Logan Paulsen acknowledged the mastery, regardless of Sean McVay’s youth.
Jordan Reed instantly tapped into the positivity of the then-20-something assistant coach.
So the previous NFL tight ends, who had been tutored by McVay in Washington, are completely satisfied that the Rams’ ninth-year coach has utilized a quartet of tight ends this season — a large shift in an offense that has helped gas a four-game successful streak getting into Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium.
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Gary Klein breaks down Sunday’s matchup between the Rams and the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium.
McVay is amongst coaches who acknowledge “how much of a matchup nightmare tight ends can be and how vital they are to an offense,” Reed mentioned, “so it’s awesome to see the position grow.”
McVay was an offensive assistant in Washington for one season earlier than he was elevated to tight ends coach in 2011, after which offensive coordinator in 2014.
“He was so young,” mentioned Paulsen, who performed in Washington from 2010 to 2015. “He never played tight end before, he didn’t have any background there … and here he comes as a quality-control guy with this level of mastery.
“And I think that just speaks to how special he was then, and how special he is now.”
McVay, 39, acknowledges that the Rams’ deployment of a number of tight ends harks to his begin as an NFL place coach.
“This does bring back some good memories,” he mentioned.
The Rams have scored at the least 34 factors in every of their previous three video games. All have featured at the least one landing by a good finish — veteran Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson and/or rookie Terrance Ferguson.
Sean McVay instructs gamers throughout coaching camp with Washington in July 2014.
(Alex Brandon / Related Press)
The group has thrived beneath tight ends coach Scott Huff, with performs designed by offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and McVay, who doubles because the Rams’ playcaller.
“The only reason you can do it is because you have four players that are capable of doing it,” McVay mentioned.
Throughout McVay’s first eight seasons, the Rams’ offense operated nearly completely out of 11 personnel, which featured a operating again, a good finish and three receivers. However this season, McVay has used as many as three tight ends at a time for added blocking and receiving targets.
Higbee, Allen, Parkinson and Ferguson have mixed for 50 catches and 7 touchdowns.
“They all bring their own edge to the game,” quarterback Matthew Stafford mentioned. “Their play style is relentless. I think of so many plays in games where guys are fighting that extra inch and those guys epitomize that.”
The tight ends are thrilled with their expanded function.
“The plate’s a lot fuller,” mentioned Allen, who has three landing catches.
And all gamers are concerned, Parkinson famous.
“You can see the joy on everyone’s faces, but especially this tight ends group,” he mentioned. “It’s fun to be able to impact the game.”
Ferguson has supplied the most important wrinkle.
The Rams chosen the previous Oregon star with their first decide within the 2025 draft, and he impressed throughout offseason exercises. However a groin damage suffered throughout coaching camp slowed Ferguson’s growth at one of many NFL’s most complex positions.
On Oct. 19 in London, Ferguson confirmed his route-running and separation abilities in a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has continued to evolve the previous two video games.
Rams tight finish Terrance Ferguson catches a landing go in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 19.
(Ian Walton / Related Press)
“Just blessed that they have the trust to put me in those opportunities to showcase my athleticism, to be able to stretch the field and run some special routes and do some cool things,” mentioned Ferguson, who educated with Paulsen earlier than the draft.
Paulsen, who performed eight NFL seasons, mentioned McVay’s potential to create a “safe space” for gamers to study precisely what he’s in search of in a play was “freeing.”
“I know it sounds like he’s putting you in a box,” Paulsen mentioned, “but when you know exactly what is expected of you, it’s easier for you to meet that expectation.”
Whereas taking part in for McVay, Reed made the NFL All-Rookie crew in 2013 and was voted to the Professional Bowl in 2016.
McVay’s “positivity,” his potential to make difficult ideas comprehensible and his knack for creating mismatches, helped gas Reed’s growth.
“He made you feel like you were the best,” Reed mentioned. “That’s what it was like playing for him.”
Then and, apparently, now.
Rams tight ends mentioned they all the time take pleasure in when McVay stops by their assembly room to “chop it up,” about their place.
“He’s always had a love for it,” Higbee mentioned. “I know he misses it a little bit.”
