Can Rams special teams struggles derail a playoff run?
The Rams’ special teams struggles could be the ticking time bomb to implode their season. Despite a roster brimming with talent, their special teams have been alarmingly inconsistent, turning potential victories into nail-biting defeats. Critical errors, from blocked punts to missed field goals, have haunted the Rams. These blunders touch every aspect of their game, threatening to topple an otherwise promising season. This analysis dives into how these consistent failings might unravel the Rams’ playoff ambitions and leave fans questioning what could have been. As the season progresses, the Rams’ ability to rectify their special teams woes may determine their fate.
Coaching change and Rams special teams struggles
Sean McVay fired Chase Blackburn after the Week 16 loss to the Seahawks. He promoted Ben Kotwica to special teams coordinator. The move signaled urgency, but it offered little real relief. Fans hoped for immediate fixes. Instead, errors continued to pile up.
What McVay changed and why
McVay replaced Blackburn because special teams had cost the team games. The change aimed to stop blocked punts and poor coverage. Kotwica brought different schemes and emphasis on fundamentals. However, those changes require time and buy-in. The season left little of both.
Key events
- Week 16: Sean McVay moved on from Chase Blackburn after the Seahawks loss.
- Week 3: Two blocked kicks in the Eagles loss underscored early problems.
- Later: Two missed kicks in the overtime loss to the 49ers highlighted kicking woes.
- Panthers Wild Card: Ethan Evans’ punt was blocked and set up a go-ahead touchdown.
Why the switch failed to fix Rams special teams struggles
The unit showed minimal improvement after the change. Coverage breakdowns and returns continued to cost field position. Because play execution remained shaky, the Rams kept losing leverage. As a result, the coaching move looked cosmetic rather than corrective. This failure reveals deeper structural issues. It suggests staff turnover alone cannot cure the persistent errors. Without a real reset, special teams will keep threatening the Rams’ season.
Rams special teams struggles: 2017-2019 vs 2020-2025
This table contrasts the Rams special teams struggles across two distinct periods. However, it highlights EPA rankings, coordinator turnover, and key outcomes.
| Period | EPA ranking (avg) | Number of special teams coordinators (STCs) | Notable outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2019 | 8th | 1 | Mostly solid coverage and field position; few critical errors |
| 2020–2025 | 32nd | 5 | Multiple blocked kicks (Week 3 vs Eagles; Wild Card blocked punt by Panthers), missed field goals (OT loss to 49ers), return TDs (Rashid Shaheed 58-yard), near-miss of NFC top seed due to Seattle comeback; coaching changes ineffective |
Key special teams failures that underline Rams special teams struggles
Special teams miscues have repeatedly sabotaged the Rams. This season, errors occurred at the worst possible moments. As a result, close games swung away from Los Angeles. The pattern proves alarming and urgent.
Blocked punts and critical field position losses stand out. For example, Carolina blocked Ethan Evans’ punt with just over four minutes left. That play set up a Panthers touchdown and a four-point lead, and nearly ended the Rams’ postseason hopes. See the Wild Card breakdown for context: Wild Card breakdown.
Missed kicks compounded the damage. Early in the year, the team suffered two blocked kicks in the Week 3 loss to the Eagles. Then, two missed kicks cost them in the overtime defeat to the 49ers. Those failures kept opponents within striking distance, and they changed game scripts.
Return coverage collapsed at times, too. Rashid Shaheed’s 58-yard punt return touchdown against Seattle flipped momentum. That return helped fuel a comeback that cost the Rams the NFC top seed and their division crown. Such plays made the unit a liability.
Key failures at a glance
- Blocked punts: Ethan Evans’ punt vs Panthers led directly to a go-ahead score
- Blocked kicks and missed field goals: Week 3 vs Eagles; overtime loss to 49ers
- Long punt return allowed: Rashid Shaheed 58-yard TD vs Seahawks
- Kicking inconsistencies: despite Harrison Mevis’ regular season form, timing mattered and pressure exposed gaps (see analysis on Mevis: analysis on Mevis)
These mistakes were not isolated. As critics warned, “A bad special teams play cutting L.A.’s season short is inevitable.” Moreover, “ST blunders are inevitable for this team, and again, nearly sent the Rams home early.” Those lines sting because they now read like prophecy.
Because execution repeatedly failed, field position metrics swung against the Rams. Consequently, the offense fought uphill too often. Unless the staff fixes fundamentals, the special teams will remain the unit most likely to doom this season. For discussion on whether the unit can rebound, see: discussion on special teams rebound.
If the Rams do not stop the bleeding on special teams, the season could unravel. Rams special teams struggles have cost field position, momentum, and points. In tight games they created sudden, avoidable swings. Worse, these errors came in high-leverage moments that shortened drives and surrendered leads.
This problem goes beyond missed kicks or broken assignments. It reveals coaching instability, execution gaps, and alarming complacency. Therefore the front office must demand accountability. Coaches must return to fundamentals, and players must re-earn trust on the field. Otherwise, one more blocked punt or costly return will end the Rams’ run.
Act now. Rework schemes, shore up protection, and prioritize special teams in practice. Trade or sign a proven special teams ace if needed. Fans and players deserve better, and the roster can not rely on offense alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What caused the Rams special teams struggles this season?
The Rams special teams struggles stem from repeated execution failures and coaching turnover. Blocked punts, missed kicks, and blown coverage cost field position. Because the unit lacked consistent fundamentals, opponents converted those mistakes into points and momentum.
Did the midseason coaching change fix the problems?
No. Sean McVay replaced Chase Blackburn with Ben Kotwica after Week 16, but improvement remained minimal. Coverage breakdowns and protection issues persisted. Therefore, the swap looked like a short-term bandage rather than a cure.
Which specific games highlighted the breakdowns?
Several critical moments exposed the weakness. For example, Ethan Evans’ punt was blocked late in the Wild Card game, leading to a Panthers touchdown. Earlier, two blocked kicks hurt the Week 3 loss to the Eagles. Also, missed kicks in the overtime loss to the 49ers and Rashid Shaheed’s 58-yard punt return tipped momentum away from L.A.
Can special teams recover before deep playoff runs?
Recovery is possible but unlikely without rapid changes. Harrison Mevis helped with reliable kicking, yet units must fix coverage and protection. As a result, the Rams need focused practice, clearer roles, and perhaps roster upgrades to regain trust.
What immediate steps should the Rams take to stop the bleeding?
Take these actions now:
- Prioritize special teams in practice and install simpler schemes
- Audit personnel and reward accountability
- Reinforce protection assignments on punts and kicks
- Consider signing a proven special teams ace
- Increase reps for core return and coverage players
These moves address the root causes of Rams special teams struggles and offer a path back to reliability.