Tavon Austin (2 Viewers)

[karmarooster]

I mean, don't you think they would've installed the "Austin in the backfield as RB" packages during camp? It's possible the did, and didn't roll out those packages week 1, but the lame end-around suggests he's going to be used as much of a RB as DeSean Jackson was in his first few years (approx. one end-around/reverse per game). But point taken.

 

[Biabreakable]

Well looking at the OC history he never really used a WR as a RB much at all.

I have been a victim of the coach speak coming out of the Rams all off season. I hear them talking about some things but then I look at the history of the results and I see something else. Then I am trying to read in between the lines of all that. Or have an expectation of it being somewhere in the middle.

I do think the Rams put a lot of value into Austin as a kick returner. With the way the league is kicking so many touch backs, having Austin as a punt returner is a big deal, he will likely get more opportunities to make returns there than if he were only on kick returns like Patterson currently.

I do think they will work Austin in on some running plays more often as the season wears on. It will be situational also however depending on what kind of defense they are facing. Some teams may be more susceptible to it than others.

Part of it is about the game scripts also. They may have plays they are practicing with the intent to use them in specific match ups with specific teams. As teams become better able to plan for opposing defenses this will be an adjustment as well. Just like we look for 3-4 weeks of data teams will look for 3-4 real games of defenses and see how they react to certain plays and formations.

The players are all getting used to playing together in game situations also. Working out kinks in the new offense and discovering what works and what doesn't.

I do think the Rams will run the ball with Austin more in games ahead. But it may take some time to set that up, as well as get Austin and everyone else comfortable with the plays they have been working on.

 

[flysack]

I was happy they at least threw to him once deep. He didn't make a catch, but did draw a pass interference. I'm thinking this might be a good sample of his work, with wrinkles thrown in as the season goes along: 6-8 short routes and end arounds, and 1-2 deep throws a game. That's worth good WR2 numbers in PPR leagues.

 

[werdnoynek]

Was listening to the Fantasy Guru Matchup Podcast with Greg Cosell and Cosell had an interesting take on Tavon and his utilization... (Here at the 12:15 mark)

"I can tell you for a fact that they're easing him in... I mean, I know that. He's going to become more involved... the feeling is he's not quite ready to be fully involved in a lot of things. That will increase as the season progresses. For people who have him I would not be concerned. Whats going to happen is all of a sudden, one game he's going to bust out, but don't be concerned... you can see watching their formations and their usage that he will become a bigger factor."

I'm really regretting not picking him up. I'm going to be looking to trade for him now in redraft, because I couldn't agree more.

 

[shadyridr]

Yeah and that one game he busts out he will be on everyones benches

 

[Man of Zen]

I don't really see guys that explosive who are looking at as many touches as Austin appears to be looking at, as "one-game wonder" type risks. Quite the opposite. High floor, high ceiling is a nice combo when you can find it. Austin is shaping up to be just such a guy.

 

[TheFanatic]

Week 1, 6 catches for 41 yards. That's on pace for 96 catches and 656 yards.

The yardage is low, but 6 receptions is a fantastic number. Considering that was his first game in the NFL, that's fantastic. Disappointed not a single run, but really happy with what he did in his first game. Can't wait to see what happens when concentrate on Cook and Givens needs extra coverage after Sam drops a couple bombs into him and then Tavon is all by his lonesome in the middle. Can't wait.

 

[Inspiration]

Week 1, 6 catches for 41 yards. That's on pace for 96 catches and 656 yards.

The yardage is low, but 6 receptions is a fantastic number. Considering that was his first game in the NFL, that's fantastic. Disappointed not a single run, but really happy with what he did in his first game. Can't wait to see what happens when concentrate on Cook and Givens needs extra coverage after Sam drops a couple bombs into him and then Tavon is all by his lonesome in the middle. Can't wait.

He had 1 carry for -1 yard.

 

[werdnoynek]

Week 1, 6 catches for 41 yards. That's on pace for 96 catches and 656 yards.

The yardage is low, but 6 receptions is a fantastic number. Considering that was his first game in the NFL, that's fantastic. Disappointed not a single run, but really happy with what he did in his first game. Can't wait to see what happens when concentrate on Cook and Givens needs extra coverage after Sam drops a couple bombs into him and then Tavon is all by his lonesome in the middle. Can't wait.

On pace isn't something you should say after one game unless you're trying to be funny.

Regardless, I agree.

After a brewski or few contemplation, I feel a big game incoming. Plug him in. Thank me later.

ETA: A week ago I was trying to light the caboose on fire. This week I'm trying to get into the engine to take over this ****ing train.

 

[TheFanatic]

Week 1, 6 catches for 41 yards. That's on pace for 96 catches and 656 yards.

The yardage is low, but 6 receptions is a fantastic number. Considering that was his first game in the NFL, that's fantastic. Disappointed not a single run, but really happy with what he did in his first game. Can't wait to see what happens when concentrate on Cook and Givens needs extra coverage after Sam drops a couple bombs into him and then Tavon is all by his lonesome in the middle. Can't wait.

On pace isn't something you should say after one game unless you're trying to be funny.

Regardless, I agree.

After a brewski or few contemplation, I feel a big game incoming. Plug him in. Thank me later.

ETA: A week ago I was trying to light the caboose on fire. This week I'm trying to get into the engine to take over this ****ing train.

Ahh, the winds of change! Welcome aboard my friend. The conductor will show you to your seat in the front row.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

Man, this guy is a beast.

 

[shadyridr]

Lol close to droppable

 

[shadyridr]

Lol close to droppable

picking him back up!

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Man, this guy is a beast.

Eh?

 

[Bob Magaw]

austin scored the first (of many ) TD as a pro...

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Clutch drop by Austin

 

[Bob Magaw]

TD #2 for austin...

 

[rickyg]

OK now he gets flex consideration!

 

[werdnoynek]

Week 1, 6 catches for 41 yards. That's on pace for 96 catches and 656 yards.

The yardage is low, but 6 receptions is a fantastic number. Considering that was his first game in the NFL, that's fantastic. Disappointed not a single run, but really happy with what he did in his first game. Can't wait to see what happens when concentrate on Cook and Givens needs extra coverage after Sam drops a couple bombs into him and then Tavon is all by his lonesome in the middle. Can't wait.

On pace isn't something you should say after one game unless you're trying to be funny.

Regardless, I agree.

After a brewski or few contemplation, I feel a big game incoming. Plug him in. Thank me later.

ETA: A week ago I was trying to light the caboose on fire. This week I'm trying to get into the engine to take over this ****ing train.

I accept tips.

 

[shadyridr]

Still not crazy about his ypc. Reminds me of an edelman which definitely has ton of value in PPR but not sure how many short TD hell continue to get

 

[Bob Magaw]

about 40 yards two weeks in a row...

but also second consecutive game with 6 receptions to start his career...

so way early, but sustains 96 reception pace...

have to think a two TD game within first two starts is atypical for a rookie WR...

last week it was cook, givens and pettis were quiet... this week that flipped...

if anything, austin has been the constant in receptions, as noted, could be very valuable in PPR scoring...

unfortunately they got behind big early, couldn't really get a read on the run game...

 

[jbz]

Had a few drops, but Bradford under threw him on a deep one too. Tons of targets and he's adjusting to the pro game. The OC is figuring out the best way to use him too. Looking up for Austin. Won't count on the short TDs though

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

So far he's putting up Danny Amendola like numbers. He's getting open and making catches, but it's concerning he isn't making anyone miss with the ball in his hand.

 

[Biabreakable]

Give him some time to get used to the speed of the NFL. Also will take some time to develop better timing on blocks that can spring him.

 

[karmarooster]

Really surprised on Austin, as I thought he'd be in the 50-60 catch range as a rook. Now through 3 games and he's still on pace for 96 receptions... clearly getting the ball a lot more than I thought. But his YPC is putridly low at 6.0. There are RBs with a better YPC who catch the ball out of the backfield rather than in the slot. I've got to think that will come up just based on variance, he'll eventually break a long one. And he's getting a fair share of carries, 4 for 10, projecting to 21 rushes for 52 yards (um).

96 receptions and 20 rushes... if you had told me Austin would be used that much, I'd figure him for a borderline WR1. Instead he's WR24 in PPR, mainly on the strength of his 6 x 3 receptions. The reason I was down on him was because I thought he'd never get the usage projections people were throwing around in here. Now he's almost getting them... but he's on pace for 680 yards combined rushing and receiving on over 100 touches!

Now that he's being heavily utilized, maybe we should reconsider the talent question? I don't see the point of feeding the ball so frequently to the smallest guy on the field when he's not producing. If he continues to stay flat, I've got to think the StL staff is going to shift the ball away from him, try to find other play makers, and save Austin's body. Point being, something has to change: either he'll produce more, or his usage will be scaled back.

 

[Khy]

Really surprised on Austin, as I thought he'd be in the 50-60 catch range as a rook. Now through 3 games and he's still on pace for 96 receptions... clearly getting the ball a lot more than I thought. But his YPC is putridly low at 6.0. There are RBs with a better YPC who catch the ball out of the backfield rather than in the slot. I've got to think that will come up just based on variance, he'll eventually break a long one. And he's getting a fair share of carries, 4 for 10, projecting to 21 rushes for 52 yards (um).

96 receptions and 20 rushes... if you had told me Austin would be used that much, I'd figure him for a borderline WR1. Instead he's WR24 in PPR, mainly on the strength of his 6 x 3 receptions. The reason I was down on him was because I thought he'd never get the usage projections people were throwing around in here. Now he's almost getting them... but he's on pace for 680 yards combined rushing and receiving on over 100 touches!

Now that he's being heavily utilized, maybe we should reconsider the talent question? I don't see the point of feeding the ball so frequently to the smallest guy on the field when he's not producing. If he continues to stay flat, I've got to think the StL staff is going to shift the ball away from him, try to find other play makers, and save Austin's body. Point being, something has to change: either he'll produce more, or his usage will be scaled back.

Honestly, they aren't really getting him in space much. From what I've seen in these games he's mainly been getting passes right at the line or a little in the backfield and getting hit by a defender or two almost immediately. I'd like to see him used in more of a Percy Harvin type of role. Or Wes Welker type role where he's getting the ball over the middle and able to make some people miss. That said, in PPR you have to look at his on pace of 96 receptions for 680 yards and 10.6 TDs as a decent pace. I have to assume the plays will come later in the season as the game slows down for him a little bit. And at the very least, you can feel comfortable slotting him in there in PPR leagues right now as you know he'll get you 5-6 receptions on average and you hope he breaks a big play here or there.

The main take away for me here is that he's getting the touches. Now we just need to hope that the game slows down for him a little and he's able to use that talent to make the player we all hoped.

 

[shadyridr]

I call him Bledelman. Black Edelman lol

 

[shader]

Really surprised on Austin, as I thought he'd be in the 50-60 catch range as a rook. Now through 3 games and he's still on pace for 96 receptions... clearly getting the ball a lot more than I thought. But his YPC is putridly low at 6.0. There are RBs with a better YPC who catch the ball out of the backfield rather than in the slot. I've got to think that will come up just based on variance, he'll eventually break a long one. And he's getting a fair share of carries, 4 for 10, projecting to 21 rushes for 52 yards (um).

96 receptions and 20 rushes... if you had told me Austin would be used that much, I'd figure him for a borderline WR1. Instead he's WR24 in PPR, mainly on the strength of his 6 x 3 receptions. The reason I was down on him was because I thought he'd never get the usage projections people were throwing around in here. Now he's almost getting them... but he's on pace for 680 yards combined rushing and receiving on over 100 touches!

Now that he's being heavily utilized, maybe we should reconsider the talent question? I don't see the point of feeding the ball so frequently to the smallest guy on the field when he's not producing. If he continues to stay flat, I've got to think the StL staff is going to shift the ball away from him, try to find other play makers, and save Austin's body. Point being, something has to change: either he'll produce more, or his usage will be scaled back.

Honestly, they aren't really getting him in space much. From what I've seen in these games he's mainly been getting passes right at the line or a little in the backfield and getting hit by a defender or two almost immediately. I'd like to see him used in more of a Percy Harvin type of role. Or Wes Welker type role where he's getting the ball over the middle and able to make some people miss. That said, in PPR you have to look at his on pace of 96 receptions for 680 yards and 10.6 TDs as a decent pace. I have to assume the plays will come later in the season as the game slows down for him a little bit. And at the very least, you can feel comfortable slotting him in there in PPR leagues right now as you know he'll get you 5-6 receptions on average and you hope he breaks a big play here or there.

The main take away for me here is that he's getting the touches. Now we just need to hope that the game slows down for him a little and he's able to use that talent to make the player we all hoped.

I think it's a function of team's giving him a lot of cushion. This causes Bradford to throw to him, and then defenders are quickly converging on him, as they know the ball is going his way.

If team's start playing him tighter, maybe he can break coverage and get downfield. But for now, team's give that initial cushion, and Bradford is simply throwing short passes to him with little risk and little opportunity for reward.

At some point they need to get Austin downfield. If they can't do that, then that becomes worrisome for Austin, as 4-6 yard catches aren't doing a whole lot for the Rams.

 

[Grahamburn]

He looked fantastic on the punt return TD that was called back. Eventually he'll do something similar on offense if he keeps getting touches.

 

[Goldfinger007]

I guess I'm seeing things a bit differently than some of you guys. I'm scratching my head a bit with how they've been using him actually. Where are all the creative plays to get him the ball? It doesn't look to me like they have been focusing on trying to get him the ball in space at all. I see him mostly just running boring little check down routes. Bradford will look downfield and Austin seems to be 2nd or 3rd in the progression. Of course he is open a lot since he is drawing a mismatch, but his routes are very unimaginative. After all the talk in training camp, I was expecting him to be used kinda like GB used Cobb last year. Where are the screens, wheel routes out of the backfield, slants and double moves out of the slot, etc.?

 

[karmarooster]

I guess I'm seeing things a bit differently than some of you guys. I'm scratching my head a bit with how they've been using him actually. Where are all the creative plays to get him the ball? It doesn't look to me like they have been focusing on trying to get him the ball in space at all. I see him mostly just running boring little check down routes. Bradford will look downfield and Austin seems to be 2nd or 3rd in the progression. Of course he is open a lot since he is drawing a mismatch, but his routes are very unimaginative. After all the talk in training camp, I was expecting him to be used kinda like GB used Cobb last year. Where are the screens, wheel routes out of the backfield, slants and double moves out of the slot, etc.?

The answer to your question is pretty simple: Jeff Fisher and Marty Schottenheimer vs. Mike McCarthy. There's not a lot of creativity on offense, and there's not a pressing need for innovation because they usually have a strong defense that will keep games close.

 

[Bob Magaw]

i had thought by trading up for austin they had a plan for the OC to use him creatively...

the 96 reception pace is great, but his use has been disappointing...

like having a ferrari stuck in a traffic jam...

 

[LawFitz]

i had thought by trading up for austin they had a plan for the OC to use him creatively...

the 96 reception pace is great, but his use has been disappointing...

like having a ferrari stuck in a traffic jam...

Yeah, and when it finally broke onto the freeway, one of the the other cars got called for holding.

 

[cubbie5150]

I know he drew a lengthy PI call week 1, but I'm just wondering, what % of his routes are of the check-down varierty (is there a place to look that up)? Is he basically running like one one 9 route each game? Yeah, I know he's not that type of WR to send deep in a straight line, but I'd think it might help to loosen up defenders if the Rams utilized his speed to at least show a deep route now & then.

 

[TheFanatic]

I guess I'm seeing things a bit differently than some of you guys. I'm scratching my head a bit with how they've been using him actually. Where are all the creative plays to get him the ball? It doesn't look to me like they have been focusing on trying to get him the ball in space at all. I see him mostly just running boring little check down routes. Bradford will look downfield and Austin seems to be 2nd or 3rd in the progression. Of course he is open a lot since he is drawing a mismatch, but his routes are very unimaginative. After all the talk in training camp, I was expecting him to be used kinda like GB used Cobb last year. Where are the screens, wheel routes out of the backfield, slants and double moves out of the slot, etc.?

They are getting him the ball, which is nice. But nothing more than check downs. I'm happy with the fact they are indeed keying on this guy. And am patiently taking my 9-10 points (6 catches, 30-40 yards) and waiting for him to show a little more. His YPC should be at least double digits and even possibly twice what he is getting right now.

Three games, 18 receptions. I'll take it. If after week 8 he is still under 7 YPC, then I will get worried..

 

[karmarooster]

I pulled up data dominator stuff... over the last 3 seasons:

There are 186 WRs to have more than 25 receptions on the year. The only 3 to average fewer than 7 YPR are Dexter McCluster, Early Doucet, and Julian Edelman. Around 8.0 YPR there is a very old Hines Ward, Andre Caldwell, and more Dexter McCluster.

Among RBs only, the range is 5.4 to 11 YPR. Among backs with 25 or more receptions, only 2 are below 6.0: Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster in 2012.

Does not encourage.

 

[TheFanatic]

I pulled up data dominator stuff... over the last 3 seasons:

There are 186 WRs to have more than 25 receptions on the year. The only 3 to average fewer than 7 YPR are Dexter McCluster, Early Doucet, and Julian Edelman. Around 8.0 YPR there is a very old Hines Ward, Andre Caldwell, and more Dexter McCluster.

Among RBs only, the range is 5.4 to 11 YPR. Among backs with 25 or more receptions, only 2 are below 6.0: Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster in 2012.

Does not encourage.

No it doesn't. But that is also over a whole year. By the end of the year his YPC could be much higher. At least I hope so...

 

[Gvindy]

I found it a little concerning he couldn't be more productive in garbage time against DAL. Still, I have him targeted as a buy low...

 

[shader]

I found it a little concerning he couldn't be more productive in garbage time against DAL. Still, I have him targeted as a buy low...

Dallas had him surrounded every time he touched the ball.

It's going to take another consistent threat to emerge or it's going to take some creativity from the Rams to open things up. Right now neither is happening.

Fisher's idea of creativity is lining Austin up behind the QB and handing it off right up the middle.

 

[shadyridr]

I pulled up data dominator stuff... over the last 3 seasons:

There are 186 WRs to have more than 25 receptions on the year. The only 3 to average fewer than 7 YPR are Dexter McCluster, Early Doucet, and Julian Edelman. Around 8.0 YPR there is a very old Hines Ward, Andre Caldwell, and more Dexter McCluster.

Among RBs only, the range is 5.4 to 11 YPR. Among backs with 25 or more receptions, only 2 are below 6.0: Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster in 2012.

Does not encourage.

funny thing is i heard the mccluster comparisons before the season

 

[HurryUpSundays]

So pissed at myself for starting this dude last night.

Had TY in and then 2 minutes before kick off - my brain farted.

Dropping this fantasy sham asap.

Rams offense and Shottenheimer are a joke. A joke.

 

[ImTheScientist]

55 catches 860, 3 tds

Basically what TY Hilton did last year.

I've got a 12 pack that says Tavon will easily top those numbers.

I should have taken you up on that. I saw nothing yesterday to suggest he will be dynamic at all at the next level.

 

[Grahamburn]

Looked like his role was significantly diminished last night.

 

[az_prof]

55 catches 860, 3 tds

Basically what TY Hilton did last year.

I've got a 12 pack that says Tavon will easily top those numbers.

I should have taken you up on that. I saw nothing yesterday to suggest he will be dynamic at all at the next level.

I have to agree with Im the Scientist. He looks like a good PPR player but not a dynamic game changer. Kind of reminds me of Royal in his rookie year, and like Austin. I could see Austin catching 80 balls but not breaking a thousand yards or catching many TDs.

 

[Khy]

55 catches 860, 3 tds

Basically what TY Hilton did last year.

I've got a 12 pack that says Tavon will easily top those numbers.

I should have taken you up on that. I saw nothing yesterday to suggest he will be dynamic at all at the next level.

I have to agree with Im the Scientist. He looks like a good PPR player but not a dynamic game changer. Kind of reminds me of Royal in his rookie year, and like Austin. I could see Austin catching 80 balls but not breaking a thousand yards or catching many TDs.

How would you have won that bet? He's on pace for 80, 500, 8 TDs. You have to assume he'll have one or two big games here. And probably make that more like a 70, 800, 5 TDs as a realistic projection for him this season.

As for him looking dynamic or not, this is fault of Shotty and the Rams. Not Austin. He's running crisp routes on his intermediate and deep routes and is open. Bradford's not throwing to him though. Bradford's only throwing to him on these 2-3 hard comeback routes. If the Rams could get more creative with him I think he'd have all the potential to put together a record breaking rookie style season. But he needs a better OC than Shotty. Shotty should take the O out of his nickname and add an I and that'd be a lot more realistic.

 

[jsharlan]

He is really being misused in the offensive game plan, not to mention Bradford flat out misses him so much on his passes.

 

[FF Ninja]

55 catches 860, 3 tds

Basically what TY Hilton did last year.

I've got a 12 pack that says Tavon will easily top those numbers.

I should have taken you up on that. I saw nothing yesterday to suggest he will be dynamic at all at the next level.

I have to agree with Im the Scientist. He looks like a good PPR player but not a dynamic game changer. Kind of reminds me of Royal in his rookie year, and like Austin. I could see Austin catching 80 balls but not breaking a thousand yards or catching many TDs.

How would you have won that bet? He's on pace for 80, 500, 8 TDs. You have to assume he'll have one or two big games here. And probably make that more like a 70, 800, 5 TDs as a realistic projection for him this season.

As for him looking dynamic or not, this is fault of Shotty and the Rams. Not Austin. He's running crisp routes on his intermediate and deep routes and is open. Bradford's not throwing to him though. Bradford's only throwing to him on these 2-3 hard comeback routes. If the Rams could get more creative with him I think he'd have all the potential to put together a record breaking rookie style season. But he needs a better OC than Shotty. Shotty should take the O out of his nickname and add an I and that'd be a lot more realistic.

He is no Anquan Boldin or Randy Moss. I don't care what system he's in.

 

[JackReacher]

55 catches 860, 3 tds

Basically what TY Hilton did last year.

I've got a 12 pack that says Tavon will easily top those numbers.

I should have taken you up on that. I saw nothing yesterday to suggest he will be dynamic at all at the next level.

I have to agree with Im the Scientist. He looks like a good PPR player but not a dynamic game changer. Kind of reminds me of Royal in his rookie year, and like Austin. I could see Austin catching 80 balls but not breaking a thousand yards or catching many TDs.

Not an Austin owner, but I saw the opposite last night. Saw Tavon get consistent separation. Really quick. Also, the fact that Harbaugh assigned Rogers to follow him all over the field is another positive for Austin.

 

[T with T]

STL just sucks period.

 

[shadyridr]

He is really being misused in the offensive game plan, not to mention Bradford flat out misses him so much on his passes.

The guy is 5'7"