Rams Coach Sean McVay Welcomes Challenging Start to Season

The Los Angeles Rams have a tough start to the 2023 NFL season with three straight games against playoff teams, but head coach Sean McVay enjoys that challenge

With the 2023 NFL schedule releasing Thursday night, the Los Angeles Rams learned that they won't have it easy to start the season.

The Rams begin their season with a road game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, then have another divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers for their home opener in Week 2. Then in Week 3, they'll travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a Super Bowl LVI rematch on Monday Night Football. 

These three opponents combined for a 34-16 record in 2022 and all three made the playoffs. San Francisco and Cincinnati are particularly tough, both winning their divisions and making it to the conference championships. Additionally, the 49ers and Seahawks both swept the Rams last season. 

While this is a brutal start to the season, Rams head coach Sean McVay isn't one to back down from a challenge. In fact, McVay told NFL Network on Thursday that he loves having such a tough gauntlet to start out. 

“That’s what’s great about the NFL," McVay said. "Three playoff teams. Obviously, tremendous respect and we have familiarity. There’s been continuity on all three of those staffs. 

"But they’ve earned the right, they’ve done a great job. Seattle’s always a great place to play. Tremendous respect for those guys, but this is why you get into this. You love these challenges and looking forward to competing with this team and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Rams drew a tough slate all around. They rank ninth in strength of schedule for the upcoming season, with their opponents having a .533 win percentage in 2022. They also have one of the most demanding travel schedules in the league and face four teams coming off a bye week, tied for the most of any team.

This opening stretch will reveal a lot about the Rams for the 2023 season. Will they be able to bounce back from a rough 2022 campaign, or are they in for another disappointing year?

---

You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here

Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!

Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.

Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.