The Los Angeles Rams conducted their customary Saturday walk-through at their hotel in Buckhead Saturday, then headed to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a team picture and time with family and friends.
Coaches stood at the top and players on the bottom rungs of the bleachers placed at the 5-yard line, with general manager Les Snead, owner Stan Kroenke and coach Sean McVay planted front and center.
Players then took individual and position group pictures and spent time family and friends who were allowed on the field for about 40 minutes.
Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth chased his children around the field, running back C.J. Anderson’s mom chatted up McVay, cornerback Aqib Talib introduced defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to his youngest son.
“It’s great,” McVay said. “This is something I’ve never really been a part of. It’s really special. We’ve got a few players and coaches that have been a part of Super Bowls in previous years, but for a lot of guys it’s their first time and I think it’s definitely something you want to cherish.”
Players and coaches returned to the stadium locker room around 2 p.m. EDT and prepared for an evening of additional meetings as the focus shifted back to football.
“I feel really good,” McVay said. “I think they understand the time where they can enjoy themselves right now, but when we’re doing football-related things, locking into the game plan, they’ve done a great job.
“And I think that’s kind of been this team’s personality really this whole season. It’s a good balance; they enjoy themselves, but not at the expense of allowing it to affect our focus and concentration.”
All 53 Rams on the active roster fully participated in Friday’s practice, the team’s last before facing the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein and reserve safety Blake Countess had practiced on less than 100 percent of their normal repetitions Thursday, both because of foot injuries.
“They’re going to be playing in the game,” McVay said. “Unless something changes from now until then, we should be good.”
The Rams will use Sunday morning at their hotel to run through it all one last time. Players will have an “activation,” in which the strength and conditioning staff will get them loose and put them through a stretch.
“Then we’ll have quick meetings, a walk-through and pre-game meal and then come over and here we go,” McVay said while taking a look around the stadium. “I think you realize the magnitude of this event really with the media coverage and things like this.
“I’ve kind of stayed at the hotel. My parents have come over and I’ve seen them a bit, then going to practice back and forth. I haven’t really gotten out much, but hopefully we’ll take care of business and be able to enjoy after tomorrow.”
The Patriots did not practice or hold a walk-through Saturday. They came to the stadium for team pictures and a gathering with their guests, following the routine they have followed in their eight previous Super Bowls under coach Bill Belichick.
“This breaks up the day and lets them participate in it with their families,” Belichick said. “This is a dream for every player to play in this game, so to be able to share it with loved ones and family is special. We have tried to embrace it.”
New England will hold team meetings Saturday night and Sunday morning, Belichick said. There will be no special guests at the Saturday night meeting, Belichick said.
“Just us circling the wagons and playing for each other,” Belichick said. “We are playing a good team, and we are going to have to play our best game of the year.”