The special teams unit for the Los Angeles Rams was inconsistent at best and atrocious at worst. As bad as that sounds, the production was even more pitiful, with the unit single-handedly contributing to three of the team’s five regular-season losses, as well as their loss in the NFC Championship Game.
There were many factors that led to the Rams making repeated mistakes despite their attempts to address a situation that was like a ship with a leak in the middle of the ocean. That’s in the past, and the team is moving forward. However, this group is a primary reason the team didn’t win a championship last season, and with training camp kicking off this week, these three questions need to be answered if they hope to turn around their misfortune.
Is Bubba Ventrone the answer?
Ventrone was hired to be the Rams’ new special teams coordinator after the team parted ways with Chase Blackburn during the season and Ben Kotwica after the year.
Ventrone had a rough go of things in Cleveland, but honestly, who didn’t? Ventrone suffered from the same issues Blackburn did when it came to roster changes affecting his unit on a weekly basis, along with kicking inconsistency. Before Ventrone landed in Cleveland, he had the same job with the Indianapolis Colts, a job he was much better at, and a primary reason was the franchise. The Colts gave him the tools and consistency to perform his job.
The Rams have given Ventrone the tools and players to succeed, and his New England Patriots background should inspire stability and creativity. However, until we see it on the field, there’s still a question of whether Ventrone is the answer, especially as the Rams have suffered multiple failures in this phase since the departure of John Fassel.
Will Grant Stuard have a major influence?
Stuard is a rotational linebacker who was signed to be the special teams ace that the unit has been missing for years. A staple of the Patriots’ patented special teams operation, having a consistent ace that upholds the standards and execution of the unit is the reason New England was able to develop special teams groups that could pin opponents deep in their own territory. They also rarely made mistakes
In 2025, the Rams suffered a multitude of misfortunes and mistakes, including a blocked punt against the Carolina Panthers in the wild-card round and a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the NFC title game. The big question is whether Stuard will have the influence needed for everyone to do their job and to do it well.
Roster moves vs. consistency
A primary reason the Rams had so many issues and letdowns is that they kept rotating players in and out, due to having to address overall roster needs. This wasn’t anyone’s fault, as the Rams had to deal with constricting roster limits and injuries.
The problem is that every team has to deal with this issue, and the Rams are the only ones allowing kicks to be blocked repeatedly. Have the Rams fixed those issues? And if not, how will their special teams needs impact what their final roster looks like?
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 special teams questions entering Rams training camp
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
