Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams seemed to challenge head coach Sean McVay's choice to substitute him during key moments in their shocking defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.

Despite being 12.5-point favorites heading into Week 6, the Rams suffered an 18-16 loss to the Cardinals, who relied on six field goals to secure a surprising road victory. The Cardinals' special teams-driven win proved particularly effective given the Rams' own kicking woes after releasing their kicker and watching his replacement tear his ACL.

Arizona capitalized on some favorable late-game officiating to claim the win, leaving Los Angeles players incensed. Following the defeat, Rams running back Williams spoke candidly. It comes after Dave Portnoy shares his Super Bowl contenders as 49ers continue flying start

When questioned about the fluctuating energy from drive to drive, Williams responded: "I couldn't tell you bro, probably because I'm not out there."

Williams' remarks seemed directed at McVay, whose Rams had entered the season as overwhelming Super Bowl favorites. The running back logged 42 offensive snaps compared to backup Blake Corum's 16 against Arizona.

On Monday, McVay addressed whether he had discussed Williams' comments with him. He reassured reporters that no friction exists between them, stating: "I have. He brought it up to me. I wasn't aware of it.

"He's such an energy for us. He was emotional after the game. I know this guy's heart. He wants to make sure that he's influencing and effecting positive change. I think what he said it was more of, 'I just always want to try to be that spark.

"He was frustrated after the game, but his teammates know what he's about. When he explained it to me, I totally understood where he was coming from.

"He's a great leader for us. I think the way that it was interpreted was not what his intentions were. I know his teammates and I felt that way. He actually brought that up to me on his own. I was not aware of it until he brought it up to me."

Against Arizona, Williams carried the ball 10 times for 50 yards, while Corum recorded nine carries for 42 yards. In the passing game, Williams hauled in three receptions for 17 yards, with Corum contributing two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown.

Over six games, Williams has dominated the backfield with a 71 percent usage rate, accumulating 110 touches for 610 yards, while Corum sits at 27 percent with 56 touches for 314 yards.

With the Rams having dropped three of their last four games in nail-biting fashion, and suffering significant injuries to key players including Davante Adams, Poona Ford, and Kobie Turner, McVay and the organization are eager to put a positive spin on Williams' remarks as they look to right the ship. The 2-4 Rams face the 3-3 Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.