Despite being an NFC wild-card club, the Rams shocked many by pushing their way into the playoffs during the second half of the 2023 NFL season. Now, they’re expecting to make a run for the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles could succeed because of the offensive line that includes Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua. Although there are greater concerns over the Rams’ defense, the emergence of Aaron Donald, a perennial All-Pro, could increase their chances of performing well in that area.
The Rams’ most pressing concern is with special teams, specifically with regard to the kicker position.
In the 2023 NFL season, the Rams made just 32 of 43 field goals, or 74.4 percent, of their tries. That was the third-worst in the NFL, trailing only the Giants, who employed three different full-time kickers during the season, and the Patriots, who saw rookie kicker Chad Ryland struggle mightily. Punter Jamie Gillan also attempted an emergency 40-yard field goal.
In contrast, the Rams had two kickers on the field. Brett Maher was their first choice, and then they considered Lucas Havrisik to take the veteran’s place. Los Angeles, however, turned back to Maher after Havrisik failed, and the 34-year-old will be expected to carry the Rams as far as possible with his leg during the postseason.
Maher has made two career kicks in the postseason. In the first, he had a strong season in 2018 during his first campaign with the Cowboys. Over the course of two games, he made all five of his extra points, but only one of his two field goal attempts were successful.
To be fair, Maher missed the mark by 58 yards. Despite Maher’s earlier-season 62-yard touchdown, that try represented a poor percentage for the team.
Maher’s true postseason problems surfaced in the NFL playoffs of 2022–2023. During Dallas’ two games, he converted all two of his field goal tries, although he only converted one of his six extra point attempts during the postseason.
