The Los Angeles Rams made a bold move on Saturday, firing special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn just days after a crushing 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It’s a decision that speaks volumes-not just about the game itself, but about the growing frustration with a unit that’s been a liability far too often this season.
Blackburn, who was in his third year running special teams in L.A., saw his group falter repeatedly in high-leverage moments. And this latest collapse on Thursday Night Football might’ve been the final straw.
The Rams had a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. Then came a 58-yard punt return touchdown by Seattle’s Rashid Shaheed, followed by a successful two-point conversion that cut the lead to one possession.
The Seahawks tied it up, and though the Rams had a chance to retake the lead late, kicker Harrison Mevis missed a 48-yard field goal. That left the door wide open-and Seattle slammed it shut in overtime.
It’s not just about one game, though. This has been a season-long issue, and it’s cost the Rams dearly in the standings.
Three of their four losses have come with special teams mistakes playing a starring role. Even worse?
All three came against playoff contenders in the NFC, including two division rivals. In a race as tight as the NFC West, those kinds of miscues can be the difference between hosting a playoff game and watching from the road.
Let’s rewind to Week 3. The Rams were undefeated, looking to knock off the defending champion Eagles.
But two blocked field goals in the fourth quarter-including one returned 61 yards for a touchdown by Philly’s Jordan Davis-flipped what could’ve been a 29-27 win into a 33-26 loss. That’s a 13-point swing, all on special teams.
Two weeks later, it was déjà vu. Against the 49ers, Joshua Karty missed a 53-yard attempt with the Rams trailing by 10.
L.A. clawed back into the game, but Karty’s missed extra point kept the score tied at 20 instead of giving them the lead. He did manage to hit a 48-yarder to force overtime, but once again, the Rams couldn’t finish the job.
By Week 9, the patience had worn thin. After Karty missed both a PAT and a field goal against the Saints, the Rams made the switch to Mevis.
But the inconsistency didn’t stop. Mevis had his own big miss against Seattle-one that could’ve sealed the win in regulation.
It’s been a revolving door at kicker, and the numbers from last season don’t paint a much better picture. In 2023, the Rams ranked near the bottom of the league in both field goal percentage (74.4%, 30th) and extra point percentage (86.5%, 31st), splitting duties between Brett Maher and Lucas Havrisik. That’s not just bad luck-that’s a trend.
And now, with two games left before the playoffs, the Rams are left wondering what could’ve been. They’re just one game out of first in the NFC West, but those special teams blunders loom large. A missed kick here, a blown coverage there-and suddenly, you’re chasing instead of leading.
Head coach Sean McVay isn’t known for making knee-jerk moves, especially this late in the season. So firing a coordinator with the playoffs already locked in?
That’s a statement. No, it’s not the same as parting ways with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur or defensive coordinator Chris Shula, but it’s still a significant shake-up.
McVay is clearly drawing a line: if you’re not performing, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is.
The Rams have the talent to make noise in January. But if they want to be more than just a one-and-done playoff team, they’ll need to clean up the third phase of the game-and fast.
Because in the postseason, one special teams mistake can end your season. The margin for error is razor-thin.
And for the Rams, it’s already cost them more than they can afford.