Sean McVay has constructed one of many NFL’s most spectacular teaching résumés, reworking the Los Angeles Rams into perennial contenders whereas incomes a Tremendous Bowl championship and a popularity as one in all soccer’s brightest offensive minds. But even the league’s finest coaches are removed from good. Throughout almost a decade on the sidelines, McVay has made choices that sparked criticism, invited second-guessing, and, in some instances, altered the trajectory of a season. These moments don’t erase his accomplishments, however they do spotlight the tough stability each head coach faces between trusting instincts and making the correct name underneath immense stress. From personnel choices to sport administration and long-term roster constructing, listed below are the 5 largest errors of McVay’s teaching profession and why every continues to be debated by Rams followers and NFL analysts alike.
1. Clock Utilization in first half of 2026 NFC Championship Sport
Up 13-10 with 1:33 left within the 2nd Quarter, the Rams obtained the ball again after forcing a 3 & out. With the ball on their very own 28, scoring factors earlier than the half appeared like a bit of little bit of a stretch. However coming into halftime with the lead on the street was utterly possible. As an alternative, Sean McVay’s three performs calls had been run-pass-pass, solely burning 39 seconds of clock and never forcing the Seahawks to make use of any of their timeouts. The Seahawks obtained the ball again; drove 74 yards on 6 performs and scored a landing in 34 seconds…
Why it belongs: It was one of many main variations within the sport apart from the fumbled punt. The Rams misplaced 31-27. It was merely avoidable had the Rams compelled the Seahawks to name timeouts. Had the Rams protected the ball, they’d have been enjoying in Tremendous LX and sure dominated the Patriots.
The Rams offense in 2018 was the #2 scoring offense but it surely encounter resistance when Vic Fangio and the Chicago Bears used quarters protection and a 6 man entrance to styme the Rams outdoors zone scheme. Sean McVay and the Rams had been capable of nonetheless navigate their method via the remainder of the common season and the playoffs however by no means found out tips on how to counter. Invoice Belichick perfected Vic Fangio’s scheme and it resulted within the New England Patriots profitable Tremendous Bowl LIII 13-3; leaving Sean McVay befuddled and admitting he was “outcoached”.
Why it belongs: The Rams did not seize their second Lombardi trophy and precise revenge on the Patriots from the 2001 Tremendous Bowl.
3. Signing Jared Goff to a $134 Million Extension
After the Tremendous Bowl run, McVay and the Rams dedicated franchise-quarterback cash to Goff earlier than he had totally confirmed he may elevate the offense independently.
Inside two seasons, McVay had misplaced confidence in Goff, the offense declined considerably, and Los Angeles needed to connect a number of first-round picks simply to improve to Matthew Stafford.
Why it belongs: Whereas the Stafford commerce finally received the Rams a Tremendous Bowl, the Goff extension itself is commonly considered as an costly mistake and resulted in two common seasons. The Rams #1 protection in 2020 was held again by Goff’s lackluster QB play.
4. March 2022 Spending Spree
Contemporary off of profitable Tremendous Bowl LVI, the Rams wished to “Run it Back” with their Tremendous Bowl crew. After dropping out on the Von Miller sweepstakes to the Buffalo Payments, the Rams had been decided to spend. Relatively than being calculated, the Rams wished to push their chips ahead but once more. They signed Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner whereas re-signing Joe Noteboom and Brian Allen. The Rams spent $154 million on the 4 mixed gamers with $62.75 million assured cash.
Why it belongs: Not one of the 4 signings had been on the roster by the beginning of 2024. Jalen Ramsey was dealt after the 2023 season as a price reducing transfer.
5. 4th & 1 play name in opposition to 49ers in Week 5 2025
McVay has made numerous aggressive fourth-down choices all through his profession, and most have been well-reasoned. Nevertheless, his extra time play name in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5 of the 2025 season backfired in spectacular trend.
Dealing with fourth-and-1 on the San Francisco 11-yard line, McVay elected to go for the game-winning landing slightly than kick the tying subject purpose. The choice itself was debatable, however the precise play name drew widespread criticism. As an alternative of utilizing movement, misdirection, or one of many inventive ideas that outline his offense, the Rams ran a simple inside run right into a stacked defensive entrance.
I personally was okay with going for it on 4th & 1 in opposition to but it surely was the choice to place the ball in Kyren Williams’s arms slightly than Matthew Stafford that drew immense criticism.
Why it belongs: The Rams dropped to 3-2 and it was but one more reason the Rams did not the win the NFC West over the Seahawks when it was all mentioned and carried out.
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2026 NFC Championship GameSuper Bowl LIIIJared Goff extensionMarch 2022 Spending Spree4th & 1 vs. SF 49ers (2025)Different (Remark Under)Rec 1CommentsThin Stroke Remark Icon BubbleReplyRead 11 replies
