Rams' Special Teams Meltdown Costs Them Overtime Loss to Bills
Sean McVay expresses frustration as a blocked field goal seals a gut-wrenching defeat.
The Los Angeles Rams suffered a devastating 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, largely due to persistent issues with their special teams unit. The game concluded when kicker Harrison Mevis' potential game-winning field goal was blocked, allowing the Bills to secure the victory.
Head coach Sean McVay expressed his deep dissatisfaction following the game. "It’s been a while since I’ve been this pissed after a game," McVay stated. "With our field goal unit. Not even close to good enough and it cost us the game tonight."
Despite rallying to force overtime and recovering a Buffalo fumble on the opening possession of the extra period, the Rams' offense stalled within Buffalo territory. Facing a third-and-5 situation, McVay opted for a conservative run play that gained no yardage. This led to Mevis attempting a 48-yard field goal, which was subsequently blocked.
Buffalo then took possession, and quarterback Josh Allen advanced the ball downfield, setting up Tyler Bass for a game-winning 45-yard field goal.
Mevis commented on the play, saying, "I felt like I hit it good. They had a good rush game, but I felt like I hit it good and gave it a chance." However, the outcome highlighted a recurring problem for the Rams' special teams.
This incident was not an isolated event in the game. The opening kickoff saw Buffalo's Ray Davis return the ball 70 yards to the Rams' 26-yard line, leading to an early score for the Bills. Earlier in the game, Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal wide left. This marked the third missed field goal for the Rams in two games and their third blocked field goal since the start of the previous season, tying them for the most in the league.
"I’m going to evaluate everything," McVay said when asked about the special teams performance. The Rams hired veteran coordinator Bubba Ventrone to address these issues, but the unit has struggled significantly, ranking last in special teams EPA at minus-31.8 through five weeks. Since the beginning of 2025, the Rams have accumulated a league-worst minus-84.3 special teams EPA.
The offensive performance against the Bills was strong, with the Rams generating 20.2 total EPA and ranking in the 99th percentile by EPA per drive. They became the first team in NFL history to lose despite gaining over 450 yards, committing no turnovers, and benefiting from over 100 penalty yards from their opponent.
McVay acknowledged the team's current standing, stating, "I’m sick right now with myself." The Rams now hold a 2-3 record, and the article suggests that without immediate changes, the team risks a historical collapse similar to the 2010 San Diego Chargers, whose season was derailed by a historically poor special teams unit despite a strong offense and defense.
To improve, the Rams are urged to consider immediate kicking competitions, reevaluate protection schemes, demand accountability from special teams coaches, and prioritize special teams personnel decisions. The article concludes that if the Rams fail to address these issues, their talented roster may be undone by a consistently underperforming special teams unit.