Rams Evaluate Kicking Game After Another Missed Opportunity

The Los Angeles Rams are reevaluating their kicking game following a subpar performance by kicker Joshua Karty during their 34-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints on November 5, 2023. Karty missed a 39-yard field goal and failed to convert a third extra point attempt this season, raising concerns about the team’s special teams unit.

Rams head coach Sean McVay reiterated his support for Karty but acknowledged that all options remain on the table this week. Speaking with the media on Monday morning, McVay emphasized the team’s commitment to thoroughly evaluating the entire kicking operation, which has contributed to both of the Rams’ losses this season.

“There’s a lot of things that we’re going to look into,” McVay said. “That’s kind of what’s occupied the majority of the morning: figuring out the best courses of action to get this operation in the direction that we want.”

The evaluation will involve not only Karty’s performance but also the snap from Alex Ward, the hold from punter Ethan Evans, and the protection from the offensive line. During the missed field goal, a rusher came through almost untouched from the right side, forcing Karty to adjust his kick. Offensive lineman D.J. Humphries managed to get a hand on the rusher but had to shift focus to pressure coming from his inside.

Despite these challenges, McVay expressed confidence in special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn and assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica. “I’ve been pleased with both Blackburn and Coach Kotwica, and I’ve been impressed with a lot of the guys’ responses,” McVay noted. He underscored that every player and coach is dedicated to improving the execution of the kicking game.

This is not the first time McVay has faced special teams issues during his tenure with the Rams, but he highlighted that this year’s struggles are occurring at shorter distances. Four of Karty’s five missed attempts have come from within 50 yards, with three misses from less than 40 yards.

“Patience, leaning in, and providing real feedback with clarity is the most important thing,” McVay said. “All we can do is control how we move forward.”

In addition to addressing the kicking game, McVay provided an update on wide receiver Puka Nacua, who suffered an injury to his ribs during the game. McVay confirmed that Nacua was scheduled for a scan on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.

“I feel optimistic from some of my conversations with Reggie Scott, our VP of sports medicine, regarding where we’re potentially heading,” McVay stated, indicating that more information would be available on Wednesday.

Nacua sustained the injury during a jet sweep play, where he was hit by Saints linebacker Demario Davis. Although Nacua had just returned from an ankle sprain, the Rams opted for caution with the game comfortably in hand.

Reflecting on the decision to put Nacua in that position, McVay admitted, “I’m kicking myself about putting him in that spot where he sustained that shot to the rib.” He acknowledged the complexities of making decisions that balance team needs with player safety.

As the Rams prepare for their next challenge, the focus remains on refining their kicking game and ensuring the health of their players.