Sean McVay shoulders some blame for Rams’ special teams issues

Rams coach Sean McVay worked with Ben Kotwica for three seasons in the NFL in Washington, when McVay was the team’s offensive coordinator and Kotwica was the special teams coordinator.

Following McVay’s firing of special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, Kotwica will oversee the unit, McVay said Monday in a video conference with reporters.

“I know his ability, I know his responsibility, I know his core belief,” McVay said of Kotwica, who served as a Rams assistant this season after working as the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator the previous two. “At this end of the year, you’re not naive, you’re going to keep a lot of fundamental things.

“But I think there are some things we want to reflect in our style of play, and the way we approach our overall approach that I think will be improved.”

Ben Kotwica will oversee the Rams’ special teams, coach Sean McVay said.

(Associated Press)

Matt Harper, the San Francisco 49ers’ assistant special teams coach from 2021-24, will join the staff to assist Kotwica, McVay said.

Kotwica assumes a leadership role as the Rams (11-4) prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Rams clinched a playoff spot, but their 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday dropped them from first place in the NFC to fifth place.

Blackburn’s departure marked the first time in McVay’s nine seasons with the Rams that he fired a coach during the season.

McVay said he informed Blackburn of his decision Friday morning, the day after the Seahawks’ Rashid Shaheed returned a fourth-quarter punt for a touchdown that sparked a comeback from a 16-point deficit and helped send the Rams to defeat.

It was the latest in a series of costly special teams mistakes that included several blocked field goal attempts and extra points early in the season that resulted in losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

In early November, the Rams signed kicker Harrison Mevis to replace Joshua Karty, who is on the Rams’ practice squad, and signed veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide to replace Alex Ward. Mevis made his first eight field goal attempts – including three against the Seahawks – before missing from 48 yards out in Seattle.

McVay said that as head coach, he was ultimately responsible for the performance of the special teams. But he decided to change direction for this unit.

“There are some things we need to be better at in critical moments,” McVay said. “It was exactly what we thought was best for the collective. … As simple as it sounds.”

After the Rams take on the Falcons, they will conclude the regular season at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

“I think it’s an opportunity that gives us a chance to be able to use the last couple of weeks, and then head into the playoffs, to be able to establish some of the things that we want,” McVay said of special teams.

Etc.

It would be “tough” for offensive lineman Kevin Dotson, who left the game against the Seahawks with an ankle injury, to be ready for Monday night’s game, McVay said. Receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), who was out against the Seahawks, is making progress toward his return, but he will be monitored this week before determining his status for the game against the Falcons, McVay said. … Tight end Tyler Higbee and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein will remain on injured reserve this week, McVay said. “They’re not quite ready yet,” he said.