Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay savvy for a rookie head coach

The Los Angeles Rams rebuilding project is in good hands with Sean McVay, a rookie coach with veteran savvy.

Head coach Sean McVay’s inexperience could make him a risk to be in charge of the Los Angeles Rams rebuilding project — until you listen to him. McVay, Los Angeles’ 31-year old wunderkind, interviewed with ESPN LA 710 earlier this week. He talked about the certain aspects of the Rams rebuilding just prior to the start of training camp that begins next week.

As has been his custom in six months as Rams coach, McVay’s answers every question with a positive response, almost in a coachspeak mode.

For example, co-host Jorge Sedano asked McVay about what he saw on video when he watched quarterback Jared Goff that Goff needed to improve. Instead of rehashing Goff’s visible shortcomings from his rookie season in 2016, McVay issued a far more general answer, tying in Goff’s limited duties from his collegiate days at the University of California (again per ESPN LA 710):

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"I thought even last year he did some good things with all the changes that you’re asked to do when maybe your offensive attack is a little bit different (in college than in the NFL). But I think what you felt good about is that you see the talent. You see the little things show up. Just like anything else, the real test of a quarterback is when you’re live, how am I able to move and manipulate the pocket with the face of a rush where I can legitimately get tackled.I think from a projection standpoint, he did really good in practice. But ultimately, the games are what decide, dictate and determine how successful you are. And that’s why I think the preseason will be extremely invaluable for him. And then when we get to that (season) opener, that’s when the live bullets are flying and you can get a chance to really evaluate a guy."

Since his tenure began in January, McVay has refused to say anything disparaging about his team to the media. Still, he still showed a sense of humor and an ability to relate to players when he had a playful exchange with co-host Keyshawn Johnson.

First, McVay warned Johnson about his upcoming 40-yard dash for charity against fellow ex-NFL player Marcellus Wiley. After initially refusing to pick a winner, McVay sided with Johnson when Johnson said he could run a 4.8-second 40, saying:

"“But if you get out there and run a 5.0, I’m switching to Marcellus,”"

Johnson then asked McVay what his first offensive play of the 2017 season was going to be, Mcvay deadpanned:

"“We’re going for a double-reverse pass, and it is going to hit for 80.”"

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Training camp edition

The Rams rebuilding project begins with training camp later this week. Their rookie head coach, however, appears awfully comfortable in his skin. That should help the franchise get off to a promising start.

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