To say that the Los Angeles Rams' special teams have struggled recently would be an understatement. However, there is a leaguewide excitement over the new kickoff rules established this offseason. These rules could offer a boost to a poor Rams' special teams unit.
Capitalizing on the new kickoff rules, the Rams have begun preparing speedster Tutu Atwell to take reps as a kick returner this offseason.
Rams WR Tutu Atwell, in response to a @JourdanRodrigue question, says he'll be back as a kickoff returner this season. Clearly he's excited about the possibilities with the new kickoff rules.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) July 23, 2024
The new kickoff rules have often been compared to run-game concepts. To capitalize, teams are opting to try out a "running back" style of returner this season. Vision and the ability to break tackles have become a priority for teams across the league.
I'm not sure how the undersized Tutu Atwell fits that role, but the Rams can get creative with his speed. I still envision Boston Scott as the team's main returner, but the Rams could opt to try different fakes, reverses, and other concepts on kick returns to spring Atwell free and use his speed to create big plays.
Atwell is entering a make-or-break season, and it's smart for the Rams to continue trying to find ways to get him on the field since he lost his role as an offensive starter. Atwell hasn't returned kicks since his rookie season, where he averaged just 17.4 yards per return (Ben Skowronek, for comparison, averaged 17.5 on one fewer return that same season). However, there is reason for optimism that the new rules could help him regain his confidence as a returner.
This is a do-or-die year for the Rams' special teams, and the team desperately needs to turn that unit around. They have had just two touchdown returns in Sean McVay's entire tenure as head coach of the Rams-one in 2017 and the other in 2021. They've not generated a big play in the return game seemingly since Brandon Powell's punt return touchdown against the Vikings in 2021. Last year's disastrous results saw them land at 32nd in special teams DVOA (-9.6%)-a whopping 6 full percent behind #31 (-3.2%, Packers).
With an offense poised to be one of the league's best and a young but hungry defense ready to prove itself, it's time for the Rams' special teams to stop being a liability. Hopefully, the new rules can give that unit a fresh boost.
