- Rams signed Harrison Mevis to the practice squad to compete with Joshua Karty for the kicking position.
- Mevis participated in drills at the NFL scouting combine last year and made 89 of 106 field-goal attempts during his college career.
- The Rams are preparing for their game against the San Francisco 49ers, where their kicking issues resurfaced recently.
- Coach Sean McVay emphasizes the importance of competition to improve play in critical areas like kicking.
Rams Address Kicking Shortcomings with New Competition
The Los Angeles Rams, currently 6-2 and preparing for their upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, have taken a proactive stance on addressing their recent kicking troubles. This week, they signed kicker Harrison Mevis to their practice squad, aiming to create healthy competition at the position with second-year pro Joshua Karty.
Mevis’ journey into professional football began last year when he participated in drills during the NFL scouting combine. At Missouri, where he played college football, Mevis demonstrated his kicking prowess by converting 89 out of 106 field-goal attempts, including a notable 61-yard field goal. His performance this season has not gone unnoticed, as the Rams have extended an offer to give him a chance in the pros.
Competition and Improvement
Coach Sean McVay highlighted the significance of competition in improving team performance during interviews after last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. In that match, Karty missed a 39-yard field goal attempt and an extra-point try, issues that have resurfaced despite their overall success.
“It’s all geared toward trying to be able to just get some solutions and some kick consistency really with our field-goal operation,” McVay said. “I think it’s important to have good competition at some spots that we feel we can have improved play.”
Both Karty and Mevis will now engage in expanded special-teams drills throughout the week, focusing on their strengths and areas for improvement.
New Addition Jake McQuaide Joins Long-Snapping Competition
In a related move, the Rams bolstered their special teams by signing veteran long-snapper Jake McQuaide to compete with Alex Ward. At 37 years old, McQuaide brings significant experience from his time with the Rams (2011-2020), adding depth and familiarity to the team’s kicking unit.
McQuaide expressed his enthusiasm for helping out wherever he can: “My agent called me and said, ‘Sean’s going to hit you up in a second.’ And I said, ‘OK, that was unexpected.’ But it’s always a good one to get. Just want to get on a team and help ‘em out however I can.”
McVay praised McQuaide’s experience: “If all things go well with Jake, we expect him to be our long-snapper.” This move adds another layer of depth to the Rams’ special teams, ensuring they have robust competition for these critical roles.
Implications and Future Moves
The addition of Mevis and McQuaide reflects the Rams’ commitment to addressing their kicking issues proactively. With games against tough opponents like the 49ers on the horizon, the Rams aim to fortify their special teams and ensure they have a reliable kicker who can perform under pressure.
As the team progresses through this week’s practices, all eyes will be on Karty and Mevis, as well as McQuaide’s potential impact. The competition is expected to push both kickers to deliver consistent performance, which could significantly influence the Rams’ chances in their upcoming matches against formidable opponents.
Industry experts agree that such moves are crucial for teams looking to maintain high standards of play across all positions. With the NFL season well underway and the playoff race heating up, every point can make a difference, and the Rams are taking steps to ensure they stay competitive.
