Why Rams 2025 season review and 2026 outlook matter?
Rams 2025 Season Review and 2026 Outlook
Rams 2025 season review and 2026 outlook shows a team at a crossroads. Special teams miscues cost field position and games, and they demanded a full diagnosis. As a result, head coach Sean McVay cleared most staff linked to special teams. However, punter Ethan Evans remained, creating some continuity in the kicking game.
Midseason additions like long snapper Jake McQuaide and kicker Harrison Mevis stabilized parts of the unit. Therefore the front office faces tough choices about who returns in 2026.
Meanwhile the draft and NFL Scouting Combine introduce rookie kickers and defensive help. Rookies bring cheap contracts and upside, and they could fix depth issues quickly.
On defense Poona Ford and Kobie Turner proved valuable, but rotation still matters. Therefore this Rams 2025 season review and 2026 outlook is cautiously optimistic. If special teams improve quickly, the club can chase wins now while grooming rookies. We remain cautious because trust in the unit must be rebuilt.
Rams 2025 season review and 2026 outlook — diagnosing the special teams issues
Special teams were the most visible weakness in 2025. Kicking, punting and coverage units produced recurring miscues that flipped field position. As a result, Sean McVay cleared nearly everyone tied to special teams. He kept only punter Ethan Evans for continuity. Meanwhile a brand new special teams staff arrived to begin repairs.
Key failures and symptoms
- Kicking: inconsistent placekicking and timing issues led to missed points and momentum swings.
- Long snapping: midseason addition Jake McQuaide stabilized snaps, yet the front office still must decide on his future.
- Punting: situational punts often lacked hang time, reducing coverage effectiveness and giving opponents returns.
- Coverage: lane discipline broke down repeatedly, and return yards allowed rose in key moments.
Why it mattered
Miscues cost roster trust and game outcomes. As one source put it, “It comes down to trust.” Therefore rebuilding trust is the priority heading into 2026. New hires and midseason fixes like Harrison Mevis provided hope. However consistency remains the key question. The upcoming NFL Scouting Combine and draft create chances to add rookie kickers and special teams talent. Because rookies buy cap space and upside, they could accelerate the turnaround.
| Player | Position or role | 2025 status | 2025 performance | 2026 roster outlook | Notes on rookies and contracts | Coaching impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake McQuaide | Long snapper | Midseason addition | Stabilized snaps; reliable under pressure | Strong contender to return; decision pending | N/A | Midseason pickup reduced short term risk; new staff will evaluate continuity |
| Harrison Mevis | Kicker | Midseason addition | Performed well and boosted confidence | High chance to be retained | If not retained, rookie kicker is cost effective on a rookie contract | New staff values consistency; Mevis provided a quick fix |
| Ethan Evans | Punter | Tenured; only special teams holdover | Provided continuity; steady punting under pressure | Very likely to return | N/A | His retention eases punt-unit transition for new coaches |
| Rookie kickers | Kicker candidates | Entering 2026 Combine and draft | Unknown at NFL level; high upside | Cost effective option with upside on rookie deals | Rookie contracts free cap space and allow developmental time | New coaches will vet combines and camps closely |
| Coverage specialists | Gunners and blockers | Mixed roles, rotated extensively | Coverage breakdowns and lane discipline issues | Competition for ST roles; upgrades expected | Rookies can win roles cheaply and add depth | Coaching overhaul focuses on discipline and technique improvements |
2026 Outlook: Defensive line strengths and rotation strategies
Poona Ford and Kobie Turner anchored the interior in 2025. Pro Football Focus named both among the highest graded interior linemen, and PFF proved the team hit the jackpot in 2025. Turner earned the nickname The Conductor for his pattern of line flexibility. Ford played 508 defensive snaps, while Turner logged 750. Braden Fiske handled 542 snaps and Tyler Davis 475. Other rotation pieces included Desjuan Johnson, Larrell Murchison, Ty Hamilton and Jack Heflin.
Core strengths
- Versatility: Turner can line up anywhere on the front, creating matchup problems for opponents. For more on positional flexibility, see Rams versatile defenders Byron Young and Roger McCreary why?
- Depth: Multiple interior options gave McVay schematic choices and blitz packages.
- PFF validation: Grades supported both performance and scheme fit, and they guide offseason planning. External reference PFF
Rotation and reinforcement plan
- Workload management: Rotate Ford and Turner more often in 2026 to keep them fresh. Therefore rotation preserves pass rush late in games.
- Bring in reinforcements: The 2026 NFL Draft should supply interior talent, because the class is deep at defensive line.
- Short term signings: Expect targeted veteran adds and competition in camp. For context on offseason roster timing, see What Are NFL offseason dates Rams Fans Must Know?
Because rotations matter, the Rams must balance snap counts with scheme aggression. Meanwhile steady reinforcement and smart drafting will sustain defensive quality into 2026. See more on roster churn and player context here https://ramsnews.com/rams-2025-season-wendell-forbes/
CONCLUSION
The Rams 2025 season review and 2026 outlook leaves room for cautious optimism. Special teams failures defined many games, and trust must be rebuilt quickly. Sean McVay cleared the staff, but punter Ethan Evans remained to steady one unit. Midseason fixes like Jake McQuaide and Harrison Mevis showed promise. Therefore the front office has decisions to make ahead of 2026.
Defense looked strong inside because Poona Ford and Kobie Turner graded highly with PFF. Rotation and reinforcements will be vital to keep those players fresh. Rookie additions can help because they cost less and provide upside. The upcoming combine and draft will shape special teams and interior depth.
Fans should watch offseason moves and training camp for clues. Trust will return only after clean snaps, dependable kicking, and disciplined coverage. Rams News LLC will track every development, and you can follow coverage at ramsnews.com and on Twitter X at @ZachGatsby. For now the tone is hopeful but measured, and real progress will come from consistent execution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What went wrong with Rams special teams in 2025?
The unit had recurring miscues in kicking, punting, and coverage. Missed snaps, timing errors and poor lane discipline cost field position and points. As a result, Sean McVay cleared most special teams staff while keeping punter Ethan Evans for continuity.
Have midseason fixes worked?
Jake McQuaide and Harrison Mevis stabilized snaps and kicking. They improved consistency in late 2025. However, the front office still weighs whether to retain them for 2026.
Can rookies fix the problem?
Rookies can help because they cost less and offer upside on rookie contracts. The 2026 Scouting Combine will highlight kicker candidates. Therefore the team can add cheap competition and depth in camp.
What should the Rams prioritize in the 2026 draft and free agency?
Target interior defensive line depth and special teams athletes. Because the defensive line class is deep, the Rams can find rotational reinforcements. Also pursue a dependable long snapper and disciplined coverage specialists.
How will coaching changes affect results?
New special teams coaches emphasize technique, alignment, and discipline. Therefore improvements should appear in camps and preseason games. But trust will return only after clean snaps, dependable kicks, and consistent coverage.