Los Angeles Rams Make Changes in Their Kicking Squad After Loss to Buffalo Bills

Sean McVay’s Evaluation Follows Special Teams Issues

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t joking about reevaluating the team’s special teams. Following yet another challenging outing, changes were inevitable.

Monday saw the Rams suffer a defeat to the Buffalo Bills, marked by kicker Harrison Mevis missing a critical 50-yard field goal in the first quarter. He also had a potential game-winning 48-yard field goal attempt blocked in overtime, leading to a 37-34 loss.

“In the kicking game, especially with our PATs, field goals, not even close to good enough,” McVay stated to reporters post-game. “It cost us the game tonight.”

Roster Changes Announced

On Tuesday, the Rams decided to release Mevis. NFL Network initially reported, and OutKick confirmed, that Mevis was replaced by Blake Grupe, a kicker signed from the New York Jets’ practice squad.

The Rams’ struggles with special teams have been persistent since McVay started coaching in 2017. Including playoffs, 81 kicks have either missed or been blocked—third most in the NFL. Since last season, three of the Rams’ kicks were blocked, tying for the worst in the league.

Harrison Mevis’s Track Record

Nicknamed the “Thicker Kicker” due to his 245-pound frame, Mevis joined the Rams’ active roster in November. Despite a successful term last season where he was nearly perfect, his performance this season was shaky, managing only five successful field goals out of nine attempts in five games.

Reflecting on a blocked attempt, Mevis mentioned, “I felt like I hit it good. That’s all I can tell you. I mean, I hit it good, gave it a chance. I’ll have to look.”

Blake Grupe’s Future Prospects

As the Rams hope for improved performance, 27-year-old Grupe steps in with experience from the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Over three seasons, Grupe boasts a record of making 86 out of 106 field goals and 96 out of 98 extra points.

In his recent stint with the Colts last season, Grupe proved reliable, converting all 11 field goal attempts over five games.

The Rams look to Grupe for stability in their kicking game as they navigate the critical moments of the season.