Rams kicker Sam Ficken had a very interesting December.
Just two weeks ago, the Penn State product was working at a brokerage firm in Connecticut while waiting on an opportunity in the NFL. Though he had never kicked in a regular season game before, Ficken was thrust into the spotlight when he was signed to the Rams in place of the injured Greg Zuerlein.
And in that short span of time, Ficken has not only been crowned an NFC West champion after kicking in his first career game, but he has also been named the Rams starting kicker through their run in playoffs.
"He did a nice job today," head coach Sean McVay said of Ficken's performance on Sunday. "Made the most of his opportunities."
After a rocky start in Week 16's contest against the Titans — where Ficken missed a 33-yard extra-point attempt and a 36-yard field goal — the kicker bounced back in Los Angeles' regular-season finale.
Check out photos of the 49ers vs. Rams Week 17 matchup.
Ficken was perfect on the day, nailing two field goals from 23- and 21-yards and an extra-point attempt. He also recorded a touchback on each of his three kickoffs.
"I would have liked to have given him a few more shots," McVay said. "But I think for him to be able to come in here — definitely improving from the previous week and [he] kind of finished on the same note that he finished off the Tennessee game. Pleased with Sam today."
Now, Ficken will check another first off of his to-do list — kicking in a playoff game. The Rams will welcome the Falcons on Saturday night for Wild Card Weekend in the franchise's first playoff game since 2005.
