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St. Louis Rams: Stat Predictions for Top Skill Players

By Curt Popejoy

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Mar 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback

Nick Foles

(center) is introduced to the media at Rams Park. Foles is joined by Rams head coach

Jeff Fisher

(left) and general manager Les Snead (right). Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the St. Louis Rams offense really struggled. Yet another injury to then-quarterback Sam Bradford sent the season into a spiral. But the past is the past, and head coach Jeff Fisher looks to be finally turning the corner as he enters his fourth season in building the offense he wants. Keep in mind the Rams haven’t had an offensive in the Top-10 in scoring or yards since 2006.

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The moves that St. Louis have made this offseason have to make fans excited. Big changes at quarterback, running back and along the offensive line gives all involved hope that the Rams are going to be able to run the ball when they have to, and throw it when they want to. This is the formula for success in a crowded NFC West.

So, with that, let’s make some quick predictions for how the key skill players will do in the upcoming season.

QB Nick Foles

St. Louis made the trade for quarterback Nick Foles as a clean break from Bradford. Talent-wise, I’m not convinced there is a great deal of difference between the two, but let’s hope that both benefit from new surroundings and a new system. In 2013, Foles was as good as any quarterback in the league. I’m not sure St. Louis is going to ask that of him, but being efficient, in particular on third down is going to be key to his success. Nevertheless, with a much-improved rushing game, look for Foles to put up big numbers.

Prediction: 3,925 passing yards, 29 TD passes

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Todd Gurley (Georgia) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 10th overall pick to the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

RB Todd Gurley

After spending a first-round pick on running back Todd Gurley, the focus of the rushing attack changed significantly. Gurley is a power back with exceptional burst and speed. He might not be available for the entire season, but the Rams coaching staff have to be hopeful that he’s going to get on the field for a majority of games in 2015. This means the two-headed rushing attack of he and Tre Mason will almost certainly improve on the 1,635 yards rushing in 2014.

Predictions: 1,100 total  yards, 8 TDs

RB Tre Mason

While Gurley is getting healthy and up to speed, it is going to be Mason that reaps the benefits. Mason’s speed and elusiveness will be great behind this retooled offensive line. Look for Mason to carry the load until Gurley is ready to go, and be a great pairing with him for the entirety of the season.

Predictions: 1,125 total yards, 7 TDs

WR Kenny Britt

The top wide receiver for the Rams in 2014 was Kenny Britt. Not sure if Britt is a true No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL, but as part of this platoon should have significant success. He needs to work on his concentration and making the catches he is supposed to do, but all the physical tools are there.

Predictions: 67 receptions, 1,065 yards, 6 TDs

WR Tavon Austin

Is this the year that we all finally find out what wide receiver Tavon Austin is capable of? Austin had 67 touches in 2014 on offense, and put up 466 total yards. If St. Louis is going to have success, Austin’s spot on the offense (whether it is he or Stedman Bailey), must improve. I am banking on Austin being that guy, and a real weapon in multiple ways.

Predictions: 695 total yards, 5 TDs

WR Brian Quick

In going back over the 2014 season, the player that really looks poised for a breakout season in 2015 might be wide receiver Brian Quick. There were doubts when he was taken in the second round in 2012. While Quick has put up modest stats to this point, he has shown improvement, and his size alone gives him so much potential.

Predictions: 52 receptions, 873 yards, 7 TDs

Oct 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end

Jared Cook

(89) carries the ball for a 39 yard gain during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

TE Jared Cook

In 2014, tight end Jared Cook became the safety net of the passing offense, hauling in 52 receptions. Predicting 2015 is bit tricky for a couple of reasons. First, while Cook is talented, there’s a real chance he (along with fellow tight end Lance Kendricks) get caught up as blockers more than receivers in the passing game. On the other hand, Cook is probably the best natural pass catcher on the roster at any position and Fisher recognizes that. Let’s look for modest improvement this season.

Predictions: 60 receptions, 709 yards, 9 TDs

Next: How Important is Todd Gurley?

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