Los Angeles Rams: Did Mike Martz’s comments have ulterior motive?
Is it possible that former the Mike Martz comments criticizing the Los Angeles Rams choice in hiring Sean McVay was to give the team a rallying cry?
The Mike Martz comments about current Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay may be more puzzling a day later. Obviously, something doesn’t add up. Unless we’re into conspiracy theories — which seems to be the prevailing climate today.
SB Nation posted an excerpt from Blitzed: Why NFL Teams Gamble on Starting Rookie Quarterbacks earlier this week. In it, author Thomas George quoted former Rams coach Mike Martz blasting the Rams hiring of McVay. Responding to the inference that the Rams brought in the 31-year-old McVay to mentor quarterback Jared Goff, Martz said:
"What is he, a couple of months older than Jared? They hired a buddy for Jared. The NFL has nothing to do with being the friend or the buddy of the quarterback. You’ve got to coach them and work them hard with respect. But buddy? And this guy is a quarterback expert? An offensive expert? Wait a minute while I puke."
After the story came out, Martz went on ESPN LA 710 to dispute the direct quote. Martz’s denial would seem to make sense. As a former coach, he should understand that any controversial comment like the one attributed to him would become public.
More from Los Angeles Rams
- One surprise NFL team that should get in the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes
- Rams: Will 2023 be a bounce back season for Cooper Kupp?
- 2023 NFL Season: 3 major in-season trades that could go down
- Could the Los Angeles Rams trade their 3 core players in 2023?
- Los Angeles Rams finally add a veteran free agent in 2023
Why would he say that? His denial, however, had somewhat of an odd sense to it:
"“Let me just say this: That quote so disrespectful; that’s just not something I would say. The tone of it, I understand it and I agree with it. I just would never express it like that. That kind of bothers me.”"
George responded by standing by the quotes he attributed to Martz, Pro Football Talk reported. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter then vouched for George’s journalistic integrity.
Why would George make up that quote? And why would Schefter vouch for him and put his reputation on the line if he wasn’t sure? Let the conspiracy theories begin.
Martz met Goff and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. He said he liked both players and that Wentz went to a better situation. Maybe the Martz comments intended to prod the Rams’ current staff to take better care of Goff than former coach Jeff Fisher’s staff did.
Perhaps Martz still has affection for the Rams and knew that comments would rankle the team. The comments could serve as a type of adversity against which the organization could rally. Showing support for McVay could galvanize the team. Or Martz still could harbor resentment toward the Rams for firing him. He could make his feelings known and then believe his denial would prevent any ill feelings toward him.
Next: NFL RB Power Rankings 2017: Zeke suspension fallout
It’s possible that the Martz comments in the book are a fabrication. But at this point, that doesn’t seem to be the most plausible explanation.