Here’s a snippet from the article.
This comes as a surprise to some considering the performance of one of the three units on the roster. In his first season as the special teams coach, Chase Blackburn led one of the worst special teams units of all-time. According to DVOA, the Rams’ special teams unit was the sixth-worst in NFL history. To put it in perspective of just how bad the Rams special teams unit was, with a -9.2% DVOA, they were nearly three times as bad as the Green Bay Packers who ranked 31st.
McVay has gone through his share of special teams coaches since opting not to bring back John Fassell. Blackburn was McVay’s third special teams coach in four seasons. The other twi special teams coaches, John Bonamego and Joe DeCamillis were let go for far less.
The Rams were the only team in 2023 to allow multiple punt return touchdowns. Against the Baltimore Ravens, it resulted in a walk-off loss and then the return against the New York Giants lost cost Los Angeles another win. Ethan Evans had just 20 punts land inside the 20 which was tied for the 23rd fewest. While Evans ranked sixth in yards per attempt, the Rams punt team ranked second to last in average net yards per punt attempt. This is partially due to poor coverage, but also Evans consistently out-kicking his coverage.
That was outside of the Rams’ kicking woes. While the Rams didn’t invest in the kicker position, coaching has to be partially to blame for just how bad it was. The Rams brought in Christopher Dunn and Tanner Brown to start the spring before opting to go with Brown. Brown didn't make it past the preseason. Los Angeles signed Brett Maher before cutting him halfway through the season.
They then signed an unproven kicker who had made just 34-of-53 field goals in college in Lucas Havrisik. The Rams considered cutting Havrisik in favor of Mason Crosby, but Havrisik made all of his field goals in tough conditions that week in Baltimore. Following more inconsistency, Maher was brought back for the playoffs.
Following the conclusion of the season, the Rams decided to bring back Tanner Brown on a reserves/future deal to presumably compete for the kicking position next offseason. Eight months later and we’re right back where we started.
Blackburn’s results are HISTORICALLY bad. Seems almost anybody could do better.
Coaches must be judged by their results.
He was the lone bad hire last preseason. Why not just admit it and bring in a new face? ANY new face?
