Kelly Stafford appeared to send a pointed message about former Los Angeles Rams kicker Harrison Mevis after his costly misses contributed to the team’s Monday night defeat against the Buffalo Bills.
Following the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss on October 12, Kelly shared Instagram photos featuring herself and husband Matthew Stafford’s four daughters at the game. Her caption seemed to allude to the missed kicks, suggesting the outcome was part of a bigger plan.
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“God had a different plan than having that ball go through the uprights, but whatever the plan is, we trust it,” she wrote. “The plan does, however, always include cute fits.”
Kelly didn’t mention Mevis by name, but the timing made the meaning difficult to overlook. Mevis missed a 50-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter before having a 48-yard kick blocked in overtime by Buffalo linebacker Greg Rousseau.
The blocked attempt came at a crucial moment, and the Bills secured the win.
The kicker’s struggles weren’t limited to that game. Through the Rams’ first five games, he converted just five of nine field-goal attempts, missing all four unsuccessful kicks from beyond 40 yards.
With the team unable to overlook the inconsistency, Los Angeles waived Mevis and signed Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad.
Andrew Whitworth questions Mevis’ team mentality
Kelly’s post wasn’t the only reaction after the defeat. Former Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth also voiced his frustration, focusing on Mevis’ apparent demeanor after the final whistle.
Speaking on the “Fitz and Whit” podcast, Whitworth said he was irritated by seeing Mevis laughing and chatting with Bills players after the game.
"The biggest thing that just irritates me – I'm still salty about it. It's one thing to have some of these kicks missed, and Harrison Mevis is, obviously, this year, it's been a struggle,” said Whitworth.
“But like post-game, I'm watching. He's laughing and keekeeing with guys. Like, I don't mean to get like this, but I do. When I messed up, if I give up a sack at the end of the game or pressure or whatever, the first thing I'm doing is running into the locker room, and I'm gonna be so pissed off, I don't want to talk to nobody.
“I’m just sitting there going, like, man, if I missed a kick, or if I missed two kicks, one's blocked, you know, I don't know. I don't understand it.
Mevis’ release followed his on-field struggles, although the team hasn’t confirmed that his postgame behavior played a role in the decision. McVay has stressed the need for better production from the kicking unit, while the loss can’t fairly be attributed to one player alone.
Now Grupe inherits a role that’s troubled Los Angeles for several seasons. Stafford and the Rams will hope the change delivers greater consistency.