MVN - Most Valuable Network

Rams’ Receivers a Real Threat to Opposition

One of the really bright spots on the Ram team that will be starting the season in Philadelphia on September 7th is the receiving corps. Blunted last year by injuries and the effects of the problems on the offensive line, the effectiveness of this unit did not come even close to meeting, never mind exceeding, expectations. I believe that this year things will be very different.

There are several reasons for my confidence in this unit. First, Al Saunders’ offense is going to be more versatile, unpredictable, and dynamic than the ultraconservative, make-no-mistakes-at-all-costs approach employed by Greg Olson and Scott Linehan last season. The prospect of facing a multiple-set, motion and shifting offense combined with a renewed ground attack is sure to keep opposing defensive coordinators up late trying to devise schemes to defend it, much more so than was the case with the incredibly predictable “attack” that was presented in 2007. The thought of not seeing any more four-yard out patterns on third and nine should make any Rams fan’s heart leap with joy and expectation.

And that, I think, is the essence of the potential that the receivers hold for the team. More than anything else in my reading of various blogs and fans’ comments, I see a yearning for the offense, particularly the passing game, to be aggressive again, to challenge the defense, and to put pressure on defenders and take the smug confidence out of their game. I clearly remember Bill Romanowski being interviewed after a Rams-Broncos game in the GSOT days. He was shaking his head in wonderment at the versatility of the Rams offense, and he admitted that the multiple sets and shifting had the Broncos defenders completely confused. That’s what Rams’ fans are talking about!

They are also talking about another element that will be seen in the 2008 offense that has been missing: speed. The addition of speedsters Keenan Burton and Donnie Avery, both of whom I believe will make the team, brings a much-needed dimension to the pass offense: the ability to stretch the field and create favorable matchups that will produce long gains and touchdowns. In a statement reminiscent of Jack Snow, Avery recently remarked that he has never been caught from behind. Whether true or not, that kind of threat presents real problems for NFL secondaries. No linebackers will be covering these rookies.

The new offense will benefit Torry Holt by reducing the pressure on him to always be the one to get open to make the big, clutch catch. Randy McMichael expressed his delight during the team’s recent minicamp that he was running patterns as much as 25 yards downfield, and Drew Bennett sees greater opportunity to revive his skills as the number two receiver. Both men, along with newly-acquired Anthony Becht, make excellent red zone targets. I also expect greater utilization of Steven Jackson and Brian Leonard in the passing game.

The addition of Avery and Burton means that there will be keen competition for the last couple of receiver spots on the roster. Brandon Williams, Reche Caldwell, Derek Stanley, Marques Hagans, Dane Looker, and Dante Hall, along with several undrafted free agents, will fight it out to make the team. The winners will likely be the players who demonstrate the most versatility.

All in all, Mark Bulger should have a great time throwing the football this year. With a healthy and stronger offensive line, the receivers will have more time to run patterns and get open, and Bulger will have time to spot them.

Football in St. Louis just might be fun again.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 26th, 2008 at 1:05 am and is filed under Marques Hagans, Greg Olson, Scott Linehan, Derek Stanley, Al Saunders, Keenan Burton, Donnie Avery, 2008 NFL Season, Rams Offense, Marc Bulger, Dante Hall, NFC West, Drew Bennett, Brian Leonard, Torry Holt, Randy McMichael, Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.