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Ex-Rams tackle backs Kyle Brandt’s criticism of controversial Australia strategy
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- Ex-Rams tackle backs Kyle Brandt’s criticism of controversial Australia strategy
Former Los Angeles Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth backed Kyle Brandt's criticism of the NFL team's travel strategy after its loss in Australia. Brandt, an NFL Network analyst, questioned the plan after the Rams looked sluggish during their 27-7 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, Sept. 10.
The Rams stayed in California until Tuesday before taking a 15-hour flight to Melbourne. They arrived about 28 hours before kickoff and planned to return immediately after the game.
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Brandt argued that limited recovery time affected the players. " They tried too hard to be smart. They got too cute," Brandt said on "Good Morning Football."
He pointed to several unusual performances from Los Angeles . Matthew Stafford threw no touchdown passes for the first time in 17 games, while Myles Garrett recorded zero tackles.
Brandt specifically talked about sleep, which could've led to fatigue among players.
"The Rams are like, 'Our guys will sleep on the plane,'" Brandt said. "Some people can't sleep on planes. It's a talent. 'No, but they'll all have lay-flat seats.' Guys, Alaric Jackson , their left tackle, is 6-7, 340 [pounds]. I don't think seat 12B is gonna allow for a ton of good rest for the big man. It was ambitious."
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Whitworth gives Kyle Brandt's argument more weight
NFL: NFL Melbourne Game -Los Angeles Rams Practice
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during press conference at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Whitworth, who played for the Rams from 2017 through 2022, responded to Brandt on social media. "I have never slept on a plane in my life," Whitworth wrote.
He then added, "And every London trip they made me sleep instead of practice on the Friday we got in. So… You do make a fair point on the sleep thing."
Whitworth's experience offers useful context because he made multiple international trips during his Rams career. His response supported the concern that expecting players to sleep during long flights can create challenges.
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Brandt also questioned whether the Rams would repeat their approach. "Are you telling me that if they had a game in Australia two months from now, they would run back the same plan?" he asked. "BS. There is no way, because all those conversations about when the Rams would arrive in Australia. … They didn't. They never arrived in Australia."
MORE: Myles Garrett calls Rams debut his 'worst version' after 27-7 loss
The Rams developed the strategy after consulting sleep experts and testing travel methods. Coach Sean McVay defended the decision after the loss.
"I don't believe the travel plan is why we didn't play well enough," McVay said.
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Still, Los Angeles produced only 290 total yards against San Francisco . The Rams will next face the New York Giants on Sept. 21.
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