The Los Angeles Rams may be known for their high-powered offense, but they have also benefited greatly from the defensive play-calling of Wade Phillips, and Rams head coach Sean McVay knows this.
“He’s got so many things he can draw on from all the success he’s had in this league, but it never feels like it’s pushed on you,” said McVay of Phillips, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “When you go to him and ask him for advice he’s been so supportive to me. With the inexperience I do have I feel so fortunate to be around Wade Phillips.”
Phillips joined McVay's staff as defensive coordinator in the first year McVay arrived as Rams head coach in 2017.
McVay says the contrasting styles between the two guys makes for an interesting dynamic:
“He’s a lot more laid back than I am,” McVay said, “So it’s good to be around someone like that.”
Given that Phillips is 38 years older than McVay, it must certainly be an intriguing relationship, as Phillips was in his sixth year as an NFL defensive coordinator the year the 33-year-old McVay was born in 1986.
The Rams were not great defensively this year, ranking 19th in the league in yards allowed and 20th in scoring defense, but they have come up big in pivotal moments.
In the Divisional Round, Los Angeles' defense held the Dallas Cowboys' offense to just 22 points, stifling a phenomenal ground game spearheaded by Ezekiel Elliott. Then, the following week, the Rams held the high-octane New Orleans Saints to just 23 points in an NFC Championship Game victory.
Follow Us
Subscribe