Bobby Wagner: How Facing Rams 'Like Playing Chess'

Wagner recently discussed what it was like playing the Rams

Sean McVay is widely considered to be one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, as he consistently has the Rams near the top of several offensive stats lists. 

While some will argue he has it easy with the weapons he has to work with in his offensive system, that is simplifying things to a degree that diminishes what McVay brings. 

Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates with teammates Matthew Stafford (9) and Van Jefferson (12) after a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, having a receiver like Cooper Kupp or a quarterback like Matthew Stafford makes life easier for McVay, but he still has to draw up plays and schemes that enable the talented offensive players on the team to succeed. 

Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cooper Kupp

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp (not pictured) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford

As a testament to this, newly signed linebacker Bobby Wagner was recently on the Rich Eisen Show and discussed his preparation in the weeks before the Seahawks played the Rams.

"There was one particular game where I was playing the Rams, whenever they motioned the running back out, I knew they weren’t throwing them the ball. And I kind of didn’t really play it because I knew they weren’t going there," Wagner said. 

"So the next time we played them, I knew they saw that. So I was like, ‘All right, they’re gonna run a running back screen at some point.’ So that kind of chess moves where it may not happen this game, but it will happen the next game. I remember it, I know they’ve seen it. I’m like, knowing them, I know they’ve seen that."

Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner

Now, Wagner will no longer have to play mental chess with McVay and the Rams' offensive staff. This offseason Wagner signed a five-year, $50 million deal to join a talented Rams defense looking to lead the team to a second straight Super Bowl win. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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