Sean McVay knows the Los Angeles Rams are close to reaching their goal, and he wants his team to fully grasp the weight of that reality.
McVay has the Rams one win away from their third Super Bowl appearance under his watch.
That is not surprising. The Rams were a playoff team last season, and they added Davante Adams to that group, while quarterback Matthew Stafford had an MVP-caliber season. Still, McVay does not want his team to take this opportunity for granted either.
Sean McVay Issues Notice to Rams Before Seahawks Game
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the New Orleans Saints.
McVay is 10-7 against the Seattle Seahawks as Rams head coach, including a playoff game during the 2020 season. The Rams won that contest, in Seattle, and McVay made it clear that it is going to take a complete effort for his team to emerge victorious.
“I think it’s just playing each snap. Being totally present, playing one snap after the next, not allowing yourself to get too high or too low. And I think every single snap represents an opportunity to do one of two things: maintain the momentum or snatch it right back. I think our guys have done a good job of that,” McVay told reporters on January 21.
“You gotta be ready to just be totally present. Lock in and have the competitive stamina to be able to do right a little bit longer. That’s consistent with every game. But, obviously, the stakes are higher, and the opponent is really special. And so, it’s always about us first and foremost. But we know what it’s going to take to be able to try to deliver in a hostile environment against a team that’s as complete as there is in this league.”
The two teams split their two matchups during the 2025 regular season, with both winning at home. That only adds to the challenge for the Rams, who were 5-4 on the road.
The Seahawks went 6-2 at home during the regular season.
Rams Using ‘Scars’ as Fuel
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Chicago Bears during the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
McVay lauded the Rams’ resilience, which showed in their ability to topple the No. 2-seeded Chicago Bears on the road in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
“I think what’s been reflected in is that we’ve been strengthened through our scars. I think you look at it,… there was a handful of games that we had, or a few games that we had, where you maintain a lead, and then they come back. And then, you’re not able to, kind of, make the plays that are necessary to be able to finish it. Well, that hasn’t been the narrative in each of our first two playoff games,” McVay said. “Don’t know exactly how this game’s gonna unfold. But I do think our guys have become more resilient.
“There’s a resolve. I think there’s a mental toughness and a fortitude that’s necessary. And I’ve been really proud of those guys, because it is about how you finish. You can’t win the game until the fourth quarter. And last week, until overtime. And so, I love this group. I think they’ve used these scars the right way.
McVay is on a historic tear in the postseason, doubling up his peers in playoff wins before turning 40, which the Rams’ HC will do on Saturday, on the eve of the NFCCG.
Sean McVay Puts Rams on High Alert for Seahawks Playoff Game