The Los Angeles Rams are still stuck with the worst special teams units in the entire league, a total disaster for Sean McVay that stretches back years. Honestly, the punt returner spot this season is just one of the glaring issues. They dumped Xavier Smith before Week 4, fair enough, but then they threw Alex Bachman out there, and in his first shot he had four opportunities and only gained 30 yards. C’mon. We all know there’s a better option.
Bachman Is 30 and The Rams Are 32nd. Coincidence? I Think Not.
Let’s be real, the biggest question facing the Rams right now is if Bachman can actually change a game with the ball in his hands. The answer is a pretty straightforward “No.” There’s a reason this guy has played for four different teams since 2019, bouncing from the New York Giants, to the Houston Texans, to the Las Vegas Raiders, and now the Rams. His career average for punt returns is a measly 6.3 yards per return. That’s not exactly setting the world on fire, is it? Plus, Bachman is in the middle of his age 30 season. The burst and twitch you need for game-changing plays just aren’t there anymore, especially when you compare him to a guy like Dean Connors, who is a spry 23. This is why the Rams’ special teams unit ranks dead last, 32nd in the entire NFL, with a -14.5% Special Teams DVOA. That’s not just bad, that’s historically bad. They’ve been knocked out of the playoffs in 2017 and 2025 because of punt fielding problems, including a fumble from Xavier Smith. One bad punt and it’s all over, just like that.
Dean Connors: The Obvious Fix The Rams Are Missing
So, if Bachman isn’t the guy, who is? The answer is right there on the 53-man roster: Dean Connors. They signed him two weeks ago, and he should immediately step in for Bachman. And they need to do it before Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Connors offers that dynamic option the Rams are so desperate for, a guy who can create explosive plays and finally improve their field position. Punt returning is way more than just catching the ball and not fumbling it. It demands sound decision-making, reliable hands, quick acceleration, killer vision, and the ability to turn what looks like an ordinary return into a game-changing moment. For real, the most important stuff for a returner is reading blocks, making sharp cuts, and absolutely rock-solid ball security. Guess what? Connors’ background as a running back gives him exactly those skills. We all saw him read blocks and make cuts in the preseason. Why on earth isn’t he back there fielding punts right now? His ball security history makes total sense given the Rams’ past playoff exits.
The Rams cannot afford to wait. It’s not like their special teams can get any worse than what they’ve been putting out there for the last three years. Dean Connors is the best choice for Week 5, hands down. They need to get him out there and give him a shot against the Bills. What are they waiting for, another season-ending punt return blunder?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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