Rams defeat Bucs: What Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford had to say after the win

The Los Angeles Rams continue their winning ways, defeating the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-24. There were a lot of interesting storylines to come out of this huge Week 3 contest, including Matthew Stafford throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns, Cooper Kupp having another dynamic performance, DeSean Jackson getting involved with 120 yards and a touchdown, Sony Michel doing work in the backfield on short notice, and a defensive performance that held the defending champions to 24 points (some in garbage time) and sacking Tom Brady four times.

After the game, Sean McVay and some key players talked to the press and we watched it so you don’t have to — Here’s what McVay and the Rams had to say after starting the season 3-0.

What DeSean Jackson said about seeing McVay after his 75-yard touchdown

“We got such a special relationship, over the years and the respect we have for one another. It was a great opportunity for me to score a 75 yarder first time back home. For him to be the first on I seen, that was special.”

Jackson had a coming out party with three catches for 120 yards. After missing on a few deep attempts early, Stafford and Jackson connected on a 75-yard touchdown pass to put the Rams up 21-7.

And here is Sean McVay...

Sean McVay on a complete team performance

“Really pleased with all three phases. That’s a football team that’s playing as well as anybody. It’s a big step in the right direction for us, but it’s just one game.”

The Rams checked all the boxes, with all three phases outplaying their respective counterpart. This was a complete team victory over the reigning Super Bowl champions that will certainly give L.A. an additional boost in confidence, as they prepare for division play next week against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals.

McVay on Matthew Stafford’s leadership on third downs

“Obviously, Matthew Stafford’s leadership was outstanding today. I thought he made some really incredible plays, especially third down. I thought he was outstanding on third down as the game started to unfold where we had that sequence where we went four drives in a row for touchdowns.”

L.A. shined on the money down, converting 10 of 15 attempts, including a stretch where the offense moved the chains or scored a touchdown on seven straight third downs. Sustaining drives and keeping Tom Brady on the sideline was critical in the win today.

No update on Justin Hollins’ injured pec

“I don’t have an update on him. Sorry about that.”

Justin Hollins exited the game with a pectoral injury in the fourth quarter. The Rams relied on Terrell Lewis and Chris Garrett to close the game out. Hopefully, there will be an update on Hollins’ condition early in the week.

Cooper Kupp on the aggressive nature of this offense

“I think you always want to be the aggressor, try to dictate things as much as you can offensively.”

Cooper Kupp continued his hot start, catching nine passes for 92 yards and one touchdown. Kupp is having a career year, thanks to a new quarterback under center, an expanded playbook, and aggressive play calling. Kupp became the first Rams wide receiver to catch five touchdowns in the first three games to start a season since 1951.

Aaron Donald on sack fumble combo on Tom Brady

“It was a big play for us. Anytime you can get to the quarterback, you’re active and it helps the team. Every sack’s a big sack, but to get them out of field goal range and end up missing was big for us.”

Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams defense held Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a season low 24 points. Donald had constant pressure, finishing the game with a sack, a forced fumble and a big time tackle for loss, sniffing out a screen pass on an important third and long late in the third quarter. Throw in one pass deflection for good measure.

Donald on the defense’s’ well-rounded performance

“I think guys are playing lights out…It’s multiple guys that’s out there flying around making plays…When you have a defense like that, where it’s all 11 making the big play, it’s hard for a team to beat a defense like that.”

Per the usual, AD’s fingerprints we’re all over this performance. The defense as a whole played physical throughout, including a perfect form tackle by second year outside linebacker Terrell Lewis on Rob Gronkowski, knocking him out of the game for a few series.

Matthew Stafford on rebounding after a slow start

“Nice to go out there and play our game. We went out there and executed. Didn’t start as fast as we wanted to but did a nice job coming back when we needed to.”

Matthew Stafford, playing in possibly the biggest regular season game of his NFL career, completed 27 of 38 passes for 343 yards and four touchdowns. At one point late in the second quarter, Stafford had completed 11 straight passes, after connecting on only one of his first six attempts.

The offense continues to put stress on opposing defenses

“He’ll (Kupp) be the first guy to tell you, when everybody around him is playing great, it helps. And that’s what we have right now.”

Kupp has definitely been the headliner but the Los Angeles receiving corps have all been doing their part. Stafford got the ball to six different receivers, including tight end Tyler Higbee and running back Sony Michel. That makes it harder to stop on player when everyone does their job well.

Kenny Young taking down the G.O.A.T.

“Honestly, I said ’Man I just sacked probably the greatest player of all time.’ That’s pretty dope. But I tried not to get a flag by over celebrating.”

Well, have a game Kenny Young! The Rams middle linebacker racked up 10 total tackles, a forced fumble, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Not bad for a throw in piece in the trade that sent Marcus Peters to the Baltimore Ravens.

Here are a few additional moments from today, including a great blitz pick up by Sony Michel and the game day arrival of Jalen Ramsey.