Time is ticking on Bubba Ventrone as Rams' special-teams struggles persist

The Los Angeles Rams are averaging a new placekicker every two games. That's not an indictment so much as a symptom of their well-documented struggles on special teams. Worse still, it indicates that nobody knows how to fix it.

The team is scratching and clawing its way back to relevance. After eight games, the Rams have finally evened their record. But they has done so without the benefit of even average special-teams units. Los Angeles has attempted to fix the poorly performing squad by swapping parts like a bad mechanic.

For any team, the secret to success is to improve those areas that are lagging. It's wise to do so, because the most dramatic impacts on any roster come from getting better at things that are not going well. The Rams boast robust statistics. But they have only beaten two teams, the Giants and Raiders, enjoying any level of success this season.

Sean McVay's previous post-game comments deliver veiled warning

Special teams have directly contributed to LA's struggles. That's why the team has consistently attempted to find upgrades. So far, those efforts have not yielded the intended results.

Even on a two-game win streak, the Rams have continued to beat themselves on special teams. Back in Week 6, a frustrated Sean McVay admitted as much after losing to the Arizona Cardinals:

"We won't win a game unless we figure out how to not beat ourselves. Just so many unforced errors. There are just so many things that are not in alignment with what we want to do, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. Giving up a big return to start. Lose the kicker [Blake Grupe]. Covering on that kickoff that comes out for a big gain. We didn't do enough.

I thought our defense did enough to keep us in the game."

Taken as a whole, it was a fair assessment. But McVay oversees the offense. He endorsed defensive coordinator Chris Shula's group. That leaves special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone holding the bag. And the team's frantic roster moves support the assertion that Ventrone is fighting for his place on the coaching staff.

The Rams have no more margin for error. Even if they win out, a division title may be out of reach; more realistically, they'll have to scratch and claw just to win a wild-card berth. That lack of wiggle room puts Ventrone firmly in the hot seat. Until his unit turns the corner, he must tackle his lack of job security head-on.

As always, thanks for reading.

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