Raiders special teams duo seeking win, not revenge vs. Rams

Raiders special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and kicker Matt Gay will face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, three years after winning a Super Bowl together in Los Angeles. DeCamillis was among five coaches let go by Rams coach Sean McVay following an injury-plagued 2022 season, while Gay departed in free agency before the 2023 season.

"That 2021 year was magical," DeCamillis said. "We had a great year, and culminated with the Super Bowl championship, obviously. It was a lot of fun that year. The next year, we had a lot of injuries. We had a lot of things that kind of went the other way, and Sean made a decision. The organization made a decision, and I think there were five of us that were let go after that year. We weren't great that year, I can understand that, but he's a heck of an offensive football coach, and he's had those guys in the right position a lot."

Gay has rebounded this season under DeCamillis, making 14 of 15 field goals and all 14 extra-point attempts. "He's great, man," DeCamillis said. "He works at it so hard and I'm just happy for him because I know the last couple years have been rough for him. So hopefully we can keep him going the same way because I really like where he's at. I think he likes where he's at, and hopefully we can keep that going the same way."

Gay said the reunion has revitalized him. "It's awesome," he said. "I feel like our personalities just vibe really well and mesh well. He kind of knows how to handle me, when to push and when not to. I think that's key with all players. There's a respect level there, but we just get along really well and I think it's been a good thing for me to be back with him."

Neither man frames the game as revenge. Gay, who once kicked a game-winner against the Buccaneers after Tampa Bay released him, said he is mostly looking forward to seeing former teammates and staff. "It's been a few years removed, but obviously there's always a special place for them," he said. "Anytime you get a chance to do something special and win a Super Bowl with that team, you feel a connection. I'll always have that. But I'm moreso excited to see some of the guys. Some of the equipment guys and former players who are still there that I have a lot of respect for. I'm excited to see them, but I wouldn't say it's some big moment."

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal