Days before their game against the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay once again had to admit that his team has one of the saddest fan bases in the NFL, and Sunday’s matchup isn’t expected to feel like a home game.
While Los Angeles is one of the biggest media markets in the world, it has never been viewed as the most reliable when it comes to fan support. Sure, the Lakers and Dodgers have strong fan bases but even the reputation of LA fans being a late-arriving crowd has long followed them. Their dedication to their teams has never been on the level of other major markets like New York, Boston, or Philadelphia.
Furthermore, outside of those two iconic franchises, LA fans have not been very reliable for the others. There is a reason why franchises like the Rams and Raiders have left the city after attempting to cultivate fanbases there. It is also what made the Rams and Chargers’ decision to both take up residency there a few years ago a sizable risk. It seems that no matter the year, or the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium, Los Angeles sports fans remain one of the most unreliable among the big market cities.
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Despite having a winning team, and bringing a rare Super Bowl title to the city earlier this year, Sean McVay imploring fans to show their loud and proud support inside SoFi Stadium continues to fall on deaf ears. San Francisco 49ers fans were memorably the larger contingent in last season’s NFC Championship game at home, and the trend continued in the 2022 NFL season opener when the Buffalo Bills were in town.
The 49ers supporters making their voices heard is understandable considering they are a regional team with a rich history. But to be out-supported by a franchise known for losing Super Bowls is pretty sad.
Dallas Cowboys fans expected to turn SoFi Stadium into a home game in Week 5
Well, on Sunday afternoon “America’s Team” will be in town for a visit. And the Rams head coach had to admit once again that his team’s fans are terrible and he has had to prepare his players for an away game atmosphere in Week 5. On Thursday afternoon, The Athletic’s Rams beat writer Jourdan Rodrigue reported that McVay “did feel the need to practice their silent count/are preparing for the possibility of a silent count on offense this week. Extra-loud sound at practices etc.”
The Cowboys have one of the biggest fanbases in the league even in down years. However, with the team off to a 3-1 start, and red-hot despite backup quarterback Cooper Rush starting, Dallas fans are sure to make their presence known on Sunday. Fortunately for Rams players, this sad fact is nothing new and they are sure to be well prepared for an unfriendly atmosphere at home this weekend.