Week 13 could prove to be a make or break game for Rams rookie K Joshua Karty

The LA Rams drafted one of the most promising kickers available in the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected former Stanford rookie kicker Joshua Karty in Round 6 with the 209th overall pick. While the fans loved the pick at the time, the inconsistent accuracy that accompanies almost all rookie kickers to the NFL has since soured their enthusiasm.

So far in 2024, Karty has made 16 of 21 field goals that he has attempted (76.2 percent rate) while making 21 of 23 extra points attempted. Per ESPN.com, the Rams come in at 27th place in terms of field goal accuracy. And for fans who have an appetite for former Pro Bowler kicker Matt Gay, or former Pro Bowl kicker Greg 'The Leg' Zuerlein, Karty's rookie season is just not cutting it.

But things could always be worse. You see, the Rams have a chance to win on the road in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints, but only if they play well in all three phases of the game. The Saints, under new interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi, is well-schooled on excelling at special teams.

The Saints have been particularly effective at snuffing field goal attempts by the opposing teams. And that means that LA Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty could be heading right into a buzz saw:

Rams fans have made no secret of the performance of Karty. Perhaps the problem is the expectations of that segment of irate and vocal fans. When we explored Karty's rookie season, he proved to be no better or worse than many solid kickers in the Rams history who would eventually become Pro Bowl placekickers. NFL rookie kickers typically struggle.

The Rams have far more troubles than an inaccurate field goal kicker. The offense has struggled to score points in the Red Zone this season. It would seem to be a mistake to retain everyone on the offense, but hold a rookie kicker accountable for tracking on a typical rookie kicker trajectory.

But if this game pans out as recent Saints games have, Joshua Karty could struggle mightily in this one. And the Rams have not hesitated to release kickers who have underperformed in the recent past. (Remember K Sam Sloan?) So this could be a game that ends Karty's chapter kicking for the Rams if he does not impress Rams HC Sean McVay.

As always, thanks for reading.

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