NFL expert shares alarming trend that leads to dramatic Rams coach firing

The 11-4 Los Angeles Rams are struggling on special teams. And by struggling, I mean it stinks. It's been a concerning issue all season long, and it is arguably a contributing factor that has led to all four losses. Los Angeles has struggled across the board: Field goals, kicking, punting, and coverage. How bad is it? The special teams have:

• Allowed the worst yards per punt return at 16.3 yards
• Allowed a punt return touchdown in Week 16
• Kicked just 75 percent of its field goals
• Had multiple field goals blocked (contributing to losses)

There are more painful statistics, but you get the idea. And it's something that NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky is attuned to notice as well. And as a result, the team had to make a change. Los Angeles has been oh-so-close to boasting a 15-0 record right now. But a league-worst special teams group has been dragging this team down.

Now, the team has fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn and is using the mini-bye to regroup on special teams. The reins will most likely be turned over to assistant special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica

Too much too little too late for Rams special teams to turn things around

Los Angeles deserves better, but it simply may be too much too little too late for the special teams to turn the corner in the last two seasons. The front office has been trying to stockpile special teams specialists, signing specialist Boston Scott in 2024, and another specialist named Britain Covey in 2025.

Both were cut.

The team will rely upon Ben Kotwica going forward, and he brings a very respectable resume to the role. He was the special teams coordinator for the Denver Broncos for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. One of the areas to pay particular attention to is the fact that the Broncos were particularly effective at covering punts and kickoffs.

Botwica will have to act quickly. The Rams still have two more games to play, and with a roster depleted by injuries, he will need to work with the current players and develop better plays.

It won't be easy, but the success of LA's season hangs in the balance.

As always, thanks for reading.