The Los Angeles Rams stumbled with a 27-7 loss against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 in the first-ever NFL game in Melbourne, Australia.
The Rams couldn’t get anything going on offense or defense. LA had also made the decision to travel to Australia the day before the game and leave right after, instead of flying a week before to get adjusted, which is what San Francisco did.
After the ugly loss, Rams coach Sean McVay said that travel decision is not to blame for their poor play.
“I don’t believe that that’s why we didn’t play well enough. I really don’t,” McVay said. “I’ll always make decisions that I think are best for the football team. It’s easy in hindsight to be able to say it was a miss, but those are responsibilities that I’ll take.”
#Rams HC Sean McVay said he does not believe the team’s travel plan was responsible for how it played:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2026
“I don't believe that's why we didn't play well enough. … It’s easy in hindsight to say it was a miss.” https://t.co/iKYgHP5sEF pic.twitter.com/yf7GoBXr3U
The Rams reportedly spent a lot of time making the decision to fly the day before the game, although it sure looked like they were in another world on Thursday night.
Superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett was nowhere to be found in his first game with the Rams. Reigning NFL MVP winner Matthew Stafford threw for only 155 yards with no touchdowns, and LA went scoreless in the second half in a stunning turn of events.
The Rams have a chance to respond in Week 2, and they have a long break before facing the New York Giants on Monday Night Football on September 21 at SoFi Stadium.
