Pow! LA Rams Brandon Powell extension means more than you think

The LA Rams dominoes are starting to fall for the team, and are falling in the right direction too. Business picked up when the LA Rams agreed to terms with the venerable veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to play for the Rams for four more seasons.  While it was expected for some time, the action is believed to be the keystone for much of the Rams free agency strategy.

That seems to be proven to be the case already, as quickly after the Stafford deal was reported, the LA Rams were announcing their own signings. This one is truly a bit special, as the team announced reaching an agreement to extend WR/KR/PR Brandon Powell on a one-year deal with undisclosed compensation.

Powell was eagerly anticipated for fans, as he completely turned around the team’s luck in 2021. From the moment he became involved on special teams, the LA Rams lost just one of ten games played.

Yes, that’s right.

Rams nearly unbeatable with Powell

He joined the team in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and remained the Rams’ primary kick and punt returner for the team’s next six regular-season games, as well as four playoff games. Over the regular season, he returned eight kickoffs for 208 yards, good enough to average 26.0 yards per return. His punt returns were even better, returning six punts for 133 yards and one touchdown. That was good enough for a 22.17 yards per return average.

In postseason play, he fell back to earth a bit, returning five kickoffs for 88 yards and nine punts for 104 yards. While not as electrifying, he was solid in the playoffs.

Brandon Powell burst onto the scene after the Rams team attempted to work a number of rookies into a special teams return role, only to meet with frustration and futility. The team had hoped to have the matter settled with the return of 2020 Raymond Calais. Unfortunately, Calais injured his foot before the season began, forcing the team to scramble for his replacement.

Powell, while some may perceive it as a minor signing, this one is huge in that the Rams’ special teams went from night to day with his performance.

Now, the LA Rams only need a punter. Once that role is addressed, ST Coordinator Joe DeCamillis will have truly turned the Rams special teams’ play around.