punter

Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans and Alex Ward still have a long way to go.

But the Rams’ kicker, punter/holder and long-snapper, respectively, have shown signs that they could have the collective staying power of former Rams stalwarts Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker and Jake McQuaide.

From 2012 to 2019, Zuerlein kicked, Hekker punted (and occasionally passed) and McQuaide snapped for the Rams under former special teams coordinator John Fassel.

The current specialists can envision a similarly lengthy future together.

“We all work really well with each other,” said Evans, a third-year pro. “We all know exactly what each other’s do’s and don’ts are, what makes each other better.

“So I feel like we all complement each other really well — and I think we could do that for a long time.”

Karty, a 2024 sixth-round draft pick from Stanford, experienced and learned from the highs and lows after making 29 of 34 field-goal attempts and 32 of 36 extra-point attempts during the regular season.

Karty kicked a winning field goal against the San Francisco 49ers, navigated a stretch of misses and inconsistency and then finished by making 17 consecutive attempts during the last five regular-season games and two playoff games.

It was something of “a roller coaster,” said Karty, who aims to pick up where he left off last season.

Karty impressed coach Sean McVay with his ability to bounce back.

“I’m just super impressed with his mental resolve,” McVay said. “I think there was some instances last year where you could just see he just got better and better as the year progressed.

“He’s got a consistent process that he commits to. I don’t think you can take for granted the rapport between him, Ethan and Alex. That’s a big deal as those guys are continuing to grow together.”

Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn said Karty has a “comfortability” from experience and working with Ward and Evans.

“The confidence that’s built in the offseason together and training camp together,” Blackburn said. “Going through it and having those, knowing that he has the confidence and the complete trust of all his teammates too.”

Evans, a third-year pro, last season averaged 41.5 net yards per punt. He placed 30 of 55 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Evans said he has a refined daily routine and is not overthinking.

“I used to think, ‘Oh, my drop had to be perfect. My steps have to be this … I have to put the ball there, there, there.’

“Now, it’s just like, wherever Chase tells me to punt it, just punt it. Don’t think about anything. Just go and do it.”

Receiver Xavier Smith held off a challenge from veteran free agent Britain Covey during training camp to retain his role as a punt returner.

Receiver Jordan Whittington, running back Blake Corum and Smith could once again handle kickoff returns.

Undrafted rookie linebacker Shaun Dolac and veteran linebacker Troy Reeder are among other players expected to make an impact on special teams.

HORRIFYING footage shows the moment a monster who killed his own grandad glassed a punter who confronted him for boasting about his evil crime.

Sick thug Jakob Walpole, 33, killed vintage car expert John Brown, 81, in a brutal attack on his grandfather in Bulkington, Warwickshire.

8

8

8

8

The “internationally renowned” Jaguar restoration expert suffered serious head injuries in his home at the hands of Walpole, who was convicted of John’s manslaughter.

Less than four minutes later, Walpole was seen on CCTV footage emerging from the property and from there headed to a village pub.

He stayed at the pub for a matter of minutes before moving on to a working men’s club.

It was here the cowardly thug was also convicted of breaching a restraining order and assaulting two other victims, a court heard on Wednesday.

Now, footage released showing the cowardly killer boasting about his despicable crime and attacking others has surfaced.

Jurors heard drunken Walpole attacked Dennis Hopson from behind in Bulkington Working Men’s Club after openly speaking about the vicious assault on his grandad.

Drunken Wallpole also “ignored” Mr Hopson’s pleas to moderate his language as he continued to badger the drinker.

He was then caught on “clear” CCTV footage attacking the elderly drinker.

Matters came to a head when Walpole took the victim’s seat before smashing a pint glass over the back of his Hopson’s head after being told to move.

The attack caused cuts to Mr Hopson’s ear, neck and head and prosecutor Michael Duck KC told jurors: “There can be no suggestion (Walpole) was acting in self-defence or anything of that sort.”

A barman was then punched in the face as he frogmarched Walpole out of the club.

“Belligerent” Walpole was arrested for all three attacks later the same night.

He remained abusive throughout the process and “booking in” at a police station, the court heard.

Jurors were also shown “haunting” footage of “world-renowned”  restoration expert John pleading for help on a security camera before he was attacked by Walpole.

Earlier that evening, Walpole had been seen on CCTV arriving at John’s bungalow, before going inside and attacking the pensioner. 

The pensioner could be seen waving at the camera – said to be linked to his daughter, Walpole’s mum – while in the garden before heading inside.

Mr Duck told jurors: “John Brown is Jakob Walpole’s grandfather.
He was a frail man and he had recently been diagnosed with the early stages of dementia.

“He was plainly a vulnerable individual and the evidence will demonstrate that this defendant was acutely aware of that.”

8

8

8

John was well known in the local community, having run a successful car panel and body repair business due to his expertise in respect of vintage cars, the court heard.

Police summoned to the bungalow by John’s daughter, Lynda Brown, found the pensioner “dazed and confused” and with significant injuries to his face and arms.

Despite being rushed to hospital, over the following hours John suffered a bleed on the brain as a result of the attack and passed away six days later.

Walpole had also attended a match at Coventry City‘s home stadium that lunchtime before visiting local pubs in the run-up to the spree of violence.

Concerns about Walpole’s “deteriorating behaviour” had led to a security camera being installed at his grandparents’ home address in Bulkington.

He was also already subject to a restraining order when he carried out the attack on his grandfather.

‘ACT OF COWARDICE’

Walpole, of School Road, Bulkington, Warwickshire, will be sentenced next Monday.

Commenting after the case, Natalie Kelly, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Jakob Walpole carried out a senseless and brutal attack on his own grandfather who had tried to help him.

“He showed no concern or remorse following the attack.

“Rather than call for help, he callously left his vulnerable and elderly grandfather severely injured and went to a local pub where he assaulted two further elderly victims.

“Everyone who knew Mr Brown saw how much he did for his grandson, often going out of his way to care and support him – but Walpole simply took advantage of his kindness.

“While this conviction ensures Walpole is held accountable for his actions, the family have been left with a deep and lasting pain that no justice can erase.”

Detective Inspector Gareth Unett, who led the investigation for Warwickshire Police, said: “John Brown was a kind, gentle, hardworking man whose loss has left a huge void in the lives of his loved ones and friends.

“Not only was he loved greatly by all those around him, he was known internationally as one of the best restorers of classic Jaguars.

“The legacy he leaves is not only in the love and generosity he showed to those around him, but also in the countless classic cars that will survive for generations more thanks to his work.

“Walpole’s attack on his grandfather, who had shown him nothing but kindness and generosity, was an act of cowardice and brutality that, in decades of policing, I struggle to find a comparison for.”

8