Rams Special Teams: McVay's dual-kicker gamble

Sean McVay is managing the Los Angeles Rams roster with an unusual caution, keeping two kickers on the active list as the team navigates a volatile playoff race. The strategy prioritizes stability on special teams, a unit that has previously cost the franchise dearly. This approach leaves little room for missteps as the season enters its final stretch.

The Rams defeated the San Diego Chargers 24-9 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The victory improved the Rams' record to 4-4. However, the special teams performance remained inconsistent. Joshua Karty, who handles kickoffs, recorded two short kickoffs that landed outside the target zone. These errors gave the Chargers possession at the 40-yard line, a prime starting position for a drive. A third kickoff barely reached the 19-yard line, just inside the landing zone.

Karty acknowledged the rough start. "Probably the worst kickoff day I've had since last year," he said. He noted he was attempting too much on several kicks. Karty, a Stanford graduate with a background in computer science, aims for precision. He calculates that every 10 yards of field position is worth approximately one point on the scoreboard. His goal is to pin opponents deep, reducing their offensive options before the ball is even in play.

McVay expressed confidence in Karty's development. He noted that the "dirty" kickoffs are inherently difficult to control due to their lack of aerodynamic stability. "It's not an exact science," Karty said. "If it were easy, everyone would be doing it." The Rams re-signed Karty after Blake Grupe suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. Grupe had replaced Harrison Mevis, who struggled early in the season. This churn has left the team with McManus for field goals and Karty for kickoffs.

Carrying two kickers is rare in the NFL because roster spots are limited. McVay is betting that the current inconsistency justifies the extra body on the field. The Rams need to win at least seven of their remaining nine games to secure a playoff berth. The schedule includes home games against Green Bay and Kansas City, plus two matchups against Seattle in the final weeks.

The competition in the NFC West is intensifying. Both San Francisco and Seattle have acquired key pieces. The 49ers traded defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back from the Indianapolis Colts. Seattle acquired eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson in the same transaction. These moves have strengthened the divisions the Rams must navigate.

Injuries are keeping the Rams' depth chart thin. Myles Garrett, a two-time defensive player of the year, is expected to return as soon as this week. He may be ready for the game at Washington. The team hopes to have receiver Davante Adams, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and defensive lineman Kobie Turner back on the field by late season. As these players return, McVay may drop one of the kickers to free up a roster spot.

The immediate priority is avoiding costly mistakes. The Rams cannot afford to rely on luck with their current standing. Eleven wins likely guarantee a playoff appearance, while ten may require help from other teams. The dual-kicker experiment is a temporary fix for a unit that requires precision. McVay is betting that the risk of an unsteady special teams unit is greater than the risk of carrying an extra player.