Originally Posted on FantasyKnuckleheads.com
A Career That Is Still Awaiting Takeoff
In 2010, the Rams made Sam Bradford the first overall selection in the NFL Draft. The options were far from plentiful that year for any team that was ho...
Originally Posted on FantasyKnuckleheads.com
A Career That Is Still Awaiting Takeoff
In 2010, the Rams made Sam Bradford the first overall selection in the NFL Draft. The options were far from plentiful that year for any team that was hoping to secure a franchise QB. In fact, the only other signal caller that was chosen in Round 1 was a former Heisman Trophy winner from Florida named Tim Tebow.
Now, Bradford will enter the 2013 regular season having been under center for 42 of a possible 48 career starts. Which includes two years with a full 16 starts, and an abbreviated 2011 season in which a high ankle sprain sidelined him for six contests. His career high in passing yardage is 3,702, and the most TDs that he has generated in any year is 21. Both numbers were established in 2012, and amid the massive output that numerous QBs have been producing, they are not particularly impressive. He placed 15th in yardage, and just 18th with that TD total. He has only manufactured six 300-yard games, and has produced a three-TD game just three different times. He has not thrown for 400 yards in a game, and has yet to generate four scoring tosses in any of those 42 contests.
To be fair, Bradford has never possessed an extensive array of dangerous weapons, nor has he enjoyed the benefits of a highly productive go-to target who consistently remained on the field. While Danny Amendola would arguably be considered the most talented Ram WR since Bradford joined the team, he only made 15 starts during that three-year span. No receiver has managed to attain 700 yards while Bradford has been under center, and the depth behind each leader in the Rams’ receiving categories has been disturbingly low.
Last season, Chris Givens led the Rams with 698 yards, with Brandon Gibson and the oft injured Amendola each surpassing 650 yards. Brandon Lloyd paced the team in 2011 with 683 yards, while no teammate could even exceed 431. And in Bradford’s 2010 rookie year, Amendola amassed 689 yards, followed by Gibson’s 620. There are certainly no totals present in those results that would initiate a conversation regarding Hall Of Fame credentials. The same applies to the TE options that Bradford has endured since first snap as a Ram, which have included Daniel Fells, Billy Bajema, Michael Hoomanawanui, and Lance Kendricks.
His Receiving Options Have Improved
General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Jeff Fisher have made a concentrated effort to boost Bradford’s arsenal of receiving weaponry, both in free agency and during the recent draft process. First, they signed the gifted Jared Cook to a five-year contract in March, which provides a significant upgrade at the TE position. Then during April’s NFL Draft, St. Louis traded up to the eighth overall slot to ensure the selection of Tavon Austin, who will supply much needed versatility and sheer speed to the Ram’s attack. Bradford should reap the benefits of both roster additions, as both Cook and Austin should create matchup nightmares for opponents.
Cook’s numbers in Tennessee were not overly impressive, although that was the consequence of having a restricted role within the Titans’ offense. Fisher is acutely aware of Cook’s capabilities, and the Rams should be more effective in exploiting that physical advantages that the 6’5”, 250 pound Cook can create for opposing defenders. That includes the ability to line up as a wideout, where his considerable athleticism can be more beneficial. He will be a welcome enhancement for the St. Louis passing attack, and Bradford’s numbers should improve as a result.
Austin possesses the potential to be the Ram’s premier playmaker, and could easily become the team’s leading receiver. He has the flexibility to line up in multiple positions, and St. Louis will employ their prized draft pick extensively. His presence should open space for Givens, who garnered 42 receptions last season. Fisher has already credited Givens for improving on a weekly basis, and that shou
