Wes Welker can help Rams offense, but it's best to manage expectations
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...s-offense-but-its-best-to-manage-expectations
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- It took a four-game suspension to Stedman Bailey for it to happen, but the St. Louis Rams did what many fans had been clamoring for Monday when they signed a veteran wide receiver to help a floundering passing game.
That veteran is Wes Welker, the 34-year-old slot specialist with 890 career receptions to his name.
Welker signed early Monday evening and promptly began the process of getting acclimated to the offense. Before he is fully thrown into the mix, let's take a look at what to expect and what not to expect:
1. He's not an all-encompassing solution for the passing game: Because of Welker's name value and history of production, especially relative to the Rams' current group of receivers, it's easy say he's an upgrade over what they already have. To be sure, Welker is instantly the most accomplished receiver on the roster. It's really not even close: He has played in three Super Bowls and has been selected to five Pro Bowls. But Welker's age and recent injury history had him on the free-agent market this late in the season for a reason. It's best to calibrate expectations at this point in his career. The Rams' passing game simply isn't very good right now, and Welker isn't a panacea.
2. He can help the awful third-down conversion rate: Welker could still give the Rams at least an incremental improvement in the passing game. When he's ready to go, Welker will play in the slot. He's a good route-runner with quickness, good hands and a long history of knowing where the first-down marker is. Of his 890 receptions, 515 have gone for first downs. That ranks seventh in the NFL among active receivers. That knack for knowing how to move the chains could be especially useful for the Rams, who sit last in the NFL in converting third downs at 23.8 percent.
3. Tavon Austin should benefit from his presence: In his prime, Welker was a multi-purpose threat who returned punts and was used in multiple ways. While he never had Austin's speed, Welker does have the knowledge and experience to be a positive influence. Austin has improved this season and his overall production is up, but having Welker around to teach him some nuances of route-running should be good for Austin.
4. The Rams are OK with his health: Between Nov. 17, 2013, and Aug. 23, 2014, Welker suffered three concussions. Coach Jeff Fisher said the Rams felt comfortable with Welker's health after he went through a workout and had the necessary physicals before signing.
5. He might not play this week: Welker just arrived in St. Louis and hasn't played in the first nine weeks. He has a new playbook to learn and though his legs are fresh, it's possible he won't be ready to play right out of the chute. The Rams have undrafted rookie Bradley Marquez ready to step into Bailey's special teams role, but he could also take some more snaps on offense. To get Welker ready, the Rams will likely pare down what they ask him to learn right away. If he takes well to that, he could play against Chicago. If he doesn't, it's a safe bet he'll be good to go the next week against Baltimore.
