The Los Angeles Rams’ opponents are facing a much worse starting field position than most teams this year. On average, teams that play L.A. start at their own 22.1-yard line, which ranks second-deepest behind only the Carolina Panthers, according to The Analyst.
This is all thanks to the NFL’s new dynamic kickoff rule, which added a “landing zone” for kickoffs to incentivize teams not to kick into the end zone, which now results in a touchback at the 35-yard line. While most teams’ opponents are still starting close to the 30-yard line, per The Analyst, the Rams and Panthers have found the right blend of kicking and kickoff coverage to keep their opponents from starting further upfield.
The key is kicking short and low, per The Analyst. Rams kicker Joshua Karty ranks 30th in average landing distance from the goal at the 8.4-yard line (meaning his kicks land further away from the end zone) and he ranks last in hang time at 2.71 seconds.
This strategy accomplishes two goals: It forces a returner to field the ball sooner and ensures the shortest distance the special teams coverage unit needs to travel before it can tackle the returner. The Rams coverage unit lines up at the 35-yard line, meaning they only need to travel less than 30 yards before making a stop. With a low and short kick, the opposing special teams blockers have less time to get ready for the Rams’ tacklers.
It’s unclear how much of this is on Rams special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn or someone else on the coaching staff or roster. But whatever the case is, the strategy is working. It’s helped the Rams defense, too, as L.A. ranks top-10 in points and yards allowed and allows the fifth-fewest plays per drive (5.5), the third-fewest yards per drive (24.9) and the ninth-shortest time of possession per drive (2:42).
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: How the Rams special teams is exploiting NFL’s new kickoff rule
Reporting by Tyler Greenawalt, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
