What does the future hold for St Louis Rams’ Brian Quick?
This week has seen some significant changes on the St Louis Rams wide receiver depth chart. Third year pro Stedman Bailey finds himself suspended for four games for a violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Coming in is veteran Wes Welker who, with five Pro Bowl appearances to his name, has the same tally as the entire rest of the roster combined.
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Widely acknowledged as one of the most problematic areas of the team in recent years with the Rams famously lacking a 1000-yard receiver since 2007, one man who has failed to live up to lofty expectations is Brian Quick. Drafted at the very top of round 2 in 2012, Quick was brought in to be the tall, athletic deep threat the Rams were desperately lacking. It has not worked out.
The former Appalachian State man failed to break 500 yards for his first two years combined, despite missing only one game in that time. 2014 was by far his most productive season, amassing 375 and 3 touchdowns in just seven games and he appeared to have a good rapport with quarterback Austin Davis. Unfortunately for Quick and the Rams, Quick sustained a season-ending shoulder injury against Kansas City. In 2015 so far Quick has a paltry 3 catches for 14 yards.
Part of Quick’s problem has been that his strengths do not lend themselves to the type of offense the St Louis Rams have been playing. Jeff Fisher is a run-first head coach. In past seasons Quick has been suffocated by ultra-conservative scheming for former co-ordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Paired with a quarterback in Sam Bradford who specialises in the quick read and short drop passing game to his running backs or slot receivers was also not exactly a catalyst for making best of Quick’s downfield ability.
Sep 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) fails to make a catch against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Dallas Cowboys defeat the St. Louis Rams 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
It was only when he had the more expansive Austin Davis under centre that he enjoyed some success. And of course, Quick suffered along with all the other receivers through a weak offensive line being unable to protect a succession of quarterbacks.
Quick’s detractors may argue these are just excuses for a player drafted too high by a team in desperation? Possibly not. Quick was projected to be a high second-round pick before the 2012 draft, so it can just as easily be said the St Louis Rams were right on the money with where they took him. Unquestionably Quick has always had all the physical attributes necessary to be a successful receiver in the NFL.
Oct 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) runs with the ball after the catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
He has never fumbled the ball as a pro, and has a fairly completion rate when thrown to. The problem is, he has not been thrown to anything like often enough to get any meaningful production from him.
Ultimately, it may just be a case of Brian Quick not featuring that prominently in Jeff Fisher’s plans. When Fisher brought in Kenny Britt with whom he had previously worked in Tennessee Quick’s stock fell sharply, with Fisher clearly preferring Britt as the deep target man. Tavon Austin has taken on a much greater role in 2015 and, of course, the emergence of a real star in Todd Gurley has further restricted opportunities for the ball to come Quick’s way. Quick’s fans will continue to hope that he can get more action and help elevate the Rams from their current rock bottom position in the league’s passing stats. Whether this transpires with the recent roster changes remains to be seen.