'Let's Be What We Say!' Sean McVay Reveals Los Angeles Rams' Loss an Opportunity to Rebound

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay's outlook could provide some perspective after Week 8's blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Every coach talks about their team’s toughness and ability to deal with adversity. Those traits are ingrained in the fabric of the game. It’s never a surprise when -- win or lose -- those words are amplified by press conference microphones.

However, not every team goes 2-2 after losing its superstar receiver. Even fewer have to deal with uncertainty surrounding a starting quarterback just weeks later.

The Los Angeles Rams lost to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, 43-20. The loss puts them at 3-5 on the season, with the coming weeks projecting to be more perilous than their unlikely playoff odds would already suggest.

Stafford was hit frequently on Sunday, including some that likely caused/aggravated his thumb injury / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a thumb injury in Week 8 and was unable to return to action. His availability for Week 9’s contest against the Green Bay Packers is in doubt, and with it are Los Angeles’ aspirations.

Head coach Sean McVay chose to lean on the compliments he’s given his roster after the loss.

“Let’s be what we say now,” McVay said. “Unfortunately or fortunately, however you want to look at it, this provides an opportunity for us to really be tested. I do trust the character of the men in that locker room and the people and their resilience, and their ability to be able to get off the mat … Let’s respond in a way that we’re proud of.”

McVay may be unique in his ability to innovate and turn third-day draft picks into productive weapons, but he’s like the other 31 NFL coaches when it comes to pushing the “coach speak” button.

Simply put, it’s time to prove it.

He was honest about a cloudy future in the event Stafford or cornerback Cobie Durant is unavailable but maintains that this group has what it needs to find success without any particular player.

His theory will be put to the test not only against the Packers next Sunday, but in back-to-back divisional games following the Week 10 bye. They follow those games with dates against the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, who aren’t exactly slouches in their own right.

Overcoming talent disadvantages is one thing, doing so while missing key contributors is another. McVay’s trust, as well-intentioned as it may be, could very well not be enough.

Los Angeles’ road ahead will be difficult with or without its starting quarterback, though fans may be relieved that for once, the team’s first-round pick is its own to use. McVay will look to make that pick less valuable in the next few weeks, regardless of how healthy his starting lineup is.