What’s Rams special teams concerns ahead of the playoffs?

Rams special teams concerns ahead of the playoffs demand urgent scrutiny as injuries and miscues have piled up. Because the Rams have allowed flipped field position and missed scoring chances, their postseason margin for error shrinks. However, inconsistent kicking, poor punt coverage, and problematic snaps have cost Los Angeles dearly at critical moments. Three of the team’s four losses this season trace back to third phase failures, and therefore the unit’s recent turnover in coaching adds uncertainty.

Shaun Dolac landed on injured reserve, and Jordan Whittington suffered a knee injury in the finale, which further strains depth. Moreover, replacing Chase Blackburn midstream with Ben Kotwica raises questions about continuity and strategy. As a result, the Rams must fix fundamentals fast, or special teams will determine how far their offense and defense can carry the club. This article analyzes the red flags, personnel shortfalls, and procedural fixes needed before kickoff against the Carolina Panthers.

Rams special teams concerns ahead of the playoffs: Key injuries to Shaun Dolac and Jordan Whittington

The Rams enter the postseason short on experience and depth at critical special-teams roles. Because Shaun Dolac landed on injured reserve, Los Angeles lost a reliable core contributor on returns and coverage. However, Jordan Whittington suffered knee damage in the regular-season finale, which removes another veteran presence. These injuries amplify existing problems and therefore reduce margin for error in field-goal and punt operations.

• Shaun Dolac — placed on injured reserve after Week 18
  • Role: primary gunner and core special-teams tackler
  • Impact: weaker punt coverage and less explosive return blocking
  • Consequence: opponents gain better field position on returns, increasing pressure on defense
• Jordan Whittington — knee injuries in the season finale vs Arizona
  • Role: key special-teams tackler and stable locker-room leader
  • Impact: reduced on-field discipline and fewer open-field stops
  • Consequence: punt and kickoff lanes become more vulnerable late in games
• Depth and continuity concerns
  • Because the Rams rely on undrafted free agents, replacements lack NFL experience
  • Therefore mistakes increase in high-leverage situations, as shown by three of four losses tied to special teams
  • Quote: “We should be worrying more about special teams more leading into the postseason.”
• Coaching transition
  • Chase Blackburn’s firing and Ben Kotwica’s promotion complicate recovery
  • As a result, injured roles face schematic changes during prep time

In short, these injuries deepen Rams special teams concerns ahead of the playoffs and force urgent lineup and schematic fixes.

Rams special teams concerns ahead of the playoffs: Coaching shakeup and the strategic cost

The midseason firing of Chase Blackburn and promotion of Ben Kotwica raises red flags. Because the unit lost a coordinator who oversaw daily habits, continuity eroded quickly. However, Kotwica inherits a roster thin at key roles. As a result, schematic tinkering offers limited upside before kickoff.

Coaching change effects

• Immediate communication gaps
  • Blackburn’s exit disrupted routines and special-teams meetings
  • Kotwica has limited time to install new signals and alignment calls
  • Therefore players may make assignment errors under pressure
• Scheme and role shifts
  • New coaching often changes responsibilities for gunners and blockers
  • As a result, replacements must adapt on short notice
  • This problem compounds when core contributors are injured

Contrast with John Fassel’s approach

• Fassel invested in depth and veteran special-teams talent
  • Special teams then performed as a value add rather than a liability
  • Quote: “Special teams wasn’t as big of an issue back then and was closer to a value add than a problem.”
  • Therefore the current drop-off highlights how investment matters

Systemic issues tied to roster construction

• Reliance on undrafted free agents reduces margin for error
  • UDFAs often lack live-game reps and situational polish
  • Consequently, three of four losses linked to special teams reflect this gap

Kicker and field-goal instability

• Rookie kicker Harrison Mevis has been tested in high leverage
  • Mevis is 1-for-2 in pressure kicks this season
  • Therefore confidence in clutch kicking remains thin

Hard evidence and blunt assessments

• Quote: “We should be worrying more about special teams more leading into the postseason.”
• Quote: “This problem really stems from a lack of investment by the team.”
• Week 18 outcomes affected the Rams’ playoff seed. Read more on the Rams’ path to the postseason at this article.
• The Week 18 win also shaped the team’s seeding and exposed late-game special-teams cracks this analysis.
• For context on the finale and injuries, see the season-ender breakdown here.

Bottom line: coaching change alone will not fix structural flaws. Investment and experience determine third-phase reliability. Therefore the Rams must address personnel and process before playoff kickoff.

Conclusion

Rams special teams concerns ahead of the playoffs remain a critical weakness for Los Angeles. Injuries to Shaun Dolac and Jordan Whittington remove key coverage pieces, and therefore depth now relies on inexperienced players. Coaching turnover from Chase Blackburn to Ben Kotwica adds uncertainty. Moreover, reliance on undrafted free agents has reduced margin for error in late-game situations. Harrison Mevis’s mixed kicking and prior miscues across the league show how small errors can decide playoff fates. However, the Rams still possess the talent to win if the third phase stabilizes. Therefore leadership must prioritize fundamentals, assign clear roles, and perhaps invest veteran depth quickly.

For authoritative coverage and ongoing updates, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and on Twitter/X at Zach Gatsby. As a result, the playoffs will be a test of whether process improvements stick. Be warned: if special teams fail again, the Rams’ postseason run could end early. Act now.

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