This time of year, it’s hard for any Los Angeles Rams fan not to look at the NFC standings and playoff picture and think about how their team could get into the postseason. There are a number of ways for Los Angeles to punch its playoff ticket in the next two weeks, the simplest of which is bearing the Giants on Sunday and the Seahawks losing to the Steelers.
Like every Rams fan, Sean McVay also pays attention to the playoff picture. He tells himself not to, but he can’t help watching games that affect the Rams’ playoff odds without a rooting interest.
“I pay a lot of attention to it,” he said. “I tell myself not to get emotionally invested in these games and then you get invested and then you’re saying, ‘Why the hell did I do that?’ So here’s what I’ll tell you though, what I do know is true is that we’ve got to continue to focus on what we can control and that’s the Giants. I’m very aware of all the things that are going on, but I do think it’s important to not let that take away from the task at hand because you can get caught up with other stuff and playing the ‘what if’ game. What I think the best thing this team has done is they have focused on what they can control to put themselves in a position to even have the conversations that we’re having right now about playing meaningful ball in December and up into January. And so that’s been our goal.
“But I watch all the games. I love football so I know exactly what’s going on and really, I think that’s a way that you learn and you feel like, hey, there’s good opportunities to be able to add. I’m very aware but I also do know that none of that stuff really matters and that is a hundred percent truth if we don’t do a great job getting ourselves prepared to go play a tough game at New York.”
While McVay watches the playoff picture closely, he doesn’t let it take away from his focus on the Rams’ next opponent. This week, it’s the Giants. Fortunately, Los Angeles isn’t in a position where it will need help from other teams in to get into the playoffs. If the Rams win their final two games, they’re in – and better yet, they’re the No. 6 seed.
After a mini bye thanks to their Thursday night win over the Saints, the Rams have had some additional time to prepare for the Giants, which they’ll hopefully take advantage of on Sunday in a big road game at 1 p.m. ET.
