The Los Angeles Rams just can’t close out games, and Monday night’s Week 5 collapse against the Buffalo Bills wasn’t just another loss, it was a familiar gut punch. This is at least the second time this season they’ve choked away a victory, proving that their issues run deeper than just one bad night. Remember Week 3 against the Denver Broncos? They blew a 16-point lead and lost that one too. While they didn’t have a huge lead against the Bills, they absolutely had chances to seal the deal, and like clockwork, they folded.
McVay’s Rage and the Blame Game
Head coach Sean McVay was absolutely fuming after the game, and who can blame him? “It’s been a while since I’ve been this pissed after a game,” he reportedly said. But while the special teams unit definitely deserves the brunt of the blame, McVay needs to look in the mirror too. His decision to take his foot off the gas on the final drive, settling for a 48-yard kick after getting past the 35-yard line, was an unexcusable gaffe. Especially when his kicker, Harrison Mevis, had already missed one kick that night and doesn’t exactly have a cannon for a leg. Asking for a 48-yarder in that situation? That was just asking for trouble.
A Special Teams Nightmare Continues
The Rams’ special teams have been a problem for what feels like forever, and it’s clear they didn’t fix a thing this offseason. Monday night was a masterclass in special teams futility, starting right from the opening kickoff when Ray Davis ripped off a 70-yard return. Then Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal on their very first drive. But the real dagger? That massive blocked field goal in overtime that sealed their fate. McVay didn’t mince words, saying, “In the kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough. It cost us the game tonight.” He’s now planning to “evaluate everything” about that unit. It’s about time, coach.
Falling to 2-3 with those Super Bowl dreams still floating around has got to be a gut check for the entire Rams organization. After a loss this demoralizing, every single part of the team needs a hard look. For the Rams faithful, it’s concerning, a sign that the 2025 closing issues are back. For the rest of the NFL, though? It’s exactly what they want to see, a division rival faltering in the worst possible way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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