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RockRam
The Rams don't cover kicks or punts well, and don't return kicks or punts well, and obviously can't defend fake punts or onside kicks. And, according to McVay, the blocking on returns is so bad he doesn't want to put Atwell out there to get hammered.
Again; why is the STs coach still our STs coach?
Our punt returns are only 1 yard less than those against us. (6.7 vs 7.5) Considering we allow opposing offenses to get to mid-field before playing defense, we don't get many return opportunities. So far no special teams TD's given up. (knock wood)
Hecker is having a solid year and placing a lot of punts inside the 20.
Our kickoff coverage is barely less than the 25 yard line teams would get if they let the ball go, and this despite the 2 big returns in game 1 & 2. (24.8) This, however, should be better.
Our kick returns are horrible, (18.4!) but that's as much personnel as anything. McVay doesn't seem to want his his top 4 WR's back there, Tutu is a bust and our RB's aren't returners. Not sure who else to put back there, Terrell Burgess? Nick Scott? (Hmmmm, Scott has a 22.4 College KO return average)
The Detroit fakes were just brilliant coaching calls by a desperate team. McVay's ego won't allow him to admit he was out-coached so he threw his players under the bus claiming failed execution. But let's be realistic, did anyone in the whole state of California expect an onside kick 3 minutes into the game?
One fake punt was forgivable, it's a trick play and we "successfully" pulled one off against the Giants ourselves. The second shouldn't have happened, but again, did anyone expect 2 fake punts in a game. I don't think even Belichik himself would have seen that coming.
Admittedly, I'm not impressed by the special teams, especially our return game. I feel that may be the roster makeup more than anything else.. However, headhunters looking for a trophy because we got burned on 3 trick plays might be an over reaction.
