Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay recently indicated a thorough review of the team’s performance, prompted by another special teams error. On October 12, Rams kicker Harrison Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter and had a game-winning 48-yard field goal blocked in overtime during a 37-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Consequently, the Rams decided to release Mevis and sign Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad, as confirmed by NFL Network.
McVay was direct about the need for improvement, stating, “In the kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough. It cost us the game tonight.” Since McVay took over the Rams in 2017, the team has missed or had blocked 81 kicks in total, placing them third in the NFL for such occurrences.
From last season alone, opponents have blocked three of the Rams’ kick attempts, which ties them for the most in the NFL. Mevis, known for weighing 245 pounds and dubbed the “Thicker Kicker,” had a perfect record in last year’s playoffs but struggled this season, managing only five of nine successful field goal attempts in five games.
In hopes of improving their kicking performance, the Rams turned to Grupe. The 27-year-old has previous experience with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, achieving 86 field goal successes out of 106 attempts and missing only two extra points from 98 attempts. Grupe concluded the previous season with the Colts, making all 11 field goal attempts in five games.
The Rams are optimistic about Grupe’s ability to bring stability to their kicking game, looking to improve upon their inconsistency in this aspect of play.
Ryan Canfield contributed to this report as a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.