Rams Special Teams

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Merlin said:
So Ventrone probably deserves to be fired. But at some point McVay needs to look in the fuckin mirror.
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I would like to see the ST make a huge turn in the RIGHT direction. I’m not knocking on Ventrone yet, I agree McVay needs to look in the mirror.
 
SteezyEndo said:
I would like to see the ST make a huge turn in the RIGHT direction. I’m not knocking on Ventrone yet, I agree McVay needs to look in the mirror.
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Yeah, he doesn't set the roster. McVay has a Martz like blindspot when it comes to STs, and having guys on the roster that can perform there.
 
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SteezyEndo said:
I would like to see the ST make a huge turn in the RIGHT direction. I’m not knocking on Ventrone yet, I agree McVay needs to look in the mirror.
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Well, to date the Rams are ranked 29th in field position after receiving the ball on ST, and 26 on the defensive end.
Time to warm up the fat lady for Bubba if things don't start improving soon.
I don't wanna wait until week 13 before they make changes.
 
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XXXIVwin said:
If you feel like it, would you be willing to give some examples of this? Specific players, I mean?

I'd venture that Forbes might be one. Decent upside as a developmental CB. But horrible as a gunner.
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Sure I'll give you examples. Go to ourlads and load up our historical depth charts and try to count dudes who were core teams studs. In any of McVay's seasons as head coach.

The WR group is just one example of this problem. They did a great job with Skow but felt that paying a core teams type wasn't important but hey let's trade for Tutu and bring him back because he's dogshit on the field as a receiver and also doesn't play teams.

How many ST coaches has McVay gone through after he fired the one good one he inherited from Fisher's staff. Granted that firing was required after he called a fake punt in a game without the head coach knowing. But since that time McVay's teams have been a thorn in his side no matter who he puts in charge. To a greater or lesser extent but it's a consistent issue and it all directly relates to how the roster is stacked.
 
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shovelpass said:
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Alex Bachman has a LinkedIn page. On it he says (bolding is mine):

I’ve spent eight years in the NFL — the longest practice squad tenure in league history — and what kept me in the building was never just football.

The practice squad is supposed to be temporary. You’re there without the game film that proves you belong, and most guys cycle out fast. I lasted seven years across eight head coaches by being undeniable in every other way: learning multiple positions, treating every practice rep like a game, doing whatever the team asked (I even played defensive back through a stretch of COVID), and being someone teammates could count on — on the field, in the classroom, and outside the building.
 
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Ram65 said:
Might be hard to compare. Smith had a better average even with that 61-yard Powell TD punt return against the Vikings.
Verified NFL Punt Return Statistics

SeasonBrandon Powell (Avg / Returns)Xavier Smith (Avg / Returns)
2026 (In Progress)0.00 yards (0 returns)9.86 yards (7 returns)
20250.00 yards (0 returns)9.30 yards (27 returns)
20247.13 yards (23 returns)9.31 yards (16 returns)
20237.81 yards (37 returns)0.00 yards (0 returns)
20227.38 yards (24 returns)N/A (College)
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It is a little hard to compare, bc Xavier was returning kicks when the rules changed for returns that holds the opposing team to wait til you catch the ball before they can run. So you can really only compare 2024. I also liked how we used Powell in our offense.
 
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I like Rams said:
It is a little hard to compare, bc Xavier was returning kicks when the rules changed for returns that holds the opposing team to wait til you catch the ball before they can run. So you can really only compare 2024. I also liked how we used Powell in our offense.
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This is for punt returns only.
 
Tumak61 said:
Special teams struggled in Denver, but overall it has been ok.
Avg kick return for us is 28.6
Opp. 21.8
So our kick coverage has been good so far.

Punt return for us is 11.2
Opp. 9.9
So our coverage on punts is good.

Penalties seem to be the problem. 23 accepted on us so far vs 10 total for our opponents.
Also turnovers don't favor us. minus 3 so far.
Those two things need to change.
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Not sure which numbers to believe because the rams starting rams offensive position is near bottom giving them a long field and the rams opponent's starting position is near the bottom giving them a short field.

this is backed up by the eye test showing horrendous rams special teams: kicking, returning, blocking, tackling, strategy, etc.
 
Merlin said:
I don't think much of Ventrone. But for the millionth motherfucking time: the primary problem with teams is that McVay wants upside types on the bottom of the roster instead of hardcore teams types. There is a significant difference in those player types as it translates into that third phase of the game. Other organizations who actually respect teams and build to have good units undoubtedly reserve bottom roster spots for them.

So Ventrone probably deserves to be fired. But at some point McVay needs to look in the fuckin mirror. This approach and the difficulties it puts on his teams units has been his fault for a very long time.
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I have a similar take-away watching the McVay Rams.
 
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Hobgoblin said:
I get the logic with Corum returning (at least KRs) but I think with him splitting carries with Kyren, we are kind of boned if Kyren/Corum get injured as it seems like McVay likes to swap them interchangeably to keep them fresh since they run kind of similar and for the most part it works quite well.

I know Waters or Connors might be able to step in and surprise us but the consistency with Kyren/Corum combo keeps Corum from returning.

I'd rather have Tutu at least doing punts. I get that he's small.... Well after looking them up, him and Smith are the same size (Height minus 30lbs) but Tutu is twitchy and a hell of a lot faster. I am curious to see Connors handle it.
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I'm genuinely scared for Tutu's life given his prior return results.
 
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brucebruce said:
Not sure which numbers to believe because the rams starting rams offensive position is near bottom giving them a long field and the rams opponent's starting position is near the bottom giving them a short field.

this is backed up by the eye test showing horrendous rams special teams: kicking, returning, blocking, tackling, strategy, etc.
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I agree. When was the last time we had a good return? When was the last time we faked a punt for a first down? Just seems like we don't flex up enough core special teams guys on game day. Head Coach has to really emphasize teams and not sure if McVay does. I'm happy if our returner doesn't fumble so I guess my expectations are really low for that unit.
 
snackdaddy said:
I don't see anyone on the roster who has the breakaway speed to take it to the house. I suppose as long as they get a decent return across the 30 and don't fumble its the best we can expect. As long as the punt returner doesn't do something stupid like take the ball on the bounce while standing on the goal line and try to return it we'll be ok. That was pretty bad what Smith did.

The punt team doesn't seem to be much improved over last year. And they needed a lot of improvement last year. Cost several games. At least there hasn't been any blocked FG's so far. So I suppose that is improvement. Mevis seems to be pretty consistent. Can miss a 45 yard once in a while but overall still good. PAT's have been perfect.
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Thinking outside of the box.
Overview


Mississippi State defensive back Emmanuel Forbes runs the 40-yard ...

Emmanuel Forbes ran an official 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 N
 
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