Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay owned up to his part in the 26-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on “Thursday Night Football,” but one critical decision left a lasting mark as fans took the 2021 Super Bowl champion to task on social media.
With the game on the line in overtime, and the Rams trailing on fourth-and-1, McVay opted against kicking a field goal, and with good reason.
However, he also opted against putting the ball in quarterback Matthew Stafford’s hands.
Rams HC Sean McVay Takes Heat Over Late-Game Decision
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the San Francisco 49ers.
Stafford was 30 of 47 for 389 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on the night. He had guided the Rams to the 49ers’ 11-yard line. Rams kicker Joshua Karty had already missed a field goal try and the point after attempt, leaving the typically aggressive McVay more so.
However, instead of allowing Stafford to make a play, the Rams handed the ball off to running back Kyren Williams, who had 65 yards on 14 carries and had fumbled at the goal line earlier.
The 49ers stuffed the play.
Notably, Rams starters right tackle Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee missed the game. The play called for Williams to run behind third-string tight end Davis Allen in addition to wide receivers Jordan Whittington and Puka Nacua.
“Running behind a TE and 2 WRs at the point of attack is a poor play call for this situation,” SiriusXM’s Geoff Schwartz posted.
“One note on the Rams’ failed 4th down att–their rushing attack is *very* efficient this year, but it’s also predicated on facing a ton of light boxes (for obvious reasons),” ESPN’s Mina Kimes posted on X on October 2. “Against <7 man boxes, they’re 1st in success rate league-wide. Against stacked boxes, drops to 19th.”
“Liked the call to go for it. Wish they put the ball in Stafford’s hands though (thought this b4 the play) win or loss I can accept it more,” The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen posted. “Such a disadvantage when you can’t sneak on fourth-and-short.”
Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford Get Honest About Final Play
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the San Francisco 49ers.
Karty seemingly atoned for his earlier mistakes, kicking the game-tying field goal that sent the contest into overtime. McVay said that he wished he had kicked the field goal in hindsight, but that it was not a consideration for the Rams in the moment.
“Give the Niners credit, they made enough plays to be able to win the football game. We had plenty of chances throughout this game. We stayed in it, we fought, we battled. But there’s a lot of things that we have to be able to clean up, and a lot of football left. But I’m pretty sick right now. I’m sick of the spot that I put our group in to end the game,” McVay told reporters on October 2. “These are the tough beats that you got to be able to learn from and move forward, and that’s what we’re going to do.
“[Attempting a field goal] wasn’t even a thought. But the play selection was very poor. I’m sick right now because I put our players in a s***** spot, and I got to live with that.”
McVay emphasized that the Rams came to win in justifying his initial decision.
“That’s a bread-and-butter short-yardage call for us. So, I didn’t have any problem with it,” Stafford told reporters postgame. “That’s trusting our guys to go out there and make a play. They did a nice job of stopping it. Frustrating that we didn’t get it. Wish I would have done more and found a way to help us win.
“I love that we went for it. That’s what – we’re not playing for a tie. Let’s go. Just wish we kept the drive alive and found a way to score.”
Next, McVay, Stafford, and the Rams travel to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6.
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