Probably the most obvious player to experience a sophomore slump this season was Chris Givens. Givens showed signs in his rookie season that he had the potential to be the Rams’ number one receiver moving forward. That theory came into question this season as Givens underperformed to say the least.
In his rookie season, Givens seemed to make big play after big play, and was that deep threat that the Rams offense had been desperately looking for. At one point Givens put together a five game stretch in which he had at least one reception of 50 or more yards.
In 2013, Givens didn’t have a single reception of 50 or more yards and at times looked unmotivated on the field and didn’t seem to fight for the deep ball.
Part of Givens’ struggles could have been because starting quarterback Sam Bradford was out the majority of the season with a torn ACL, but even before Bradford’s injury Givens was struggling.
The Rams now have question marks surrounding the wide receiver position making it possible that they could draft a number one receiver in the first round of the draft or if they can make the cap space, pick one up in free agency.
2012
2013
Games Played15
16
Receptions42
34
Targets81
83
Yards698
569
AVG16.6
16.7
Long65
47
TD3
0
PFF Grade+3.2
-4.8
Catch%54.5
44.2
YAC286
262
Dropped Passes5
6