Rams' Joshua Karty promotion confirms Week 8 strategy wasn't a one-off experiment

Kicker Joshua Karty isn't just back with the Los Angeles Rams, he's now back on the 53-man roster after being signed from the practice squad on Thursday. Per beat writer Nate Atkins, the plan is to use Karty on kickoffs with his signature dirty ball and Brandon McManus, signed a week earlier, for extra points and field goals. Many fans saw through the strategy as soon as Karty re-arrived. 

Despite Sean McVay's noncommittal response in Week 8 on whether activating both would make sense, that plan bore out on gameday. Now, it seems it was more than just an experiment. The Rams will attempt to solve their kicking woes by addressing it piece by painful piece. 

If Karty can just reach the landing zone, it should all work out for the best.

Splitting up kicking duties makes sense for the Rams

Perhaps it's rather surprising that the Rams have already committed to Karty coming off a game in which he botched back-to-back kickoffs, setting up the Chargers at their own 40-yard line. Karty's body of work dating back to 2024, however, has proven him a weapon when he's going right. 

The good news is that Rams fans won't have to hold their breath watching Karty kick for points. Last season, he missed three extra points and went 10-for-15 on field goals before being relieved of his duties in November.

The bad news is that we should still eye every McManus try through the uprights. He hasn't exactly been tested yet, but he's done the job: 8-of-8 on XPs and a successful 30-yard field goal. Even chip shots were no sure thing with Karty. 

Given McManus' collapse with the Packers last year, though, it's too early to ease back into the couch cushions. He still has to prove himself, and so does Karty on those kickoffs.

If all goes according to plan, perhaps the Rams finally have their answer. McManus struggled booting the ball off a tee in his Week 7 debut. If Karty's knuckleball can reach the 20-yard line, problem solved. At least, as much as it can be with a still-awful coverage team. 

His squirrely serve should give his teammates enough time to get downfield and wall off the returner. And to Karty's credit, his three "successful" kickoffs kept the Chargers within their own 30 every time.

Actually, the Rams could consider trotting out Karty for any long field-goal tries in McManus' place - say anything beyond 55 yards.

Aside from 2024 in Green Bay, McManus has never been a long-distance assassin. In his career, he's made an underwhelming 56.7 percent of his kicks from 50-plus. Although he does have a career-long of 61 yards (2021), he hasn't made one past 56 since 2021. 

It's a small sample, but Rams fans know Karty, 7-for-9 lifetime from 50+ range, has the leg. Two years ago as a rookie, he banged through a 58-yarder.

While Sean McVay would prefer to keep the offense on the field, and for good reason, if the best option is a 57-yard field goal at the end of the half or regulation, he might have a better chance with Karty than McManus. 

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