USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Jan 30, 2022

Every time you open Twitter, someone reminds the world that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay once coached on the same staff in Washington. - It’s probably the most annoying NFL take that currently exists. People love to pile on Washington, even if they don’t include or even know the context of what they are discussing. - So, did you know McVay and Shanahan were on Mike Shanahan’s coaching staff? Yeah, see. - McVay coaching against Shanahan is old news at this point. The Rams and 49ers play in the same division and have faced one another 10 times, with Shanahan’s 49ers winning seven of those meetings. - As far as Sunday’s game on the field, three former Washington starters will see the field in the NFC championship game — and they all play for the 49ers. - Left tackle Trent Williams, cornerback Josh Norman and right tackle Tom Compton. Williams, of course, is the headliner, and we know his history in Washington. - Norman had a disappointing run in Washington and is now a key reserve for San Francisco’s secondary. Compton, meanwhile, was a former Washington draft pick in 2012 — the same year as Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins — and spent four seasons in Washington. Compton has played for multiple teams and usually follows Shanahan. He has started for the 49ers since Week 12. - While the Rams don’t have any former Washington players on the field Sunday, they have three former coaches outside of McVay. Both coordinators — offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris — spent time in Washington. - After five seasons in Washington, tight ends coach Wes Phillips is in his third year with Los Angeles. - So, Washington fans, who are you rooting for Sunday? Most Washington fans still have a soft spot for McVay, more so than Shanahan. And many Washington fans have since forgiven Williams. - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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