Return game isn't only facet of special teams where Rams must quickly improve

The Los Angeles Rams need more from special teams. And so, coordinator Bubba Ventrone is working frantically to deliver exactly that. Unfortunately, punt returner/receiver Xavier Smith won't be part of the solution. Smith is no longer on the Rams roster, and no one expects the team to sign him to the practice squad.

And so, that leaves return responsibilities to the next man up. And a move was necessary. The special team's lackluster performance against the Denver Broncos not only contributed to the Week 3 loss, but it also gave disappointed fans poor optics to fuel future criticism. That said, signing Alex Bachman from the practice squad will do little to calm fans' nerves.

Ventrone clearly knows the situation. By releasing Smith before a very vital Week 4 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, he sends a clear message to every special teamer. Do your job, or he will find someone who will.

In a perfect world, getting the return game together would put Rams special teams on solid ground. That's not the case. In fact, there are troubles across the spectrum.

Punter Ethan Evans must do a better job

Evans had a powerful boot when he arrived in the NFL in 2023, averaging 9.2 yards per punt. His line-drive lasers, however, have a tendency to out-hoof the coverage - hence his 38.4 average net punting yards even as a rookie. Since then, his average gross distance has declined while his net totals have improved slightly.

Still, Coach Ventrone shared a stern warning for his punter.

"We need to get more consistency from the punter," Ventrone said. "Ethan can do a better job being able to elevate the ball and match hang times and distance at a greater rate. We have to do a better job in his position".

I don't think there is any confusion over what Ventrone is telling his punter.

Placekicker Harrison Mevis is not far from the hot seat

Head coach Sean McVay seems to lack confidence in Mevis's accuracy and range. Despite Mevis making all seven extra point attempts and four of five field goal attempts, he has yet to attempt a field goal from 50+ yards. And those long field goals can be the difference between winning and losing.

Mevis missed the first field goal attempt of the season. Despite the miss, LA defeated the New York Giants in Week 2. But the miss was not lost in the celebration. Mevis kicked everything through the uprights in a Week 3 loss, but he also wasn't asked to make any long kicks. Outside the 35-yard-line, McVay seems to prefer going for it on fourth-and-five or less.

And five field goal attempts in three games is a rather light workload.

19 teams have made more than four field goals so far. That places pressure on Mevis. And Ventrone is watching. The Rams will need to field goals to win a game here or there. The question is, will Harrison Mevis be attempting them?

As always, thanks for reading.

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