LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although the Los Angeles Rams’ special teams were perhaps the worst in the NFL last year, Sean McVay kept coordinator Chase Blackburn in charge for a second season.
That faith paid off dramatically in the Rams’ first win of the new year.
The Rams’ superb play on special teams was a major factor Sunday in Los Angeles’ 27-24 comeback victory over San Francisco, and the rejuvenation of Blackburn’s group represents a reason to hold out hope for the Rams’ season, despite their major struggles with injuries and defensive consistency.
Starting with a perfectly executed fake punt that sparked the Rams (1-2) out of a 14-point deficit — and ending with rookie Joshua Karty’s go-ahead field goal with 2 seconds left — Los Angeles made play after play in an area where it struggled mightily for the past two years.
“I thought special teams was a huge edge for us,” McVay said after the largest comeback victory of his coaching career.
The special teams contributions were steady and significant while the Rams won despite trailing for more than 55 minutes of game clock time.
Ronnie Rivers’ 7-yard run for a first down out of a punt formation on the Rams’ side of midfield extended a drive that ended in LA’s first touchdown in the second quarter.
After Kyren Williams scored a tying touchdown with 1:51 left and San Francisco’s next drive stalled, Xavier Smith and his blockers made a 38-yard punt return to get the Rams to midfield with 42 seconds to play.
Two snaps later, Karty capped his eight-point game with a 37-yard field goal for the winning margin.
It was a stunning effort to Rams fans, who have spent the past two seasons cringing whenever the special teams units took the field.
“The want-to and the coaching and everything has been there from the beginning, but I think yesterday was just a collection of everything we’ve been talking about for a long time, and just seeing how we can affect a game in a positive manner,” said Christian Rozeboom, a longtime special teams contributor now starting at linebacker.
Blackburn’s group also receives help from former Nebraska coach Scott Frost, who joined the Rams three weeks ago as a senior analyst. Frost played extensively on special teams during his six-year NFL career.
“I think having an aggressive call for the fake, I think that builds confidence,” Rozeboom added. “And then seeing ‘X’ make a huge play at the end of the game, I know a lot of guys were excited for him. On the whole, it was a lot of guys making plays collectively.”
What’s working
Williams is one of the NFL’s most effective running backs for the second straight season after his three-touchdown performance against the Niners. He has a rushing TD in a franchise record-tying six straight games, and his 20 TDs from scrimmage since the start of last season are more than any player except Christian McCaffrey and Raheem Mostert (21 each).
What needs help
The Rams’ new defense is dead last in the NFL, allowing 425.7 yards per game. Everyone suspected Los Angeles would struggle defensively after losing Aaron Donald to retirement and coordinator Raheem Morris to Atlanta, but the first three games have been rough, despite excellent play by edge rusher Byron Young and promising signs from rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske up front.
Stock up
Tutu Atwell stepped up once again when finally given a chance to play, leading the Rams with four catches for 93 yards — including a spectacular 50-yard grab of a great throw by Stafford to set up Williams’ tying TD. He also drew a key 48-yard pass interference penalty with his speed. Afterward, McVay repeated his regular self-flagellation for not using his fourth-year pro more often: “It makes you realize he probably should have gotten other opportunities. He’s always been called upon, and he’s always kind of delivered.”
Stock down
The Rams restocked their secondary with veteran talent, but it hasn’t paid off while they’ve allowed 248.7 yards passing per game, second most in the league. Newcomer Tre’Davious White has made mistakes in coverage, and fellow veteran signee Darious Williams hasn’t even played yet due to injury. Safety John Johnson is also sidelined, while newcomer Kam Curl and rookie safety Kamren Kinchens are both still getting comfortable.
Injuries
WR Cooper Kupp still isn’t on injured reserve, but he won’t play this week while his ankle heals.
Key number
0 — The Rams’ total new injuries, a delighted McVay confirmed Monday. Los Angeles lost multiple key players to injury in each of its first two games.
Next steps
A visit to Chicago on Sunday. The Bears have lost two straight with a struggling offense led by Southern California’s own Caleb Williams, so the Rams have a chance to get back to .500 in their last road game until November.
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