Troubles in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Rams started this year as heavy favorites for the Super Bowl, but poor special teams play has held them back. Head coach Sean McVay has tried to fix the unit while the season is underway. He mentioned that if something is important enough, you will get it done.
The team enters Week 6 with a minus-15.3 percent special teams DVOA. That mark would stand as the worst in history over a full season. Special teams mistakes have played a major part in five of the nine losses the Rams suffered since the start of last season, including the playoffs.
Roster changes at kicker
Los Angeles made major roster moves recently. On October 2, the Rams cut returner Xavier Smith. On Tuesday, they released kicker Harrison Mevis.
Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills and had a potential winning kick blocked in overtime. Those misses gave him a 56 percent success rate this season on five of nine kicks, which is the lowest in the NFL. Over the past four seasons, the Rams hold a 77.2 field goal percentage, ranking as the second worst in the league during that span.
Blake Grupe steps in
The Rams signed Blake Grupe off the practice squad of the New York Jets to replace Mevis. Grupe split time last season between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. He made 18 of 26 field goals for New Orleans before getting cut. He then made all 11 field goals and all 10 extra points in five games with Indianapolis.
McVay stated that the team needs better production and hopes Grupe delivers. The Rams sit at 2-3 through five games, but their upcoming schedule gets much easier. They face a five-game stretch against weaker opponents, starting with the Arizona Cardinals.
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