The Rams' kicking woes were highlighted by two failed attempts from kicker
Special teams struggles and coaching accountability
The recent failures continue a concerning trend for the franchise. According to league data, the Rams have now had three field goal attempts blocked since the beginning of last season, a figure that ties them for the most in the NFL. Furthermore, since McVay took the helm in 2017, the team has recorded 81 missed or blocked kicks, ranking them third-worst in the league during that span. Reflecting on the frustration of the evening, McVay admitted it had been a long time since he felt as angry following a contest.
Mevis, for his part, expressed confusion regarding the outcome of his kicks, noting that he felt he had struck the ball well and provided it with a legitimate chance to succeed. Beyond the kicking issues, McVay also took personal responsibility for the offensive sequence immediately preceding the blocked overtime kick. After running back Kyren Williams was held to no gain on a third-and-5 from the Buffalo 30-yard line, McVay expressed regret over his play-calling, suggesting he should have pursued a different strategy to avoid relying on the field goal unit.
Despite the special teams' shortcomings, the Rams' offense showed resilience throughout the night. Quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered a strong performance, completing 40 of 54 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Puka Nacua was a focal point of the attack, hauling in 17 receptions for 138 yards and a score. However, the loss leaves the Rams in third place in the NFC West, trailing the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers and the 3-2 Seattle Seahawks as the team looks to address its internal inconsistencies.
