Key Highlights:
- Kelly Stafford shared an Instagram post alluding to missed kicks after the Los Angeles Rams fell 37-34 in overtime to the Buffalo Bills.
- Former Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth criticized kicker Harrison Mevis for his postgame demeanor, expressing frustration over seeing him laughing with opponents after costly misses.
- Following Mevis’ release after converting just five of nine attempts this season, the Rams signed kicker Blake Grupe off the New York Jets’ practice squad.
Reactions continue to emerge following the Los Angeles Rams’ heartbreaking 37-34 overtime defeat against the Buffalo Bills on October 12, with scrutiny centering on former kicker Harrison Mevis. Among those weighing in was Kelly Stafford, wife of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who appeared to address the kicking miscues through social media shortly after the conclusion of the contest.
Sharing pictures on Instagram featuring herself alongside her husband and their four daughters at the game, Kelly Stafford posted a caption that subtly nodded toward the game-altering misses on special teams while reflecting on the outcome. God had a different plan than having that ball go through the uprights, but whatever the plan is, we trust it,
she wrote. The plan does, however, always include cute fits.
Crucial Misses Derail Los Angeles Against Buffalo
While Kelly Stafford did not mention Harrison Mevis directly, her reference to the football missing the uprights arrived directly after a pair of critical failures on field-goal attempts. Mevis initially missed a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter of the matchup. Later, in overtime, his potential 48-yard attempt was blocked by Buffalo linebacker Greg Rousseau, presenting the Bills with the opportunity to claim the victory.
The miscues against the Bills reflected an ongoing trend for the specialist during the early stages of the season. Through the Rams’ initial five games, Mevis converted just five of his nine field-goal attempts. All four of his failed attempts came from beyond 40 yards, prompting the organization to take action by waiving Mevis and signing kicker Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad.
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Andrew Whitworth Calls Out Mevis’ Postgame Demeanor
Kelly Stafford’s post was accompanied by criticism from former Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, who expressed intense frustration regarding Mevis’ actions once the final whistle blew. Speaking on the “Fitz and Whit” podcast, Whitworth took issue with the kicker socializing with the opposing team on the field after the loss.
The biggest thing that just irritates me – I’m still salty about it. It’s one thing to have some of these kicks missed, and Harrison Mevis is, obviously, this year, it’s been a struggle,
said Whitworth. But like post-game, I’m watching. He’s laughing and keekeeing with guys. Like, I don’t mean to get like this, but I do. When I messed up, if I give up a sack at the end of the game or pressure or whatever, the first thing I’m doing is running into the locker room, and I’m gonna be so pissed off, I don’t want to talk to nobody.
Whitworth continued his critique of the specialist’s approach: I’m just sitting there going, like, man, if I missed a kick, or if I missed two kicks, one’s blocked, you know, I don’t know. I don’t understand it.
Why This Matters
The Rams’ decision to cut Harrison Mevis highlights the razor-thin margin of error for NFL kickers, particularly on teams led by high-stakes veterans like Matthew Stafford. Head coach Sean McVay has consistently emphasized the necessity of reliable special teams production. Kicking instability has plagued the Rams across multiple seasons, and bringing in Blake Grupe represents the franchise’s ongoing effort to stabilize a phase of the game that directly impacts postseason contention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Los Angeles Rams waive Harrison Mevis?
Harrison Mevis was waived after struggling with consistency across the first five games of the season, converting just five of nine field goals and missing all four kicks attempted from beyond 40 yards, including a costly blocked attempt in overtime against Buffalo.
Who did the Rams sign to replace Mevis?
The Rams signed kicker Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad to take over primary kicking duties.
What did Andrew Whitworth criticize about Harrison Mevis?
Andrew Whitworth criticized Mevis’ postgame attitude on the “Fitz and Whit” podcast, expressing anger that the kicker was seen laughing and chatting with Buffalo Bills players on the field immediately after missing key kicks in the overtime defeat.
