Sean McVay has led the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, one championship and six playoff appearances.
Now, as he prepares for his ninth season, the 39-year-old coach once again has a team regarded as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The roster includes experience — quarterback Matthew Stafford is entering his 17th season — and young stars such as receiver Puka Nacua and edge rusher Jared Verse, the 2024 NFL defensive rookie of the year.
“I love the natural, just zest and the joy that this group has,” McVay said this week as players reported for training camp at Loyola Marymount.
After Stafford and the Rams agreed to terms on a contract adjustment last spring, general manager Les Snead provided McVay and Stafford with a bonus of sorts by signing receiver Davante Adams. The three-time All-Pro joins Nacua, receiver Tutu Atwell, running back Kyren Williams and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson to give the offense multiple weapons.
Snead also signed center Coleman Shelton — a member of the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship team — and defensive lineman Poona Ford. Ford will bolster a front that includes Verse, edge rusher Byron Young and tackles Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, among others.
“We are stacked,” Williams said.
Which is not to say that McVay, Snead and the Rams do not have concerns.
Here are five issues to watch as the Rams prepare for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans:
