Rams beat Seahawks: Sean McVay discusses injuries and L.A.’s slow start

The Los Angeles Rams made corrections on a short week, getting a big time win over the division rival Seattle Seahawks by a final score of 26-17. There were multiple storylines to recap here, but few more important than the late injury to cornerback Darious Williams. Here’s what Sean McVay and Jalen Ramsey had to say on the issue.

Multiple starters suffer injuries

“I don’t have an update on Darious. I’m not sure about him yet and then Matthew continued to battle through. I know he got his finger nicked up. I’m not sure of the specifics.”

The injury bug was out in full force in Seattle, with Stafford, Tyler Higbee, Darrell Henderson, and Darious Williams all getting bit. Higbee and Henderson missed a few plays while Stafford played through his dislocated finger. Williams did not return to the game. Thankfully, the starting cornerback and the Rams have a few extra days to get healthy.

Offense starts slow but finishes strong

“I thought they did a good job making some plays. We were just a little ahead of some of our progressions. I thought Matthew was playing really fast, but was a little bit ahead of some things early on.”

The Rams struggled early, only managing to score three points in the first half. Stafford and company turned it on in the second half with 23 points after intermission.

McVay on Robert Woods

“He deserved it. We were definitely trying to get him involved tonight. He delivered in a big way. There’s a reason he has a “C” on his chest...He’s a stud.”

Robert Woods got involved out of the gate, racking up four catches and 50 yards in the first quarter alone. He finished with 12 catches for 150 yards.

McVay on Henderson and Michel complementing each other in the run game

“I think when you end up saying 14 and 11 (carries for Henderson and Michel respectively), that’s a good balance…Each game is kind of its own entity, but I thought tonight they spelled each other and did a great job.”

Henderson and Michel combined for 119 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns. Henderson actually had 17 carries, but who’s counting?

Stafford on his injured finger

“I maybe got it on a handoff or a snap or something; I’m not 100 percent sure. I looked down and felt a little pressure in there and it was just a little bit out of place. I was able to put it back in and kept going. It didn’t affect me too much.”

What is it with the Rams and their quarterbacks’ fingers in Seattle? Thankfully Stafford was able to finish the game and get the win after dislocating the index finger on his throwing hand.

Stafford on throwing a terrible interception in the end zone

“Obviously, I can’t make that mistake I made. Throwing that ball away, I got to really throw it away, throw it away.”

Any time the offense turns the ball over inside the 10 yard line is bad. To turn it over on a nonchalant attempt to throw the ball away is inexcusable for a veteran. Luckily it didn’t cost Los Angeles the victory.

Robert Woods on his massive involvement

“Had a little talk, just trying to get involved in the offense. Me and McVay spoke. He said he was going to get me some touches.”

This reminded me of when a player requests more opportunities in Madden. Woods definitely got the boost in “xp” points after this one.

Aaron Donald on the defense getting two turnovers

“Every week you want those takeaways. That’s huge in tough games like this….We talk about that every week.”

Donald and the defense stepped up when it was most important, getting two interceptions, including the game-sealer by Nick Scott with under a minute left. Also, congratulations to AD becoming the all Rams all-time sack leader with 88.5.

Jalen Ramsey on Darious Williams going down

“It’s tough just because he’s a key player for us, obviously starting corner. He also allows me to do different things and play different roles in the defense just with his versatility…We’ll hope for the best and pray that he’ll be okay.”

Ramsey added that he doesn’t know Williams’ status but that part of the interview didn’t feel good. Hopefully Williams doesn’t miss much time, if any. In other news, Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2023 sixth-round pick. That burns a bit right now.

At least the Rams righted the ship, getting a much needed division win. On to the New York Giants with a 4-1 record!