Rams are testing their new kicker and new NFL kickoff rule at same time

Stanford kicker Joshua Karty impressed at the NFL combine. (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

A few years ago, the NFL changed parameters for conversion kicks, moving them back to the 15-yard line for a 33-yard attempt. This season, there will be new XFL-inspired kickoff rules that have special teams coordinators scrambling to adapt.

Rams rookie kicker Joshua Karty is comfortable evolving with change.

“But field goals, I hope, are here to stay,” the former Stanford standout said Tuesday.

The Rams used a sixth-round draft pick to select Karty to fix their field-goal problem.

Last season, the Rams ranked 30th among 32 teams in field-goal success. Brett Maher and Lucas Havrisik made only 32 of 43 attempts. They were nine of 15 from 40 to 49 yards, and five of 10 from 50 yards and beyond.

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“We clearly need to be better,” coach Sean McVay said. “There’s no mistake about that.”

In three seasons as Stanford’s starting kicker, Karty made 51 of 60 field-goal attempts. Last season, he was 23 of 27, and made four of seven attempts from 50 yards and beyond.

The 6-foot, 2-inch, 207-pound Karty also was adept at kicking balls out of the end zone for touchbacks. That skill could become something of a lost art under new NFL rules that, among other stipulations, prohibit kicking team players from moving until the ball hits the ground or is fielded or touched by a player in the “landing zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard-line.

Does McVay have a handle on the new rules?

The Rams drafted placekicker Joshua Karty out of Stanford. (Uncredited / Associated Press)

“Trying to hit some new kickoff that might take the world by storm.”

Joshua Karty, rookie Rams kicker, on practicing for new NFL kickoff rule

“Hell no,” he joked. “I think we’re all figuring it out. … It will be crazy. I promise you that much.”

Under the direction of special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, Karty has been…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-testing-kicker-nfl-kickoff-043057948.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-07-31 04:30:57

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