Dissecting The St Louis Rams: Wide Receiver

The St Louis Rams still have some very high standards when it comes to wide receiver. These standards are completely justified, as it seems it was only yesterday when Rams fans had the pleasure of watching Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce shred defenses together.

Now times have changed. The Rams have not had a receiver break 800 yards since Torry Holt did in 2007. The Rams have not had the best luck at quarterback the last few years either, so given both the scenarios, lets check out their current core.

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (left) catches a first down as San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) defends during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Britt

Kenny joins Jared Cook in making the transfer from Nashville to St Louis to regroup with Fisher. He was in a limited market, having off-field issues and struggling for a mediocre passing team. The transfer to St Louis has been great for him after his first season there. Britt finished second in receptions, only behind Cook, with 48, and led the team in yards at 748.

Britt will do even better this year, given that Foles stays healthy. Britt has excellent size and has a natural ability to catch the football. He runs routes swiftly and accurately. Britt also is viewed as a great locker room presence. He has been called out by many Rams players for his outspoken enthusiasm and leadership.

Kenny Britt has the tools to succeed, especially now that he has a first string quarterback at the helm. Many will argue that Britt is not a “number one” guy, but look for him to silence his doubters in 2015.

Oct 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) catches a touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Nate Allen (29) tries to defend during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Quick:

Ouch. This one hurts. Brian Quick was being called one of the biggest bust in recent years at the beginning of the 2014 year. He couldn’t catch, run routes, and had a negative attitude both on the field as well as off. Then, out of absolutely nowhere, he comes out in the season opener with seven receptions and 99 yards. He didn’t stop there, as he continued to rack up yards in games 2-4, going 7-74, 2-62, and 5-87 respectively. Then, in week eight, he suffered a sickening shoulder injury, one that would knock him out for the year.

There is no telling how Quick will return, but he was on the right track from 2014. He showed much improved route running, and caught everything that came his way. Quick proved many people wrong about him with the massive growth in overall performance.

Its hard to know how good he will be. If healthy, he is an excellent number two option.

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) at CenturyLink Field. he Seahawks defeated the Rams 20-6 to clinch the NFC West division title. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tavon Austin

Tavon Austin is in the same boat Quick was, being called a bust and fans demanding he be cut or traded. Austin is a playmaker. He can run sweeps out of the backfield and when he gets the ball in open field, is most likely gone. Austin has been under utilized under Brian Schottenheimer, who thankfully has moved on. If used correctly, Austin can be a true threat. Austin averaged 6.2 yards a rush last year, and although the receiving numbers weren’t great, still has great numbers after the catch.

Austin has the speed and quickness of a full grown cheetah. (Thank you Sport Science) He has a decent catching ability and makes his money in open space and after the catch. Austin can return punts at an excellent rate, as he has shown over the last two seasons. Austin’s lack of football knowledge has kept him off the field some, as he has had trouble learning the plays.

The bottom line is, the Rams just need to give him the ball. Stop running it up the gut with him and let him do what he was brought here to do.

Dec 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) stiff arms Washington Redskins strong safety Phillip Thomas (41) while running with the ball at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Stedman Bailey

I wrote an article a few weeks ago on why Stedman Bailey should be starting for St Louis. I still hold the same strong opinion of that, as he has shown that he can be a great target despite his lack in size.

Bailey made a spectacular one handed grab against the Raiders last season, as well as an over the shoulder grab that ended with him in the end zone versus Seattle. Bailey has the softest hands on the team, proving this in his video where he made a one handed catch while doing a backflip. Bailey runs great routes and can create separation. Baileys numbers were right up with Amari Cooper and Kevin White in their final years of college.

Bailey lacks great size, but honestly, it doesn’t matter. He has proven he can be a threat on third down and all over the field.

Dec 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell (41), Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25), and Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) collide after jumping for the pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Chris Givens (13) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle won 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Givens

Givens appeared as if he was going to have a fine career. After last season, I’m not so sure. Givens set records in his rookie campaign, having a catch of 50+ yards in five straight games. Givens reception numbers are way down, as better overall talent has replaced him on the field.

Givens has great speed, and can run great routes deep. Unfortunately, everything else about him is just average. Average height, average weight, average route running, catching, release, you name it. Givens is a great down field target, but with different options coming up and a lack of quarterback, there just hasn’t been much room for givens on the field.

Im not going to cover the rookies or camp invitees. Bud Sasser might replace Givens, as I think he is a good option despite his lack of experience.

The rams are building up, they have a great young bunch who could do great things. The talent is there, but until the stats match it, I can only give them a fair rating.

Official Grade: B

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