Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans and Alex Ward nonetheless have a protracted strategy to go.
However the Rams’ kicker, punter/holder and long-snapper, respectively, have proven indicators that they may have the collective endurance of former Rams stalwarts Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker and Jake McQuaide.
From 2012 to 2019, Zuerlein kicked, Hekker punted (and infrequently handed) and McQuaide snapped for the Rams below former particular groups coordinator John Fassel.
The present specialists can envision a equally prolonged future collectively.
“We all work really well with each other,” mentioned Evans, a third-year professional. “We all know exactly what each other’s do’s and don’ts are, what makes each other better.
“So I feel like we all complement each other really well — and I think we could do that for a long time.”
Karty, a 2024 sixth-round draft choose from Stanford, skilled and realized from the highs and lows after making 29 of 34 field-goal makes an attempt and 32 of 36 extra-point makes an attempt in the course of the common season.
Karty kicked a successful discipline objective in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers, navigated a stretch of misses and inconsistency after which completed by making 17 consecutive makes an attempt over the last 5 regular-season video games and two playoff video games.
It was one thing of “a roller coaster,” mentioned Karty, who goals to choose up the place he left off final season.
Karty impressed coach Sean McVay together with his skill to bounce again.
“I’m just super impressed with his mental resolve,” McVay mentioned. “I think there was some instances last year where you could just see he just got better and better as the year progressed.
“He’s got a consistent process that he commits to. I don’t think you can take for granted the rapport between him, Ethan and Alex. That’s a big deal as those guys are continuing to grow together.”
Particular groups coordinator Chase Blackburn mentioned Karty has a “comfortability” from expertise and dealing with Ward and Evans.
“The confidence that’s built in the offseason together and training camp together,” Blackburn mentioned. “Going through it and having those, knowing that he has the confidence and the complete trust of all his teammates too.”
Evans, a third-year professional, final season averaged 41.5 web yards per punt. He positioned 30 of 55 kicks contained in the 20-yard line.
Evans mentioned he has a refined every day routine and isn’t overthinking.
“I used to think, ‘Oh, my drop had to be perfect. My steps have to be this … I have to put the ball there, there, there.’
“Now, it’s just like, wherever Chase tells me to punt it, just punt it. Don’t think about anything. Just go and do it.”
Receiver Xavier Smith held off a problem from veteran free agent Britain Covey throughout coaching camp to retain his function as a punt returner.
Receiver Jordan Whittington, operating again Blake Corum and Smith might as soon as once more deal with kickoff returns.
Undrafted rookie linebacker Shaun Dolac and veteran linebacker Troy Reeder are amongst different gamers anticipated to make an affect on particular groups.
