Last season, the Los Angeles Rams had one of the worst-performing special teams units in the NFL. Their failures led to losses, often overshadowing excellent offensive performances. The team made changes throughout the season that worked temporarily before turning a new page with a fresh special teams coaching staff and some needed personnel additions this offseason.
Head coach Sean McVay was recently asked about his thoughts on the unit, using the question to detail his perspective on the changes made, while making it clear that the 2025 failures fall directly on him.
“I think number one, we're going to have a lot of guys that we're counting on, really on offense and defense, to be more involved in that phase of it," said McVay. "I think that subconsciously
communicates the importance. I think some of the moves that we've made, the time that we allocate on the practice field, in the meeting rooms, I think it’s a great testament to the leadership that I feel from Bubba Ventrone and from Kyle Hoke. The guys have bought in."
McVay once again accepted blame for the shortcomings on special teams last season, but he's happy to see improvements in that phase already.
"I think that's one of the things that you talk about, the areas of improvement," he continued. "Make no mistake about it, I was responsible for why things didn't go as well as they should have and that is nobody's fault but my own and you want to be able to look inward and then make sure that you're giving autonomy to the right people, putting guys in a position, and then are you subconsciously communicating how important that phase is? This game has been drastically affected by that phase, especially with the uptick of overall active plays that you have in special teams, with where the kickoff and the kickoff return changes.
"I've been really pleased with it. I like the way that our communication and the way that our guys competed in that game even though there are a lot of guys that weren't participating that we'll be counting on. I've been pleased with it and then we've got to continue to take steps one day at a time.”
The Rams did not bring in competition for their specialist positions, with Harrison Mevis, Ethan Evans, and Joe Cardona set to be the team's kicker, punter, and long snapper this season, respectively. Linebacker Grant Stuard and receiver Xavier Smith have also made individual strides, along with playing major roles in the improvement of the unit.
Mevis was perfect against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, making two field goals and two PATs, while Smith had a 40-yard punt return.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams expecting 'a lot of guys' on offense and defense to play special teams
