Summing up 5 instant reactions to Rams Saturday Night Football victory

(4) - Rams special teams are doing their part

Don't just look at the raw statistics for the LA Rams in terms of their special teams. If you do, you will conclude that the Rams field goal kicking in ranked 19th in the NFL, the punting is ranked 28th in the league, and the return unit is ranked 19th in the NFL. So how can you get a better picture of how the Rms special teams are truly performing? How about this?

In terms of the punting unit, the Rams have punted 32 times inside of the opponents 20-yard line. That is the fifth best in the NFL. In terms or punt returns, the Rams allow just 8.4 yards per return, good enough to come in as the 11th ranked punting unit in 2024. And the Rams have just two punts for a touchback, second-best in the NFL.

In terms of field goals made, rookie kicker Joshua Karty has kicked 25 field goals, good enough to land him as the 16th-best field goal kicker in the NFL. And with 25 field goals made, Karty is just four field goals shy of Rams rookie kicker Frank Corral, who booted 29 field goals in his rookie season for the Rams in 1978.

But there is more to the Rams' special teams than just setting up and kicking the football. Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht blocked an Arizona Cardinals extra point attempt, changing the entire complexion of the game. It was Hoecht's third blocked kick of the season, setting him as the NFL leader in blocking kicks. Thanks to that missed extra point, the Cardinals were forced to go for a touchdown as time ran out in the game.

The Rams intercepted Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray twice in the game, securing the win.