Sean McVay defends Rams' travel schedule following ugly loss to 49ers in Australia

McVay said that he felt that his team was ready to play in response to a question about how the Rams slept on the eve of the game after arriving in Australia just hours earlier. Conversely, the 49ers arrived in Australia days in advance.

"I thought we were ready to go, and obviously we just didn't play good enough," he said. "You know, you give the Niners credit; they were sharp in all three phases. They did a really good job, and we were never able to really get any continuity going offensively. When we were able to get some drives going, we weren't able to finish it with points, but again, you know, I look at nobody but myself, and I have to do a much better job. And then defensively, we had some chances and couldn't necessarily get off the grass, and we struggled in the kicking game as well. "

As flat as the Rams were, they were in position to make it a one-score game late in the third quarter. But after Stafford was stuffed on fourth-and-goal on the 1-yard-line, the 49ers drove 99 yards on 11 plays and took a 24-7 lead after Purdy hit Samuel on a 15-yard touchdown pass.

At that point, the Rams abandoned their running game (which had been one of their few bright spots), became one dimensional and therefore predictable. The Rams turned the ball over on their ensuring possession, the 49ers tacked on a field goal, and McVay waved the white flag when he pulled Stafford from the game with 3:05 left.

"We got outplayed," McVay said. "They did a good job. We didn't, and you know, there's a lot of football left to be played. And I love that locker room. I love our coaching staff. And today will be an opportunity for us to learn it, and we're going to find out what we're about. And I'm excited to be able to lean in, and certainly I make no excuses. And you know, it starts with me, and I got to do a better job for our group. "