From NBC Sports · · 1m 20s
McVay blames himself for Rams' Australia disaster
The Rams coach owns up to a travel strategy that backfired spectacularly in Week 1.
In brief
The Rams coach owns up to a travel strategy that backfired spectacularly in Week 1. McVay's decision to arrive in Australia just 24 hours before kickoff left the Rams jet-lagged and unprepared, while the 49ers' week-long acclimation paid off with a dominant 27-7 win. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Rams arrive in Australia unprepared
The Rams touched down in Australia just 24 hours before their Week 1 game against the 49ers, hoping to avoid jet lag by skipping acclimation entirely. The 49ers took the opposite approach, arriving a week early.
49ers dominate with better prep
San Francisco's week-long acclimation gave them a massive edge. The 49ers crushed the Rams 27-7, with Los Angeles looking completely out of sync.
McVay takes full responsibility
After the loss, McVay admitted his travel decision was a mistake. He called himself a "dumbass coach that makes travel plans that puts you in bad spots."
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn and sometimes you have a dumbass coach that makes travel plans that puts you in bad spots.”
Rams bounce back against Giants
Playing at home in Los Angeles on Monday night, the Rams looked like a completely different team. They dominated the Giants 28-6, showing what they're capable of when properly prepared.
Travel strategy heavily scrutinized
The Rams' decision to minimize acclimation time has faced intense criticism since the Week 1 loss. McVay's admission suggests the team won't repeat that experiment.
The takeaway
McVay's decision to arrive in Australia just 24 hours before kickoff left the Rams jet-lagged and unprepared, while the 49ers' week-long acclimation paid off with a dominant 27-7 win.
