Rams reevaluate kicker Harrison Mevis after missed and blocked field goals

The Mevis kicker has been a topic of intense scrutiny for the Los Angeles Rams recently, as head coach Sean McVay continues to evaluate the team’s kicking game following a series of crucial misses. The Rams' latest struggles with field goals, particularly Harrison Mevis' blocked game-winning attempt in overtime, have left the team in a precarious position. The Rams' decision to sign Mevis had initially been hailed as a move to stabilize their kicking woes.

Mevis's Performance Under the Spotlight

Mevis, who had been given ample leeway despite his early season struggles, found himself under significant pressure in a recent loss to the Buffalo Bills. Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter and had another crucial kick blocked in overtime. These misses have called into question his reliability, especially considering the Rams’ overall performance has been inconsistent. McVay had previously expressed full confidence in Mevis's range, noting that his accuracy had improved significantly during the summer. However, recent performances have led to a reevaluation of Mevis's role within the team.

McVay had initially praised Mevis, highlighting his accuracy and range, which had been a significant improvement over previous kickers. However, the recent performance has left McVay and the Rams' coaching staff questioning the future of the kicking game. The Rams have seen a significant improvement since Mevis joined, but recent events have cast doubt on his status. The Rams have made several changes to their kicking unit in recent years, including the promotion of Harrison Mevis from the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.

Kicking Game Evaluation and Next Steps

Following the game against the Bills, McVay stated that the Rams would 'evaluate everything' in their kicking game. The decision to promote Mevis over Joshua Karty was met with mixed reactions, but the recent performance raises questions about whether the team should continue with this choice. The Rams' kicking unit has struggled in recent seasons, and Mevis was seen as a potential solution to these issues. The decision to shift from Karty to Mevis had garnered significant attention ahead of Week 10, with many hoping it would stabilize the team's kicking woes.

However, the data is damning. The blocked kick in overtime by Bills linebacker Greg Rousseau has highlighted the team's reliance on a single player, who now faces growing scrutiny. While McVay had initially expressed confidence in Mevis, the latest performance has left fans and analysts questioning whether the Rams need to consider other options. The Rams have been evaluating their kicking game, and the recent struggles with Mevis have only added to the pressure. Despite the changes, the kicking game remains a point of concern for the team and its fans.

While McVay has been supportive of Mevis, the recent performance has led to questions about the team's reliance on a single kicker. Let’s not kid ourselves, the Rams need a stable kicking game to compete at the highest level. The team’s future in the kicking game remains uncertain, and the decision to continue with Mevis will be closely watched.

As the season progresses, the Rams will need to address these issues to ensure they have a reliable kicking game. The decision to promote Mevis was seen as a positive step, but recent performance has left the team with significant questions to address.

McVay had expressed full confidence in Mevis's range, noting that his accuracy had improved significantly during the summer.