NFC Notes: Rams, Redskins, Seahawks

Rams

Last week, former Rams HC Jeff Fisher mentioned during an interview that he left the team “in pretty good shape” and aided the team’s quick turnaround this season.

However, Rams OLB Robert Quinn says that the new coaching staff “brought the best out of everybody.”

“I would like to say I can speak for the guys who have been here, and everything we went through,” Quinn said, via the L.A. Daily News. “With McVay and [defensive coordinator] Wade [Phillips] leading this team, I don’t know what they did, but they just brought the best out of everybody, brought some new guys in and everybody rose up to the challenge.”

The Rams’ turnaround is one of the best stories of the year and Sean McVay is in the mix for coach of the year.

Second-year QB Jared Goff mentioned that what McVay has done in his first year as the Rams head coach has been “so impressive.”

“It’s just everything he’s done since he got here,” Goff said of McVay. “From day one, it’s been so impressive. He hasn’t changed a bit. Same demeanor every day, and goes about his business the same way, and I think it rubs off on the players and rubs off on me for sure.”

• Rams HC Sean McVay said he thinks G Rodger Saffold should be okay, even though he exited Sunday’s game with a rib injury.
• McVay said that ILB Mark Barron, who a surprising inactive, is dealing with some Achilles soreness and Alden Gonzalez adds that it “doesn’t sound good.”

Redskins

• Redskins HC Jay Gruden said that DL Ziggy Hood fractured his elbow, but it won’t require surgery. Hood will, however, not play against the Giants in Week 17.

Seahawks

• Brady Henderson of ESPN writes that while Seahawks S Earl Thomas seems to have the impression that Seattle will move on from him at some point, it’s unclear why he thinks the Seahawks kick him to the curb.
• Henderson points out that Thomas is under contract through the 2018 season and is still playing at a Pro Bowl level, which means he most likely is not in danger of being cut this offseason.
• As of now, Seattle does not have an obvious replacement for Thomas on their roster.
• Henderson considers re-signing S Bradley McDougald to be an offseason priority for the Seahawks, but it’s more likely he would replace Kam Chancellor than Thomas.
• Something to watch with Thomas is whether he’s looking to secure an extension in line with the six-year, $78 million deal signed by Chiefs S Eric Berry.
• Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said during an appearance on 710 ESPN that RB Chris Carson (injured reserve, leg) will not return this week. (Bob Condotta)
• According to Carroll, OL Luke Joeckel hurt his foot a little bit but otherwise, there were no new injuries from Sunday’s game.
• Carroll said he spoke with S Earl Thomas regarding this comments to Cowboys HC Jason Garrett in which he told them to “come get me.” Carroll called it “unfortunate” and said it comes off worse when the comment is read as opposed to when it’s heard. Carroll added that he’s a little less concerned about this knowing that it comes from Thomas. (Brady Henderson)