Special teams drama awaits Rams as preseason becomes high-stakes audition

When it comes to the Los Angeles Rams and their special teams, the punting game seems to be a paradox. There is no question that third-year punter Ethan Evans can punt the leather off a football. In his rookie season in 2023, he averaged a gross punting average of 49.2 yards. That outstanding debut was good enough for an eighth-best ranking in the NFL. But the team's net punting yards that year were just 40.7 yards, a horrific ranking of 31st in the league.

In an attempt to improve that horrific net punting average, the Rams directed Ethan Evans to focus on shorter punts with significantly more hang time. It had the intended results, but with unintended consequences. The team's net punting yards improved to 41.3 yards, tying for 25th best in the NFL. But gross punting yards plummeted to 45.3 yards, dropping the team (and Evans) to a 27th ranking in the league.

This year, the team is wisely choosing a different course of action. The key to a better net punting average is not to ask Evans to punt the football higher and shorter. Rather, the key is working with the Rams' coverage unit to get after the punt returner faster and more effectively.

Rams start the preseason looking for some punt coverage

Evans will be punting in every preseason game. That means even those players who are buried on the Rams depth chart have at least three games to get noticed. Unlike traditional offensive or defensive roles, players who are most effective in punt coverage simply need to be fast, evade or elude blockers, and be able to make the tackle in the open field.

In terms of open competition, the proof will end up on the football field. Every time they punt the ball, fans will have opportunities to see who can get downfield first, surround the returner, and force a fair catch. If a return is attempted, then it comes down to sure-handed tackling.

If you want dramatic reasons to tune in to watch the Rams host the Dallas Cowboys, this is a great reason to do so. While neither the Rams nor the Cowboys are likely to tip future opponents with any complex strategy or trickery, the base vanilla punt coverage will be very important for every player on the coverage unit who is sitting on the roster bubble.

Stay tuned. We'll try to check in on the punt coverage after the game. For now, it's enough to tune in and keep punt coverage on your checklist. You could be seeing Rams players earn a spot on the roster in real time. As always, thanks for reading.

Check out recent Rams Injury articles for more enjoyable reading