Sean McVay Talks About Improving the Rams’ Special Teams
Rams Appoint Ben Kotwica as Special Teams Coordinator Following Shakeup
In a significant change for the Los Angeles Rams, coach Sean McVay has announced that Ben Kotwica will take over as the special teams coordinator. This decision follows the dismissal of Chase Blackburn, marking the first in-season coaching change in McVay’s nine-year tenure with the team. McVay disclosed this development during a videoconference with reporters on Monday.
“I know his capacity, I know the accountability, I know the core belief that he has,” McVay said of Kotwica, who has been with the Rams as an assistant this season after previously serving as the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator. “This late in the year, you’re not naive to, you’re going to keep a lot of the foundational things. But I think there are some things that we want to have reflected in our style of play that will improve.”
Kotwica’s leadership comes as the Rams, currently with an 11-4 record, prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) on Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. McVay also announced that Matt Harper, who previously worked as the assistant special teams coach for the San Francisco 49ers, will join Kotwica’s staff.
Despite clinching a playoff spot, the Rams experienced a setback last week with a narrow 38-37 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, which resulted in them slipping from the No. 1 seed in the NFC to No. 5. This defeat was compounded by a series of special teams mistakes, including a pivotal punt return for a touchdown, which ultimately led to Blackburn’s firing.
“This was about what we thought was best for the collective,” McVay stated. “There are some things we need to be better at in critical moments. As simple as it gets.”
Following up on earlier struggles, including several blocked field goals that affected their season, the Rams had made changes in their kicking game by signing kicker Harrison Mevis and veteran snapper Jake McQuaide. McVay acknowledged the team’s challenges with special teams performance but now aims to leverage the remaining regular-season games to establish the desired improvements before the playoffs.
Looking ahead, the Rams will conclude the regular season at home against the Arizona Cardinals after their matchup with the Falcons.
In injury news, McVay indicated that offensive lineman Kevin Dotson is unlikely to be ready for the game against Atlanta due to an ankle injury. Receiver Davante Adams is progressing from a hamstring issue, though his status will be monitored this week. Tight end Tyler Higbee and lineman Rob Havenstein will remain on injured reserve.
The Rams are motivated to capitalize on this opportunity for improvement as they enter the critical phase of the season.
