Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford talk about their return after Week 3 win over 49ers

“I see better than I hear. I saw a team respond after a really humiliating week last week. And three hours will never define you, good or bad, unless you let it, and we have to do a good job of building on that.” – McVay

A week after being eliminated on the road in a divisional game, the Rams found themselves with their backs against the wall once again. This time, they remained competitive and finished strong to earn their first win of the season against another division opponent. The Rams trailed by 10 points early in the fourth quarter and pulled out the victory, and a group of players contributed to the improbable comeback.

Receiver Tutu Atwell picked off a 50-yard pass from Stafford to set up running back Kyren Williams to tie the game. McVay said it made him realize Atwell “probably should have had more opportunities.” McVay also talked about his efforts to get Williams the ball more often, which he turned into 116 total yards and three touchdowns of production that “led to a good fantasy day, I’m sure, for his owners.” And then rookie kicker Joshua Karty made the game-winning 37-yard field goal.

Above all, McVay stressed how proud he was of the group for sticking it out when they were struggling, especially the players who took on different or increased roles due to injuries.

“We have to give credit to our coaches, you know, I mean it wasn’t the kind of thing we’re used to having on the field, but I also have to give credit to our guys for stepping up to the role that they were given this week, for going out there, for attacking and for helping our team win.” – Stafford

A group of Rams players who would normally have been backups stepped up when they needed to pull off a comeback that seemed impossible. They adapted to injury circumstances and stepped up to bigger roles to earn a much-needed win. Stafford said it was “a real testament to the guys in our locker room and the coaching staff. Safety Kamren Kinchens, Atwell, receiver Jordan Whittington and offensive lineman Logan Bruss are just a few of those guys.”

Stafford said Atwell in particular made a huge impact with some “crucial catches” late in the season. He acknowledged that “the NFL is an unlikely business” and that they earned the victory by staying true to their core values as a team, regardless of personnel.

In the end, Stafford said, “you just have to appreciate the good times and understand why they happened” so you can replicate the success.