When the Los Angeles Rams compete at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, many teams in the NFL will be watching closely. The Rams are attempting a travel strategy unlike any other team has done before.
The Rams plan to arrive in London on Saturday morning, just a day before they face the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Sean McVay discussed the team’s itinerary during a press conference on Friday.
“We’ll travel to London tonight and get there tomorrow morning, have a walk-through, and then let guys be able to relax and get some rest,” McVay said. “Then we’ll be ready to kick off at 2:30 p.m. [London time]. Guys are excited about this business trip that we have but I think it’s been a good week for a team camaraderie that’s organically unfolded. It’s been about the week of preparation and guys have done a great job.”
The NFL has organized games in London since 2007, with various teams experimenting with travel plans. Typically, teams would leave for London by Thursday night, landing on Friday morning. The Rams adopted a different approach when they last played in London in 2019.
In contrast, the Jaguars have opted to arrive early, leaving Jacksonville on Monday night and landing in London on Tuesday morning. Coach Liam Coen, who worked with McVay in Los Angeles during the 2019 trip, supports the Jaguars’ approach.
“Is it an advantage? I don’t know, there’s sports science that supports both,” Coen said this week, via the Associated Press. “I just thought it was a great opportunity for our guys to get here, be together a little bit more, and have a little more continuity.”
The Rams decided to spend their week in Baltimore after their Week 6 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. They utilized Camden Yards for practice, marking a first for the venue.
If the Rams succeed against the Jaguars, their Saturday travel plan could inspire other teams in the future. Conversely, if they suffer a loss, it’s likely that no other teams would follow this unconventional approach. Currently, the 4-2 Rams won’t have Puka Nacua available but still hold a 1.5 point favorite over the Jaguars, who are looking for their fifth win.
