Rams coach Sean McVay runs an end-around on ‘mood’ talk

Sean McVay did not waste any time.

To start a news conference following the Rams’ final offseason workout on Thursday, McVay took issue with published reports about comments he made earlier in the day, saying they were not a slight toward former quarterback Jared Goff.

After the Rams’ NFC divisional-round playoff defeat by the Green Bay Packers, the Rams traded Goff and two first-round draft picks to the Detroit Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

At a Los Angeles Super Bowl Organizing Committee news conference at SoFi Stadium, McVay was asked what he thought about Stafford.

“I think I’ve been very happy,” McVay said. “Everybody says, ‘Man, you just seem like you’re in a better mood this offseason,’ and I said, ‘Damn right I am.’”

Later, after a workout before thousands of fans at SoFi Stadium, McVay began a videoconference with reporters by reacting to the reports about his comment.

“Definitely taken out of context,” McVay said. “I am very excited, and I have been in a good mood because of the confidence I have in this team, but by no means is that a slight to anybody like Jared, who has done a phenomenal job for the last four years here.

“I hate that I even have to address that, but I did think out of respect for him and all the good things he’s done, I am in a good mood. But that does not mean it’s not because we’re working together or just because of just Stafford exclusively.

“There’s a lot of good things going on that I feel really good about and I’m confident about, so don’t twist my words when I didn’t say that.”

Rams’ Matthew Stafford, left, stands next to wide receiver Cooper Kupp during camp on Thursday in Inglewood.

(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

McVay was otherwise upbeat after the workout, which concluded a three-day minicamp.

McVay said he delayed the start of the public workout because players arrived just before the scheduled start time of 5 p.m.

“Man, it’s good to be back in person,” McVay said, “but not good to have this damn traffic, I’ll tell you that much.”

Getting to the stadium on time probably will not be an issue if the Rams are playing there on Feb. 13, 2022 in Super Bowl LVI.

Their road begins Sept. 12 against the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadum on “Sunday Night Football.”

McVay said the return of fans to SoFi Stadium on Thursday reminded him of the energy and atmosphere they create.

“I said to a handful of our players and coaches, ‘Can you imagine how rockin’ this thing’s going to be on “Sunday Night Football” when we open up against the Bears?’” McVay said. “That has me excited.”

The Rams will break until training camp begins at UC Irvine in late July.

Etc.

McVay declined to say how many players had been vaccinated for COVID-19, citing confidentiality issues. … The Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee announced 56 community organizations and nonprofits that will receive $10,000 grants as part of the Super Bowl LVI
Legacy Program.