The Los Angeles Rams just kicked off their 2026 season with a brutal 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers down in Melbourne, Australia. Oof. While it stings, we did see last year’s Super Bowl champs lose to the 49ers at home in Week 1. But for the Rams, this isn’t some one-off. They’ve now taken at least one loss in their first three games for five straight seasons! Think about it, the last time they started 3-0, they went on to win the Super Bowl. That ain’t a coincidence, folks.
The Slow Start Curse Is Real, And It’s Killing LA
Every team’s top goal should be snagging that number one seed. It’s just too powerful a playoff advantage, plain and simple. Yet, Sean McVay’s teams constantly fall a game or two shy of those aspirations. The culprit? These agonizingly slow starts. Look at the record: 2022 they were 2-3, 2023 they limped to 3-6, 2024 saw them at 1-4, and even last year, 2025, they were only 3-2 out of the gate. They’ve made the playoffs for three straight seasons, which is something, but as seeds 4, 5, and 6? That’s not getting it done. It’s a huge reason why LA hasn’t sniffed the Super Bowl since 2021. McVay’s postseason record since then is a meager 3-3, despite having Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and a roster loaded with stars. They even have Sean McVay himself! But honestly, sometimes that “McVay effect” feels like a double-edged sword.
McVay’s Preseason Playbook Is Backfiring, Big Time
The Rams’ front office refuses to even consider these as potential setbacks, but after a 20-point Week 1 shellacking when a strong start feels absolutely crucial, we gotta talk about McVay’s philosophies. Since 2018, he has consistently sat his starters and key players in the preseason. You have to wonder, could this be why LA always looks “flat” and unprepared through Weeks 1-5? Contrast that with those victorious 49ers. Kyle Shanahan doesn’t load his starters with reps either, but he doesn’t seem to have McVay’s fear of preseason injuries. Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, De’Zhaun Stribling, Kaelon Black, Marquis Sigle, and others were all active at points this preseason. They’re cautious, sure, but not paralyzed by fear. And guess what? None of those guys got injured in preseason action, even though the 49ers do seem to have consistent injury problems overall. And Purdy looked miles better than Matthew Stafford did in Week 1. Is that really a surprise when Stafford also sits out at least half of training camp and offseason practices? Tom Brady even told rookies that he treated his preseason games like Super Bowl games. Maybe McVay needs to listen to the GOAT.
This 27-7 loss to start the 2026 season should be a huge wake-up call for the Rams and McVay. They’re already behind the eight ball again. If they fall short of expectations once more this year, will anything finally convince them to take a hard look in the mirror? We’ll be watching to see if they can shake off this slow start, or if history is just going to keep repeating itself.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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