Tavon Austin

[Florida_Ram]

View: http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Sammy_Watkins_Ive_Got_to_Earn_It/f3f274b1-7c93-4090-852b-9b2df7f7f1a1

View: http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Sammy_Watkins_I_am_Fine/59e09dd8-adec-4688-8049-62d874f68835

 

[Dxmissile]

This is all the same point/tired blame it all the coaches Tavon excuse. My question to all the Tavon apologizers is at what point is Tavon accountable at all? No one will argue his ability as runner or returner, but at what point do we hold him accountable for his failures as receiver instead of blaming it all on the coaches. The coaches are part of his success as a runner and returner, but they are supposed to take all of the blame for his failures as receiver? The coaches sucking certainly plays a role, but there is more to it than that, and you have to factor in Tavon's shortcomings as well. By several metrics Tavon has some of the least efficient seasons as a receiver in NFL HISTORY. Ray Sherman the Rams WR coach had 20 years in the NFL coaching WRs did he just suddenly just forget how to coach. Mike Groh can get the most out of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, and Kenny Britt, but its all his fault when Tavon hits a career high at barely over 500 receiving yards? Come on.

Moving past the old coaching staff lets look at what McVay and the new coaching staff has done and said since they got here.

1. Signed Robert Woods and instantly installed him at the team's top receiver.
2. Talked up Tyler Higbee and backed it up by heavily targeting him throughout the offseason making him a key part of the offense
3. Spent his first pick as a head coach on a TE who has the upside to fill the Jordan Reed role as the top target getter in his offense
4. Drafted Cooper Kupp and named him a starter by the end of OTAs
5. Talked up Mike Thomas all offseason who took Tavon's reps while he missed OTAs with a wrist injury
6. Traded for a legit #1 WR and proven deep threat in Sammy Watkins

What has McVay said about Tavon? He feels his speed, wants to get the ball in his hands, have to figure out how to best use him, but Tavon needs to become a more complete receiver. Certainly not a ringing endorsements combined with bringing 3 of his own guys in at WR in Watkins, Woods, and Kupp and making them starters.



14 total touchdowns seems high IMO considering Tavon's order in the touches pecking order. Peak Tavon in 2015 was 10 TDs including the called back TDs. However, the Rams were funneling him touches and only Gurley out touched him. IMO he isn't getting anywhere close to that usage level with the rams current set of weapons. Gurley, Watkins, and Woods will definitely out touch him. Additionally, Kupp and the combination of Higbee/Everett will probably out touch him as well. This offense will be better, but it won't go from dead last to GSOT where the 4th WR is putting up huge numbers. The Falcons had one of the most prolific offensive seasons in the history NFL history. New OC Matt LaFleur had Taylor Gabriel who was 4th in touches on that team and he managed 7 TDs minus the punt returning. Even with the added element of punt returning no way I see Tavon getting 7 more TDs in a much weaker offense. Furthermore, even a 22 spot offensive jump into the top 10 offenses isn't going to result in the 4th option getting 14 TDS. IMO half that amount is a more reasonable expectation.

He had 10 touchdowns without the touchdowns called back. You go on to say that Austin have to be held accountable but tell me who in the last 4 yrs that defenses had to account for. It surely wasn't the QBs it surely wasn't the receivers Austin was the only consistent threat every week. Every time Austin moves the entire defense shifts with him. My problem with the Austin haters since I'm an apologist is that they fail to realize the reason why he was drafted in the first place. Maybe you think he was drafted to be a traditional number 1 receiver and if so I can see why you're disappointed but those of us who knew why they was drafting Austin understand his value. So yeah you can blame Austin but imho I blame the coaching staff for drafting a guy they didn't know how to use.

He has had 4 punt returns called back and another 3 when he had gained over 40 yards is that on Austin

2 touchdown runs called back over 30 yards is that on Austin

2 touchdowns called back receiving over 50 yards is that on Austin

Scheme is a big part of a receiver development all those 1st time coordinators didn't know what to do with Austin and as for McVay not having much to say about Austin is because he haven't been able to see him play but SNEAD words today spoke volumes on their belief in Austin.

14 touchdowns might be too much but in 2015 he had 10 touchdowns 4 rushing 5 receiving and 1 punt return he had a punt returned called back and a running touchdown that's 12 touchdowns on a offense with one legitimate threat in Gurley.

 

[dieterbrock]

Yawn. Gurley sucked last year too.

So did Goff and Higbee and we know the "system" was a large cause of that

 

[Boston Ram]

As much as we like to blame the old staff for not knowing how to coach, let's look at Austin for a second.

Can you name one aspect of his game that has improved in 4 years? I can't.

His route running is still suspect, has trouble getting off the line and his hands are still a little above average. I have seen no improvement in his game. Doesn't that seem a little odd?

Kenny Britt had a 1000 yards receiving so at some point it's on the player too. We are talking about a guy who has topped out at 504 receiving yards.

The talent is undeniable and exciting to consider. I am also excited to see how McVay will use him. I agree more could of been done to utilize his skill set but I am done making excuses for this player. It's time to produce and it's time to get better. Tavon himself needs to step up and work on his craft.

 

[WvuIN02]

So did Goff and Higbee and we know the "system" was a large cause of that

That was my point. Everyone wants to crap on Austin for last year without realizing hey, the entire offense sucked and we had some coach as OC who had no business in that position. Everyone gets a pass for last year.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

His touches will certainly go down this year. But I also think we'll see each touch be more productive.

He isn't going to get 10 touches a game and every touch being a wide receiver screen.

 

[dieterbrock]

That was my point. Everyone wants to crap on Austin for last year without realizing hey, the entire offense sucked and we had some coach as OC who had no business in that position. Everyone gets a pass for last year.

No doubt. I was backing you up as I totally agree. Can't hand out free passes to some guys and shut the door on another.

 

[dieterbrock]

He had 10 touchdowns without the touchdowns called back. You go on to say that Austin have to be held accountable but tell me who in the last 4 yrs that defenses had to account for. It surely wasn't the QBs it surely wasn't the receivers Austin was the only consistent threat every week. Every time Austin moves the entire defense shifts with him. My problem with the Austin haters since I'm an apologist is that they fail to realize the reason why he was drafted in the first place. Maybe you think he was drafted to be a traditional number 1 receiver and if so I can see why you're disappointed but those of us who knew why they was drafting Austin understand his value. So yeah you can blame Austin but imho I blame the coaching staff for drafting a guy they didn't know how to use.

He has had 4 punt returns called back and another 3 when he had gained over 40 yards is that on Austin

2 touchdown runs called back over 30 yards is that on Austin

2 touchdowns called back receiving over 50 yards is that on Austin

Scheme is a big part of a receiver development all those 1st time coordinators didn't know what to do with Austin and as for McVay not having much to say about Austin is because he haven't been able to see him play but SNEAD words today spoke volumes on their belief in Austin.

14 touchdowns might be too much but in 2015 he had 10 touchdowns 4 rushing 5 receiving and 1 punt return he had a punt returned called back and a running touchdown that's 12 touchdowns on a offense with one legitimate threat in Gurley.

Not to mention that some of those penalties were inconsequential to the play. Penalties are part of the game but if we are diagnosing his play you have to at least file those call backs in the potential category

 

[LACHAMP46]

Did we front load Tavon's contract?

Pretty much....

And, slate is clean...lets see what he does with McVay....

 

[So Ram]

Pretty much....

And, slate is clean...lets see what he does with McVay....

Who knows what it will look like. Austin has missed so much of the offseason.
When mini camp began he made a few nice plays. He is so explosive with the ball in his hands.
McVay has done a good job finding holes in defenses and mismatches

 

[Ram65]

yeah I know another post but I went back to look at Tavons career numbers and it told a compelling story to me.

1. He played on a terrible team with an even terrible offensive scheme.
2. The offensive scheme was terrible
3. The offense stopped doing the things that actually worked.

Tavon had over 400 rushing yards in 2015 and 4 touchdowns on 52 carries
Then last year they only rush him 28 times don't make any sense

25 of his 58 catches went for first downs last year 6 plays of 20 yards or more only 1 play of 40 yards or more

Austin was never drafted just to be a WR but if he played on a better team or just had better offensive coaches around him his 12 receiving touchdowns would have been a lot better

Between receiving rushing and punt returns he has 23 touchdowns and 3900 yards let this sink in though he had at 8 touchdowns wiped away because of penalties he would have 7 punt returns for touchdowns instead of 3 he would have 10 rushing touchdowns instead of 8 he would have 14 receiving touchdowns instead of 12

Do I think Austin is a 14 touchdown receiver no he isn't but he can give 14 touchdowns in every phase of the game

View attachment 20917

The best use of Tavon last year regressed. His YPC have always been high. I don't know why that got away from letting him run the ball. I think he can do better with the improved offensive line this year. They should have varied his routes more too. Send him deep more to open up the short passes. The penalties did take away from his totals. I would take another 2015 season at 10 TDs.

This is all the same point/tired blame it all the coaches Tavon excuse. My question to all the Tavon apologizers is at what point is Tavon accountable at all? No one will argue his ability as runner or returner, but at what point do we hold him accountable for his failures as receiver instead of blaming it all on the coaches. The coaches are part of his success as a runner and returner, but they are supposed to take all of the blame for his failures as receiver? The coaches sucking certainly plays a role, but there is more to it than that, and you have to factor in Tavon's shortcomings as well. By several metrics Tavon has some of the least efficient seasons as a receiver in NFL HISTORY. Ray Sherman the Rams WR coach had 20 years in the NFL coaching WRs did he just suddenly just forget how to coach. Mike Groh can get the most out of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, and Kenny Britt, but its all his fault when Tavon hits a career high at barely over 500 receiving yards? Come on.

Moving past the old coaching staff lets look at what McVay and the new coaching staff has done and said since they got here.

1. Signed Robert Woods and instantly installed him at the team's top receiver.
2. Talked up Tyler Higbee and backed it up by heavily targeting him throughout the offseason making him a key part of the offense
3. Spent his first pick as a head coach on a TE who has the upside to fill the Jordan Reed role as the top target getter in his offense
4. Drafted Cooper Kupp and named him a starter by the end of OTAs
5. Talked up Mike Thomas all offseason who took Tavon's reps while he missed OTAs with a wrist injury
6. Traded for a legit #1 WR and proven deep threat in Sammy Watkins

What has McVay said about Tavon? He feels his speed, wants to get the ball in his hands, have to figure out how to best use him, but Tavon needs to become a more complete receiver. Certainly not a ringing endorsements combined with bringing 3 of his own guys in at WR in Watkins, Woods, and Kupp and making them starters.



14 total touchdowns seems high IMO considering Tavon's order in the touches pecking order. Peak Tavon in 2015 was 10 TDs including the called back TDs. However, the Rams were funneling him touches and only Gurley out touched him. IMO he isn't getting anywhere close to that usage level with the rams current set of weapons. Gurley, Watkins, and Woods will definitely out touch him. Additionally, Kupp and the combination of Higbee/Everett will probably out touch him as well. This offense will be better, but it won't go from dead last to GSOT where the 4th WR is putting up huge numbers. The Falcons had one of the most prolific offensive seasons in the history NFL history. New OC Matt LaFleur had Taylor Gabriel who was 4th in touches on that team and he managed 7 TDs minus the punt returning. Even with the added element of punt returning no way I see Tavon getting 7 more TDs in a much weaker offense. Furthermore, even a 22 spot offensive jump into the top 10 offenses isn't going to result in the 4th option getting 14 TDS. IMO half that amount is a more reasonable expectation.

Nice post. It will be hard for Tavon to get the touches he got in 2015. The Falcons got Gabriel deeper passes for big gains. That should be the way to go with Tavon. Now, that the Rams have other weapons it should open things up for Tavon I'm thinking more running the ball this time around too. I be happy with 10 TDs but that depends on how the Rams spread things around in the redzone. I'm really hoping for more big plays. The 20, 30 and 40 yard gains that help get the Rams in scoring position.

 

[DaveFan'51]

Tavon is a playmaker and I agree there are a ton of possibilities with him. Unfortunately Fisher paid him as more than just a possibility guy he paid him to be a top line WR. He'll forever be criticized for that contract and his receiving production.

Not " IF!" he blows-things-up with McVay and Companies guidance this year!:homercrawl:

 

[Angry Ram]

This is all the same point/tired blame it all the coaches Tavon excuse. My question to all the Tavon apologizers is at what point is Tavon accountable at all? No one will argue his ability as runner or returner, but at what point do we hold him accountable for his failures as receiver instead of blaming it all on the coaches.

It's always a combo of both, and a third factor in a carousel of QBs: Sam Bradford, Kellen Clemmons, Shaun Hill, Austin Davis, Case Keenum, Jared Goff. Each going in and out (with the exception of Jared). You're not going to develop chemistry when it's like that.

Last year was just awful for everyone involved.

By several metrics Tavon has some of the least efficient seasons as a receiver in NFL HISTORY. Ray Sherman the Rams WR coach had 20 years in the NFL coaching WRs did he just suddenly just forget how to coach. Mike Groh can get the most out of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, and Kenny Britt, but its all his fault when Tavon hits a career high at barely over 500 receiving yards? Come on.

Those guys you mentioned are different types of receivers. They are all 6 feet plus and can win jump balls and go over the middle. That's NOT what Tavon is and I wish people would stop comparing him to guys like those and just focus on HIS skillset. You HAVE to look at what he offers in THREE phases of the game.

1. Signed Robert Woods and instantly installed him at the team's top receiver.
2. Talked up Tyler Higbee and backed it up by heavily targeting him throughout the offseason making him a key part of the offense
3. Spent his first pick as a head coach on a TE who has the upside to fill the Jordan Reed role as the top target getter in his offense
4. Drafted Cooper Kupp and named him a starter by the end of OTAs
5. Talked up Mike Thomas all offseason who took Tavon's reps while he missed OTAs with a wrist injury
6. Traded for a legit #1 WR and proven deep threat in Sammy Watkins

What has McVay said about Tavon? He feels his speed, wants to get the ball in his hands, have to figure out how to best use him, but Tavon needs to become a more complete receiver. Certainly not a ringing endorsements combined with bringing 3 of his own guys in at WR in Watkins, Woods, and Kupp and making them starters.

Points 1, 4, and 6: They are simply (better) replacements for Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, and Stedman Bailey. The team was down 3 WRs.

Points 2 and 3: They chose to release Lance Kendricks, and were down a TE. Hence the Gerald Everett pick. It has NOTHING to do with Tavon.

Point 5: Mike Thomas is suspended for 4 games. And when he comes back, he's simply a backup. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[StealYoGurley]

My problem with the Austin haters since I'm an apologist is that they fail to realize the reason why he was drafted in the first place. Maybe you think he was drafted to be a traditional number 1 receiver and if so I can see why you're disappointed but those of us who knew why they was drafting Austin understand his value.

Never had that #1 WR expectation, but I certainly expected more production as a WR. No matter the circumstance a WR drafted in the first round who has played 4 years and their career high in receiving yardage is 509 is bad. Number 3 and 4 WRs on that teams are getting that type of yardage every year and Tavon cant get it when the offense is funneling him touches. Its great that he produces elsewhere, but for a guy drafted as a WR his receiver production has been bad. IMO production elsewhere hasn't been enough to overshadow his shortcomings at the position he was drafted to play.

SNEAD words today spoke volumes on their belief in Austin.

Snead said you need speed and weapons and Tavon is certainly fits the bill. Those statements are nice, but his actions show him pushing Tavon down the depth chart all offseason. Through trade, free agency, and the draft he has found three players ahead of him the pecking order. He can say all the nice things he wants about Tavon, but his actions show that Tavon is moving down the pecking order. Only so many WRs can play. McVay as a TE coach usually has at least one TE on the field and with Gurley playing heavy snaps at most 3 WRs will play heavy snaps. Watkins is top 3 talented player on this team. McVay has praised and utilized Woods and Kupp more than any other player outside of Whitworth and Gurley. Where does Tavon's heavy usage come from?

14 touchdowns might be too much but in 2015 he had 10 touchdowns 4 rushing 5 receiving and 1 punt return he had a punt returned called back and a running touchdown that's 12 touchdowns on a offense with one legitimate threat in Gurley.

My point is with more legitimate threats its means fewer opportunities for Tavon. He will probably be more effective when he gets opportunities, but IMO his production certainly won't eclipse his year when his usage rate was the highest. Furthermore, McVay is more creative than making the Tavon jet sweep his go to redzone play which will decrease his rushing TDs. Higbee, Everett, Watkins, Gurley, Woods, and even Kupp are all better receiving options in the redzone. Bones is still one of the best special teams coordinators so is punt return effectiveness will remain constant. However, there is only one ball Tavon wont have the volume of opportunities he had in the past that lead to his most productive season

Those guys you mentioned are different types of receivers. They are all 6 feet plus and can win jump balls and go over the middle. That's NOT what Tavon is and I wish people would stop comparing him to guys like those and just focus on HIS skillset. You HAVE to look at what he offers in THREE phases of the game.

I am not comparing skillsets I am comparing production. Kenny Britt outproduced Tavon as receiver with the same coaching. However, a guy I can compare Tavon to is prime Percy Harvin who was utilized in similar manner, had a similar skillset, with a similar dearth of talent around him outside of the RB position. Harvin was never a 1,000 yard receiver, but in his worst year in his prime years with the Vikings where he only played 9 games he still eclipsed Tavon's career high 509 receiving yards with 677. Harvin had a great RB like Tavon does in Gurley, but Sidney Rice had only one good year (Same with Birtt) playing with Harvin. He was still productive as the main guy in an offense devoid of talent where as Tavon has not come close to being as effective as WR.

Points 1, 4, and 6: They are simply (better) replacements for Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, and Stedman Bailey. The team was down 3 WRs.

Yes the team was down 3 WRs, but you are missing my point. Tavon out touched all of those guys. Barring injury Tavon certainly isn't out touching Watkins who is arguably the most talented player on offense. Furthermore the way McVay has talked up Woods and Kupp and by virtue of being guys McVay brought in I'm not sure he out touches them either. Thats before we even talk about McVays favorite position TE and how he uses RBs in the pass game.

Points 2 and 3: They chose to release Lance Kendricks, and were down a TE. Hence the Gerald Everett pick. It has NOTHING to do with Tavon.

My point is McVay is a TE coach and he loves utilizing the position. When healthy Jordan Reed was the most targeted Redskin and even when he was hurt Vernon Davis got alot of targets. Its just one other spot that will be ahead of Tavon in the pecking order so that has plenty to do with Tavon.

 

[jap]

Actually, all the additional weapons on the offense should make this an ideal opportunity for Tavon to shine . . . in spots. He won't be the principle receiver or runner, naturally. However, he still has that delirious combination of electric speed & quickness. With the coverage drawn by Todd, Sammy, Robert, Cooper Kupp, and our TE's, defensive coordinators simply cannot! blanket Tavon as they have done in the past when we only had a few weapons. I see McVay orchestrating offensive attacks using the principle offensive weapons and conditioning the defense to react to them, then springing Tavon as a super wild card to drive them out of their minds . . . as an actual target or a very dangerous decoy. How do you like Tavon's chances facing only a defender or two in the open field with a QB accurate enough to deliver the ball without forcing TA to break his running stride?

 

[Dxmissile]

Never had that #1 WR expectation, but I certainly expected more production as a WR. No matter the circumstance a WR drafted in the first round who has played 4 years and their career high in receiving yardage is 509 is bad. Number 3 and 4 WRs on that teams are getting that type of yardage every year and Tavon cant get it when the offense is funneling him touches. Its great that he produces elsewhere, but for a guy drafted as a WR his receiver production has been bad. IMO production elsewhere hasn't been enough to overshadow his shortcomings at the position he was drafted to play.



Snead said you need speed and weapons and Tavon is certainly fits the bill. Those statements are nice, but his actions show him pushing Tavon down the depth chart all offseason. Through trade, free agency, and the draft he has found three players ahead of him the pecking order. He can say all the nice things he wants about Tavon, but his actions show that Tavon is moving down the pecking order. Only so many WRs can play. McVay as a TE coach usually has at least one TE on the field and with Gurley playing heavy snaps at most 3 WRs will play heavy snaps. Watkins is top 3 talented player on this team. McVay has praised and utilized Woods and Kupp more than any other player outside of Whitworth and Gurley. Where does Tavon's heavy usage come from?



My point is with more legitimate threats its means fewer opportunities for Tavon. He will probably be more effective when he gets opportunities, but IMO his production certainly won't eclipse his year when his usage rate was the highest. Furthermore, McVay is more creative than making the Tavon jet sweep his go to redzone play which will decrease his rushing TDs. Higbee, Everett, Watkins, Gurley, Woods, and even Kupp are all better receiving options in the redzone. Bones is still one of the best special teams coordinators so is punt return effectiveness will remain constant. However, there is only one ball Tavon wont have the volume of opportunities he had in the past that lead to his most productive season



I am not comparing skillsets I am comparing production. Kenny Britt outproduced Tavon as receiver with the same coaching. However, a guy I can compare Tavon to is prime Percy Harvin who was utilized in similar manner, had a similar skillset, with a similar dearth of talent around him outside of the RB position. Harvin was never a 1,000 yard receiver, but in his worst year in his prime years with the Vikings where he only played 9 games he still eclipsed Tavon's career high 509 receiving yards with 677. Harvin had a great RB like Tavon does in Gurley, but Sidney Rice had only one good year (Same with Birtt) playing with Harvin. He was still productive as the main guy in an offense devoid of talent where as Tavon has not come close to being as effective as WR.



Yes the team was down 3 WRs, but you are missing my point. Tavon out touched all of those guys. Barring injury Tavon certainly isn't out touching Watkins who is arguably the most talented player on offense. Furthermore the way McVay has talked up Woods and Kupp and by virtue of being guys McVay brought in I'm not sure he out touches them either. Thats before we even talk about McVays favorite position TE and how he uses RBs in the pass game.



My point is McVay is a TE coach and he loves utilizing the position. When healthy Jordan Reed was the most targeted Redskin and even when he was hurt Vernon Davis got alot of targets. Its just one other spot that will be ahead of Tavon in the pecking order so that has plenty to do with Tavon.

Tavon's touches might be less but that doesn't mean his yardage and touchdowns has to be. Tavon entire career he has played on a condensed field with him being the primary focus of every defense. Imagine him having the entire field to work with because we have a legitimate threat now in Watkins. That's the scenario I'm envisioning that's what got me excited for Tavon. And Snead mentioned Tavon name specifically when talking about weapons and speed so no that doesn't sound like a guy that's getting pushed out. I firmly believe they have big plans for him and the Watkins trade is going to make it much easier

 

[tbux]

I think Austin was a Snead pick, he knew what he wanted to do with him. Fisher had absolutely no idea what to do with Austin or how to play to his strengths. McVay very obviously does. Think about it, if everyone plays to their potential this year, or even even gets close to playing to their potential, that's a really dangerous thought, and not just looking at it with rose colored glasses.

You have a legitimate #1 receiver in Watkins who pretty much can do it all, then you have either Kupp or Woods (or both) opposite, plus Gurley in the backfield, and then two speedy pass catching TE's, PLUS Tavon Austin, who the freak do you guard? You can't guard them all, you have Watkins and Austin who can blow past them with their speed, With Kupp and Woods you have two very good route runners who can get separation that way (and everyone always says Kupp can read defenses like a QB), then you could have two big pass catching TE's, and an elite running back.. Oh and a QB that set records in an offense that loved to spread the ball around and pass a lot, and a coach that knows how to run an elite offense. Seriously, we really have something here guys, sacrifice whatever you need to the Football gods for it all to click together because if so we're freaking contenders. And not just for a division, I mean real contenders. We have blue chip players in all the right positions.

I think it was a Shotty- pick- Snead gets the players that fit what we are tryin to do- Shotty convinced Fisher to run a spread- and that is why we coveted Tavon and Bailey so much. Also fit what Sam did in college. In premise not a bad thought- but didn't have the Oline of RBs to pull it off. Scrapped after 4 weeks by Fisher and swapped RBs and went power fb. Smart move. I don't blame Snead- for the offense we were switching to- those 2 made perfect sense. Coaching was issue.

 

[RamBall]

As much as we like to blame the old staff for not knowing how to coach, let's look at Austin for a second.

Can you name one aspect of his game that has improved in 4 years? I can't.

His route running is still suspect, has trouble getting off the line and his hands are still a little above average. I have seen no improvement in his game. Doesn't that seem a little odd?

Kenny Britt had a 1000 yards receiving so at some point it's on the player too. We are talking about a guy who has topped out at 504 receiving yards.

The talent is undeniable and exciting to consider. I am also excited to see how McVay will use him. I agree more could of been done to utilize his skill set but I am done making excuses for this player. It's time to produce and it's time to get better. Tavon himself needs to step up and work on his craft.

The big difference between Britts #s and TAs #s is that KB was used down the field for the most part, TA was used for passes near or behind the line of scrimmage, which played right into the Ds hands. TA was set up for failure just from the way he was used in the passing game. When SB was the Rams QB, TA was used as a deep threat somewhat, but once SB went down it took the Rams until week 10 of last season to play a QB capable of throwing to a deep threat. I am confident that McVays O will have answers for Ds crowding the LOS and having 2 or 3 defenders within 4 yards of TA. If teams try to stack the box to stop TG and put 2 or 3 guys in the vacinity of TA, Goff will shred them with his new weapons that are much more capable than anyone the Rams had the past 5 seasons.

 

[RamBall]

My point is with more legitimate threats its means fewer opportunities for Tavon. He will probably be more effective when he gets opportunities, but IMO his production certainly won't eclipse his year when his usage rate was the highest. Furthermore, McVay is more creative than making the Tavon jet sweep his go to redzone play which will decrease his rushing TDs. Higbee, Everett, Watkins, Gurley, Woods, and even Kupp are all better receiving options in the redzone. Bones is still one of the best special teams coordinators so is punt return effectiveness will remain constant. However, there is only one ball Tavon wont have the volume of opportunities he had in the past that lead to his most productive season

I am not comparing skillsets I am comparing production. Kenny Britt outproduced Tavon as receiver with the same coaching. However, a guy I can compare Tavon to is prime Percy Harvin who was utilized in similar manner, had a similar skillset, with a similar dearth of talent around him outside of the RB position. Harvin was never a 1,000 yard receiver, but in his worst year in his prime years with the Vikings where he only played 9 games he still eclipsed Tavon's career high 509 receiving yards with 677. Harvin had a great RB like Tavon does in Gurley, but Sidney Rice had only one good year (Same with Birtt) playing with Harvin. He was still productive as the main guy in an offense devoid of talent where as Tavon has not come close to being as effective as WR.

TAs touches could go up even with the added weapons as the Rams did not run very many plays last season compared to other teams due to the high #of 3 and outs and the inability to sustain drives. Last season the Rams were lucky to get 1 good drive a game. I expect them to have much more success on O which will result in more touches for all players involved. Not to mention that with real scheming and more options TAs production/touch should go up.

 

[Boston Ram]

The big difference between Britts #s and TAs #s is that KB was used down the field for the most part, TA was used for passes near or behind the line of scrimmage, which played right into the Ds hands. TA was set up for failure just from the way he was used in the passing game. When SB was the Rams QB, TA was used as a deep threat somewhat, but once SB went down it took the Rams until week 10 of last season to play a QB capable of throwing to a deep threat. I am confident that McVays O will have answers for Ds crowding the LOS and having 2 or 3 defenders within 4 yards of TA. If teams try to stack the box to stop TG and put 2 or 3 guys in the vacinity of TA, Goff will shred them with his new weapons that are much more capable than anyone the Rams had the past 5 seasons.

Agreed but the reason Austin was not used on deep patterns is because he was not able to get off the LOS and could not get open. They tried for a couple of years to get downfield but he couldn't, which is why they ran shorter routes to get him the ball in space.

Also have you seen him improve over the last 4 years. That is my biggest concern to be honest