The Los Angeles Rams are optimistic that their kicking challenges will not spell disaster for them.
In Thousand Oaks, California, the Los Angeles Rams have shown significant improvements in both offense and defense this season. However, their special teams unit has been a consistent struggle, ranking last in the NFL in special teams DVOA. The team has faced challenges with a total of 16 missed field goals and extra points, the highest among all teams this season.
Kicker Brett Maher, initially signed during the offseason, contributed six field goal misses and two missed extra points before being released after a Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lucas Havrisik replaced Maher but encountered his own struggles, missing five field goals and three extra points in nine games.
Despite securing a playoff spot before their Week 18 game, the Rams re-signed Maher for his experience. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged Maher’s consistency in shorter kicks but pointed out challenges in adverse conditions. Maher’s history includes struggles with shorter kicks during his time with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
McVay mentioned Maher’s conversation with Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn about rebounding from past misses. Maher, signed to replace kicker Matt Gay, expressed a commitment to learning and growing from both successes and failures. Blackburn expressed confidence in Maher’s process and daily approach, highlighting the kicker’s dedication to improvement and seizing opportunities.
