Despite expressing confidence in kicker Joshua Karty for the second time in two weeks on Sunday, Rams head coach Sean McVay did not go so far as to say the team would not work out another kicker this week when speaking with media on Monday morning.
Karty missed a 39-yard field goal — his fifth failed attempt in 15 attempts this season — and missed his third extra point attempt of the season in the Rams’ 34-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
McVay again emphasized that the Rams (6-2) will spend much of the early part of the week evaluating the entire operation, and made clear that all options are on the table in regards to how to fix an issue that has already led to each of the Rams’ two losses this season.
“There’s a lot of things that we’re going to look into. That’s kind of what’s occupied the majority of the morning is figuring out, ok, what are the best courses of action for us to be able to have some more tangible examples of getting this operation in the direction that we want?” McVay said. “I hold true to the belief and the confidence that I have in Josh, but we’re evaluating all parts of where we go with this operation. … So whatever we think is going to be best, you’ll see that reflected in the decisions.”
McVay said that evaluation will include the snap from Alex Ward, the hold from punter Ethan Evans, the timing and rhythm of the kick from Karty and the protection from the line.
Protection was an issue on the field goal miss Sunday, as it was early in the season when the Rams had four kicks blocked in three games. A rusher came off almost untouched off the right side, and Karty appeared to alter his kick to avoid another potential block. Offensive lineman D.J. Humphries got a right hand on the rusher, but had to shift his attention to pressure coming through the gap inside him.
Despite the multifaceted issues the kicking game has faced this year, McVay expressed confidence in special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn and assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica on Monday.
“I think there’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes, leaning in with the added emphasis on the protection, which has been improved, the timing of our overall operation. And so I’ve been impressed,” McVay said. “I’ve been pleased with both [Blackburn] and Coach Kotwica, I’ve been pleased with a lot of the guys’ responses. And here’s the thing, too. What I will say that you realize is that everybody wants to get this right. This is what you can feel. There’s not a single player, there’s not a single coach that hasn’t done everything within our control to try to be able to consistently get this thing executed.”
It’s not the first time that McVay has dealt with special teams issues during his nine years with the Rams. He acknowledged that in the past, he’s put the field goal units in precarious positions with attempts over 50 yards.
But that hasn’t been the case this year; four of Karty’s five misses have come from within 50 yards, and three have been from shorter than 40 yards. Still, McVay is leaning on what he’s learned in those past instances to help the Rams move past this.
“Patience, leaning in, being able to provide real feedback but also with the right vibe and the right clarity for guys to execute is the most important thing, and that’s all I’m going to continue to do,” McVay said. “All we can do is control how we move forward.”
Nacua to undergo scan
Rams receiver Puka Nacua was scheduled to get a scan on his injured ribs Monday, McVay said, after leaving Sunday’s win in the third quarter.
“I feel optimistic from some of my conversations with [VP of sports medicine Reggie Scott] in regards to where we’re potentially heading, but I will have more information for you on Wednesday,” McVay said.
The injury occurred on a jet sweep in the third quarter as Nacua picked up a first down for the Rams before being hit by Saints linebacker Demario Davis. Nacua, who missed the Rams’ previous game with an ankle sprain, was cleared to return, but the Rams opted to be cautious with the game in control.
“I feel sick,” McVay said of his decision to run Nacua. “I’m kicking myself about putting him in that spot where he sustained that shot to the rib. There’s occupational hazards in this game, but you always try to pick and choose and make those decisions that are best for the team while also being smart. It’s one of those deals you look back in hindsight, you gotta ask yourself about it as a coach.”