Rams are 'fixing' special teams like a bad mechanic repairs a car

Ah, another wave of moves designed to fix the Los Angeles Rams' sagging special-teams saga. Signing linebacker Jon Rhattigan was only part of the story. As the late great Paul Harvey used to say: "Now, the rest of the story."

From the practice squad, LA released CB Nyzier Fourqurean, LB Elias Neal, and offensive lineman Austin Blaske. They signed Rhattigan, former Horns kicker Joshua Karty, and, for the third time, long snapper Jake McQuaide. Both Karty and McQuaide are returning faces.

If you take an automobile for repairs to a bad mechanic, the telltale sign is the incessant swapping of parts that merely runs up the tab without fixing the problem. A dependable mechanic determines the problem and effects the necessary repairs. The difference is felt in the time at the shop and a much less expensive repair bill.

Nobody is pointing the finger at general manager Les Snead - he's doing what he can with a defective motor - but right now LA is merely swapping parts without a clue.

Rams still grasping at straws to fix woeful special teams

The entire 'let's see who can play?' facade is something fans expected to be settled during training camp or, at worst, preseason. The issue is still at a tipping point approaching midseason. That's not a good situation for a team that has struggled to stay at .500, while clinging to playoff aspirations.

Still, it's better than doing nothing. LA waited too long to act in 2025, amplifying the negative impact of problem areas by not settling on upgrades until later in the season. This season, Snead has searched frantically for players who can help out on a bad special teams unit.

The Rams had already changed kickers twice this season before adding Karty, swapping Harrison Mevis for Blake Grupe and then Grupe for Brandon McManus. Multiple veterans with a reputation as stellar special teamers have been signed.

That's both the solution and the problem. Until some of the changes start to show up in better game-day performances, this cycle is just more evidence that the team is spiraling out of control. LA can't afford to struggle on special teams. Fans have reached the limits of their patience.

Nobody enjoys taking their car for repairs by a bad mechanic. The same can be said about a special teams unit that appears to be swapping parts and hoping something pans out.

As always, thanks for reading.

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