Lucas Havrisik responds to kicking struggles in a way that leaves Rams HC Sean McVay smiling

A two-kicker strategy was the last resort.  But that is what it took for Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay to get the most out of Lucas Havrisik, who was struggling severely in the weeks leading up to the Rams' matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14.  "He kicked well throughout the week […]

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Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams place kicker Lucas Havrisik (8) kicks against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

A two-kicker strategy was the last resort. 

But that is what it took for Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay to get the most out of Lucas Havrisik, who was struggling severely in the weeks leading up to the Rams' matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. 

"He kicked well throughout the week and earned the right to be up and active for us on game day and then I thought he delivered in a big way and I think that says a lot about a young guy," McVay said of the kicker. "He came through in a big way and he had a winning performance for us."

Havrisik has been the Rams starter since the midpoint of the season. The only problem was that in recent weeks, his struggles with accuracy forced McVay and the Rams to bring in a kicking legend in Mason Crosby. 

It was believed the Rams would go to the two-kicker model, with Crosby providing much-needed insurance for an uncertain Havrisik. But against the Ravens, in Baltomroe and suboptimal conditions, Havrisik came up big. 

Against Baltimore, he was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, including one kick from 50-plus yards. His most consequential kick came from 36 yards out, which sent the game to overtime. 

"I was super pleased with him," McVay said. "I think that’s a true testament to the mental toughness that he has. I was really proud of Lucas.”

Maybe it took a legend threatening to take his spot on the team, but the Rams finally appear to have a consistent kicking game again.