Rams ‘Not Interested’ in Kicker Change as Lucas Havrisik Struggles
This includes Los Angeles’ 28-20 triumph over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, which propelled them to the No. 6 seed in the wildcard round. Though the Rams’ season hasn’t been without setbacks, morale is strong. Lucas Havrisik has missed one field goal in five of his eight games, making the kicking game one of Los Angeles’ most worrying areas.
Havrisik, who was brought in midseason to take Brett Maher’s place, has hit 15 of his 20 field goals; however, he is just 2 of 6 from 40–49 yards, missing three in a row, and is only 2 of 3 from 50 yards and beyond.
Havrisik has made all eight of his tries from 39 yards and inside, but his misses might be crucial as the Rams try to make the playoffs and progress once they’re in.Will Havrisik face any competition from Los Angeles then?Rams coach Sean McVay stated, “We’re not interested in that right now.”
One important factor that McVay mentioned was the Rams’ loss of long snapper Alex Ward, who is on injured reserve due to a stinger in his neck. This has led to a thorough examination of the kicking process as a whole. “When you consider the entire procedure, it’s just a snap, hold, and kick, and the absence of Alex Ward makes a significant difference he’s done an excellent job,” McVay remarked. Thus, all of those things are interdependent.
I am aware that everyone wants to pin it on the kicker. “He is tagged with the stab, so he thinks, “Oh, it’s a missed kick.” However, there are numerous layers to it.
Rather than pushing or replacing Havrisik, the Rams will instead look at ways to tighten up their entire operation, which includes holder Ethan Evans and long snapper Carson Tinker. “We’re not thinking about that right now as it relates to Lucas,” McVay stated. “Apart from carrying on with him and assisting him in maintaining the greatest chance of success with all that that process and procedure comprises,”
McVay would definitely prefer to end drives with touchdowns and extra points rather than field goals since scores are vital in the final moments.This is particularly relevant in light of Havrisik’s difficulties; as an attacking playcaller, McVay acknowledged that he sometimes finds himself thinking about missed field goals.
There were certain options that required consideration, according to McVay. “Okay, so are you in four down territory now? perhaps not the same as what you’ve experienced in the past. Therefore, I believe you need to keep an eye on your capacity for high-level performance. If not, you may be stating, “Hey, we’re operating with a different mode and mindset. “However, it is undoubtedly a factor in the cognitive process.