Sean McVay Highlights Defensive Standouts and Prepares for Eagles Showdown on The Coach McVay Show

On the September 15, 2025, episode of The Coach McVay Show, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay sat down with J.B. Long and D’Marco Farr to discuss the team’s preparations for a high-stakes Week 12 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. McVay praised his defensive players for their impressive performances, highlighted key contributors, and outlined the strategic challenges posed by the Eagles’ dynamic offense, led by Jalen Hurts. With the Rams sitting at 5-5 and in the thick of a competitive NFC West race, McVay’s insights underscored the team’s resilience and focus as they aim to upset the 8-2 Eagles. This article delves into McVay’s comments, the Rams’ defensive resurgence, their preparation for Philadelphia, and the broader context of their 2025 season.

The Defensive Resurgence

The Rams’ 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by injuries to key players like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki, yet their defense has emerged as a bright spot. On The Coach McVay Show, McVay singled out several young defenders who have stepped up, particularly in the absence of veterans. “Our defensive front has been relentless,” McVay said, pointing to rookie edge rusher Jared Verse and second-year linebacker Byron Young as key contributors. Verse, a 2024 first-round pick, has recorded 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss through 10 games, while Young’s speed has disrupted opposing backfields, with 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

McVay also praised the secondary, highlighting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon’s interception in a recent 13-7 win over the San Francisco Giants and rookie safety Kamren Kinchens’ coverage skills. “These guys are playing with an edge,” McVay noted, crediting new defensive coordinator Chris Shula for instilling a physical, opportunistic mindset. The Rams rank 10th in the NFL in total defense (321.4 yards per game) and 8th in points allowed (19.8 per game), a significant improvement from their 2024 struggles, when injuries decimated the unit.

This defensive resurgence has been critical in keeping the Rams competitive. Their Week 11 victory over the Giants, where they held San Francisco to 214 total yards, showcased their ability to control games. McVay emphasized the unit’s versatility, noting their ability to toggle between zone and man coverage, a nod to Shula’s adaptation of Vic Fangio’s principles. “We’re starting to see the identity we want—tough, smart, and relentless,” McVay said, setting the stage for their preparation against Philadelphia.

Preparing for the Eagles

The Eagles, coming off a 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, present a formidable challenge. McVay dedicated significant airtime to analyzing Philadelphia’s offense, particularly their use of the “Tush Push” and the dual-threat prowess of Jalen Hurts. “They play as a team instead of separate entities,” McVay said, echoing comments from a November 21, 2024, Sports Illustrated article. He expressed admiration for Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, whose No. 1-ranked defense (287.6 yards per game) has been a model for the Rams’ own defensive schemes.

McVay highlighted the difficulty of stopping Hurts, who has thrown for 458 yards and four touchdowns through two games in 2025, while rushing for 121 yards and two scores. “Jalen’s a problem,” McVay said. “He’s got that quiet intensity, and he’s deadly in those short-yardage situations.” The Tush Push, which the Eagles used seven times against the Chiefs, is a focal point of concern. McVay acknowledged the play’s near-unstoppable nature, noting its 90% success rate and the officiating challenges it creates, such as missed false starts and ambiguous ball-spotting calls reported by NBC New York.

To counter the Eagles’ offense, McVay emphasized disrupting pre- and post-snap motion, a hallmark of Philadelphia’s scheme. The Rams plan to lean on their defensive line, led by Verse and Kobie Turner, to penetrate the Eagles’ vaunted offensive line, anchored by Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. “We’ve got to be disciplined but aggressive,” McVay said, referencing the Commanders’ struggles in the 2025 NFC Championship, where offsides penalties derailed their defense against the Tush Push.

McVay also highlighted the challenge of containing running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 92 yards against Kansas City, and tight end Dallas Goedert, who has emerged as a reliable target. The Rams’ secondary, bolstered by Kinchens and Witherspoon, will need to limit explosive plays, as Philadelphia ranks third in the NFL in yards per play (6.2). McVay’s game plan, as discussed on the show, focuses on forcing Hurts into passing situations by stacking the box and using varied coverages to disguise their intentions, a strategy he learned from facing Fangio’s defenses in the past.

The Role of Cooper Kupp and the Offense

While much of the episode focused on defense, McVay also praised wide receiver Cooper Kupp for his impact on the Rams’ offense. Kupp, who returned from a 2024 ankle injury, has 62 catches for 824 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025, serving as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s primary target. “Coop’s ability to get open and make plays after the catch is huge for us,” McVay said, referencing Kupp’s 12 receptions for 141 yards in the Giants win. The receiver’s respect for Fangio’s defense, as reported by ClutchPoints, underscores the challenge of facing Philadelphia’s secondary, led by rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

McVay stressed the need for offensive balance against the Eagles, who rank second against the pass (178.4 yards per game). Stafford, who has thrown for 2,612 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, will need to exploit mismatches while avoiding turnovers against Fangio’s zone-heavy scheme. “Vic’s going to adjust and adapt,” McVay said, recalling a humbling 2021 loss to Fangio’s Denver Broncos that forced him to reflect on his play-calling. The Rams’ use of pre- and post-snap motion, with players like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, will be critical to keeping Philadelphia’s defense off balance.

The Rams’ 2025 Season Context

At 5-5, the Rams are in a tight NFC West race, trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) and level with the San Francisco 49ers. Their recent victories, including a 13-7 win over the Giants and a sweep of the Colorado Rockies, have kept them in playoff contention, but injuries have tested their depth. The return of tight end Tyler Higbee and the potential call-up of pitcher Roki Sasaki, who impressed in a September 10 Triple-A rehab start, provide optimism, as noted by McVay on the show.

The Eagles game, set for Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, is a pivotal moment. A win could propel the Rams toward a wild card berth, while a loss could jeopardize their postseason hopes. McVay’s confidence in his team’s resilience, despite a challenging season, was evident: “I love this team’s fight. We’re not perfect, but we’re finding ways to compete.” This sentiment echoes his comments after a hard-fought NFC Divisional Round loss to the Eagles in January 2025, where he praised his team’s effort, per NFL.com.

Broader Implications

McVay’s focus on defensive standouts and Eagles preparation reflects broader trends in the NFL, where physicality and adaptability are paramount. The Tush Push, a point of contention league-wide, underscores the challenge of officiating modern football. As McVay noted, the play’s success forces defenses to adapt, but missed calls, like those in the Eagles-Chiefs game, fuel arguments for a ban. The Rams’ ability to counter this play could set a blueprint for other teams facing Philadelphia.

Moreover, McVay’s admiration for Fangio highlights the influence of defensive coaching trees in the NFL. Fangio’s system, which emphasizes limiting explosive plays and disguising coverages, has been adopted by coaches like Shula, making the Rams-Eagles matchup a clash of philosophical cousins. McVay’s willingness to learn from past losses to Fangio, as he shared on the show, demonstrates his growth as a coach and his commitment to evolving the Rams’ strategy.

Fan and Media Reaction

The Coach McVay Show episode, posted on YouTube and therams.com, generated significant buzz. Fans on X praised McVay’s candor, with @RamsFan4Life tweeting, “McVay breaking down the Eagles game plan is 🔥. Verse and Young are gonna eat!” Others expressed concern about the Tush Push, with @NFLGuru23 noting, “Rams better figure out how to stop that shove or it’s gonna be a long night.” Media outlets, including Footballiance and Archyde, amplified McVay’s comments, emphasizing the Rams’ defensive progress and the challenge of facing Hurts.

The episode also highlighted the Rams’ connection to their fanbase, with McVay acknowledging the energy at SoFi Stadium. The team’s recent roster moves, such as activating left-hander Alex Vesia and recalling catcher Chuckie Robinson, as noted on X, reflect their focus on fine-tuning for the postseason push. McVay’s optimistic tone resonated with fans eager for a playoff run.

Looking Ahead

The Rams’ matchup against the Eagles is a defining moment in their 2025 season. A victory could shift the NFC playoff picture, while a strong defensive performance would validate McVay’s praise for his young players. The game’s outcome will hinge on the Rams’ ability to disrupt Hurts’ rhythm, limit Barkley’s impact, and navigate the Tush Push’s physicality. McVay’s preparation, rooted in respect for Fangio and confidence in his roster, sets the stage for a competitive battle.

As the season progresses, the Rams’ defensive standouts, like Verse and Kinchens, will be crucial in maintaining their playoff hopes. McVay’s leadership, blending strategic acumen with player development, positions Los Angeles to challenge elite teams like Philadelphia. The Coach McVay Show offered a glimpse into this mindset, showcasing a team ready to fight for every inch.

, Sean McVay’s insights on The Coach McVay Show illuminated the Rams’ defensive resurgence and their meticulous preparation for the Eagles. By highlighting players like Jared Verse and strategies to counter Jalen Hurts, McVay demonstrated why the Rams remain a contender despite adversity. As they face Philadelphia in a primetime showdown, the Rams’ ability to execute McVay’s game plan could define their season, proving that their defensive stars are ready to shine on the NFL’s biggest stage.