Josh Karty a weapon on kickoffs

[XXXIVwin]

I just re-watched Karty's three kickoffs from Game 1, and I'm happy to say that so far Karty is a WEAPON on kickoffs. McVay kept the strategy under wraps during preseason, so perhaps the element of surprise helped. I hope the Rams can continue to benefit from Karty's skill at his technique, but now opposing teams have video so they at least know what to expect.

For those who need a reminder of the new rule: If kickoff sails all the way into the end zone for a touchback, the receiving team gets it at the 35. However, if the ball lands in the "landing zone" (between the end line and the 20 yard line), and THEN rolls into the end zone, the receiving team has to start at their own 20.

Kickoff to open game: Karty kicks it hard and flat, soccer-style, ball lands safely in the landing zone, rolls a couple of times out of reach of Texans returners, ball rolls into the EZ for a touchback to the 20. Perfect. Camera angle was excellent so you could see Karty's perfect form.

Kickoff #2, after Rams first TD: Karty kicks off in the same way as the first time. Ball lands safely in landing zone around the 15. Since the ball LANDS in the landing zone, the Rams cover team can move as soon as the ball hits the ground. THEN the Texans returner is able to pick it up after a bounce, but the timing of the play is ruined since Karty was able to get it in the landing zone WITHOUT the ball being caught. Texans returner manages only a measly 11 yard return (to advance the ball from the 12 to the 23).

Kickoff #3: Camera angle was horrible, so it was hard to view. But this time the Rams changed up their strategy: Karty aimed to drive the ball deep and to his left, where the ball landed near the 5 yard line or so, near the corner. Ball rolls into the EZ for another touchback to the 20.

Three kickoffs. Opponent drives started at 20, 23, and 20. Considering the new rule will often reward teams with a start at the 35, that's excellent field position for the rams D.

Karty's kicking motion on kickoffs is noticeably different from his kicking motion on FGs and XP's. On kickoffs, he hits it hard and flat, and both his placement and distance are excellent-- there's a pretty small margin for error when he kicks at that angle.

Karty has mastered an entirely different kicking motion for kickoffs. So far, it's worked to perfection.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Interesting, I didn't take notice of the kickoffs. I was expecting McVay to kick the ball out of the end zine, so I didn't watch the kickoffs at all. Thanks.

 

[XXXIVwin]

I was expecting McVay to kick the ball out of the end zine, so I didn't watch the kickoffs at all.

Yeah, McVay settled for booming it into the EZ for a touchback at the 30 just about every kickoff last year.

With the new rule potentially starting at the 35, Rams have a brand new strategy.

 

[FrantikRam]

I don't want to start another thread about special teams....agreed that Karty did an incredible job, and our kickoff coverage was fantastic.

Why is our punt operation so mediocre to poor? I think Evans has really improved over the last few years, but our punt coverage stood out in a bad way compared to Houston. Their gunners were forcing fair catches or making quick tackles after 60 yard punts - ours wasn't getting close on 50 yard punts.

 

[0311rams]

I just re-watched Karty's three kickoffs from Game 1, and I'm happy to say that so far Karty is a WEAPON on kickoffs. McVay kept the strategy under wraps during preseason, so perhaps the element of surprise helped. I hope the Rams can continue to benefit from Karty's skill at his technique, but now opposing teams have video so they at least know what to expect.

For those who need a reminder of the new rule: If kickoff sails all the way into the end zone for a touchback, the receiving team gets it at the 35. However, if the ball lands in the "landing zone" (between the end line and the 20 yard line), and THEN rolls into the end zone, the receiving team has to start at their own 20.

Kickoff to open game: Karty kicks it hard and flat, soccer-style, ball lands safely in the landing zone, rolls a couple of times out of reach of Texans returners, ball rolls into the EZ for a touchback to the 20. Perfect. Camera angle was excellent so you could see Karty's perfect form.

Kickoff #2, after Rams first TD: Karty kicks off in the same way as the first time. Ball lands safely in landing zone around the 15. Since the ball LANDS in the landing zone, the Rams cover team can move as soon as the ball hits the ground. THEN the Texans returner is able to pick it up after a bounce, but the timing of the play is ruined since Karty was able to get it in the landing zone WITHOUT the ball being caught. Texans returner manages only a measly 11 yard return (to advance the ball from the 12 to the 23).

Kickoff #3: Camera angle was horrible, so it was hard to view. But this time the Rams changed up their strategy: Karty aimed to drive the ball deep and to his left, where the ball landed near the 5 yard line or so, near the corner. Ball rolls into the EZ for another touchback to the 20.

Three kickoffs. Opponent drives started at 20, 23, and 20. Considering the new rule will often reward teams with a start at the 35, that's excellent field position for the rams D.

Karty's kicking motion on kickoffs is noticeably different from his kicking motion on FGs and XP's. On kickoffs, he hits it hard and flat, and both his placement and distance are excellent-- there's a pretty small margin for error when he kicks at that angle.

Karty has mastered an entirely different kicking motion for kickoffs. So far, it's worked to perfection.

thanks for your observation on a really important aspect of the game. I think Karty like Evans is special. hopefully when he gets a chance to kick a field goal he will. LOL.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I don't want to start another thread about special teams....agreed that Karty did an incredible job, and our kickoff coverage was fantastic.

Why is our punt operation so mediocre to poor? I think Evans has really improved over the last few years, but our punt coverage stood out in a bad way compared to Houston. Their gunners were forcing fair catches or making quick tackles after 60 yard punts - ours wasn't getting close on 50 yard punts.

Maybe with distance the Rams give up hang time?

 

[FrantikRam]

Maybe with distance the Rams give up hang time?

Probably a combo of the punter and gunners - but man I hope this gets better

 

[dieterbrock]

Not a second guess, but I'm curious why McVay didnt have Karty attempt a 57 yard FG?

 

[RamFan503]

I just re-watched Karty's three kickoffs from Game 1, and I'm happy to say that so far Karty is a WEAPON on kickoffs. McVay kept the strategy under wraps during preseason, so perhaps the element of surprise helped. I hope the Rams can continue to benefit from Karty's skill at his technique, but now opposing teams have video so they at least know what to expect.

For those who need a reminder of the new rule: If kickoff sails all the way into the end zone for a touchback, the receiving team gets it at the 35. However, if the ball lands in the "landing zone" (between the end line and the 20 yard line), and THEN rolls into the end zone, the receiving team has to start at their own 20.

Kickoff to open game: Karty kicks it hard and flat, soccer-style, ball lands safely in the landing zone, rolls a couple of times out of reach of Texans returners, ball rolls into the EZ for a touchback to the 20. Perfect. Camera angle was excellent so you could see Karty's perfect form.

Kickoff #2, after Rams first TD: Karty kicks off in the same way as the first time. Ball lands safely in landing zone around the 15. Since the ball LANDS in the landing zone, the Rams cover team can move as soon as the ball hits the ground. THEN the Texans returner is able to pick it up after a bounce, but the timing of the play is ruined since Karty was able to get it in the landing zone WITHOUT the ball being caught. Texans returner manages only a measly 11 yard return (to advance the ball from the 12 to the 23).

Kickoff #3: Camera angle was horrible, so it was hard to view. But this time the Rams changed up their strategy: Karty aimed to drive the ball deep and to his left, where the ball landed near the 5 yard line or so, near the corner. Ball rolls into the EZ for another touchback to the 20.

Three kickoffs. Opponent drives started at 20, 23, and 20. Considering the new rule will often reward teams with a start at the 35, that's excellent field position for the rams D.

Karty's kicking motion on kickoffs is noticeably different from his kicking motion on FGs and XP's. On kickoffs, he hits it hard and flat, and both his placement and distance are excellent-- there's a pretty small margin for error when he kicks at that angle.

Karty has mastered an entirely different kicking motion for kickoffs. So far, it's worked to perfection.

My son and I were talking about it. It was a solid strategy. McVay mentioned it in one of the interviews or in the presser. He was pretty happy with how it worked. I get the feeling we're going to keep doing it until it doesn't work.

As far as punt return coverage goes, it seemed that our gunners were too easily forced out of bounds and out of the play. Maybe we need to give up a little speed at gunner and use someone a little stronger,

 

[den-the-coach]

Karty was awesome and we saw some in preseason as he and Evans rotated, but Karty can place the ball much better, however, like Monday Night when you need to kick it out of the endzone it's nice that Evans is available to be able to do that.