The Los Angeles Rams have significantly changed their kicker position, shifting from a more formidable presence to a much smaller one.
Sadly, their ongoing issues with special teams still loom large.
Harrison Mevis, the kicker known for his substantial size at 6-foot-1 and over 250 pounds—nicknamed the “Thiccer Kicker”—has been replaced by Blake Grupe, a diminutive 5-foot-7, 150-pound player who was signed off the practice squad of the New York Jets.
The size difference raises eyebrows: moving from the “Thiccer Kicker” to the “Thinner Kicker” means losing about 100 pounds in the role. This kind of shift makes fans wonder whether the Rams are searching for a new player or perhaps running a weight-loss show.
But it’s no laughing matter: Despite switching out kickers, returners, and various personnel throughout the season, the same persistent mistakes on special teams that have plagued them for the past two years are still present.
The game this Sunday against the Cardinals at SoFi Stadium will be a crucial test to see if this latest overhaul signifies real improvement or if it’s just more of the same inefficacy.
New kicker, new returner, same problems
The Rams endured another heart-wrenching defeat, losing 37-34 in overtime to the Bills, which played out like a recurring nightmare.
There was a problematic kickoff coverage error. A field goal operation that didn’t go as planned. It’s another game that, quite frankly, the Rams should have won, but they just couldn’t manage the basics.
Can anyone forget last season’s match against Philadelphia? Two blocked field goals were critical in their loss.
How about the muffed punt in the NFC Championship game? That could have very well cost them another shot at the Lombardi Trophy.
Same mistakes, different seasons, different players.
Coach Sean McVay expressed his awareness of the ongoing instability, stating that the constant changes in personnel due to injuries impact the special teams significantly.
They have brought in Alex Bachman for punt returns, Jordan Whittington for kickoffs, and now Grupe as the latest solution at kicker.
McVay mentioned they are still trying to discover their identity as a unit when it comes to special teams.
That’s concerning for a team aiming for the Super Bowl in mid-October. One shouldn’t be searching weekly for a team identity.
The kicker carousel
Since the departure of Greg Zuerlein as a free agent after the 2019 season, the Rams have cycled through 11 different kickers in seven seasons. Yes, you read that right.
The newest player, Grupe, does have some credentials. He successfully converted all 11 of his field goal attempts and 10 extra points during a stint with the Colts last season.
However, kicking isn’t just about the individual; it’s a synchrony involving the long snapper Joe Cardona and holder Ethan Evans, requiring precise timing, strategy, and repetition.
Grupe has had just a couple of days to forge this essential chemistry.
“It’s all about getting comfortable,” Grupe shared. “There are many factors in transitioning between teams and cities.”
Meanwhile, special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone continues to emphasize the same fundamental principles.
“We need to cut out the bad football. We have to stop losing ourselves,” he said, referencing a saying from Bill Belichick.
Yet, eliminating poor play is often easier said than done.
The Rams are not consistently losing their special teams matchups because opponents are making remarkable plays; it’s mainly due to their own errors—missed assignments and breakdowns in execution.
At some point, if repeating the fundamentals yields no improvement, you have to question the overall operation.
All eyes are now on Bubba Ventrone
After parting ways with special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn during the previous season, McVay has affirmed his support for Ventrone, declaring no changes will be made to the coaching staff.
That’s his choice, but accountability can’t rest solely on whichever kicker misses the latest field goal attempt. Ventrone brought in two special teams players this offseason and was involved in the selection of Grupe. He oversees the coverage units and is tasked with getting a revolving cast of players to work together efficiently.
The Rams don’t need their special teams to win every game but desperately need them to step up and stop contributing to losses.
This Sunday against Arizona, the expectations should be straightforward: smooth exchanges, disciplined coverage, secure returns, and field goals that are on target.
With personnel now shifted, McVay and Ventrone will face another chance to affect the outcome this weekend.
At the end of the day, whether the kicker weighs 250 or 150 pounds, the weight of resolving these issues rests heavily on a team with aspirations of competing for a Super Bowl.
With the Rams sitting at 2-3 at this point in the season, and trailing 3.5 games behind the NFC West-leading 49ers, any further failures on special teams could be too costly.
