Bill Belichick got his start in the NFL on special teams. That phase of the game is rooted in his coaching history, always emphasizing the importance of being great not only on offense and defense, but special teams, too.
The Rams have not had much success in that all-important third phase of football this season, struggling to find consistency at kicker and in the return game. On Sunday against the Cardinals, Matt Gay missed a 37-yard field goal and Nsimba Webster lost a fumble on a punt return, allowing Arizona to stay in the game.
On the contrary, the Patriots absolutely wrecked the Chargers on special teams in their 45-0 win, blocking a field goal and returning it for a touchdown, as well as a 70-yard punt return for a score.
Sean McVay isn’t panicking ahead of this matchup, but he does believe there’s a higher sense of urgency knowing how good the Patriots are on special teams.
“I don’t want to say concern, I think you have a heightened sense of urgency,” he told reporters Monday. “We know what we’ve got to be able to do. I think these guys clearly see the advantage that they’ve created. You go back to Coach Belichick’s history, starting out as a special teams coordinator. The kicking game and the way that they create edges and advantages for them, has been something that I’ve always noticed from afar. And then, especially when you look at the game yesterday, that was a true winning edge that really turned the tables and in a lot of instances was a reflection of why the score was so lopsided. So, it’s definitely something that guys have to really be aware of.”
Gay has done a nice job so far for the Rams, making all 10 of his extra point attempts since joining the team a few weeks ago. But he has missed two field goals, including the 37-yarder that clanked off the upright against Arizona.
“Clearly there’s some things in the kicking game that we have to get better at. That’s not a secret to anybody from yesterday,” McVay said, “but the beauty of it is, is you get a chance on a short week to be able to respond.”
If the Rams have any glaring mistakes on special teams, the Patriots will take advantage. McVay knows it, John Bonamego knows it, and the players know it – especially after seeing New England blow out the Chargers in the same building.
“We’ve got to figure out a way of getting guys in the right spots, understanding how to play well in really all the phases of the kicking game. And if we don’t, they’ll make you pay just like they did yesterday.”