What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Rams have decided to make a change at the kicker position for their upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Sean McVay announced that Harrison Mevis will replace Joshua Karty as the team's kicker. This decision comes
after Karty's recent struggles, including missing an extra point and a 39-yard field goal in the Rams' Week 9 victory. The Rams have faced ongoing issues with their special teams, having missed three extra points this season, two of which were blocked. McVay expressed confidence in Karty despite the change, stating that the team will reevaluate the position after the game. Additionally, Jake McQuaide will replace Alex Ward as the Rams' long-snapper.
Why It's Important?
The decision to switch kickers highlights the Rams' efforts to address their special teams' performance issues, which have been a significant concern this season. With a field goal percentage of 67%, the Rams rank last in the league, and their struggles have impacted their overall performance. By bringing in Mevis, who has a strong track record from his college career at Missouri, the Rams aim to stabilize their kicking game and improve their chances in upcoming matches. This change could be crucial for the Rams as they continue to compete for a playoff spot and aim to strengthen their position in the league.
What's Next?
The Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, and the performance of Mevis will be closely watched as he makes his NFL debut. The team will assess the effectiveness of the new kicker and long-snapper combination and decide whether further changes are necessary. McVay's confidence in Karty suggests that the team may consider reinstating him if Mevis does not meet expectations. The Rams' special teams will need to demonstrate improvement to support the team's playoff aspirations.
Beyond the Headlines
The Rams' decision to change kickers reflects broader challenges in maintaining consistent special teams performance in the NFL. The pressure on kickers to deliver under high-stakes conditions can lead to frequent changes, impacting team dynamics and player morale. The Rams' situation underscores the importance of having reliable special teams to complement offensive and defensive efforts.
