Re: Special Teams article snippet

Biggest weakness: Special teams
When you are the worst rated special teams unit in the NFL and the playoffs, that is a part of the game that could cost you a championship. First, let’s start with the kicking game. Like the Lions, the Rams have had multiple kickers this season, and Brett Maher is the last one standing. Maher’s struggles are a huge step back from last year’s career season in Dallas. From a 90.6 percent field goal percentage in 2022, Maher has a 73.9 percent field goal percentage, with his longest being from 54 yards out this season. He’s also missed two extra points so far this year.

Regarding the return game, the Rams are among the worst in the league. They are tied for first in the NFL in fewest kick return attempts with just nine, only getting 145 yards on those returns. Punt returns aren’t much better; they have 28 punt returns for 204 yards, averaging just 7.3 yards per return, tied for fourth least in the NFL, and they have also fumbled three punt returns.

Their punt game overall is the best part of the special teams, but the punt coverage part hurts them. While the Rams are eighth in the NFL in yards per punt with 49.2 yards, they have second most punt return yards allowed with 495, have allowed two punt return touchdowns, and they’ve had a punt get blocked this year. While it’s a part of the game people dismiss, it could have the most significant impact on Sunday night.

[www.msn.com]

---

RFS69