Can Rams special teams into playoffs rebound from injuries?
Rams special teams into playoffs is a pressing concern for Los Angeles because the unit’s failures have lingered. However, the noise around the offense has masked special teams’ steady decline. This introduction examines why those struggles matter as the Rams approach the postseason.
Injuries, personnel churn, and missed fundamentals explain much of the problem. For example, Shaun Dolac landed on injured reserve while Ben Niemann signed as a replacement. Jordan Whittington’s knee issue has kept him out of recent practices, though it may be short term. Consequently, the Rams have rotated long snappers and kickers after botched Week five operations.
Three of the team’s four losses featured clear special teams swings, so these issues are not hypothetical. Therefore, as the Rams fight for seeding and survival, special teams represent a fragile edge. If mistakes continue, they could decide whether Los Angeles advances, because thin margins define the playoffs. This article will analyze the weaknesses and playoff implications in depth.
Rams special teams into playoffs: Key injuries and replacements
Shaun Dolac’s placement on injured reserve removed a steady performer from the kicking operation. As a result, the Rams signed Ben Niemann to fill that gap. Niemann brings experience and versatility to kickoff and coverage units. However, his signing does not instantly repair cohesion or timing.
Jordan Whittington’s knee issue has been described as short term, yet he has missed recent practices. Consequently, special teams lost a familiar tackler and blocker in return and punt units. The team has had to shuffle roles quickly, which increases the chance of missed assignments. Because these snaps often go to undrafted free agents, continuity has suffered further.
Collectively, these injuries have amplified mistakes in field goal operation and punt coverage. For example, the season featured a botched Week five snap and a game where a 58 yard punt return allowed a comeback. Therefore, the loss of Dolac and intermittent availability of Whittington matter more than their individual roles. In short, injuries, roster churn, and thin investment in role players have weakened fundamentals. As the Rams head into the postseason, these factors could directly affect seeding and short term playoff survival.
| Game | Key special teams events | Field goal attempts / misses | Punt coverage issues | Blocked kicks | Impact on game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs 49ers (Week 5) | Botched field goal operation; long snapper and kicker changes | FG attempt disrupted by a bad snap; timing broke | Multiple breakdowns allowed favorable returns | None reported | Contributed to a narrow loss and prompted coaching changes |
| vs Seahawks | 58-yard punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed | Harrison Mevis has been 1-for-2 in high-leverage kicks this season | Punt unit allowed the return that flipped momentum | None reported | Return sparked Seattle comeback and cost the Rams field position |
| vs Ravens (season reference) | Kicking pressure theme highlighted by Tyler Loop miss for Ravens | Tyler Loop missed a game-winner for Baltimore, illustrating kicking stakes | Not specific to Rams that week | Not applicable | Demonstrates how a single miss can alter playoff seeding |
Rams special teams into playoffs: Leadership change and unit challenges
The firing of Chase Blackburn signaled urgency. Ben Kotwica stepped in as special teams coordinator and faces immediate work. A coaching change can reset messaging and technique, but it cannot instantly restore lost practice reps or player familiarity. The unit has lost continuity during a critical stretch, which worsened timing and communication on kicks and returns.
Observers have been blunt about the results. Many say the unit has underperformed all season and point to roster construction and limited investment as root causes. Internal critiques emphasize that inexperienced players are often asked to execute high pressure snaps, and that reliance on undrafted players has magnified errors in coverage and kicking operations.
For readers seeking more context see Rams News feature on kicking under pressure and the Rams News power rankings and playoff matchup risk preview.
Synthesis: Coaching changes improve instruction and schematic clarity, but on field execution depends on consistent personnel and repetition. Kotwica can tighten technique, adjust alignments, and simplify assignments, yet those fixes require reliable role players and practice time. Without roster reinforcements and regained continuity, mistakes are likely to persist and continue to affect field position and scoring.
The Rams special teams unit has been a season long weak spot, and its failures carry real playoff risk. As the postseason nears, small margins will determine outcomes. Injuries to role players and late roster churn have undermined timing and coverage. Moreover, botched snaps, a 58 yard punt return, and a high pressure missed kick exposed systemic problems.
Coaching changes attempted repair, but coaching alone cannot restore lost cohesion. Undrafted free agents filled key roles, and they lacked game experience in pressure snaps. Therefore, special teams mistakes cost field position and points, and they altered multiple losses. As a result, these issues could directly influence seeding and postseason survival.
For readers tracking developments, watch personnel moves and kickoff to kickoff execution. For continued coverage see Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and follow on Twitter at @ZachGatsby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current state of the Rams special teams?
The Rams special teams unit has struggled all season. Coaches noted timing errors, missed assignments, and inconsistent kicking. Injuries and roster churn worsened the problem, and three of four losses involved special teams swings.
How have injuries to Shaun Dolac and Jordan Whittington affected the unit?
Dolac landing on injured reserve removed a steady snapper and coverage player. The team signed Ben Niemann as a replacement. Whittington’s knee issue has cost practice reps. As a result, cohesion and tackling in punt and kickoff units declined.
Did coaching changes help?
Chase Blackburn’s firing and Ben Kotwica’s promotion signaled urgency. However, coaches need reliable role players to succeed. Because undrafted free agents have filled key snaps, improvement will take time.
Could special teams decide playoff outcomes?
Yes. Mistakes on kicks and returns change field position and scoring. Therefore Rams special teams into playoffs matters. A single missed or blocked kick can alter seeding and survival.
What should fans watch in the postseason?
Watch snap-to-kick timing, punt lane discipline, kickoff coverage, and personnel depth. Moreover, track any roster signings and whether veterans rejoin. Those moves will indicate whether the unit can stabilize.