Los Angeles Rams punter Ethan Evans (42) sets the ball as place kicker Joshua Karty (16) hits the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Shannon Sharpe had a blunt message for the Los Angeles Rams after their heartbreaking overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills. Sharpe wants them to trust Matthew Stafford, not the kicker. With Monday Night Football delivering a wild 37-34 finish at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles had a chance to steal a signature victory before Harrison Mevis’ potential game-winner was blocked by Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau. The deflection set up Tyler Bass’ 45-yard overtime winner. It left the Rams to absorb a gut-punch defeat.
Sharpe wasted little time sharing his frustration on social media, posting, “I would’ve trusted Stafford. Don’t trust this kicker.”
The Hall of Famer’s reaction reflected the central question surrounding Sean McVay’s decision: why take the ball away from a quarterback who had already thrown for 383 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover?
Stafford had been outstanding throughout the shootout. He repeatedly found openings in Buffalo’s defense while connecting with Puka Nacua. The latter hauled in a career-high 17 receptions. Yet Los Angeles’ overtime opportunity ended with Mevis attempting a 48-yard field goal instead of Stafford getting another chance to make a play. The blocked kick proved decisive. It turned what could have been a statement win into another painful setback for a Rams team trying to build momentum.
Mevis’ uneven start to the 2026 season only adds context to Sharpe’s criticism. Through five games, the Rams kicker has converted all 14 extra-point attempts. However, he has made just five of nine field goals. His difficult Week 5 included a missed 50-yard attempt in regulation before the blocked overtime kick. Los Angeles now sits at 2-3. That leaves McVay with questions to address as the team regroups.