LA Rams: Unpacking what we learned via joint practice with Cowboys

Special Teams

If there is an area where rapid improvement is needed, it is the special teams’ area. Unfortunately, much of that work occured while the video coverage was trained on the interview with Cowboys’ executive Stephen Jones.  But we can share a bit of what we do know.  So what do we know?

We know that the Rams drafted rookies to bolster special teams plays, and they were all present and accounted for on this day. Yes, even Tutu Atwell was on the field shagging punts. That’s a positive sign for the young man, particularly since he has spent the majority of training camp so far quarantined in his hotel room. This was an event designed to fine-tune starters, so Atwell in the punt return game does suggest he is still very much in the running.

Jake Funk and Jacob Harris were active on special teams coverage units, a role that truly befits their rookie status and tremendous athleticism. Of course, after last year’s disappointing performances at times, new faces on coverage is a welcome innovation. Both guys hustled down the field.

If you thought that punters would be featured extensively? Not so much. All three punters – Johnny Hekker, Corey Bojorquez, and Brandon Wright – were active in punting to the Cowboys’ return team. But the coverage was too sporadic and all over the place to give any kind of assessment as to ranking their performance.

As far as returners, the Rams used Raymond Calais, Landon Akers, and Tutu Atwell to handle the returns, as per The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue.

In all honesty, the fact that Landon Akers is among the three players shagging punts is a hugely positive sign. That has to at least place him in the conversation of a slot on the practice squad. We will undoubtedly be hearing more from him throughout training camp.