The Los Angeles Rams experimented with a rare special teams configuration against the Los Angeles Chargers, activating both field goal kicker Brandon McManus and kickoff specialist Joshua Karty alongside punter Tyler Matu. While the move aimed to maximize roster flexibility, head coach Sean McVay admitted post-game that the results were a “mixed bag.” McManus was flawless, converting all four of his attempts, including three extra points and a 30-yard field goal, providing a stable foundation for the offense. However, the dual-kicker strategy faced scrutiny when Karty, who was active solely for kickoffs, drew two penalties for kicking short of the landing zone on five attempts.
McManus delivers, but Karty’s penalties spark debate over special teams strategy
McVay expressed clear dissatisfaction with the penalties, noting that they placed the Chargers on the 40-yard line and disrupted the unit’s momentum. “We can’t have the two penalties that put the ball on the 40-yard line,” McVay stated. Despite the infractions, the coach defended the underlying performance, praising Karty’s ability to drive the ball deep when legal. McVay highlighted that the kickoff coverage unit executed well, and when Karty avoided penalties, his kicks were difficult for Los Angeles to return. The coach emphasized that the decision to keep Karty active stemmed from his success in handling squib kicks and “dirty balls,” a role that often requires a dedicated specialist.
The strategic gamble highlights the Rams’ commitment to optimizing every aspect of their roster, even if it means deviating from standard active list norms. McVay acknowledged that while having two kickers is unusual, it offers valuable insurance if the specialist can prevent big returns. The coach indicated that Karty will continue to refine his technique to avoid such costly mistakes. For the Rams, the takeaway is clear: the personnel choice worked in terms of placement, but discipline remains the critical factor in making the two-kicker model a sustainable long-term solution for special teams.
Source: Yahoo Sports
