Sean McVay Praises Los Angeles Rams Coach Raheem Morris During Defense's Hot Streak
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, 37-14, to advance to 5-6 and keep their playoff hopes alive. While the resurgence in the run game soaked up the attention in Week 12—rightfully so—Los Angeles’ defense deserves some props, too.
In back-to-back NFC West matchups, the Rams entered with their backs against the wall and left with a chance at the NFC’s seventh seed. The defense took on two quality quarterbacks, Seattle Seahawks passer Geno Smith and Arizona’s Kyler Murray, and made them look pedestrian.
They’ve allowed three touchdowns in two weeks and have looked the part, limiting opposing offenses while creating just one turnover (a Drew Lock interception). The Rams have done so with an inexperienced defense that, on paper, looked like a bottom-five unit in the sport.
Rams defensive back Russ Yeast and linebacker Ernest Jones IV celebrate a stop in Week 12.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Sean McVay credited the strides young players have made, in large part due to the coaching of defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
“He's been the same great coach that I've always known. He's a great leader. He elevates people and situations that he's a part of and I think that's the greatest sign of leadership,” McVay said. “We always talk about trying to help guys reach and realize their highest potential. I think we're seeing a lot of growth and development from a lot of people that he has an influence on.”
Los Angeles currently ranks 19th in defensive expected points added per play and 14th in success rate. The defense is 16th in both points and yards allowed on a per-game basis.
However, McVay acknowledged that Morris’ fingerprints can be found all over the roster, not just the half that he supervises.
Raheem influences this whole building. He influences this coaching staff and these players in a real positive manner,” McVay said. “It certainly isn't to take any credit away from the job he's done, but I've seen [a] consistent, great coach this year … That's just who he is and he's as consistent as it gets.”
Morris’ reputation precedes him. As one of the most respected defensive minds in the sport, he’ll at the very least be in the conversation for a head coaching gig during this offseason’s coaching carousel.
The job he’s done with this unit only adds to those credentials.
Morris and the Rams will look to keep their playoff hopes alive on Sunday against a Cleveland Browns team dealing with injuries at the quarterback position.
