Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay
(On T Rob Havenstein)
”Yeah, we just gave him a day of rest. Yeah, he’s okay.”
(On today’s practice)
”It was okay. We got in and out, a little bit of work going a couple days in a row. We took a little bit off of them, but it was okay today.”
(On if he’s eager to see starters out there on Saturday)
”Yeah, it’ll be good. We’ve got a couple more days of preparation. So, we’ll see how these guys do and we’ll get in here tomorrow and get some good work and then we’ll see how Saturday goes.”
(On if he’s noticed any anxiousness among the team because of the starters getting preseason playing time)
”No, I think it’s kind of the same approach as camp. We’re kind of treating it just like a normal camp week. Got a couple things with focusing on Houston that we might get tomorrow, but guys are doing a good job just working one day at a time and then we’ll see how Saturday goes.”
(On any major concerns about the starters being out there for the first time this preseason)
”I wouldn’t say so. I think that’s what the preseason is for. It’s a good opportunity to get guys going through their normal rhythm and routine and get a couple snaps and hopefully get some good continuity on both sides of the ball, get our special teams unit playing well. Then, once we feel like they’ve gotten the work they need we’ll get those guys out and get a chance to evaluate the down-the-line guys.”
(On if he got a chance to watch DT Dominique Easley at linebacker during practice)
”Yeah, he’s done a good job. He’s playing limited reps right now as we’re kind of easing him back into the routine, but he’s doing a nice job. It’s good to have (DT) Dominique (Easley) back out there.”
(On any final decisions on which players will or will not play on Saturday)
”Not yet. Yeah, we’re going to figure that out at game time.”
(On his sense of the dynamic between CBs Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters after training camp)
”I would say it’s kind of the same sense that we got before we even got a chance to work with them from just a production standpoint. Really good football players. Really impressive people, too. Watching the way that they handle themselves in the meetings, on the field. The way that they’re receptive to coaching and some different things. Then, (CB) Aqib (Talib) has an ownership on this defense because the system is very similar. There’s been a couple tweaks that (Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Phillips) has made since he’s been in Denver, but it’s been really good being around these guys and they certainly raise the level of play for sure.”
(On if they make it difficult for him during practice when they’re playing against the starters on defense)
”It’s good. Yeah, it’s exactly what you want. You want to get good, competitive work where guys are making each other better by giving them challenging looks on both sides of the ball and I think that’s what our players are doing right now. So, that’s good.”
(On his goals for this week’s game in terms of individuals and the collective team)
”Yeah, I think you just want to see the units play crisp, play sound, fundamental football. Looking to see these guys just execute at a high level – know what their assignment is, play fast, play confident and really play together. But, you want to see good fundamentally-sound football. Just good execution on both sides and really, that third phase as well with special teams. That’s what we’re looking for.”
(On if there’s something he wants to see from LB Cory Littleton making the calls in the game for the first time)
”I think just that – the command that you ask from your MIKE linebacker. Good communication, ability to handle any necessary checks or adjustments that the Texans offense might present. He’s done a really nice job of that throughout camp and looking forward to seeing him do it against another team.”