It took 11 games, but the Rams might have finally found a replacement for Greg Zuerlein at kicker. And even though Matt Gay wasn’t their first or second choice after losing Zuerlein in free agency, he’s been their most reliable and consistent kicker to date this season – much better than what the Rams got out of Samuel Sloman and Kai Forbath.
After drilling field goals of 41 and 48 yards on Sunday against the 49ers, and making both of his extra point attempts, Gay gave the Rams their first clean kicking slate since Week 4. And needless to say, Sean McVay likes what he’s seen.
He’s cautiously optimistic that the Rams have found a kicker they can count on moving forward after cycling through several players at the position.
“He’s doing great,” McVay said Monday. “I think if you said, ‘What’s a real positive takeaway from yesterday?’ I thought the defense getting three turnovers, scoring a touchdown – then I thought he was automatic. He did a great job on kickoffs. Did a great job with the field goals and extra points. It was a real bright spot for us. I think we’ve found a guy that we feel really good about as we move forward.”
The Rams still have Austin MacGinnis on the practice squad, but there’s no reason to believe he’ll be elevated in the near future. Gay has earned the right to remain the primary kicker without pressure from MacGinnis in practice.
Now, if he starts to struggle in the Rams’ upcoming games, that could change. But for the time being, the Rams can’t help but feel good about a guy who made four kicks and booted five touchbacks in Sunday’s game.
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