The Los Angeles Rams suffered a 37-34 overtime defeat against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night at SoFi Stadium, marking a troubling start to the season and prompting swift changes within the team’s special teams unit. The loss dropped the Rams’ record to 2-3 and intensified scrutiny on a franchise that entered the year as one of the Super Bowl favorites.
Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed clear frustration after the game, particularly with the kicking unit. “Not even close to good enough,” McVay said of his special teams. “I’m sick right now,” he added, describing his emotions following the defeat. The Rams’ special teams woes were a decisive factor in the loss, including a blocked 48-yard field goal attempt by second-year kicker Harrison Mevis in overtime. Mevis missed two field goals during the game and an extra point, contributing to the team’s inability to close out the contest.
Less than 24 hours after the defeat, the Rams released Mevis, according to a team official. The decision followed a season marked by inconsistent kicking performance; Mevis converted only five of nine field-goal attempts this year after making 12 of 13 last season. The Rams then signed kicker Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad to fill the vacancy.
Special teams miscues continued beyond kicking errors. The Bills returned the opening kickoff 70 yards, setting up an early scoring opportunity. Penalties further undermined the Rams’ effort, with the team penalized 11 times for 84 yards, many for pre-snap infractions. Such mistakes contributed to McVay’s frustration, as the team has struggled to clean up these issues throughout the early part of the season.
Monday’s game featured a matchup of consecutive NFL Most Valuable Players, as former MVP Matthew Stafford played for the Rams and reigning MVP Josh Allen led the Bills. Stafford completed 40 of 54 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns, two to Davante Adams and one to rookie Puka Nacua, who had a career-best 17 receptions totaling 138 yards. Allen completed 12 of 19 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, while rushing for 121 yards and another score, helping the Bills improve to 4-1 on the season.
The game marked the fourth time in the past five seasons the Rams began with a 2-3 or worse record after five games. Similar sluggish starts have historically hindered their playoff aspirations; the 2022 team finished 5-12 following a 2-3 start while last year’s team rallied to a 10-7 finish but fell in the wild-card round.
Following the game, Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson was suspended for two games after being seen punching Buffalo’s Bradley Chubb in a postgame incident, further compounding the team’s difficulties.
The Rams face a series of less formidable opponents in the coming weeks, including the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and Green Bay Packers, with hopes to rebound and refine their identity. Key players such as edge rusher Myles Garrett and tight end Terrance Ferguson remain sidelined but could return in the near future.
Rookie wide receiver Nacua emphasized the importance of the team’s response. “It’s going to be an opportunity for us to respond,” he said. “We need to really look ourselves in the mirror and say, ‘What is our identity going to be?’” The Rams have a short turnaround as they prepare for their next game, seeking to overcome special teams shortcomings and get back on track in a competitive NFC.