Since witnessing Matt Gay secure an extraordinary contract with the Indianapolis Colts, the Los Angeles Rams have encountered significant challenges in finding a competent kicker.
At the start of the season, the Rams entrusted veteran Brett Maher with the kicker role, but his struggles led to his eventual release. He was replaced by the younger Lucas Havrisik. However, this switch didn’t resolve the problem, as Havrisik has arguably faced even more difficulties, managing only 15 successful field goals out of 20 and 17 out of 18 extra points in eight games. Between Maher and Havrisik, the Rams have accumulated the highest number of missed field goals in the league this season.
Despite Havrisik’s performance issues, Rams head coach expressed disinterest in seeking another kicker and clarified the reasoning behind this decision. Sean McVay stated that they’re not currently considering a change, emphasizing the importance of the entire kicking operation—snap, hold, and kick. He highlighted the absence of Alex Ward and praised his contribution, implying that multiple factors contribute to successful kicks beyond just the kicker’s performance.
While the Rams aren’t actively scouting for a replacement, McVay acknowledged that the kicker struggles are impacting his play-calling decisions. He noted how it influences strategic choices, such as deciding on four-down territory or altering the team’s mindset during gameplay.
The team briefly tested veteran Mason Crosby against Havrisik, but Crosby was released shortly after and joined the New York Giants.
As the Rams remain firmly in contention for the playoffs, resolving the kicker position swiftly is imperative. Failure to address this issue promptly could jeopardize their season and potentially lead to an untimely end to their playoff aspirations.
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