Here’s a hard truth for Rams fans: their team could be undefeated right now. But a string of kicking blunders has turned potential victories into frustrating losses. The 3-2 Rams have been haunted by blocked kicks and missed opportunities, most recently a 53-yard field goal attempt that fell short against the 49ers on Thursday night. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just one game—it’s a pattern that’s cost them dearly over the first five weeks.
On Monday, head coach Sean McVay addressed the issue head-on, refusing to sugarcoat the situation. When asked if he’s reevaluating the kicking game after a weekend to reflect on the Week 5 upset, McVay’s response was both determined and candid. “We’re going to lean in harder than ever,” he told reporters. “I won’t get into the nitty-gritty details of what’s gone wrong, but this is an all-hands-on-deck situation. We’ve always treated it seriously, but now we’re doubling down. I simply refuse to believe this is unfixable.”
McVay’s plan? A laser focus on technique, fundamentals, and positioning. “We’ll fight, scratch, and claw to get it right,” he added. “This phase of the game is too critical to ignore. It’s cost us games, and we’re not letting that happen again.”
Let’s break it down: In Week 3 against the Eagles, two field goals were blocked—one of which would have sealed the win. Against the 49ers, a blocked extra point kept the game tied at 20, leading to a 23-23 stalemate at the end of regulation. And in overtime, kicker Joshua Karty’s kickoff fell seven yards short, giving the 49ers prime field position for their game-winning drive. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this just a string of bad luck, or is there a deeper issue with the Rams’ special teams strategy? McVay seems confident it’s fixable, but what if the problem runs deeper than technique?
This isn’t just about missed kicks—it’s about momentum, confidence, and the thin line between victory and defeat. The Rams have the talent to dominate, but until they solve this kicking conundrum, they’ll keep leaving points—and wins—on the field. So, here’s the question for you: Is McVay right to believe this is fixable, or is there a systemic issue the Rams need to address? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
