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Tavon Austin will have a breakout season in 2016

By Christopher DuVall

Jun 1, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams receiver Tavon Austin wears a reflective visor on his facemask at organized team activities at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Oxnard, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams receiver Tavon Austin wears a reflective visor on his facemask at organized team activities at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 5-foot-8 receiver is all over the field making plays on offense and special teams. If Austin gets the ball in open space he is almost unstoppable.

In a study of Rams game clips from last season, Tavon Austin stands out. He reminds me of future hall of fame receiver Steve Smith Sr.  Like Smith, Austin is an explosive playmaker, that frequently leaves opposing defenses stunned. The 5-foot-8 receiver is all over the field making plays on offense and special teams.

If Tavon gets the ball in open space he is almost unstoppable. In 2015 Austin was the Rams leading receiver, scoring five touchdowns on 52 passing attempts. He also rushed for another four touchdowns and a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Seahawks.

Austins stats would be even better if not for big plays called back by penalties. Coach Jeff Fisher recently stated that Tavon Austin has done everything the team has asked of him. The fifth year coach also emphasized the team’s efforts to get the dynamic receiver more involved in 2016.

Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs the ball for a 66 yard touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs the ball for a 66 yard touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

While some have labeled the former first round pick a bust they fail to realize that his lack of production stems from playing on a merry go round of mediocre quarterbacks. In Austin’s three seasons, he has played with six different signal callers. All of which were unable to capitalize on his abilities.

The pundits that know football, see Tavon Austin for what he really is. They use words like “game changing player” and recognize that Austin is a dual threat out of the backfield, in the slot or on the outside as primary receiver. Austin’s potential has gone untapped in the pros.  The Rams hope to change all that in 2016 with a new playbook under offensive coordinator Rob Boras.

Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) makes a catch in front of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) makes a catch in front of Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Boras took over play calling duties at the end of last season and the team went 3 and 1 under the former tight ends coach. The franchise wants to build on that success and improve last years passing game that ranked worst in the league. Fisher and Boras have admitted to focusing this year’s passing attack around Austin’s skill set and Fisher has gone as far as predicting the former West Virgina standout will double his production this season.

Fisher may or may not be overly optimistic but if the Rams find more ways to get the ball into Tavon’s hands good things happen. When asked about Austin’s place in the new strategy Coach Fisher stated with excitement “This offense has been redesigned to make sure he gets touches of the football. He is going to have a big year this year.”  (Los Angeles Daily News)  The stars are aligned for Tavon Austin to have the “breakout” season that has eluded him thus far in the National Football League.

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