St. Louis Rams and Sam Bradford to Have a Breakout Season?
Jun 6, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws during organized team activities at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Many rookie quarterbacks have trouble being effective immediately from college to the NFL. Usually, the conflict is the speed of the game – receivers, defensive backs, and the pass rush are all faster.
For instance, Matthew Stafford was the number one pick in the 2009 NFL draft; he was expected to carry a team that had gone 0-16 in the previous regular season. Stafford had a good rookie year but has been inconsistent throughout his tenure in Detroit. He has relied heavily on Calvin Johnson, part of the reason that he
Sam Bradford was the number one pick in the 2010 NFL draft out of Oklahoma. He was efficient in college, even winning the Heisman Trophy. In his rookie year, he had to lead a team that needed a quarterback. Although his team underachieved, Bradford had a solid rookie season, but his passer rating did not show that (78.5).
Bradford has led his team relatively efficiently with limited offensive weapons. He has a strong arm, but at times, his decision-making is questionable. This season, the Rams are expected to have an offense better than any offense in the Bradford era.
Although the team released veteran running back Steven Jackson, young player Daryl Richardson can effectively fill the role of the starting running back. Richardson is a small but tough tailback and runs hard through tackles.
St. Louis drafted a speedy wide receiver out of West Virginia with the 8th overall pick in the first round in Tavon Austin. Austin is a rare receiver – he brings speed, elusiveness, quickness, and toughness to the St. Louis Rams. He hasn’t missed a game in his life, including high school and college. Austin is a viable Rookie of the Year candidate and he will most likely be Bradford’s number one target.
The Rams also have other weapons on the offense that should help Bradford in his development as a starter. Bailey was teammates with Austin in college, so the chemistry will be existent in St. Louis. The Rams can be contenders in 2013 with the pieces Jeff Fisher and co. have brought in. Sam Bradford’s development should only help with this.