SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Why Rams’ Sean McVay is impressed by Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald

Jul 25, 2024, 11:55 AM

Seattle Seahawks Mike Macdonald training camp Day 1 2024...

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald signs autographs at training camp on July 24. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

(AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

One of the most intriguing head-coaching matchups in the NFL this season could be the two NFC West clashes between Mike Macdonald’s Seattle Seahawks and Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams.

Stacy’s Seahawks Q&A: Answering the fans’ biggest questions

The 38-year-old McVay is often considered one of the game’s brightest offensive minds, while the 36-year-old Macdonald is quickly developing a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive play-callers. There have already been comparisons between the two coaches, including an in-depth article by The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen that termed Macdonald “the Sean McVay of defense.”

On Tuesday, McVay gave some pretty lofty praise of his new NFC West rival head coach.

At the end of an hour-long conversation with Robert Mays on The Athletic Football Show, McVay was asked what it was like facing Macdonald in a Week 14 game last season, when the latter was the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Baltimore won the game 37-31 in overtime.

“I thought they did a great job of playing coverages where you’re like, ‘I don’t know what the (heck) I’m going against,’ because of the way they’re teaching guys,” McVay said. “They teach an understanding of how route concepts distribute and how you don’t have to work as hard throughout the course of the down to allow things to be able to progress.

“You felt like you were playing against 13 players sometimes. … They were such a well-coordinated and a well-executed defense from the players to the coaches. And I respect the coordinators the most that you can see an intent behind what they’re trying to get done. And I thought that showed up consistently on his tape.”

YouTube video

McVay’s offense had success in that game against Macdonald’s league-best defense, with the Rams’ 31 points and 410 total yards both marking the second-highest totals the Ravens allowed all season.

Last year, Baltimore became the first team in NFL history to lead the league in points allowed (16.5), sacks (60) and takeaways (31).

“I’ve got a ton of respect for Mike Macdonald and their coaching staff and those players that brought the stuff to life,” McVay said. “What I think when you watch that team, there was a clear-cut identity. There was an understanding of the intent of what he was calling and how they could execute it. There was a great idea and understanding of how to utilize their personnel.

“I thought they rushed four (pass rushers) as one as well as anybody. They had a great ability to be able to play off one another. I thought Mike did a great job of mixing in pressures, understanding situations, understanding how to attack protections.”

Over McVay’s seven seasons at the helm, the Rams have won three NFC West titles, two conference championships and a Super Bowl. Macdonald is entering his first season as an NFL head coach, replacing the legendary Pete Carroll in Seattle.

The first matchup between Macdonald and McVay comes on Nov. 3, when the Seahawks host the Rams at Lumen Field. They square off again in the regular-season finale on Jan. 5 in Los Angeles.

“It’s gonna be a great challenge,” McVay said. “And shoot, he’s got some pretty (darn) good players to work with in Seattle. I know there’s some positive buzz coming out of there.”

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Mike Macdonald era starts as Seahawks open training camp
• How Seahawks coaches are working to overcome obstacle
• Seahawks Injury Update: Latest on Abraham Lucas, more
• Seahawks, Julian Love agree on three-year contract extension
Five storylines as Seattle Seahawks training camp begins

 

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Brandon Pili...

Brent Stecker

Seahawks add a nose tackle, place safety on injured reserve

Nose tackle Brandon Pili has been added by the Seattle Seahawks as a waiver claim from Miami, while safety K'Von Wallace has landed on injured reserve.

13 minutes ago

Seattle Seahawks Tyrel Dodson Ernest Jones IV linebackers LB...

Brent Stecker

Seahawks release one of their key offseason signings

The Seattle Seahawks made two notable signings at linebacker in the offseason. Two months into the season, neither remain on the roster.

2 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks Geno Smith...

Mike Lefko

Lefko: Seahawks at crossroads as a franchise, with Geno at the center

The Seattle Seahawks made a crucial decision to stop a cycle of mediocrity with they moved on from Pete Carroll, but it led to a new crossroads.

6 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks Russell Wilson Bobby Wagner Steelers Commanders...

Brent Stecker

See what Russell Wilson wrote to Bobby Wagner for jersey swap

After Russell Wilson and the Steelers beat Bobby Wagner and the Commanders, the two Seattle Seahawks legends swapped jerseys Sunday.

22 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks NFC West Check-in arizona cardinals kyler murray...

The Associated Press

NFC West Check-In: How Seahawks’ rivals did during Seattle’s bye week

With the Seattle Seahawks off this week, here's a look at how their NFC West competition fared during Sunday's slate of NFL games.

23 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks WR Cody White...

Shane Lantz

Seahawks weren’t surprised by Cody White’s strong debut

Cody White blocked a punt and had two big catches in the fourth quarter during his first game with the Seattle Seahawks

2 days ago

Why Rams’ Sean McVay is impressed by Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald