Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has made his decision on special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone following another special teams failure.
McVay said Tuesday that he has confidence in Ventrone and does not plan to make a coaching change. Rams reporter Stu Jackson shared the update as the team faced questions about its struggling special teams.
“I have a lot of confidence in Bubba Ventrone. There’s no changes that are going to be made there. And we’re going to keep working,” McVay said.
The vote of confidence comes after Los Angeles fell 37-34 in overtime. The Rams had a chance to win when Harrison Mevis lined up for a 48-yard field goal, but Buffalo defensive tackle Greg Rousseau blocked the attempt.
The Bills took advantage and drove for Tyler Bass’ winning field goal, leaving Los Angeles with a 2-3 record. Mevis had also missed a 50-yard attempt earlier in the game.
The Rams released Mevis on Tuesday and signed Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad. Mevis converted five of nine field-goal attempts this season, missing four.
Grupe must now provide more reliable results, while Ventrone remains responsible for addressing broader issues across the unit. McVay acknowledged that improvement must start with him, rather than placing the blame on one person.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Los Angeles needs better execution beyond field goals. Special teams breakdowns have hurt the Rams in recent seasons, making consistency a priority as they try to recover from their slow start.
The Rams face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, giving Grupe an immediate chance to settle into his new role. McVay has kept faith with Ventrone for now, but the unit’s performance will remain under scrutiny as Los Angeles looks to get its season back on track.
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