Rams Fire Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn

The Los Angeles Rams fired special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn on Saturday, marking the first in-season coaching change under head coach Sean McVay in his eight-year tenure. The move followed a 38-37 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, which allowed Seattle to take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.

The Rams, who entered the game with a 11-4 record and a clinched playoff berth, squandered a 30-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Seattle's comeback gained momentum when wide receiver Rashid Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 30-20. The Rams' special teams unit has been plagued by errors throughout the season, contributing to three of their four defeats. In Week 3, Philadelphia blocked two kicks, including a game-winning field goal attempt that was returned for a score in a Rams loss. A week later, against San Francisco, another field goal was blocked during a 26-23 overtime defeat. Overall, Los Angeles ranks among the bottom five teams in net punt yardage and has the second-worst field goal success rate in the league, converting just 18 of 24 attempts.

Blackburn, 42, joined the Rams as special teams...