Key Highlights
- Rams head coach Sean McVay is bringing in competition for the kicker position.
- Veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide has been signed to the practice squad.
- Harrison Mevis and Joshua Karty will compete for the starting kicker role against the 49ers.
- McVay emphasizes the importance of kick consistency and competition.
Rams Address Kicking Issues with New Competition
In an effort to address ongoing struggles in their field goal operations, the Los Angeles Rams have brought in new players for kicking and long snapping roles. Head coach Sean McVay has announced that both Joshua Karty and Harrison Mevis will compete for the starting kicker position ahead of Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.
“We’ve had a struggling room recently,” admitted Karty, indicating the need for improvement in their kicking performance. “I have a great sense of what I need to do and focus on each day.” McVay expressed confidence in long snapper Jake McQuaide, who will return to the team after being signed to the practice squad. However, he emphasized that McQuaide must earn his spot through consistent performance.
Competition for Kicker Role
McVay plans to intensify the competition among players for better consistency in their field goal operations. “We’ll implement more than we normally would on a Wednesday and Thursday,” he stated, highlighting the increased focus on evaluating both Karty and Mevis.
Long Snapping Position
For long snapping duties, McQuaide is expected to take over from Alex Ward, who will face competition from current long snapper Harrison Mevis. Both players have shown their commitment to the team despite changes in their roles:
“A chance to get better and prove that I can be here and do the work,” said Mevis.
McVay handled conversations with Karty and Ward with honesty and empathy, ensuring both players understood the rationale behind these moves. “Both those guys were total studs about it,” he commented, noting their willingness to support each other in this competitive environment.
Next Steps
The Rams face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium with a chance to improve their kicking performance and field goal consistency. McVay remains optimistic about finding solutions that will help his team perform better:
“I think you always use the caveat too, that my job is to be able to make decisions that are best for the collective,” he said.
With these changes in place, the Rams aim to bring more stability and accuracy to their kicking game, a crucial aspect of their overall performance. Fans will be watching closely as the team prepares to take on one of the toughest challenges yet this season.
