Rams Coach Sean McVay Takes Unconventional Approach to Preseason

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has never been one to take the preseason seriously. In fact, he’s been known to show apathy towards the exhibition games, and this year is no exception. McVay won’t be coaching his team in the second preseason game, instead opting to let assistant Aubrey Pleasant take the reins.

According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, McVay wants to give Pleasant, the team’s passing game coordinator and assistant head coach, some experience as a head coach. That’s commendable, but it’s not the only unconventional move McVay is making this preseason.

The report also states that McVay plans to spend some of the game in the broadcast booth, providing commentary and analysis. This is a departure from the usual coaching duties, and it’s clear that McVay is taking a step back from the action on the field.

McVay’s approach to the preseason is a departure from the traditional formula, where coaches would typically play their starters for a series or two in the first game, a quarter or more in the second game, and then the third game would be the “dress rehearsal” with starters getting a half or more. McVay, on the other hand, has always been willing to buck the trend.

In fact, McVay was the first coach to sit nearly all of his starters for every preseason game. He won’t even play his second-string quarterback in preseason, opting instead to use joint practices to get his team ready. It’s clear that McVay sees preseason games as a waste of time, and he’s not afraid to show it.

McVay’s indifference towards the preseason has had a ripple effect on the NFL, with some teams following suit and treating all games like the old fourth preseason game, sitting everyone. It’s a trend that’s likely to continue, and it’s clear that McVay is leading the charge.

Perhaps McVay will talk about his unconventional approach to the preseason up in the broadcast booth this week while one of his assistants coaches the Rams. One thing is for sure, McVay is always willing to think outside the box and do things his own way.