McVay, Goff, CJ, Reynolds, Littleton, Peters, Donald, Suh… post-game trnscrpts

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(Opening remarks)

“Great job by the team today coming away with the win – a big win that we needed. We looked at this as a playoff game. We know how difficult the (San Francisco) 49ers are to not only prepare for, but then go and compete against them. You could see, I thought we came out great from the start. Defensively, can’t say enough about just them getting a bunch of turnovers, especially early on in the game, allowing us to get control of it. Thought (QB) Jared (Goff) had a great command and poise. (RB) C.J. Anderson did another outstanding job – efficient runs, leveling things off. Defensively, (LB) Cory Littleton with a couple picks. You felt (DT) Aaron’s (Donald) presence again. (CB) Aqib Talib gets his hand in it, really helps us get on the board for that first touchdown of the day. It was a good team win. Great to be able to get that bye and get ourselves as healthy as possible. From an injury standpoint, (T Andrew) Whitworth had a little – I think he knocked knees with somebody else, so we’re hoping, really, that’s all that that’s going to be and we’ll get him back and ready to go. Then, (DB) Blake Countess is in the concussion protocol. We’ll have some more updates tomorrow.”

(On it being tough to win in the NFL and taking this moment to enjoy the results of the regular season)

“100 percent, yeah. You want to make sure that they enjoy the opportunity that they’ve earned. To be able to have some rest right now, have a couple weeks to get ourselves ready to go. This week will provide a great opportunity for us to look at ourselves, kind of try to get ahead on maybe the opponent that we anticipate playing in the divisional round. Really, we looked at this similar to the way we approached the Atlanta (Falcons) game last year. It was a wild card playoff game – you get to the division if you win the wild card and that’s where we’re at right now just based on the way these guys have played throughout the regular season. It’s very hard to win in this league. There’s too many good players, too many good coaches and can’t say enough about just how much you love this team, how much you love these guys, this coaching staff and it makes you want to work that much harder to capitalize on the opportunity that we have in front of us.”

(On having long, sustained drives in the second half offensively and being able to get back-to-back scoring drives)

“Thought it was big. Really, just to come out, especially that first drive – to get a couple explosives through the air off the play-action. I thought Jared threw perfect balls to (TE Tyler) Higbee and both (WR) Josh Reynolds to finish that drive out. Then, C.J. Anderson’s ability to just be so efficient – run through arm tackles, fall forward, allow you stay in those normal down-and-distances where you can really present the run-pass potential right there and you get some more regulated looks. I thought our guys capitalized on it. Then, we had a little bit longer drive – I want to say it was about 10 plays on the next, that ended up in the touchdown where he hit Josh Reynolds again. I thought Jared’s command was outstanding today because they did some good stuff too, especially in some of those known passing situations where they had a couple fire-zones that were difficult to kind of identify pre-snap. But, again, real credit to the players. I thought it was a total team effort today. Really happy for our football team.”

(On the performance of the defense the last four games and if he’s encouraged with them going into the playoffs)

“Absolutely, yeah. I think they’re taking the ball away too. Really, they did a great job today. Their ability to take the ball away was what allowed us to gain control of that early on. That’s been something that, I think, has been a formula for success, specifically earlier on this year. We took better care of the football today, which was a big point of emphasis for us. If you’re able to win those turnover battles, you’ve heard us say it over and over – other than the points, there’s no greater indicator of wins and losses in this league and that’s definitely a formula for success. But, I think we’re starting to find our identity and I think they’re peaking at the right time, which is exactly what you want.”

(On Anderson and how he’s been able to come in and be so effective)

“Well, I think it’s a credit to him, his preparation. Obviously, there’s 10 other guys that are doing a great job enabling him to be able to have that success. But, (Running Backs Coach) Skip Peete’s done a phenomenal job with him. I just think he’s got a great feel for the game. He’s one of the players that when you meet him, so cerebral, so smart and he’s got a great feel for the game. You could just see, there’s a couple runs where it’s real tight and he’s just got a feel for maybe the backside over-pursuing. He sticks his foot in the ground on a wide zone and he’s making some cuts in the backside ‘A’ and ‘B’ gaps. He’s just kind of got a natural feel for how to work edges on people, too. So, really efficient, really good football player and I’m sure glad he’s with us. He’s done an outstanding job these last couple weeks and he’s been a big-time contributor to these two wins.”

(On how well the special teams has been)

“(Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel) ‘Bones’ is one of the best. He does such a great job. Those guys have consistently produced year-in and year-out, really. What else can you say other than that consistency is that truest measurement of performance. (P) Johnny Hekker has been outstanding. Getting (K) Greg Zuerlein back, healthy over, now, the last handful of weeks – he’s been phenomenal. Jake McQuaide is such a consistent long snapper. But, that core group of guys. Then, just the way that everybody else competes for each other. The type of system, but then also, the type of ownership that ‘Bones’ gets these guys to take, with regards to how we’ve got to contribute to winning a football game as a team. He’s a great football coach and one of those guys you feel so lucky to work with. I love him and really, can’t say enough good things about him.”

(On how much better he feels this team is positioned going into the playoffs compared to last year)

“I think we’ve had that experience and you always use that as a chance to learn from. I think we’re better positioned just based on getting a chance to get some rest now and maybe get ahead with the preparation. But, we’ve got to come out, be ready to go whenever our game is going to be in the divisional round. Not sure who it’s going to be that we play, but obviously, it’s going to give us a chance to get healthy No. 1. You always use those experiences, whether it’s regular season, playoff games – to be able to try to get better, I think, with some of our young players specifically at the key spots a lot of the games that we played in not only this year, but last year and even going back to the playoff atmosphere against Atlanta will serve us well. Say, we’ve been in this type of setting. There’s nothing quite like the playoffs, but I think that Atlanta game will serve us well as we move forward as a team.”

(On how Littleton has developed over the years to get to the point he is at today)

“He was a great player as a rookie – made a big impact for ‘Bones’. He did a great job last year. Continuing to do such a phenomenal job – whether it’s blocking punts, being a big-time contributor, capitalizing where he was one of those guys that you create some packages just to get him on the field on defense. Then this year, really stepping into a role where you leave a big void from a (Former Rams LB) Alec Ogletree, who was a great football player for this organization for a long time. You just can’t say enough about the command that he’s taking. I think (Assistant Head/Linebackers Coach) Joe Barry and (Assistant Linebackers Coach) Chris Shula have done a great job getting him up to speed. He’s a playmaker. Certain guys just have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He’s got such great athleticism, whether it’s as a blitzer. Obviously, you see him make some picks today and then he can cover, he can run. He’s a guy that you win with players like Cory Littleton. I think just his improvement over the last couple years is a real credit to his preparation, but then getting the opportunities and maximizing them.”

(On T Joseph Noteboom coming in for Whitworth and if it was as seamless as it seemed)

“Yeah, Whitworth’s a great football player and he’s done a great job mentoring (T) Joe (Noteboom). I think there’s really not a better one that you can learn from to be able to step in and fill a void that’s left by one of our big-time leaders, who’s also been so productive for us. But, Joe did a great job. From the looks of it, you could see the athleticism. It was a great job by (WR) Brandin (Cooks) pushing up and then Joe being able to make the key block at the point of attack. I think it’s a credit to Andrew’s leadership, also to (Run Game Coordinator) Coach (Aaron) Kromer’s guidance. Really, (C) Brian Allen stepped in and did a nice job as well when we got (C John) Sullivan out of the game. So, those are two young linemen that we’re really looking forward to seeing these guys progress. I think based on the room in that offensive line – that group of men – that they see how they do it week-in and week-out, day-in and day-out. I think it really is a valuable experience for rookies like that to get to see what it looks like to do it right and then when they get their opportunities, they’ve done a great job.”

***

Rams QB Jared Goff – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On the performance by the defense and LB Cory Littleton)

“They did a great job getting us up early, in short fields. We were able to get up early, 14-0, and then (LB) Cory (Littleton) had the pick-six, obviously and kept that momentum going defensively. I thought they played really well. They did a good job and started the game off for us.”

(On how much getting takeaways from the defense helps)

“It’s huge. We started inside the 10 (yard line) or on the 13 (yard line) I think on the second one. To be able to get up 14 (points) and just start off – I think 11 minutes left in the first quarter we were up 14-0. To have that is just huge.”

(On treating this week like the Wild Card weekend last year and what it was like)

“Just a little bit more urgency, more intensity – treating it like that. Treating it like a playoff game which, in our case, it really was, getting us this week off now. Just having that urgency and that intensity that we did all week in practice. I thought we practiced really well.”

(On getting into a rhythm in the second half and if it was coming pretty well for the offense)

“Yeah, no doubt. We were able to move the ball well, especially in the second half there early. Just be able to settle in. I think the whole offense settled in, the run game settled in, I myself settled in and it felt good.”

(On if he feels confident getting ready for the playoffs now)

“Of course, yeah. You feel great – 13-3 and get the bye week. We’ll have a tough opponent in two weeks. We don’t know who it’ll be, but we’ll see. Yeah, we feel great coming off two good wins and being able to finish the season 6-0 (in the NFC West) – only team in the league that did that this year. That’s a good accomplishment for us and we feel good.”

(On how he finished personally)

“I feel good. I feel great. Again, for me, it’s about wins. Coming off two wins and playing well and being happy with how I played is good and I feel good.”

(On if it’s okay to enjoy going 13-3 and their accomplishments for a little bit)

“Yeah, we’ll enjoy tonight. I think definitely you’ll enjoy it tonight and understand how big of an accomplishment that is. Then, really quickly turn it around and get our sights set on whoever we have to play next and the road ahead of us. That’s going to be hopefully very exciting.”

(On the benefit of having a defense that can not only force turnovers, but also score points)

“Yeah, it’s huge. It’s huge. Anytime they do that it helps us a bunch. They’ve really gelled, I think, these last two weeks – being able to settle in and be themselves. You see them up front, how good they are in the secondary and the linebacker position. Just being able to settle in. Feel good about where they’re and I know they’re confident as well.”

(On what he learned from last year’s playoff experience that will help him this season)

“I think just understanding the opportunity is definitely part of it. I think just having more big-game experience, being on prime time a handful of times this year and then having that playoff game last year and having games that are extremely meaningful late in the season. I think that all carries over into the playoffs and into that mentality that you have to have throughout the week.”

(On how much of a luxury it has been to have RB C.J. Anderson performing the way he has over the past couple weeks)

“He’s done a great job. (RB) C.J. (Anderson) has been a great addition for us. I think it’s a testament to the O-line. They’ve done such a good job up front these last two weeks especially, making the holes for him and he’s hit them. He’s run, he’s done his thing and it’s been awesome. But, them up front – I’m sure he’d say the same thing – have been incredible and have opened those holes for him and protected well for me.”

(On how having so many big games this season has prepared the team for the playoffs)

“Big. Yeah, just like I was saying, I think that’s always big when you can get in those situations and get in those moments and feel that – whether it ends up good or bad. Just being able to experience it and feel it is important.”

(On T Andrew Whitworth leaving the game due to injury and how he thought T Joseph Noteboom performed in his absence)

“I thought (T) Joe (Noteboom) played well. It’s always scary when you see those guys go down, especially a guy like him who’s been playing for so long and is so important to us. But, I think he’s going to be okay and Joe played well.”

(On how much it helps on game day for players like Noteboom to get so many practice reps during the week)

“It helps a lot. Yeah, him and (C) Brian (Allen) – Brian stepped in for a handful of snaps against the (Chicago) Bears. Just having that experience with them in practice and being able to have some dialogue with them in practice and have some experience with Brian, obviously, just from taking snaps. It’s huge when that happens. You never want it to, but it helps.”

(On developing chemistry with WR Josh Reynolds and the entire receiving corps)

“(WR) Josh (Reynolds) played really well today. It was good to see, just him step up and continue to step up, continue to get better. As time goes on, I continue to get more and more on the same page with him and I feel so comfortable with all those guys.”

***

Rams RB C.J. Anderson – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On how he’s able to learn the system quickly and be effective)

“Take credit into a lot of things that I do – a lot a good teammates – (QB) Jared (Goff), (RB) Todd (Gurley II), Sully' (C John Sullivan),)Whit’ (T Andrew Whitworth, `Rog’ (G Rodger Saffold), just everybody really. Everybody has been – even (Head) Coach (Sean) McVay, (Running Backs) Coach Skip (Peete) – everybody has done a good job, hands on. Coming in early in the morning, those things help. Then just try to be a pro, try to be an ultimate pro.”

(On feeling sore after last week’s game and how he thinks he will feel tomorrow)

“I don’t know we’ll see. I know I’ll get on a routine and I get a bye week. I’m probably still probably the freshest player in the National Football League right now. I should be fine (laughs).”

(On how he feels going into the playoffs)

“Ready to go. Feels good, it’s been two years since I’ve been back in the playoffs now after missing it for two years. Those things feel good, I’m just on the other side. It’s going to be physical. You’ve got to be detailed can’t turn the ball over, got to sustain drives. To see who we play here in two weeks, it’ll be fun.”

(On how he describes where he is today versus three weeks ago)

“Today, I’m doing fine. Three weeks ago, I was just moving out of my house and moving somewhere else. But today I’m doing fine, just trying to play football, just trying to help this team win.”

(On if he feels like he’s added an extra level to the team going into the playoffs)

“I just try to be myself. The cerebral guy I am and use my experience, the bunch of different game experience that I’ve had in my past and just try to be myself and help out in anyway that I can.”

(On if he believes the team seems playoff ready)

“Yeah, we’re ready to go. It will be good for a bye week for a bunch of these guys. Be good to get away from the game a little bit, get to watch who we’re going to play. Then when we come back, whoever our opponent is here, take care of home and we’ll see where we go from there.”

***

Rams WR Josh Reynolds – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On how he thinks ending the season with today’s win sets up the team going into the playoffs)

“A lot of confidence. The bye week is going to help a lot. Now we can even tighten up this game a little bit – go over the film, find what we did wrong and work from there.”

(On the offense being in rhythm especially after his first touchdown and if the entire offense felt that)

“For sure. The whole game, even after getting those short-yard possessions from the defense with the turnovers, the offense was definitely clicking. Staying on schedule on all the drives – first, second down, all of that. That’s what helped out a lot.”

(On how impressed he’s been by RB C.J. Anderson after just recently joining the team)

“(RB) C.J.’s (Anderson) my man. He does his thing. I like to see him out there. It’s awesome.”

***

Rams LB Cory Littleton – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On what it was like getting into the end zone today)

“One of the most exciting moments of my life. Something I’ve never done and I’ve been playing football for 16 years and I finally got a touchdown so it’s amazing.”

(On if he actually never did it in high school)

“High school, college, Pop Warner.”

(On how he felt the defense performed after allowing 32 points)

“I equate today giving up 32 points as a win. We have to win. That’s all that matters at the end of the day. Thirty-two points gave them a loss.”

(On what it means to be 13-3 and clinch a first round bye)

“Truly amazing. It’s something.the top teams who’ve won the Super Bowl the past five years have had a bye. Something we wanted to make sure that we got and we’ve done it.”

(On the most advantageous part of the bye)

“It gives everybody some time to rest. This football season was long as hell. It gives everybody a chance to recuperate, get right, and then once we figure out who we have to play, then we start getting ready.”

***

Rams CB Marcus Peters – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On what it was like for the defense to be flying around making plays)

“It’s just something that we needed to do. We needed to come out with energy and enthusiasm and we came out there and we did it early so we could get the job done.”

(On how he feels about the defense heading into the playoffs now)

“Like I felt at the beginning of the year. I felt like we have a talented group and we just have to put it together and I think we’ve been putting it together the last couple of weeks. We just need to keep rolling into the playoffs.”

(On how different it’s been with Aqib Talib back from injury)

“It hasn’t been different, it added an extra element to our game. Everything that we’ve been doing from the start of the season, it just pushed up an extra notch with him coming back so nothing was different, we’ve just been executing a lot more.”

(On clinching the bye in the first round of playoffs)

“I think we’re all just going to sit back. We have two possible opponents that we could be playing. We’re going to sit back and just watch these games upcoming and we’re going to prepare for ourselves to be ready to go. It’s time to get ready to play football.”

***

Rams DT Aaron Donald – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On the best thing about clinching a bye)

“A little bit of everything. That’s going to help us with the film, the rest, and all that is going to add up and help us at the end of the day.”

(On if he feels this team is where they need to be for the playoffs)

“It’s a good start going into the playoffs but there’s always room for improvement, so we have to watch the film and still try and correct things but we played strong today.”

(On he thinks the defense needs to improve stopping the run)

“Yeah, they got on us a little bit. But it happens. Like I said, we just have to watch the film and see what happened.”

(On if generating takeaways was an emphasis this week)

“That’s every week. I feel like we started off early, getting a lot of pressure on him and making him uncomfortable. He was just throwing the ball up and guys would come back to it and make the plays. That’s what it’s about. From up front, to the middle, to the guys in the back all playing together and making plays.”

***

Rams DT Ndamukong Suh – Rams-49ers Postgame – Dec. 30, 2018

(On how it feels to be 13-3 and clinch a first round bye)

“It’s a great situation. First time I’ve been in that situation, so I’m going to soak it in and get ready for the playoffs. Obviously, we have a first round bye so it’s a good situation.”

(On the best thing is about the bye)

“When I’ve played in the playoffs, it’s one and done. So obviously most teams, they have to play and kind of go balls to the walls, and then prepare for the next team. We’re resting at home, being able to game plan for the team we’re playing and see where we’ll go from there.”

(On if he thinks this defense is where it needs to be heading into the postseason)

“I think we’re moving in the right direction. I can’t say fully just because I’m looking at rushing yards and things of that nature. Teams have been successful.”