{
  "id": 14138114,
  "title": "'I'm sick right now with myself' — Why did Rams' Sean McVay put more trust on an unreliable kicker over Matthew Stafford's arm?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/im-sick-right-now-with-myself-why-did-rams-sean-mcvay-put-more-trust",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T06:48:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/im-sick-right-now-with-myself--why-did-rams-sean-mcvay-put-more-trust-on-an-unreliable-kicker-over-matthew-staffords-arm-064805067.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a puzzling move, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay decided to abandon his star quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and rely on rookie kicker Harrison Mevis to win a crucial field goal in overtime. With just under five minutes left in the extra period, the Rams found themselves in third-and-5 from the Buffalo Bills’ 30-yard line, needing only a field goal to secure their comeback victory. Instead of trusting Stafford to extend the drive with a pass, McVay opted for Williams to run into the Bills' defensive line. Williams' attempt left Mevis with a 48-yard field goal attempt, which he missed, resulting in Buffalo’s game-winning 45-yard kick. McVay later admitted regret, saying he wished he had made a different play call, but refused to defend his decision. The loss marked a disappointing start for the Rams, who had been touted as preseason favorites to win the Super Bowl. The team’s struggles stem from a combination of injuries to key players and costly special teams mistakes throughout the season.",
  "summary": "The blocked field goal was the latest gut punch for a Rams team that was hailed as the overwhelming preseason favorites to win the Super Bowl but has struggled to live up to those sky-high expectations.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rams coach Sean McVay chose rookie kicker Harrison Mevis over Matthew Stafford.",
    "McVay opted for Williams' failed 48-yard field goal attempt in overtime.",
    "Loss marked disappointing start for Rams, struggling due to injuries and special teams mistakes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Sean McVay’s horrible kicking decision cost Rams a win vs. Bills",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/sean-mcvays-horrible-kicking-decision-cost-rams-a-win-vs-bills",
        "published": "2026-10-13T04:18:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}