Rams 'Not Interested' in Kicker Change as Lucas Havrisik Struggles
The Los Angeles Rams (8-7) appear to be firing on all cylinders, as they've won five of their last six games since returning from the bye week.
This includes a 28-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, which vaulted Los Angeles into a wildcard spot as the No. 6 seed.
Spirits are high for the Rams - but their run hasn't been without flaws.
One of the more concerning areas for Los Angeles is the kicking game, where Lucas Havrisik has missed one field goal in five of his eight contests.
Havrisik, who was signed midseason to replace the struggling Brett Maher, has made 15 of 20 field goals, but is just two of six from 40-49 yards, including three straight misses, while going two of three from 50-plus.
Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams place kicker Lucas Havrisik (8) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium.
Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
From 39 yards and within, Havrisik has made all eight of his attempts - but his misses from beyond could prove critical as the Rams look to secure a playoff bid and advance once they're in.
So, will Los Angeles bring in competition for Havrisik?
“That's not something that we're interested in right now,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.
McVay cited the Rams' loss of long snapper Alex Ward, who's on injured reserve with a stinger in his neck, as a key aspect - and has resulted in a deep dive into the entire kicking process.
“When you look at the whole operation, it's snap, hold and kick and when you haven’t had Alex Ward, that makes a big difference - he's done a really good job,” McVay said. “So, all those things go hand in hand. I know the kicker is the one everybody wants to pin it on.
“'Oh, it's a missed kick,' because he is the one that gets tagged with the stab. But there's a lot of layers to it.”
Thus, the Rams will examine ways to tighten their entire operation, which also includes long snapper Carson Tinker and holder Ethan Evans, as opposed to pushing or replacing Havrisik.
“As it relates to Lucas, that's not something we're thinking about right now,” McVay said. “Other than continuing to move forward with him and help him continue to have the best opportunity for success with everything that that process and procedure entails.”
With points at a premium down the stretch, McVay would certainly rather finish drives with touchdowns and extra points, not field goals.
It's especially true when factoring in Havrisik's struggles - and McVay admitted the missed field goals can creep into his head as an offensive playcaller.
“There were some opportunities that you have to be considerate of,” McVay said. “'Alright, are you operating in four down territory?' Maybe different than what you had in previous situations. So, I think you have to continue to monitor the ability to execute at a high level and if not, then maybe you're saying, 'Hey, we're operating with a different mode and mindset.'
“But it certainly is something that comes into the thought process.”
Havrisik's next opportunity to find consistency comes Sunday when the Rams hit the road for a matchup with the New York Giants. Kickoff inside MetLife Stadium is set for 10 a.m. PST.
