Teams Will Underestimate Rams Offense

The St. Louis Rams have had a tough off-season with the losses of star running back Steven Jackson, a great slot receiver in Danny Amendola, and wide receiver Brandon Gibson. The Wide Receiver and Running Back position is very thin, but the Rams have underrated talent.
Rookie receiver Tavon Austin has boat loads of talent to show this season. He was very electrifying and fun to watch last season with West Virginia. Austin's speed will be a huge advantage, since he doesn't have as durable as a body as most receivers. He is a potential deep threat for Sam Bradford this season. Austin runs good routes and once he gets the ball, he'll be off to the races. Chris Givens can stretch the field and be quick, just like Austin. At 6'0, Givens decent size will complement his speed this season. He averaged 16.6 yards per catch last season and set an NFL rookie record last season by, catching at least a 50 yard pass in 5 consecutive games. Brian Quick and Austin Pettis disappointed me last season and need to prove they are still reliable targets to make up the loss of Gibson and Amendola. The addition of Tight End Jared Cook improves a poor tight end game in St. Louis. Cook's 6'5 size isn't huge for a TE, but his ability to stretch the field is. He caught 44 passes for 523 yards and 4 TD for the Titans last season. Look for Cook to be a solid contributor for the Rams this season. Austin, Cook, and Givens are valuable targets for Bradford in 2013. They all can stretch the field and speed is a key factor in the Rams passing game.

The Running Back position looks unnoticeable. Youngsters Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead will compete for the starting job. Both Pead and Richardson are coming into their 2nd season. Richardson ran for 475 yards on 98 carries. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Richardson is speedy back and likes to go between the tackles. He isn't as durable at 5'10, 196 lbs. He's good at cutting back and sneaking past defenders with his speed. Pead has lots to prove as he moves up to 2nd string, following the departure of Jackson. He doesn't have much experience and has to show he's ready in training camp and preseason, if he wants the starting job. Pead is another small, back like Richardson, but hasn't had enough snaps to show he's worthy of being a reliable back. Pead did average 5.4 yards per carry, but that was only on 10 carries. Running Back is a question for the Rams, but just like the receivers, speed and quickness will help them be competitive.

The offensive line looks improve with the addition of Pro Bowl LT Jake Long. Long has been amazing blocking for the QB Blind Spot. Despite the fact, Miami never produced a Pro Bowl Caliber QB, while Long was their, he as a huge help for the dropped sack total their and why the Wild Cat worked for a couple of years. He held in check great pass rushers in the AFC, such as James Harrison, Von Miller, Dwight Freeney, Terrell Suggs, and Elvis Dumervil. Long is a huge improvement at the LT position. He will be the reason why Bradford will have time in the pocket and not get smacked from the blind side. Center Scott Wells and Right Guard Harvy Dahl did a solid job opening up holes for Rams running backs last season. Right Tackle Rodger Safford has matured and has improve a little every season. If, the Rams O-Line holds up, gives Bradford time in the pocket, and running backs holes, this offense will succeed in 2013.