{
  "id": 15566748,
  "title": "Rams insider reveals growing concern as special teams crisis deepens after Cardinals loss",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/rams-insider-reveals-growing-concern-as-special-teams-crisis-deepens",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T05:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rams-insider-reveals-growing-concern-053000823.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Los Angeles Rams are facing mounting concerns over their special teams following an 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, which has left the team with a 2-4 record. Kicker Blake Grupe suffered a knee injury during the game, potentially leaving the Rams in need of an additional replacement following Harrison Mevis's release after a missed kick against the Buffalo Bills. Nate Atkins, a Rams insider with The Athletic, has expressed growing unease about the team's special teams unit. Atkins stated, \"The problems are so widespread that it can be hard to know where to start,\" emphasizing the kicking game as the most pressing issue. With Grupe potentially sidelined, the Rams might require a third starting kicker. Atkins also pointed out the team's struggles with explosive returns, which can put kickers and punters in dangerous situations. The injury to Grupe occurred while tackling during a return. The report also briefly touched on the future of special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, suggesting his position was currently secure but might not withstand the team's challenges. Beyond special teams, the Rams faced difficulties in other areas, managing only 286 yards of offense and struggling with a lack of starting left tackle Alaric Jackson due to suspension. Backup David Quessenberry made his first start since 2023, facing a tough challenge from the Cardinals' blitzes and stunts. The loss, which saw the Cardinals capitalize on a 16-15 lead with 47 seconds left, further underscores the Rams' need to address their special teams issues while improving protection and offensive consistency. With their record now 2-4, the Rams must effectively manage their special teams mistakes to avoid further setbacks in their season.",
  "summary": "The Los Angeles Rams are facing growing concerns over their special teams after an 18-16 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals left Sean McVay’s side with a 2-4 record. Los Angeles lost kicker Blake Grupe to a knee injury during the game, raising the possibility that the team could need another replacement after releasing Harrison Mevis following his missed kick against the Buffalo Bills.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Cardinals vs. Rams: Key matchups to watch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/cardinals-vs-rams-key-matchups-to-watch",
        "published": "2026-10-18T19:31:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SB Nation",
        "title": "Blake Grupe injury: New Rams kicker injures knee vs. Cardinals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/blake-grupe-injury-new-rams-kicker-injures-knee-vs-cardinals",
        "published": "2026-10-18T20:35:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Cardinals beat Rams 18-16 on Chad Ryland’s 6th field goal as time expires",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/cardinals-beat-rams-18-16-on-chad-rylands-6th-field-goal-as-time",
        "published": "2026-10-18T23:20:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Cardinals upset Rams as Eagles lose - five things from NFL week six",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/cardinals-upset-rams-as-eagles-lose-five-things-from-nfl-week-six",
        "published": "2026-10-19T06:00:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}