The Surprising Stat That Explains the Rams’ Recent Struggles

Karty has been kicking off for the Rams, hitting a knuckleball in an attempt to land a wobbly, hard-to-field, bounding ball into the landing zone. There's a belief out there that the practice of using that kicking style has caused Karty's field goal kicks to start out at an angle in the same was a knuckleball would, directing what should be a straight forward kick into the path of oncoming defenders.

Joshua Karty

While Blackburn may have taught the technique, even instituting said practice, it's up to Karty to perform the proper swing in the proper situation. In golf, not every shot is going to require a nine iron in the same way not every kick is going to require the same swing or foot placement. It's up to Karty to make the proper adjustments.

The Rams Protection Team

Regardless on what Blackburn teaches or Karty performs, there's no coaching or swing that is stopping Jordan Davis from blocking the kick in Philadelphia. The protection team is letting defenders in time and time again. If Karty is to attempt long range field goals, the ball is coming out low so it is up to the line to hold up their end of the bargain/

My Take

It's a mix of all three. The special teams unit needs to be a well-oiled machine, and if Karty is their kicker, the protection team and Blackburn need to do all they can to ensure whatever way Karty kicks, the ball is going to have a shot.

It's way easier said than done but there's a reason Blackburn is one of 32 people in the world who have his job at his level. Let's see how he and his unit manage.