McVay Sees Progress in Rams Practice as Chargers Game Approaches

The Los Angeles Rams #9 Matthew Stafford (QB) during practice is looking over their offensive formation to make sure all the players are in the right position for they run the play. This photo is by Tony Dunn/TGSportstv1 August 25, 2026.

WOODLAND HILLS, CA - With the Rams set to face the Chargers Thursday, Aug. 27, in their crosstown preseason matchup, Tuesday's practice message from head coach Sean McVay wasn't about the opponent across the field, but about his own team's process.

McVay didn't mention the Chargers once. Instead, he focused on what he's seeing from his players as camp progresses.

That progress showed up in a specific way at practice when the first-team offense sustained a nine-play drive, which McVay called out as evidence of the team's growth.

"I think we're making a lot of good progress," McVay said. "It's a never-ending journey of becoming. I love the way our guys are working. I think we're building skills. I think we're building capacity to be able to handle more plays."

He specifically pointed to the first-string execution on the extended drive as proof of that growth, saying “the ones handled it very well.”

Beyond the on-field execution, McVay also pointed to the environment his players have created at practice as a driver of that improvement.

"What I really appreciate is the way the guys push each other," McVay said. "One of the things I love the most is the way our guys push each other without any BS."

That competitive culture is part of what McVay credits for the team's growth so far, even if it isn't tied to any single opponent or game plan.

For the players still fighting for a spot on this roster, Thursday isn't really about the Chargers either; it's about proving, in a live setting, that the progress McVay is describing is real.