Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers made history on Friday by playing in the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in Australia. The Rams and the 49ers were excited to wow the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and help the league expand its global reach.
San Francisco has been in Melbourne for a week, arriving early to acclimatize. Los Angeles, on the other hand, landed only a day before the contest. The decision was questioned by critics.
After making an interception in the second quarter against the 49ers, the Rams made sure to troll them with a hilarious celebration in the end zone.
“The Rams pretended to fall asleep after their interception because everyone thought they were crazy to leave Los Angeles the day before the game,” noted The Schultz Report's Jordan Schultz.
The Rams wanted to maintain their usual routine instead of adjusting ahead to the time zone. The plan worked for them last season in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Despite their strenuous itinerary, Los Angeles coach Sean McVay maintained that they felt “well-rested” and “fresh” after they practiced in Melbourne, as reported by the Associated Press' Greg Beacham.
“We wouldn't do anything if we didn't think it was best for our players. I'm not saying we have all the answers, but we wanted to keep our guys in a normal rhythm and routine as long as possible, and we feel like (the plan) is going to be something that suits us well,” said McVay.
As of this writing, the 49ers are leading the Rams, 10-7, at halftime.