Rams Special Teams - Next Steps

[CGI_Ram]

There is a fair bit of sorting out to do with Special Teams this offseason…

We need a PK.

We need return specialists. Austin Trammell is a FA and hasn’t really flashed much big play potential.

Ethan Evans has Punter fairly locked down, but he needs to take a step forward in 2024. His GROSS punting average of 49.2 was good for 10th, but his NET of 38.5 ranked 35th among punters.

NFL Special Teams Punting Stat Leaders, 2023 Regular Season - ESPN

ESPN is the place for NFL stats! Discover the Special Teams Punting stat leaders of the 2023 NFL Regular Season.

www.espn.com

 

[So Ram]

There is a fair bit of sorting out to do with Special Teams this offseason…

We need a PK.

We need return specialists. Austin Trammell is a FA and hasn’t really flashed much big play potential.

Ethan Evans has Punter fairly locked down, but he needs to take a step forward in 2024. His GROSS punting average of 49.2 was good for 10th, but his NET of 38.5 ranked 35th among punters.

NFL Special Teams Punting Stat Leaders, 2023 Regular Season - ESPN

ESPN is the place for NFL stats! Discover the Special Teams Punting stat leaders of the 2023 NFL Regular Season.

www.espn.com

Well 495 yards allowed is what really stands out on special teams to me.

Only The Jets at 535 yards gave up more yards.Which shows me the LACK of DEPTH!!

IMO The Rams need a couple fast young Linebackers for that reason as well as why Troy Reeder has to go.Rosenbloom use to be a core special teams guy.

Bryce Hager & Corey Littleton use be so good on special teams.The long snapper Jake Mcquiade was an excellent tackler & stoodout in LBer drills.

Having CB depth(safety) depth is a big part of cover teams.

 

[So Ram]

I also think The Rams were playing as good as any team in The NFL towards the end of the season.

If you look back at that Giants game & show that 80 plus yard punt return that should’ve lost The Rams that game & the season it STANDS OUT !!

That was not on Ethan Evans.Plus his upside is outstanding IMO.Dude squats more than any player on The Rams. Just shows what a STUD he might be ?

I also think McSnead have there brain trust in addressing Special Teams.

 

[So Ram]

IMO Chase Blackburn should have been fired ? Actually he will take it to heart,and take it as a Great Learning Lesson to get the team better.

 

[Haden]

Our special teams were not special by any means. I'm guessing it starts with coaching. A high quality kicker would help a ton too.

 

[Londoner]

1. Get a kicker- probably through the draft. Will Reichard (Bama) and Josh Karty (Stanford) are the leading candidates.

2. Teach Ethan placement. There’s no questioning his leg strength, but he has to do more than just boom it. He needs to find coffin corner more regularly.

3. Get a return threat. Trammell might as well be a cardboard cutout.

4. Learn to tackle. Both the Ravens’ and Giants’ TD returns exposed our fundamental flaws in tackling technique.

 

[OldSchool]

Special teams were less than special because the roster depth isn't all that great. Those are the players that play teams. I'd wager Blackburn will be fine if McSnead actually gives him players. Especially a kicker and returner.

 

[dang]

1. Get a kicker- probably through the draft. Will Reichard (Bama) and Josh Karty (Stanford) are the leading candidates.

2. Teach Ethan placement. There’s no questioning his leg strength, but he has to do more than just boom it. He needs to find coffin corner more regularly.

3. Get a return threat. Trammell might as well be a cardboard cutout.

4. Learn to tackle. Both the Ravens’ and Giants’ TD returns exposed our fundamental flaws in tackling technique.

1. Go ahead and draft a kicker in the 6th or 7th (if we trade down) but have a decent vet signed as well. I’m tired of these great college kickers shitting the bed in the pros.
2. E Evans will get better imo
3. I think McVay is satisfied with a fair catch weapon but it would be fun to have a true return weapon
4. Tackling woes r on pursuit lanes and disciplined contain. I put that 75% on the coach. Hell I’ve seen Skow get schooled and we all know he plays hard and has skills.

 

[Merlin]

I don't understand the lack of urgency in adding a return specialist. Talking punts here primarily, given that kickoffs have been neutered for the most part. But this has been a need for us for many years now. Having a third phase that can win you games can be the difference in the playoffs.

They have tried to prioritize certain roles, like gunner, in the draft. But I think the biggest failing has been an inability to stock those core teamers who can carry that bottom of the roster. And then the bottom roster types you select on that final cut need to be guys who are hungry on teams not guys who carry more upside but are mediocre at best on teams. And that has been on McVay IMO as he and his staff have a good eye and all with the young players but simply have not prioritized teams.

I have a lot of doubts re: Blackburn though I will admit the pieces were not ideal. That said I suspect last season he benefitted from McVay realizing he has gone through ST coordinators when it hasn't always been their fault. No inside knowledge there either. I just think McVay's maturity process is wising him up on some of his weak areas and ST is one of them. Hopefully.

One thing I always mention is how Fish did it right with that bottom roster and teams. They would finish up camp with "win a job" special teams practices, where those guys on the bubble knew it was their chance to get a roster spot. Fish was a caveman of course with many things but he knew teams. Outside of that improving hopefully we need a kicker and return specialist, so there's a ton of work to be done with teams and hopefully our coordinator is up for it.