Why Rams special teams matter now
Rams special teams are taking on heightened importance in Los Angeles as Sean McVay says the rule environment has created more action plays that affect late-game field position. That shift changes roster priorities and how the staff evaluates depth across coverage units and return defense.
McVay explicitly framed the pivot as a response to increased kicks and returns, and the coaching staff is reorganizing how it deploys versatile defenders in coverage. Reporting and quotes used in this piece originate from a linked report in the second paragraph of this article; the original coverage is available at NFL Trade Rumors – Rams.
Key Takeaways
- Sean McVay says special teams has become a higher priority because rule changes have produced more kicks and returns that alter field position and late-game decisions.
- Kamren Curl emerged from a career year and the staff plans to leverage his versatility and leadership more often in coverage and situational defensive packages.
- Rams staff-level adjustments to coverage assignments aim to limit explosive opponent returns and reduce the frequency of touchback-driven field-position swings.
- Drew Lock noted he never practiced the specific Seahawks play that produced a long touchdown, underlining how single plays can rapidly shift momentum.
Rams special teams strategic shift
McVay told reporters that special teams “wasn’t as important to me as offense and defense” earlier in his tenure but that has changed because there are now more action plays. The coach framed it as a simple arithmetic problem: more kicks and returns mean more game-changing snaps where coverage and return decisions matter.
From a roster-construction standpoint, that recalibration translates to allocating practice reps, rotating trusted defensive backs into coverage reps, and prioritizing reliable tacklers. Those are decisions that affect the bottom half of the 53-man roster and how coaches evaluate late-game situational packages.
Kamren Curl role and coverage usage
Kamren Curl’s own comments and coach endorsements outline how his role has expanded into more deep-zone looks and multi-purpose defensive snaps. Curl described a career year that included an uptick in turnovers and pass breakups, and he credited the staff for putting him in positions to make plays.
Quentin Lake called Curl “reliable” and “versatile,” and defensive coordinator Chris Shula labeled him a “silent leader” who can be used in several ways on defense. That combination of trusted technique and positional flexibility makes Curl a natural fit for increased special teams responsibility and for late-game defensive substitution patterns.
Drew Lock and the Seahawks touchdown sequence
The Seahawks touchdown sequence involving Jaxon Smith-Njigba held lessons for situational prep and defensive assignment discipline. Drew Lock said he never practiced that exact play and described Smith-Njigba as the third read who became available when matchups failed to align.
Lock’s remarks underline an important coaching truth: even well-installed defenses and well-coached units can be exposed by a single schematic wrinkle or an unanticipated alignment. Limiting that exposure is precisely what the Rams mean when they say special teams and situational work are getting renewed emphasis.
Special teams return and touchback context
| Aspect | Past approach | Current approach |
|---|---|---|
| Return frequency | Fewer returns and less emphasis on coverage reps relative to offense and defense. | More returns are occurring, so the staff is dedicating additional practice and trusted personnel to coverage units. |
| Touchback handling | Touchbacks created predictable field-position outcomes with less need for aggressive return plans. | With touchbacks and returns shifting where drives begin, coaches are balancing return aggression against the risk of poor field position. |
| Player usage | Specialists and secondary players saw intermittent usage without broad defensive cross-training. | Versatile defenders like Kamren Curl are being used in deep zones, post safety roles, and situational packages that intersect with special teams needs. |
CFP recruiting and roster construction implications
As NFL teams place renewed emphasis on special teams, college coaches and recruiters in the CFP and SEC can reasonably shift how they value and develop special-teams contributors. Players who can handle coverage responsibilities, block on returns, or serve as multi-role defensive backs may see incremental recruiting leverage.
That does not imply specific NIL deals or contract values, but it does suggest roster construction and recruiting boards could give added weight to players who can impact field position. For programs competing for playoff positioning, prioritizing special teams competence can be a practical way to win close games and protect lead management late.
