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Why 9 winners and 4 losers from Rams victory could start 2nd winning streak

The Rams won despite some flaws. Could this be the start of a playoff push?

By Bret Stuter

Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches game action. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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(3) - K Joshua Karty

The LA Rams fanbase has developed a love-hate relationship with their rookie kicker Joshua Karty, and after missing a chip shot in Week 11, the sentiment is back to bordering on hate. Unfortunately, there is more to comprehend here.

Let's start with the game itself, and the impact of missing the field goal. The Rams won the game. Yes, the miss may have altered the team's strategy in the game in real time. But the gaffe did not lose the game. So what are the fans so angry about? Some had even become so wrapped up in angst and vitriol that they began to criticize th margin of error of his four successful extra points kicked in the game.

A placekicker in the NFL has a binary result. It's either good or no good. There are no style points awarded for picture perfect kicks, kicks that have plenty of leg that exceeds the distance required to kick, or kicks that hit a crossbar but go in. It's either good or no good.

This is rookie K Joshua Karty's first season in the NFL. And rookie kickers are always inconsistent. While fans may not give him credit for doing so, ST Coordinator Chase Blackburn anticipated the challenges of a rookie kicker by signing last year's kicker Tanner Brown to compete for the job in training camp

Still not convinced? Let's break down some rookie kickers you may recall and their rookie seasons:

  • K Matt Gay - FGM 27 of 35 (77.1%) | Xpt 43 of 48 (89.6%)
  • K Greg Zuerlein - FGM 23 of 32 (74.2%) | Xpt 26 of 26 (100%)
  • K Joshua Karty - FGM 16 of 20 (80%) | Xpt 19 of 21 (90.5%)
  • 49ers K Jake Moody - FGM 21 of 25 (84%) | Xpt 60 of 61 (98.4%)
  • 2024 Ravens K Justin Tucker - FGM 16 of 22 (72.7%) | Xpt 38 of 39 (92.9%)

So how poorly is Karty actually performing in 2024? Based on the data above, he is well within the norms of outstanding NFL kickers. He is even outperforming Baltimore Ravens veteran kicker Justin Tucker. While some Rams fans may be angry and disappointed, the disappointment is due to overly optimistic expectations. Karty is doing well for a rookie kicker. And if he continues to adhere to the growth trend of NFL kickers, he will be awesome in 2025.

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