Los Angeles Rams and Coach Sean McVay Draw Praise and Rivalry

The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2026 season as a heavily targeted NFL franchise, highlighted by the acquisition of All‑Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett and the presence of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Amid the team’s heightened profile, Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley joked on a local show that some of his family members still root for the Rams, underscoring the intra‑city rivalry that will play out at SoFi Stadium.

Separately, Rams head coach Sean McVay’s offensive leadership continued to attract debate. A poll of defensive coordinators conducted by The Athletic placed McVay second among NFL play‑callers, behind Kyle Shanahan, noting his feel for game flow and his willingness to adapt, such as shifting the Rams to a 13‑personnel formation mid‑season. While praised for consistency, some critics argue his ranking should be higher, reflecting his influence on other coaches like Matt LaFleur and Liam Coen.