Rams to Start Harrison Mevis as Kicker, Jake McQuaide as Long Snapper
Head coach Sean McVay has announced that the Los Angeles Rams will start Harrison Mevis as their kicker and Jake McQuaide as the long snapper in their upcoming game. This decision comes after Mevis joined the Rams’ practice squad on Tuesday to compete with incumbent kicker Joshua Karty.
Decision to Start Harrison Mevis
McVay expressed his confidence in Karty while justifying his choice of Mevis over him as the primary kicker. “We evaluated the situation throughout the week,” said McVay. He praised Karty’s professionalism and potential, stating he has a “really bright future” with the Rams.
Mevis’ Performance and Background
Before his signing, Mevis had a notable track record with the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League. He successfully completed 21 of 23 field goal attempts, a remarkable success rate of 91.3%, with a longest field goal of 56 yards.
- Field Goals Made: 21
- Total Attempts: 23
- Success Rate: 91.3%
- Longest Field Goal: 56 yards
Karty, through Week 9 of the season, successfully made 10 of 15 field goals, yielding a success rate of 66.7%. He also completed 23 of 26 extra point attempts. Despite the less favorable statistics, McVay and special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn noted that field goal mishaps were not solely Karty’s responsibility.
Future Evaluation of the Kicker Position
McVay highlighted the fluid nature of the kicker evaluation process. He stated, “We will assess the situation continuously.” The decision could lead to further competition between Mevis and Karty in the weeks to come.
This Sunday will be a significant milestone for Mevis as it marks his first appearance in an NFL game. McVay believes Mevis has handled the preparation well, given his previous experience kicking in high-pressure situations at Missouri.
Focus on Game Preparation
McVay emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game at hand and controlling what can be controlled. “Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves,” he said. As the Rams prepare to face a formidable opponent, the team anticipates strong performances from Mevis and McQuaide in their respective roles.
