I think a lot of it is that the Rams piled up
a lot of big plays on special teams in those years- turnovers by the coverage units, big returns (T. Austin and P. Cooper), punt blocks, lots of 50+ yard FGs by GZ, etc. Those mostly dried up last year. And Zuerlein's miss @SEA sort of amplified (fairly or unfairly) the special teams (not to mention his FG% being the 2nd lowest of his career). And instead of the Rams blocking punts (6 from 2016-2018) they had one of theirs blocked in 2019.
It's a short sample size so far this year. Football Outsiders rating the Rams ST 29th right now is certainly greatly affected by Sloman missing a 29-yard FG and having an XP blocked and Kupp's fumble.
Kupp hopefully learned a big lesson last Sunday. He's a smart guy. And the Rams have one of if not the best punter in football (just not being used that much). I don't think it's a matter of McVay devaluing special teams or anything like that (which Martz did).
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 09/23/2020 03:51AM by LMU93.
