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The St. Louis Rams are set to kickoff training camp this year with a new offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti, and a new quarterback, Nick Foles. Cignetti and Foles will provide new dimensions to the offense that the Rams haven’t seen in quite some time. Hopefully, the area that will improve the most is the wide receivers.
It’s been frustrating to watch the receivers because the potential is there, but how long can the Rams rely on potential alone? Barring in mind that injuries doesn’t play a factor again this season, the goals are ultimately the same for this returning corps of wide receivers.
The first and possibly most important goal is to establish a chemistry between Foles and Kenny Britt, who has been disappointing since joining the Rams. In his defense, the Rams have had the services of multiple quarterbacks due to injuries. Yet if Britt wants to become the team’s true No. 1 receiver, then he will need to be consistent. This means no more dropped passes and no more disappearing from games. He needs to be ready to make an impact.
One of the biggest questions heading into camp is if Brian Quick is ready to have breakout season? He was set up to make that step last year before sustaining his season-ending shoulder injury. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Quick made his way to a starting role if he remains healthy and plays consistently. Expect him to make a push to become one of the starting receivers. It is a contract year for him after all.
From a depth perspective, the Rams have a pretty diverse corps of receivers. That said, the most neglected type of receivers are the speedier options. Tavon Austin is a perfect example of squandered talent. The Rams just haven’t developed a scheme that works well enough to keep him on the field. Cignetti’s tough task is to find creative ways to get him the football. We’ve seen what he is capable of when he actually has the ball in his hands, and that’s exactly the goal of the offseason.
Chris Givens can relate to Austin’s struggles. He had an impressive rookie year in 2012, and then he disappeared. Givens is a burner, and in order for him to reach his full potential, Cignetti has to have faith in Foles throwing the ball downfield. If Foles can successfully do this, the Rams’ offense will vastly improve from last season.
Now where does that leave Stedman Bailey? Bailey is unique, because he is the most well-rounded receiver on the roster. He runs the best routes, has reliable hands and isn’t a burner, but he is quick enough to keep defenses alert. Consistency is what he struggles with the most. Bailey is a smaller receiver, but he has to get better at creating separation from defenders. If he can do that, he can easily become Foles’s favorite target.
That leaves the sixth spot available (considering the Rams carry six receivers on the roster). Initially, it was probably secured for rookie receiver Bud Sasser, but that’s no longer a possibility since the Rams cut him due to medical reasons.
So who’s left? Emory Blake has been eyeing that spot since last year. However, Blake must compete at a higher level because the Rams have brought in plenty of undrafted free agents like Isiah Ferguson (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Bradley Marquez (Texas Tech), Daniel Rodriguez (Clemson) and Tyler Slavin (New Mexico Highlands). All of them will be gunning for that same spot. Thrown into the mix will be veteran receivers, Damian Williams and Devon Wylie. Don’t sleep on this competition, the Rams may find a “diamond in the rough.”
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Interested in writing for RamsTalk? Click here to find out how!
2015, Bradley Marquez, Brian Quick, Bud Sasser, Chris Givens, Damian Williams, Daniel Rodriguez, Devon Wylie, Emory Blake, featured, Frank Cignetti, Isaiah Ferguson, Kenny Britt, NFL, Nick Foles, St. Louis Rams, Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, training camp, Tyler Slavin
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The St. Louis Rams are set to kickoff training camp this year with a new offensive coordinator, Frank Cignetti, and a new quarterback, Nick Foles. Cignetti and Foles will provide new dimensions to the offense that the Rams haven’t seen in quite some time. Hopefully, the area that will improve the most is the wide receivers.
It’s been frustrating to watch the receivers because the potential is there, but how long can the Rams rely on potential alone? Barring in mind that injuries doesn’t play a factor again this season, the goals are ultimately the same for this returning corps of wide receivers.
The first and possibly most important goal is to establish a chemistry between Foles and Kenny Britt, who has been disappointing since joining the Rams. In his defense, the Rams have had the services of multiple quarterbacks due to injuries. Yet if Britt wants to become the team’s true No. 1 receiver, then he will need to be consistent. This means no more dropped passes and no more disappearing from games. He needs to be ready to make an impact.
One of the biggest questions heading into camp is if Brian Quick is ready to have breakout season? He was set up to make that step last year before sustaining his season-ending shoulder injury. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Quick made his way to a starting role if he remains healthy and plays consistently. Expect him to make a push to become one of the starting receivers. It is a contract year for him after all.
From a depth perspective, the Rams have a pretty diverse corps of receivers. That said, the most neglected type of receivers are the speedier options. Tavon Austin is a perfect example of squandered talent. The Rams just haven’t developed a scheme that works well enough to keep him on the field. Cignetti’s tough task is to find creative ways to get him the football. We’ve seen what he is capable of when he actually has the ball in his hands, and that’s exactly the goal of the offseason.
Chris Givens can relate to Austin’s struggles. He had an impressive rookie year in 2012, and then he disappeared. Givens is a burner, and in order for him to reach his full potential, Cignetti has to have faith in Foles throwing the ball downfield. If Foles can successfully do this, the Rams’ offense will vastly improve from last season.
Now where does that leave Stedman Bailey? Bailey is unique, because he is the most well-rounded receiver on the roster. He runs the best routes, has reliable hands and isn’t a burner, but he is quick enough to keep defenses alert. Consistency is what he struggles with the most. Bailey is a smaller receiver, but he has to get better at creating separation from defenders. If he can do that, he can easily become Foles’s favorite target.
That leaves the sixth spot available (considering the Rams carry six receivers on the roster). Initially, it was probably secured for rookie receiver Bud Sasser, but that’s no longer a possibility since the Rams cut him due to medical reasons.
So who’s left? Emory Blake has been eyeing that spot since last year. However, Blake must compete at a higher level because the Rams have brought in plenty of undrafted free agents like Isiah Ferguson (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Bradley Marquez (Texas Tech), Daniel Rodriguez (Clemson) and Tyler Slavin (New Mexico Highlands). All of them will be gunning for that same spot. Thrown into the mix will be veteran receivers, Damian Williams and Devon Wylie. Don’t sleep on this competition, the Rams may find a “diamond in the rough.”
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Interested in writing for RamsTalk? Click here to find out how!
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