The Rams' first three losses could all be excused in some way.
The loss to the 49ers in Australia could be passed off as a result of the unprecedented travel schedule. In Denver, a controversial pass interference penalty changed the game. Against the Bills just six days ago, special teams issues doomed the Rams against perhaps the AFC's best team.
There isn't such a convenient excuse for an 18-16 home loss to the Cardinals, who entered on a four-game losing streak. Speaking to reporters after the game, McVay seemed to know that.
Here's a look at what McVay had to say.
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Sean McVay responds to Rams' upset loss
McVay bemoaned the Rams' "critical errors" and self-inflicted mistakes on Sunday, telling reporters he is still trying to figure out how to fix them.
"I don't have those answers right now, otherwise it would've gotten fixed," McVay said.
As for the entire game, McVay summed it up appropriately. "Nothing positive I can say about today," he told reporters, calling it, "A humbling day."
The Rams are deep in the mud. Sean McVay makes clear the issues are self-inflicted. https://t.co/1DAUCzjzFq
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 18, 2026The Rams' offense struggled in the loss, as they didn't even reach double-digit points until the final minute of the fourth quarter, but mistakes haunted the team again. Tyler Higbee fumbled in the fourth quarter, and an unnecessary roughness penalty accelerated the Cardinals' game-winning drive.
"We won't win a game unless we figure out how not to beat ourselves," McVay said. "Just so many unforced errors, so many things that are not in alignment with what we want to do, specifically on the offensive side of the ball."
The Rams' next four games come against teams at .500 or worse, but Sunday served as a reminder that they can't take anything for granted despite being preseason Super Bowl favorites.
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