Rams shake-up as Alex Ward faces competition from Jake McQuaide
The Los Angeles Rams are shaking things up as they head into the upcoming season, particularly within their kicking unit. Long snapper Alex Ward finds himself in a tight competition for his position against newcomer Jake McQuaide, who has been brought in to bolster the team’s performance.
Rams’ Major Changes in the Kicking Game
On Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay addressed the media to announce significant changes to the Rams’ kicking personnel. After a season marred by inconsistency in their kicking game, the Rams signed long snapper Jake McQuaide and kicker Harrison Mevis to their practice squad. McQuaide is now poised to start over Ward this Sunday, while Mevis will compete against Joshua Karty for the kicking role.
The decision reflects the Rams’ urgent need for improvement in their special teams. During the press conference following practice, both Ward and McQuaide shared their thoughts on the unfolding situation.
McVay’s Approach to Tough Conversations
When asked about how he navigates the difficult conversations surrounding personnel changes, McVay emphasized the importance of honest communication. “You have to be empathetic and provide clarity,” he noted. “My job is to make decisions that are best for the collective. It doesn’t mean I’m always right, but the intentions are always in the right direction.”
McVay acknowledged the difficulty of determining the best personnel for executing their game plan. He explained, “One of the most challenging things is figuring out who are the best guys to execute the plan and bring it to life. There are many layers to everything that’s happened in that phase, but both of these guys have done a lot of really good stuff for us. We want to see more consistency, and I think these guys will push each other.”
Ward’s Perspective on the Competition
As Ward prepares for the competition, he understands the stakes. This is not just about maintaining his job; it’s about the overall effectiveness of the Rams’ special teams unit. The pressure is palpable as the team looks to build on past performances and improve their standing.
Both Ward and McQuaide will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the coming practices leading up to the game, and the results will determine who secures the long snapper role. With the Rams’ rookies and veterans reporting for preseason soon, the competition is heating up, and every snap counts.
As the Rams continue to refine their roster and strategy, all eyes will be on the kicking unit’s performance as they aim for greater consistency and reliability in the upcoming season.
