Rams are operating like another Super Bowl is their destiny – why not? | Opinion

It’s beginning to feel like déjà vu for the Los Angeles Rams.

The last time Los Angeles played host to the Super Bowl, the Rams orchestrated a blockbuster offseason trade that brought quarterback Matthew Stafford to LA. The Rams capped off that season by winning Super Bowl 56 at home inside the comfy confines of SoFi Stadium. Coincidentally, the Rams pulled off two blockbuster trades this offseason. First they acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie in March. Then they agreed to terms to obtain defensive end Myles Garrett on Monday, June 1 – months before the Super Bowl makes a return to SoFi Stadium for Super Bowl 61.

Is it prophetic? The Rams have operated like it.

A first-round pick for McDuffie? Sure.

Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second rounder and a 2029 third-round selection in exchange for a two-time defensive player of the year recipient and the player who owns the NFL’s single-season sack record? As Rams general manager Les Snead famously wore on a T-shirt, “(expletive) them picks.”

The Rams’ decision to use a rare first-round pick on QB Ty Simpson looks like a smart chess move now that they gutted their future draft capital in an effort to win now. They’ve only had two first-round picks since 2017 due to trades, including two separate deals that awarded them quarterback Matthew Stafford and cornerback Jalen Ramsey – two players that helped the franchise win Super Bowl 56.

Trading first-round picks to acquire game-changing players is part of the Rams’ philosophy. The franchise exemplifies what it means to go all in to win the Super Bowl.

Los Angeles identified defense as its Achilles heel last year after the unit surrendered 321 passing yards and three passing touchdowns during its NFC championship game loss to the eventual Super Bowl 60 champ Seattle Seahawks. In response, they aggressively upgraded with a two-time All-Pro cornerback and a player who’s registered 125.5 career sacks.

Marry the defense with a Rams offense that possesses reigning MVP Stafford, who recently signed an extension, the NFL’s defending receiving touchdown leader in Davante Adams and last season’s receptions champ in Puka Nacua, and it's clear the Rams have an embarrassment of riches.

Justifiably, the Rams are the currently Super Bowl 61 favorite, according to BetMGM.  

Super Bowls aren’t won in June, but the Rams have positioned themselves appropriately to play in a Super Bowl inside their home stadium again.

“I sure hope this season ends the same way that one did, you know? I mean, hey, it is something that we're always going to be smart and aggressive to try to be competitive for the short and long,” McVay said to USA TODAY Sports this offseason. “That’ll be consistent as long as Les (Snead) and I are able to lead the way.”

McVay backed up his words. With Snead and McVay leading the way, the Rams have illustrated they are relentless in their pursuit of another Super Bowl title.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.