if we had kicked a field goal. We were just hoping Big Ticket (Mekhi Becton) and the boys would give enough space to where Frank could punch it in there.
Otis Livingston, NBC New York: Can you talk about the way the offensive line performed, including Big Ticket, as you talked about? Aaron Donald and those guys are pretty formattable. They were able to keep Sam upright for the majority of the day to make those great decisions…
It’s a scary front to go against. When you watch the tape coming into a game, when you watch how many times Aaron Donald breaks through the line, (you) see how many times he is double-teamed, and it doesn’t matter. You have to get the ball out quick. You have to be very selective when you push the ball down the field. That’s why the yardage is what it is because they don’t allow you to do it. If you hold onto the ball, they’re going to get back there. I thought Sam did a good job of throwing some balls away. He got the ball out of his hand. Sometimes, it doesn’t end up being the way you want it. It doesn’t look pretty sometimes, but you have to do what you have to do. Really, you have to make sure every possession ends with a kick. You have to play turnover-free football against these guys.
Al Iannazzone, New York Newsday: How big of a play was that by Braden (Mann) on that punt return?
I was standing on the end where the returner was coming, and there was a lot of green grass. That was an unbelievable tackle by him.
Brian Costello, New York Post: When you had to settle for field goals after the blocked punt and the interception in the first half, in the back of your mind, were you wondering if it would come back to haunt you?
I’m sure I was throwing some slight temper tantrums in my head. That was just something big we talked about. One of the key points for us was making sure we win the red zone so when we got down there, points are OK, but against this team, we felt like we needed touchdowns. When we missed out on two opportunities, that was frustrating. Our guys did a good job of bouncing back and putting drives together.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: On TV, they reported that Sean (McVay) called you during the week just to talk about how hard your guys had been playing. I’m curious what that was like and what he had to say to you after the game?
He called me at 7:15 a.m. our time, which I’m sitting there going, ‘I can’t believe he’s at the office already,’ because it’s 4:15 (in Los Angeles). I was going to answer it, just because I knew he was up and wanted to say something. He just said, “Watching the tape,” he was like, “Man, these guys play hard for you. I know things haven’t gone the way you’ve wanted, but just keep those guys grinding and keep them pushing.”
Rich Cimini, ESPN: A win like this produces a lot of conflicting emotions because there is a large segment of the fan base that wanted you guys to lose out and get the number one pick. What do you say to those fans?
Our job is to try and go out and win every week.
Brian Costello, New York Post: What was the key to the defensive game plan that Frank (Bush) put together against this team?
It was about eliminating the big plays, any kind of chunk plays down the field in the passing game, do a good job in the run game. We kind of started getting loose there when Quinnen (Williams) went out. Obviously, we can see his value and how good of a player he is and the negative plays that he can create. It was about our tempo of understanding that when they go to the ball, we have to be ready to go. We could not give up plays because we weren’t ready. They play with really good tempo. They do it better than anybody else as far as getting on the ball and going. I felt like our guys did a good job of being ready to go and didn’t allow them to get big plays when those situations came up.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Adam, for those of us, obviously we won’t be in the locker, can you describe what that locker room is like right now?
It’s lively in there. It’s loud. It’s a lot of excited guys. We have a long flight back, so this will make it a lot more enjoyable.
Shara Taylor, New York Beacon: Coach, congratulations on the win. Is there anything you plan to take away from this week for next week against the Browns?
We just have to put another good week of practice together. I thought the guys did a good job coming back after a long trip from Seattle, which was a rough game for us obvioulsy, and getting ready for the next one knowing we were playing a really good team. We’re going against another good team and we have to put (in) a good week of preparation. We have Christmas is coming up, so it’s one of those things that, in this profession, we have to make sure we schedule the right way and be ready to go on Sunday.
Jets QB Sam Darnold
Rich Cimini, ESPN: Sam, could you just talk about the sense of emotion you were feeling as you were taking the knees in the victory formation at the end?
Yeah, I mean, it’s the greatest feeling in sports to be able to ice the game out and know we had it. It’s the best. Just that drive alone. We knew we couldn’t give it back to them and for us to be able to execute when we really needed to, that was something that, obviously, we haven’t done all year and to be able to execute and see it kind of come all into fruition, I think that was the biggest thing for us and it was an amazing feeling.
Otis Livingston, WCBS: Sam, how good do you feel for your teammates and the coaching staff given that you were 0-13 coming into this game, coming off a 37-point loss on the west coast as well, and then to come out to get the victory against a very tough Ram defense, in particular at defense.
Yeah, I mean, again, I thought we had a really good plan, I thought we executed really well. But the biggest thing for us was consistency throughout the game. For us to be able to continue to run the ball, continue to throw it, and for me just continuing to get the ball out in a timely manner, not taking so many negative plays and not throwing the ball to the other team. That’s, it’s huge. We were staying positive even if we had a setback, whether it’s a holding or that personal foul penalty, we were able to stay positive after that and end the drive with a kick, and that’s what Coach Gase, that’s what all the coaches talk about and that’s what we talk about as players, ending the drive with a kick, and for us to stay in as many manageable downs and distances as we could during that game. I thought our team did a really good job.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Sam, could you describe the third-and six before the two-minute warning there, what you’re looking for, and kind of when you saw Frank (Gore) flash open?
Yeah, I mean, it was a pretty simple design and Frank, when he got to the middle there was no one around him and he was waving his arms and I was like, ‘Alright Frank, I see you,’ so I just kind of dumped it down and he did a really good job, something we teach all the time, when he caught it he just backed his way into getting a first down. He didn’t even turn his shoulders, he just started backpedaling once he caught it. It was a great job by Frank that whole last drive.
Sam Farmer, LA Times: Sam, anything special about doing this in Los Angeles for you?
Not really, it’s just really special to get this win. That’s all I’m focused on and I can’t wait to go celebrate a little more with my teammates.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Sam, it would have been understandable if guys kind of packed it in a few weeks ago after the Raiders game and the way you guys lost in Seattle. How has this team kept it together?
We’ve got great guys. I’ve been saying it all year. We’ve got great guys in that locker room and a great coaching staff. Yeah, I’m super proud of them.
Rich Cimini, ESPN: Are there any particular plays from this game that you look back on as key plays that not necessarily offensive, just either special teams or defense, the ones that stand out to you the most?
Yeah, I mean, the punt block that we had was huge, a huge momentum swing. Marcus Maye, to be able to make that play at the end of the game for us, I know he dropped that pick on the bootleg late in the game and he said he had to make up for it, so he did a great job batting that ball away on fourth down. And Braden Mann, game-saving tackle, can’t say enough about him and his effort. I think he’s made a couple of those this year. Just a really good job overall, complimentary football all around and, again, just super proud of the guys.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: Sam, do you recall being as emotion about a win as you are today even though you’re not kind of showing it to us now, but maybe in the locker room with the guys?
Yeah, I mean, it’s an amazing feeling. It’s amazing. Like I said, I just can’t wait to celebrate a little bit more with my teammates and coaches.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Sam, just how critical was it for you getting the ball out of your hand quickly today knowing what that Rams front can do?
Yeah, it was huge. That was our game plan coming in. We knew they were going to disrupt us up front and I knew I just had to get the ball out. And again, like I said, even if, especially early on, even if we didn’t necessarily get the first down on third down, as long as we kept having positive plays, that was our mindset coming into the game and our guys executed and we did a really good job today with that.
Otis Livingston, WCBS: Sam, as you’re probably aware there’s a lot of Jets fans that wished that you guys had lost out, gone 0-16, which, to me isn’t really a great fan in itself, but when you hear that kind of talk how does that affect you, how do you keep yourself focused on the job at hand and not listen to the outside noise because that number one pick is Trevor Lawrence, a quarterback?
Yeah, it doesn’t affect us. We’re focused on one job every single week and that’s winning a game. Anything other than that, we’re not focused on.
--RAMS--
December 20, 2020
Head Coach Sean McVay, QB Jared Goff, Jets Head Coach Adam Gase and Jets QB Sam Darnold
Head Coach Sean McVay
(Opening Remarks)
“First of all, congratulations to the Jets. They came in here ready to go, made enough plays to win the football game and hats off to them. We didn’t do enough to get it done and it’s very disappointing. I thought we had a good week of preparation, but offensively, just unbelievably poor to start the game, penalties shot ourselves in the foot, dug ourselves in too deep of a hole. You get a punt blocked, defense kind of kept us in it, and then it was kind of a flip of momentum. But ultimately, we make no excuses. We’re going to go back, look at this, and we’re going to learn from it and we’re going to move forward. That’s all I know how to do. It’s extremely disappointing, but you’re not going to get any excuses from me and I have to do a better job at having our team ready to go.”
(On his decisions on the last offensive series with the two long passes on third and fourth down)
“Yeah, we felt like we were going to be able to get an opportunity. Really on the third-down, we had some looks that we felt like we had a good isolation, but clearly, we have to be able to progress there. And then on the fourth down, had (TE) Gerald Everett in a man-to-man situation, and then (WR) Cooper (Kupp) on an underneath route, where, if we didn’t love that, kind of a little high low. Ultimately, we didn’t make those plays, but we got the coverage and the looks that we were looking for there.”
(On if he could sense why they were making uncharacteristic mistakes such as dropped passes)
“It’s hard to say. I think you have to go back and look at it. You don’t want to make any sort of excuses. Had a little bit of a layoff and we weren’t nearly as sharp. I thought the penalties were really hurtful for us too. We had some big hits in the run game where you look like you’re getting yourself. We had one that actually scores and it comes back, so it’ll be interesting to really go back and look at this. I’m not going to make any excuses though. We didn’t do enough, and I have to be better for our football team.”
(On what he saw from QB Jared Goff today)
“I have to go back and look at it. I thought he did a good job getting us a couple scoring drives, and then we had our opportunities and ultimately, collectively we didn’t make enough plays and get it done.”
(On what he believes the main issue was with their performance today)
“I have to do a better job of getting us ready to go. And really, it was in all three phases. It wasn’t good enough. This loss will demoralize us only as much as we allow it to. It’s going to be embarrassing, sick to your stomach about it, but we do have two games left and we have to find a way to respond and rebound on a short week, not really a short week but this week, as we get ready for the Seahawks. That was very humbling, and it’s going to be humbling, but we’re going to move forward. That’s exactly what we’ll do. That’s all I know how to do.”
(On why he didn’t go to two tight end sets earlier, which seemed to work the previous two weeks)
“Yeah, we really didn’t have a chance to get any plays because we were three and out. The snaps were so few and far between and we had the penalties. So, the first half was really just not much of an opportunity to get any sort of drive continuity or rhythm if you will. I don’t know if it was as much about the personnel groupings as it was the execution.”
(On what he said to the players afterwards, and how he learns from what happened today)
“Just like anything else, whether you lose or you win, you always learn. You move forward and you can’t allow the previous result, whether it be good or bad, to affect the way that you prepare for the following week. And so, what I say to the team, I keep that between us but I expect us to be able to respond. I’m going to go back to work, look at this, be honest with the mistakes that I made and where I can be better to help prepare and make sure that we avoid making some of the same mistakes twice. But like I said, this is not the result, or not the type of game that we expected, but this is why you play sports.”
QB Jared Goff
(On why the offense did not have rhythm the first half of the game and what he was seeing from his perspective)
"Yeah, I think they did a good job defensively doing some things to prevent us from getting into that rhythm. I think with that being said though, bottom line we didn’t execute up to our standards offensively in the first half. I thought in the second half we bounced back and played a lot better, but it was too little, too late obviously."
(On if he had any sense that a letdown against the Jets would be possible over the last ten days of preparation)
"No."
(On losing an opportunity to clench a playoff spot and where he feels this puts the team going into the games against the Seahawks and Cardinals)
"Yeah obviously a disappointing loss and it’s going to sting for a day. We have a game coming up next week that we were going to have to win anyways and I think we know that and obviously we’re disappointed with how today went and embarrassed. You’re sick to your stomach about it, but I think like I said, we knew we have to win that game against Seattle next week and we’ll handle Week 17 when it gets here. Next week will be a big one for us, absolutely."
(On if he can diagnose the final two passing plays on the last offensive series)
"Yeah, the first one to (R
Cam (Akers), I would have liked to give him a little bit more of a chance there or maybe progress through the play. Didn’t love where I put it. The second one, yeah I got everything we wanted, threw a ball out there and (Jets S Marcus) Maye made a good play. I mean, he made a great defensive play and we weren’t able to convert on it.”(On what happened with the interception)
"I forced a ball I shouldn’t throw. I just thought I could fit one in to (WR) Robert (Woods) and he made a great play."
(On if it’s possible for the young team to mature to the point where it can take advantage of these opportunities)
"I think it’s very possible. I think, like I mentioned today, it’s extremely disappointing but we’ve shown time and time again that we respond in the right way. What better chance is there to respond then next week against the Seattle Seahawks? I know for this week, really for these 24 hours, we’ll be disappointed about this, but starting tomorrow we’ll be ready to go and geared up to go up to Seattle."
(On if the New York Jets were executing well or if there were some missed plays)
"Both. Honestly, I think it was more missed execution on our part. They played well defensively, and especially up front they were able to play really well. But honestly, we didn’t execute. I didn’t execute. We didn’t do a lot of the things we had prepped to do and that’s how you lose a game, is by not executing what you’re supposed to execute."
(On if there was any thought to change the play to something shorter on third down and fourth down deep shots)
"No."
Jets Head Coach Adam Gase
Opening Statement…
I’ll just start out with the injuries: Quinnen (Williams) went out, he’s in the concussion protocol. Everyone else returned. I thought the guys did a good job working together in all three phases. We had some big plays in the game. We did some good stuff in the closing minutes to finish it off. We had a little lull there at the beginning of the fourth quarter where we had to get some things cleaned up to help us keep the lead we had. I thought the guys did a great job of keeping their heads down, working, and finishing he game the right way.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: Can you describe your emotions as you took victory formation three times? And what did you say to the players afterwards?
I don’t think I have paid as much attention to the victory formations as I did this game because I was making sure we were good. I didn’t want anything going on. I just kept talking to Sam (Darnold) about getting our guys back in the huddle, making sure he did the right thing with using the clock. It’s been a while since we have been in that. I’m just happy for our guys. They’ve done such a great job of how they’ve worked. They’ve been through a lot of adversity. It’s been too long for us to even remember what a win feels like almost. It’s great to see those guys that excited.
Otis Livingston, NBC New York: Again, you guys got off to a great start and led at the half. Everything was going in your favor. It didn’t end up being an easy victory. Talk about the team’s resilience to be able to get that first win of the season.
Any time you’re playing a team that’s pretty good, they have the number one defense, their offense has tons of players, guys that can make…you saw it today, it just takes one or two touches and, all of a sudden, they’re from one side of the field to the other very quickly. The guys just kept coming back, wiring in. I thought the defensive coaches did a great job being aggressive in the right way. I can’t say enough about Marcus Maye. What he did in this game…he almost tried to end it himself with an interception, but then he made a hell of a play at the end of the game. I’m just glad that he was out there.
Rich Cimini, ESPN: For weeks, we have been asking you questions about going 0-16. Is there a big sense of relief off your shoulders? Put it in personal perspective.
I’m happy for our guys. If you watch them work every day and see how hard they compete in games, they deserved this. They deserved it a while ago. We had a few snatched away from us and to finally close out a game against a good team says a lot about what kind of character we have in this locker room.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: Is that as good as you have seen Sam across the board this season?
He did a great job. He made the right decisions. There was no panic. He was calm throughout the game. That third down play was textbook of going through his progressions and finding the back. It’s a good thing we had a Hall of Fame running back (Frank Gore) in there that seems to make plays at the right time.
Otis Livingston, NBC New York: Having lost so many games down the stretch as well, what was the difference today? How were you guys able to not only get off to a great start, but to be able to seal the deal at the end, and doing it in all three phases?
It was well executed. I think guys really did a good job of following the plan we out together on Wednesday as a unit. It had to be played a certain way. We talked about throwing the stat book out at the end of the game. It was about getting positive plays on offense, making sure that we kept those guys in front of us on defense, eliminate explosive plays, trying to find negative plays, put pressure on the quarterback. On special teams, we thought we had to steal a possession. Guys just did a great job of doing their job. We had 11 guys trust in each other.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Tell us about the decision on fourth-and-one in the third quarter at the goal line. Number one, going for it, and then going to Frank (Gore)
I don’t even know if it was fourth-and-one. It almost looked like if they moved the ball slightly, it would have been a touchdown. I don’t know if I could have lived with myself on that one if we had kicked a field goal. We were just hoping Big Ticket (Mekhi Becton) and the boys would give enough space to where Frank could punch it in there.
Otis Livingston, NBC New York: Can you talk about the way the offensive line performed, including Big Ticket, as you talked about? Aaron Donald and those guys are pretty formattable. They were able to keep Sam upright for the majority of the day to make those great decisions…
It’s a scary front to go against. When you watch the tape coming into a game, when you watch how many times Aaron Donald breaks through the line, (you) see how many times he is double-teamed, and it doesn’t matter. You have to get the ball out quick. You have to be very selective when you push the ball down the field. That’s why the yardage is what it is because they don’t allow you to do it. If you hold onto the ball, they’re going to get back there. I thought Sam did a good job of throwing some balls away. He got the ball out of his hand. Sometimes, it doesn’t end up being the way you want it. It doesn’t look pretty sometimes, but you have to do what you have to do. Really, you have to make sure every possession ends with a kick. You have to play turnover-free football against these guys.
Al Iannazzone, New York Newsday: How big of a play was that by Braden (Mann) on that punt return?
I was standing on the end where the returner was coming, and there was a lot of green grass. That was an unbelievable tackle by him.
Brian Costello, New York Post: When you had to settle for field goals after the blocked punt and the interception in the first half, in the back of your mind, were you wondering if it would come back to haunt you?
I’m sure I was throwing some slight temper tantrums in my head. That was just something big we talked about. One of the key points for us was making sure we win the red zone so when we got down there, points are OK, but against this team, we felt like we needed touchdowns. When we missed out on two opportunities, that was frustrating. Our guys did a good job of bouncing back and putting drives together.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: On TV, they reported that Sean (McVay) called you during the week just to talk about how hard your guys had been playing. I’m curious what that was like and what he had to say to you after the game?
He called me at 7:15 a.m. our time, which I’m sitting there going, ‘I can’t believe he’s at the office already,’ because it’s 4:15 (in Los Angeles). I was going to answer it, just because I knew he was up and wanted to say something. He just said, “Watching the tape,” he was like, “Man, these guys play hard for you. I know things haven’t gone the way you’ve wanted, but just keep those guys grinding and keep them pushing.”
Rich Cimini, ESPN: A win like this produces a lot of conflicting emotions because there is a large segment of the fan base that wanted you guys to lose out and get the number one pick. What do you say to those fans?
Our job is to try and go out and win every week.
Brian Costello, New York Post: What was the key to the defensive game plan that Frank (Bush) put together against this team?
It was about eliminating the big plays, any kind of chunk plays down the field in the passing game, do a good job in the run game. We kind of started getting loose there when Quinnen (Williams) went out. Obviously, we can see his value and how good of a player he is and the negative plays that he can create. It was about our tempo of understanding that when they go to the ball, we have to be ready to go. We could not give up plays because we weren’t ready. They play with really good tempo. They do it better than anybody else as far as getting on the ball and going. I felt like our guys did a good job of being ready to go and didn’t allow them to get big plays when those situations came up.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Adam, for those of us, obviously we won’t be in the locker, can you describe what that locker room is like right now?
It’s lively in there. It’s loud. It’s a lot of excited guys. We have a long flight back, so this will make it a lot more enjoyable.
Shara Taylor, New York Beacon: Coach, congratulations on the win. Is there anything you plan to take away from this week for next week against the Browns?
We just have to put another good week of practice together. I thought the guys did a good job coming back after a long trip from Seattle, which was a rough game for us obvioulsy, and getting ready for the next one knowing we were playing a really good team. We’re going against another good team and we have to put (in) a good week of preparation. We have Christmas is coming up, so it’s one of those things that, in this profession, we have to make sure we schedule the right way and be ready to go on Sunday.
Jets QB Sam Darnold
Rich Cimini, ESPN: Sam, could you just talk about the sense of emotion you were feeling as you were taking the knees in the victory formation at the end?
Yeah, I mean, it’s the greatest feeling in sports to be able to ice the game out and know we had it. It’s the best. Just that drive alone. We knew we couldn’t give it back to them and for us to be able to execute when we really needed to, that was something that, obviously, we haven’t done all year and to be able to execute and see it kind of come all into fruition, I think that was the biggest thing for us and it was an amazing feeling.
Otis Livingston, WCBS: Sam, how good do you feel for your teammates and the coaching staff given that you were 0-13 coming into this game, coming off a 37-point loss on the west coast as well, and then to come out to get the victory against a very tough Ram defense, in particular at defense.
Yeah, I mean, again, I thought we had a really good plan, I thought we executed really well. But the biggest thing for us was consistency throughout the game. For us to be able to continue to run the ball, continue to throw it, and for me just continuing to get the ball out in a timely manner, not taking so many negative plays and not throwing the ball to the other team. That’s, it’s huge. We were staying positive even if we had a setback, whether it’s a holding or that personal foul penalty, we were able to stay positive after that and end the drive with a kick, and that’s what Coach Gase, that’s what all the coaches talk about and that’s what we talk about as players, ending the drive with a kick, and for us to stay in as many manageable downs and distances as we could during that game. I thought our team did a really good job.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Sam, could you describe the third-and six before the two-minute warning there, what you’re looking for, and kind of when you saw Frank (Gore) flash open?
Yeah, I mean, it was a pretty simple design and Frank, when he got to the middle there was no one around him and he was waving his arms and I was like, ‘Alright Frank, I see you,’ so I just kind of dumped it down and he did a really good job, something we teach all the time, when he caught it he just backed his way into getting a first down. He didn’t even turn his shoulders, he just started backpedaling once he caught it. It was a great job by Frank that whole last drive.
Sam Farmer, LA Times: Sam, anything special about doing this in Los Angeles for you?
Not really, it’s just really special to get this win. That’s all I’m focused on and I can’t wait to go celebrate a little more with my teammates.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Sam, it would have been understandable if guys kind of packed it in a few weeks ago after the Raiders game and the way you guys lost in Seattle. How has this team kept it together?
We’ve got great guys. I’ve been saying it all year. We’ve got great guys in that locker room and a great coaching staff. Yeah, I’m super proud of them.
Rich Cimini, ESPN: Are there any particular plays from this game that you look back on as key plays that not necessarily offensive, just either special teams or defense, the ones that stand out to you the most?
Yeah, I mean, the punt block that we had was huge, a huge momentum swing. Marcus Maye, to be able to make that play at the end of the game for us, I know he dropped that pick on the bootleg late in the game and he said he had to make up for it, so he did a great job batting that ball away on fourth down. And Braden Mann, game-saving tackle, can’t say enough about him and his effort. I think he’s made a couple of those this year. Just a really good job overall, complimentary football all around and, again, just super proud of the guys.
Mark Cannizzaro, New York Post: Sam, do you recall being as emotion about a win as you are today even though you’re not kind of showing it to us now, but maybe in the locker room with the guys?
Yeah, I mean, it’s an amazing feeling. It’s amazing. Like I said, I just can’t wait to celebrate a little bit more with my teammates and coaches.
Brian Costello, New York Post: Sam, just how critical was it for you getting the ball out of your hand quickly today knowing what that Rams front can do?
Yeah, it was huge. That was our game plan coming in. We knew they were going to disrupt us up front and I knew I just had to get the ball out. And again, like I said, even if, especially early on, even if we didn’t necessarily get the first down on third down, as long as we kept having positive plays, that was our mindset coming into the game and our guys executed and we did a really good job today with that.
Otis Livingston, WCBS: Sam, as you’re probably aware there’s a lot of Jets fans that wished that you guys had lost out, gone 0-16, which, to me isn’t really a great fan in itself, but when you hear that kind of talk how does that affect you, how do you keep yourself focused on the job at hand and not listen to the outside noise because that number one pick is Trevor Lawrence, a quarterback?
Yeah, it doesn’t affect us. We’re focused on one job every single week and that’s winning a game. Anything other than that, we’re not focused on.
--RAMS--
| Subject | Author | Views | Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shaky | 239 | December 20, 2020 05:04PM |
