NFLYesterday
Rams Special Teams Woes Persist Amid Roster Adjustments
Los Angeles continues to battle special teams deficiencies that have factored into multiple defeats, prompting further personnel moves ahead of a favorable stretch.
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Unit Performance and Recent Changes
The Rams special teams group has contributed to five of the team's nine losses since the start of last season, including the playoffs. The unit sits at minus-15.3% in special teams DVOA, a mark that would rank as the worst for a full season. After Harrison Mevis went 5-of-9 on field goals, including a miss from 50 yards and a blocked attempt in overtime, the Rams released the kicker. They signed Blake Grupe off the Jets practice squad to replace him. Grupe had gone 18-of-26 on field goals with the Saints before making all 11 attempts with the Colts. Over the past four seasons the Rams have converted 77.2% of field goals, the second-lowest rate in that span. The team also released returner Xavier Smith earlier in the season.
Coaching Decisions and Record
Following a 58-yard punt return touchdown that helped fuel a comeback, the Rams parted ways with special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn. Head coach Sean McVay has emphasized identifying problems and implementing fixes for the unit. The team stands at 2-3 after five games, with all three losses coming against playoff teams from 2025.
Favorable Upcoming Schedule
The Rams next face the 1-4 Arizona Cardinals twice, the 3-2 Las Vegas Raiders, the 0-5 Los Angeles Chargers and the 1-3-1 Washington Commanders. This five-game stretch represents the easiest such span for any team this season, providing an opportunity to address ongoing issues and build consistency.
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