Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speak with quarterback Matthew Stafford (9). Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Rams HC Sean McVay: Happiness with Matthew Stafford is no insult to Jared Goff

When Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked Thursday what he thought of new quarterback Matthew Stafford, he responded: 

"I think I've been very happy," McVay said, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "Everybody says, 'Man, you just seem like you're in a better mood this offseason,' and I said, 'You're damn right I am.'"

As the day went on, many began to associate McVay's comments and shift in mood to the departure of Jared Goff, who was traded to the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason in exchange for Stafford. 

Later in the day, McVay made it clear that his shift in attitude was not because of Goff's departure. 

"I hated that I even have to address that, but I did think out of respect for [Goff] and all the good things that he's done, I am in a good mood, but that doesn't mean it's not because we're working together or because of just Stafford exclusively," he said. "There's a lot of good things going on that I feel really good about and I'm confident about, so don't twist my words when I didn't say that."

Goff, the 2016 first overall pick, spent five seasons with the Rams, including four with McVay. After winning back-to-back division titles, McVay and Goff's relationship began to deteriorate following a loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. Since then, L.A.'s offense has been very inconsistent, and Goff was a big reason why.

The Rams are now hoping that Stafford can help right the ship and get them back to the Super Bowl.

McVay added that Stafford is a "special guy." We'll see just how special he is once the 2021 campaign begins. 

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