Rams Release Kicker Harrison Mevis After Overtime Field Goal Block
Los Angeles replaces Mevis with Blake Grupe following a crucial missed kick in the loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Los Angeles Rams have released kicker Harrison Mevis following a critical missed field goal attempt in overtime during their recent 37-34 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team announced the move Tuesday and has signed Blake Grupe from the New York Jets' practice squad as Mevis's replacement.
Rams head coach Sean McVay did not mince words about the team's special teams performance after the game. "In the kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough," McVay told reporters. "It cost us the game tonight." Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter and had his 48-yard attempt blocked in overtime, which would have potentially won the game for the Rams.
This marks the latest chapter in the Rams' ongoing struggles with special teams. Since McVay took over as head coach in 2017, the Rams have had 81 kicks either missed or blocked, the third-highest total in the NFL during that span. Furthermore, opponents have blocked three of the Rams' kicks since the start of last season, tied for the most in the league.
Mevis, who weighs 245 pounds and was nicknamed the "Thicker Kicker," had a strong performance in the latter half of last season, making 12 of 13 field goal attempts and all 39 extra-point attempts in nine games. He was also perfect in the Rams' three playoff games, converting all six field goal attempts and nine extra-point attempts. However, his performance this season has been less consistent, with five successful field goals out of nine attempts in the first five games.
Mevis expressed his frustration after the game, stating, "I felt like I hit it good. That's all I can tell you. I mean, I hit it good, gave it a chance. I'll have to look."
Grupe, 27, brings previous NFL experience, having played for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints over three seasons. He has made 86 of 106 field goal attempts and 96 of 98 extra-point attempts in his career. In five games with the Colts last season, Grupe was perfect, making all 11 of his field goal attempts.