Confidence, cohesion, and calculated growth define Los Angeles as it readies for a high-profile clash with Detroit

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — As the Los Angeles Rams close in on Sunday’s much-anticipated matchup against the Detroit Lions, head coach Sean McVay projects a calm confidence rooted in preparation, growth, and collective understanding. Speaking Friday, McVay offered insight into how his team has positioned itself for one of the weekend’s most compelling games, emphasizing steady development rather than last-minute overhaul.

With the Lions presenting a physical, disciplined challenge, McVay’s message was clear: the Rams are ready because they’ve put in the work long before kickoff.

Defensive Growth Fueled by the Outside Linebacker Room

One of the most revealing portions of McVay’s press conference centered on the Rams’ outside linebackers, a group he believes has taken meaningful strides through repetition and shared experience.

“I think natural growth in terms of when you have the right kinds of guys, that repetition becomes the mother of learning. They’re being able to apply previous experiences the right way whether you’re talking about [Outside Linebacker Jared] Verse, whether you’re talking about [Outside Linebacker] ‘BY’ [Byron Young],” McVay said.

That growth, he explained, goes beyond individual flashes. It’s about understanding how each role fits within the larger defensive structure. McVay pointed to continued improvement from Josaiah Stewart and highlighted Desjuan Johnson’s transition from inside to outside linebacker as a meaningful development.

“I’ve seen [Outside Linebacker] Josaiah Stewart continue to improve. It was really cool to see [Outside Linebacker] ‘Des’ [Desjuan] Johnson, a guy that had transitioned from playing inside the last few years earning a role on the outside and really making a positive impact on the game last week.”

Playing as One While Anticipating Opportunity

McVay credited outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio for helping the group strike the balance between discipline and aggression — knowing when to trust the system and when to seize opportunity.

“[Outside Linebackers Coach] Joe [Coniglio] does such a good job of being able to lean in. I think they’re also having an understanding of, we talk about 11 as one all the time, but where are those play opportunities on any given snap?” McVay explained.

That understanding allows defenders to play faster without guessing, a distinction McVay was careful to make.

“I’m just seeing guys understand, how do I play my role to the best of my ability, but also understand the concepts and the different things that I can anticipate? Not necessarily guess, but anticipate to be able to make my impact for our group as a collective.”

Byron Young’s Evolution Sets the Tone

McVay reserved specific praise for Byron Young, whose growth he sees as both mental and physical — and emblematic of the Rams’ broader approach.

“I think his mental and the competitive stamina and his understanding of what are the things that he does really well,” McVay stated. “What I think [Outside Linebacker Coach] Joe [Coniglio] does a great job of is he identifies what you are at your best.”

Rather than overloading players with responsibilities, McVay stressed the importance of refinement.

“What are those key things that allow you to be you? I think both ‘BY’ and Verse are excellent players for us.”

That clarity, McVay noted, has translated into consistency, sharper recognition, and better execution in known passing situations.

“I’ve seen a consistent player. I’ve seen a guy that can really understand some of the concept recognition… I’m seeing them apply a lot of the different things that they do.”

Ready for the Moment

As Sunday approaches, the Rams aren’t leaning on hype or rhetoric. Instead, McVay’s reflections paint a picture of a team grounded in preparation, aware of its identity, and confident in its collective growth. Against a Lions squad that will demand discipline and resilience, Los Angeles believes its readiness has already been forged — one rep, one role, and one shared purpose at a time.