Rams' disappointing start on special teams isn't cause for alarm just yet

Los Angeles Rams fans have little patience for poor special teams play. And so far, that patience has worn thin. Coverage continues to struggle. Ethan Evans' punts have been nothing to brag about. And sure-footed kicker Harrison Mevis has missed his only field goal attempt.

And fans are starting to sound off:

They have a point. While data from two games is hardly conclusive, past disappointing trends are not turning in a positive direction. Coverage units have shown little to no improvement. The return game has been suspect. Mevis missed his kick.

After two games, the Rams are:

1. Dead last in returning kickoffs
2. 20th in punt returning
3. Dead last in kicking field goals
4. 14th in extra points made
5. Tied for 17th in gross punting yards
6. 21st in net punting yards

That's what we've seen so far. There's little to no reason to believe it will suddenly get better. But let's dig deeper for some silver linings.

Rams special teams may not be great, but some fixes are already in place

Despite a disgruntling start, the team has made some subtle changes that may have gone unnoticed. After all, LA's special teams were more than just bad last season.

They were broken. Field goals were blocked. Blocking assignments were routinely missed. And fundamentals like fielding punts or kickoffs were hit-or-miss experiences.

So far, none of those egregious gaffes have reared their ugly heads.

Kick returner Jordan Whittington has been injured. That has forced the Rams to repurpose punt returner Xavier Smith on kickoffs. He's only had one game to master the craft. Likewise, Mevis only has the one field-goal attempt, a 43 -yarder as time ran out in the first half against the Giants.

While that was disappointing, the Rams still won the game handily.

Disappointments strike suddenly and dramatically. Fixes happen subtly and slowly. Los Angeles fans, already notorious for demanding instant results, may face further dismay before things turn around.

The Rams will need to fix special teams. But after that Week 1 fiasco, coaches likely have their hands full for the time being, to make sure nothing like it happens again.

Patience is needed. It's only been two games, and LA has yet to forge any week-to-week continuity. As the season rolls along, coaches will circle back to address any problems that persist on special teams. Obviously, if things don't improve it will be a major concern.

For now, the data sample is just not large enough to start pointing fingers.

As always, thanks for reading.

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