Sean McVay Hopes Rams Never Return to Australia After 49ers Blowout

As the NFL continues its global expansion, the Los Angeles Rams found themselves on the wrong end of a 27-7 beatdown at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on September 11, 2026. The loss left a bitter taste in the mouth of head coach Sean McVay, who expressed his hope that the Rams won’t have to make such a long trip again. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, McVay’s comments reflect a mix of frustration and a desire to move forward as his team prepares for a critical Monday Night Football home opener against the New York Giants on September 21.

McVay’s Candid Remarks on the Australia Game

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, McVay didn’t hold back when asked about the experience Down Under. “We’re not playing in Australia ever again, I hope,” McVay said, per the Los Angeles Times. “Not because it wasn’t a great atmosphere. That will get taken out of context.” The coach emphasized that the atmosphere was indeed electric, but the result and the travel took a toll. The Rams were dominated in all phases, and the 20-point margin could have been worse. McVay even referenced the movie Men in Black, saying, “It’s almost like you try and do the ‘Men in Black’ thing where you say all right, ‘hey I don’t remember what happened.’ That was so long ago.”

Injury Woes and Aaron Donald’s Potential Return

As if the loss wasn’t enough, the Rams are dealing with a growing injury list. According to the team’s first injury report of Week 2, several key defenders are banged up. Nate Landman, Omar Speights, and Kam Curl were all limited participants on Thursday, while Kamren Kinchens missed practice entirely. Davante Adams was given a veteran rest day. The biggest question mark, however, surrounds future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. McVay told reporters that Donald’s status for Monday night is undecided and may come down to a game-time decision involving the coaching staff and medical personnel. Donald’s potential return would provide a massive boost to a defense that struggled mightily against the 49ers.

Turning the Page to Monday Night Football

Despite the 0-2 start to their last two games (including a Week 18 loss last season), the Rams are not hitting the panic button. “Bottom line is, I like the way that I feel of our preparation, eyes moving forward, chest out, chin up, eyes forward, and let’s go be about it,” McVay said. “Let’s go prepare the right way. Let’s have great focus and concentration. Let’s have a great energy and an edge in which we prepare and compete with and then let’s go be ready to go against a really damn good football team.” The Giants, coming off their own Week 1 loss, will be hungry for a win. The Rams will also debut their new “Classic Sol” alternate uniforms, honoring the 1951 NFL Championship team, adding a layer of nostalgia to the primetime matchup.

Around the NFL: Cooks Tryout and Week 1 Overreactions

In other Rams-related news, former Los Angeles wide receiver Brandin Cooks worked out for the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, per the NFL transaction wire. Cooks, who played for the Rams from 2018-19 and appeared in back-to-back Super Bowls, could provide veteran depth for an AFC contender. Meanwhile, a CBS Sports analysis of historical Week 1 losses suggests that the Rams’ blowout defeat isn’t necessarily a death knell for their season. Since 2015, preseason contenders that lost their opener still made the playoffs 42% of the time, and the margin of defeat mattered little. The key is how the team responds moving forward.

What’s Next for the Rams?

The Rams will host the Giants at SoFi Stadium on Monday, September 21, at 5:15 p.m. PT on ESPN/ABC. With Aaron Donald’s status up in the air and several defenders nursing injuries, the team will need a disciplined and focused effort to avoid an 0-2 start. As McVay put it, “All we can do is really have a great day of preparation today.” For die-hard Rams fans, the hope is that the Australia debacle becomes a distant memory with a statement win under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. For all your NFL news and custom merchandise needs, stay tuned to Vulius.