Special Teams Having A Bad Year

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ReekofRams

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Reek
With Pharoh Cooper getting injured the first game, with Greg the Leg getting injured the second game, and Natson getting hurt in the third game. Then you add how bad Ficken has been, and Hekker having a terrible night last night, plus you add all the penalties that have been called on the Special Teams, this unit is looking lousy; especially after how spoiled we have been. Eventually it'll come together but, sheesh!
 
With Pharoh Cooper getting injured the first game, with Greg the Leg getting injured the second game, and Natson getting hurt in the third game. Then you add how bad Ficken has been, and Hekker having a terrible night last night, plus you add all the penalties that have been called on the Special Teams, this unit is looking lousy; especially after how spoiled we have been. Eventually it'll come together but, sheesh!
can't do anything about injuries. I know you guys don't like Ficken but I believe in Bones. We were first in penalties last season on ST I believe so nothing's changed with that.
 
Wouldn't say they're bad, but they're certainly a glass cannon this season.
 
Rams coaches have zero confidence in Ficken. Ficken is affecting this teams ability to win.

First, Ficken misses the chip shot 30 yarder.

Then, the fake punt. The Rams were within a normal NFL kickers range, about 50 yards. Rams had no confidence in Ficken taking a shot and went for the fake punt. I guarantee a healthy GZ would have been trotted onto the field for a 3 point attempt.

This is 6 points down the tubes. Would have been a 44-31 win over the Vikes.

Ficken has to go!
 
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Teams is definitely a big area that can improve. The penalties have always been there for our units of course. But I still hope they clean that up. Rams return units are still potent in opening lanes, and remain good at coverage, so I'm not worried or anything. But yeah they can do better and I'm sure McVay and Bones feel that way.
 
We’ve made 6 of 9 field goals, good for 27th best.

But, we’ve attempted 9... which is tied for most.

If he makes his next 2 kicks were suddenly middle of the pack.

My point; it’s not been good, but we’re pretty spoiled by GZ.
 
I’ve always felt our special teams were penalized too much on returns. That’s also not been good this year (still too many).

Hekker hasn’t been as good, but we’ve only attempted 7 punts this year. By far lowest in the league... Seattle has punted 21 times, by comparison! That’s eye popping.

And despite Hekker being “off” his 48.4 ave is still good for 9th best.

Good topic.
 
With Pharoh Cooper getting injured the first game, with Greg the Leg getting injured the second game, and Natson getting hurt in the third game. Then you add how bad Ficken has been, and Hekker having a terrible night last night, plus you add all the penalties that have been called on the Special Teams, this unit is looking lousy; especially after how spoiled we have been. Eventually it'll come together but, sheesh!

It will come together.

The one thing they can control that bothers me is the running it out of the end zone on kickoffs. With the Rams offense just take the touchback and get the ball at the 25 yard line. They did take the knee more in the last game.
 
Rams coaches have zero confidence in Ficken. Ficken is affecting this teams ability to win.

First, Ficken misses the chip shot 30 yarder.

Then, the fake punt. The Rams were within a normal NFL kickers range, about 50 yards. Rams had no confidence in Ficken taking a shot and went for the fake punt. I guarantee a healthy GZ would have been trotted onto the field for a 3 point attempt.

This is 6 points down the tubes. Would have been a 44-31 win over the Vikes.

Ficken has to go!
I agree somewhat. But the fake punt would have been a 54 yard and plenty of teams do not try that distance. It's the perfect spot for a fake punt though.
 
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I agree somewhat. But the fake punt would have been a 54 yard and plenty of teams do not try that distance. It's the perfect spot for a fake punt though.
Yeah and Hekker actually threw a good ball Reynolds didn’t try to high point it.
 
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It will come together.

The one thing they can control that bothers me is the running it out of the end zone on kickoffs. With the Rams offense just take the touchback and get the ball at the 25 yard line. They did take the knee more in the last game.
Pharoh was at least a little more selective in doing so.
 
Yeah and Hekker actually threw a good ball Reynolds didn’t try to high point it.
Reynolds effort and apparent lack of skill on that play was eye opening. Did he not know the ball was coming to him or that jumping and fighting for it was going to be necessary to catch it?

The Rams will be in big trouble if he needs to step in for any of the big 3 anytime this year.
 
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Rams coaches have zero confidence in Ficken. Ficken is affecting this teams ability to win.

First, Ficken misses the chip shot 30 yarder.

Then, the fake punt. The Rams were within a normal NFL kickers range, about 50 yards. Rams had no confidence in Ficken taking a shot and went for the fake punt. I guarantee a healthy GZ would have been trotted onto the field for a 3 point attempt.

This is 6 points down the tubes. Would have been a 44-31 win over the Vikes.

Ficken has to go!

Well, I’ve got a different opinion on the fake punt.

Hekker hasn’t put a deep ball on film yet. The quick out is expected, but now other teams must play honestly against punt formation.

I like the aggression.

We apply pressure not worry about it.
 
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We’ve made 6 of 9 field goals, good for 27th best.

But, we’ve attempted 9... which is tied for most.

If he makes his next 2 kicks were suddenly middle of the pack.

My point; it’s not been good, but we’re pretty spoiled by GZ.
Bradford’s gone.
Let it go.
 
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I guess there is always something for somebody to fret over.
Nothing wrong with striving for perfection. This teams not perfect obviously but its pretty close. I see no issue discussing the few weak spots we have as long as its constructive criticism.