What’s Next for Los Angeles Rams special teams?
Los Angeles Rams special teams under the microscope
The Los Angeles Rams special teams stumbled through 2025 and into the postseason. However, costly errors masked the unit’s occasional bright spots. The team finished 22nd in PFF grades, and fans remember the muffed punt in the NFC Championship. As a result, the third phase became a glaring weakness that altered games.
This offseason carries high stakes and targeted fixes. The Rams hired Bubba Ventrone and added specialists because they need reliable snaps, punts, and returns. Moreover, additions like Joe Cardona, Ethan Evans, Harris Mevis, Grant Stuard, and Xavier Smith aim to stabilize fundamentals. Yet stability will take coaching, technique work, and better situational play.
I remain cautiously hopeful about the turnaround. If the unit improves in kickoff coverage, return security, and field-position battle then the Rams gain a real advantage. Therefore, the offseason is not just useful; it may decide how far Los Angeles goes next season.
Los Angeles Rams special teams where it went wrong
The Rams finished the season with glaring third phase issues. Pro Football Focus ranked Los Angeles 22nd among special teams units. Therefore, the grade backs up what fans saw on film. The muffed punt in the NFC Championship crystallized those failures. That play cost momentum and field position, and it remains emblematic of broader problems. For more on Xavier Smith and that play, see this article.
Key problems
- Inconsistent fundamentals on kicks and punts led to poor coverage and lost yardage. As a result opponents often started with favorable field position.
- Special teams coaching shuffled midseason after Chase Blackburn was fired. Ben Kotwica served as interim and could not settle the unit.
- Ball security and return decision making remain concerns, especially with the muffed punt incident.
- Long snap and kicking reliability fluctuated, forcing short-term roster moves like bringing back Jake McQuaide.
- Lack of coordinator stability since John Fassel left in 2020 hurt continuity and technique development.
Los Angeles Rams special teams and the coaching carousel
The front office moved aggressively this offseason. They hired Bubba Ventrone and Kyle Hoke to stabilize coaching. However, questions remain about systemic fixes. As Seth Walder cautioned, “I’m not sure that systemic issue has been addressed.” For context on broader fan skepticism and team progress, see this article. Also note how front office moves interact with roster strategy here.
These facts show why the overhaul matters. If the Rams improve fundamentals, then field position and scoring chances should follow.
| Role | 2025 Personnel | 2026 Personnel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinator | Chase Blackburn (fired midseason); Ben Kotwica (interim) | Bubba Ventrone | Ventrone’s Browns unit graded second by PFF; brings proven ST system |
| Assistant coordinator | Rotating assistants / interim help | Kyle Hoke | Followed Ventrone from Cleveland; adds continuity and teaching emphasis |
| Long snapper | Jake McQuaide (short-term) | Joe Cardona | Cardona provides long-term snapping reliability and experience |
| Punter | Prior punter(s) / no settled long-term option | Ethan Evans | New hire aimed at improved hang time and field position control |
| Kicker | Harris Mevis (took over late 2025) | Harris Mevis | Retained after taking job; needs consistency under pressure |
| Primary returner | Xavier Smith (primary; muffed punt in NFC Championship) | Xavier Smith (expected primary) | Ball security and decision making are major questions |
| Ace specialist / coverage leader | No clear designated ace | Grant Stuard | Veteran tackler and special teams leader to boost coverage |
Optimistic outlook for Los Angeles Rams special teams
There is cautious optimism about the Rams’ third phase after a busy offseason. The hires of Bubba Ventrone and Kyle Hoke bring a proven system and coaching continuity.
Fans and analysts can finally hope for steadier play. Moreover, veterans like Joe Cardona and Grant Stuard add technique and leadership on the field. Ethan Evans and Harris Mevis should stabilize punts and kicks, improving field position.
Specialists’ experience should shorten the learning curve for younger players. If they execute, opponents will start drives deeper in their own territory. Improved coaching should fix fundamentals and reduce costly errors, therefore boosting consistency.
Ball security and sure snapping are immediate, measurable wins the team can track. Xavier Smith can redeem himself with cleaner reads and better decision making. Coaching drills and film study will be key to removing mental errors.
As a result, special teams can swing tight games and create scoring chances. Yet gains will require practice, patience, and clear accountability from coaches. Ultimately, this overhaul could flip close outcomes and boost playoff prospects.
Therefore, while cautious, the outlook leans positive for 2026. The front office deserves credit for addressing the most glaring needs. Now the work begins.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams special teams must show measurable improvement to quiet critics. In 2025 they finished 22nd in PFF and they made costly errors, notably the muffed punt in Seattle.
However, the front office moved decisively. They brought in Bubba Ventrone, Kyle Hoke, Joe Cardona, Grant Stuard, Ethan Evans, and Harris Mevis to fix fundamentals and leadership. If coaches translate scheme into practice and players clean up ball security, then field position and scoring chances should improve.
Yet systemic change requires time, accountability, and consistent execution. As a result, cautious optimism fits the current outlook.
For ongoing analysis and updates, trust Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and follow on X @ZachGatsby. We will track metrics like PFF grades, turnover margin, and net punting to measure progress this season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What major changes did the Rams make to special teams in 2026?
The front office overhauled coaching and personnel. They hired Bubba Ventrone as coordinator and Kyle Hoke as assistant. They added Joe Cardona at long snapper, Grant Stuard as an ace coverage specialist, Ethan Evans at punter, and kept Harris Mevis as kicker. These moves target fundamentals, leadership, and consistency.
Why were special teams flagged as a problem in 2025?
Poor execution and instability were core issues. Pro Football Focus ranked the unit 22nd. Key mistakes, including a muffed punt in the NFC Championship, cost field position and momentum. Additionally, the coordinator role changed several times since 2020, which hurt continuity.
How should Ventrone and Hoke affect play on the field?
They bring a tested system and coaching continuity. Ventrone’s Browns unit graded highly with PFF, and Hoke follows him from Cleveland. Therefore, coaching methods and detail work should improve technique and situational awareness.
Are the new specialists expected to fix immediate problems?
They should help. Cardona stabilizes snapping, Stuard brings tackling and leadership, and Evans and Mevis aim to steady punts and kicks. However, ball security and return decision making still need work. Success depends on coaching and execution.
What quick metrics will show if the unit improves?
Watch PFF special teams grade, net punting, opponent starting field position, return average, turnover margin, and number of special teams errors. If those metrics move favorably, then the overhaul is working.
