The Rams are taking the late-arrival route for their Week 1 trip to Australia, and that choice has already become part of the conversation before they even kick off against the 49ers.
Los Angeles is set to land in the country just 28 hours before the game, a plan that has brought criticism from fans and analysts. San Francisco, by contrast, got to Australia last week and has had far more time to settle in.
Rob Gronkowski doesn’t see a problem with either approach. The former Patriots star backed both teams on “Up & Adams,” saying the key is committing to one plan or the other.
"I think both of them have it right," Gronkowski said. "There was no in-between.
If you're gonna go out there early, you got to go out there early, like San Francisco's doing. And then, if you're gonna go out there late.
You got to go out there late, like the Rams are doing, because you land and then, boom, you play, and you get out.
"There's no doubt the Rams are gonna be absolutely jetlagged when they get back from Australia, though. That's when they're really gonna be hurting."
The Rams spent their off-day in Melbourne resting, going through a light workout and doing some sightseeing while the 49ers continued their week-long prep on Australian soil.
Los Angeles reportedly took a 15-hour flight to get there, but Sean McVay said his players handled the trip well and arrived feeling fresh. He also pointed to routine as the main reason the Rams chose to travel so late.
“We wouldn’t do anything if we didn’t think it was best for our players,” McVay said. “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.”
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