Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has made his feelings about another trip Down Under pretty clear.
Following the Rams’ 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, McVay said he hopes Los Angeles does not have to play another game in Australia. The comments came Thursday as McVay addressed the team’s season-opening loss and its efforts to move forward. Rather than dwell on the game, McVay joked that he wanted to erase the experience from his memory.
“I want to see us be present right now and move forward,” McVay said, comparing the situation to the memory-erasing device from Men in Black. “We’re not playing in Australia ever again, I hope. Not because it wasn’t a great atmosphere. That’ll get taken out of context.” The atmosphere was certainly not the issue. The historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground marked the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia, with 100,021 fans filling the MCG. The 49ers ultimately controlled the game, defeating the Rams 27-7.
The travel plan became a major talking point
The Rams took an unconventional approach to the trip, arriving in Melbourne roughly 24 hours before kickoff. The 49ers, meanwhile, arrived in Australia about a week before the game. McVay had previously defended the Rams’ late-arrival strategy, which was designed around the team’s preparation and sleep planning. After the loss, however, the decision became a major part of the conversation surrounding the game. Still, McVay has pushed back on the idea that the travel plan should be used as the explanation for the loss. Wide receiver Davante Adams also rejected using the flight as an excuse, saying the 49ers simply played better than the Rams.
Australia will see the NFL again
While McVay may not be interested in another trip, the NFL’s relationship with Australia is far from over. The league has a multi-year agreement with Victoria that includes at least two games in Australia, with an option for a third. The NFL has also described Australia as a long-term international market rather than a one-time destination. The Rams also hold international marketing rights in Australia alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders, meaning Los Angeles remains connected to the market even if McVay gets his wish of avoiding another game there.
For now, McVay and the Rams are leaving Melbourne behind and turning their attention back to the NFL season.
