The Los Angeles Rams have arguably made the most aggressive statement by firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn. This decision follows Johnson’s disappointing outing in last week’s Thursday night contest against the Seattle Seahawks. At 42 years old, Blackburn was entering his third season as the Rams’ special teams coordinator. This decision marks a very different tone for the Rams. It’s the first time in nine seasons for head coach Sean McVay that he has made an in-season coaching change.
The Rams now sit at 11-4 overall and second in the NFC West. The disadvantage of their four losses this season, three have been on particular groups’ blunders. The Rams played the Philadelphia Eagles and suffered a humiliating loss. Blocked kicks ended their last 2 offensive possessions, resulting in a heartbreaking 33-26 loss. Just last week, in the Chiefs’ loss to the Seahawks, Chiefs kicker Harrison Mevis missed a go-ahead 48-yard field goal try at the end of regulation. This marked his first miss of the season, raising questions about the team’s performance under Blackburn’s leadership.
This was the second rams Rams heard of the offseason for their special teams unit. They even lost on a punt return for a touchdown on Sunday against Seattle, putting the capper on what’s been an absolute nightmare season for Oakland. After these performances, Rams management determined that a change was necessary.
Ben Kotwica will replace Carolina’s Chase Blackburn had the lead special teams job. He spent the last two years as the assistant special teams coach for Los Angeles. Kotwica is well familiar with the Rams’ system. His experience will help make vital tweaks that will improve effectiveness in this pivotal area of play.
Needless to say, fans and analysts are taken aback by the move to fire Blackburn. It isn’t like McVay to make drastic changes such as these in the middle of a season. Elimination from playoff contention looms. In their effort to get the most out of each phase of the team – especially this crucial third phase, special teams – upper management knew they had to make a bold move.
As the Rams prepare for their upcoming games, all eyes will be on Kotwica and how he implements changes to improve the special teams’ performance. Following a season where they have shown resilience and determination despite setbacks, the Rams are looking to rebound and solidify their position in the playoff race.
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