Tavon Austin (1 Viewer)

[bigmarc27]

So... ummmm... Thud?

 

[Hoss Style]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tic.

*ETA* He only drew one target. Again - preseason.

 

[bigmarc27]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tick.

I'm in the 11th year of one of my dynasty leagues and taking Tavon over Lacy is probably the worst decision I have ever made.

 

[Adam Harstad]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tic.

*ETA* He only drew one target. Again - preseason.

For what it's worth, Anquan Boldin finished his first preseason with 4 catches for 44 yards and 0 TDs. So, you know. Preseason.

 

[Hoss Style]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tic.

*ETA* He only drew one target. Again - preseason.

For what it's worth, Anquan Boldin finished his first preseason with 4 catches for 44 yards and 0 TDs. So, you know. Preseason.

Hell yeah!

/nervously takes sip of beer (at 9am)

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Eddie Lacy has only gotten 8 carries... 8! James Starks and DuJuan Harris = 26. I'm officially concerned. Don't tell me that's just preseason...

 

[MoveToSkypager]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tic.

*ETA* He only drew one target. Again - preseason.

For what it's worth, Anquan Boldin finished his first preseason with 4 catches for 44 yards and 0 TDs. So, you know. Preseason.

The obvious difference is that Anquan Boldin is good and Tavon Austin is not.

 

[Hoss Style]

Eddie Lacy has only gotten 8 carries... 8! James Starks and DuJuan Harris = 26. I'm officially concerned. Don't tell me that's just preseason...

That's just saving Lacy from injuries. He had a concussion last year and an ankle issue. In college he had a bad toe injury (had to have surgery)

They're just trying to keep him healthy, man. But this is more for the Lacy thread.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Eddie Lacy has only gotten 8 carries... 8! James Starks and DuJuan Harris = 26. I'm officially concerned. Don't tell me that's just preseason...

That's just saving Lacy from injuries. He had a concussion last year and an ankle issue. In college he had a bad toe injury (had to have surgery)

They're just trying to keep him healthy, man. But this is more for the Lacy thread.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

Is there any chance that Bradford's injury might actually help Tavon Austin? My thinking is that Hill is probably more likely going to rely on dump offs and wr screens than Bradford might have and that could mean more opportunities for Austin at the expense of the wr's like Quick and Givins and Britt who will run patterns primarily down the field.

 

[Hoss Style]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tic.

*ETA* He only drew one target. Again - preseason.

For what it's worth, Anquan Boldin finished his first preseason with 4 catches for 44 yards and 0 TDs. So, you know. Preseason.

Well, now that Bradford's done, as a fellow Austin owner (I assume), what's your take on this, Adam??

 

[Hoss Style]

Is there any chance that Bradford's injury might actually help Tavon Austin? My thinking is that Hill is probably more likely going to rely on dump offs and wr screens than Bradford might have and that could mean more opportunities for Austin at the expense of the wr's like Quick and Givins and Britt who will run patterns primarily down the field.

Someone brought up a point in the Britt thread that Hill likes to chuck it a lot, as he did with Calvin Johnson. But I don't know if that's relevant, since you could have a corpse at QB, and he'd still have the urge to chuck it downfield to Calvin Johnson.

 

[jurb26]

Is there any chance that Bradford's injury might actually help Tavon Austin? My thinking is that Hill is probably more likely going to rely on dump offs and wr screens than Bradford might have and that could mean more opportunities for Austin at the expense of the wr's like Quick and Givins and Britt who will run patterns primarily down the field.

Bradford was already Captain Checkdown so I'm not sure this will help.

 

[rowmacks]

While lil' schotty is still there, Tavon Austin's value = 0

 

[FUBAR]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tic.*ETA* He only drew one target. Again - preseason.

For what it's worth, Anquan Boldin finished his first preseason with 4 catches for 44 yards and 0 TDs. So, you know. Preseason.

The obvious difference is that Anquan Boldin is good and Tavon Austin is not.

Or maybe that boldin has almost twice as many touchdowns as austin has receptions

 

[Adam Harstad]

Well, now that Bradford's done, as a fellow Austin owner (I assume), what's your take on this, Adam??

I'm more of a heuristics guy than a projections guy. I don't predict specific numbers or outcomes, I try to look at the underlying fundamentals and estimate how valuable those fundamentals have been in the past. Austin's fundamentals for this season were always, to be honest, pretty bad. Bradford is not a great QB, Schottenheimer has proven to be a terrible offensive coordinator in the past, Austin is still young and building a role. There was always the possibility of production just from Austin's talent alone, but things never looked all that good for 2014. The Bradford injury takes things from bad to still bad.

Just as his short-term fundamentals remain unchanged, so too do his long-term fundamentals remain unchanged. Bradford always seemed unlikely to factor into St. Louis' long-term plans. Austin's still a top-10 draft pick and a unique matchup. He still has big play ability. He might well be a bust, though one season is far too early to be declaring it quite so definitively.

Basically, Bradford's injury leaves my opinion on Austin relatively unchanged in both the short and long term. He's still nothing more than a depth guy in redraft. He's still a very intriguing prospect in dynasty.

 

[cstu]

Well, now that Bradford's done, as a fellow Austin owner (I assume), what's your take on this, Adam??

I'm more of a heuristics guy than a projections guy. I don't predict specific numbers or outcomes, I try to look at the underlying fundamentals and estimate how valuable those fundamentals have been in the past. Austin's fundamentals for this season were always, to be honest, pretty bad. Bradford is not a great QB, Schottenheimer has proven to be a terrible offensive coordinator in the past, Austin is still young and building a role. There was always the possibility of production just from Austin's talent alone, but things never looked all that good for 2014. The Bradford injury takes things from bad to still bad.

Just as his short-term fundamentals remain unchanged, so too do his long-term fundamentals remain unchanged. Bradford always seemed unlikely to factor into St. Louis' long-term plans. Austin's still a top-10 draft pick and a unique matchup. He still has big play ability. He might well be a bust, though one season is far too early to be declaring it quite so definitively.

Basically, Bradford's injury leaves my opinion on Austin relatively unchanged in both the short and long term. He's still nothing more than a depth guy in redraft. He's still a very intriguing prospect in dynasty.

I agree with you, but there was at least a little bit of hope for him this year with Bradford.

 

[Leonidas]

I took him really late in one of my leagues on Saturday morning.

With Bradford's injury I dropped him and picked up Kelce (TE, KC) instead.

Bye Bye Austin

 

[golfguy]

austin's best hope in dynasty is the firing of their offensive coordinator unless he gets him involved early and often.

 

[TheFanatic]

Austin had a nice stretch of games at the end of last season with this same OC and Clemons throwing the ball. That's about as bad as it gets. Am I the only one that thinks that the end of last season might actually be something to build on?

 

[cloppbeast]

The fantasy lynch mob is at it again, lowering prices in the process. I'm buying all the Tavon Austin stock I can get, for nickels on the dollar.

1. Poor pre-season? The coach already said you won't see much of Austin in the pre-sason, likely to keep him healthy.

2. Bradford injured? Shaun Hill could very easily have no impact on Austin this season. Tavon had his best games with the back up last season. How much better is Bradford anyhow; we're talking about a top 5 QB going down.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

great value, snagged him at wr5 for one of my squads

 

[shader]

They will put this guy in the dictionary for the term "boom or bust". He'll never garner a ton of targets. Just isn't built for it.

 

[Slapdash]

Bradford news makes him a hold in dynasty but a sell in redraft. I picked him up in a small keeper league over the weekend, not optimistic he is going to break out with Shaun ####### Hill and Schotty.

 

[Aznflyer14]

So... ummmm... Thud?

This is where us Austin owners use the old adage "Preseason doesn't matter", as we try to suppress a nervous tick.

I'm in the 11th year of one of my dynasty leagues and taking Tavon over Lacy is probably the worst decision I have ever made.

You and me on this one... I was debating on which player to take before deciding Austin due to his tantalizing talents.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Was offered a 2nd for him in dynasty not sure his value otherwise from a former 1.1

 

[JAA]

Red zone threat.

FWIW he has bulked up in that vid, wow

 

[JAA]

austin's best hope in dynasty is the firing of their offensive coordinator unless he gets him involved early and often.

Austin needs a WCO

 

[cstu]

austin's best hope in dynasty is the firing of their offensive coordinator unless he gets him involved early and often.

I'm resigned to holding him until he's a free agent. If they didn't make the change after last year I don't think they ever will.

 

[TheFanatic]

austin's best hope in dynasty is the firing of their offensive coordinator unless he gets him involved early and often.

I'm resigned to holding him until he's a free agent. If they didn't make the change after last year I don't think they ever will.

We know the Rams are going to run. I think that was the case before Bradford went down. I believe they were going to ask Bradford to be a game manager and let the running game and D dominate opponents. If Bailey/Britt/Quick can add any sort of deep threat, that leaves a lot of room in the middle for Tavon. We saw at the end of last year some glimpses of what he is capable of. I feel he will build on that. He's not the first highly drafted WR that took some time to get acclimated to the NFL.

 

[tombonneau]

I took him slightly earlier than ADP in a return yardage league, as that's where I think he'll have WR2 value with a handful of huge games. Does anyone know if he is returning both punts & kicks? Draft Dominator indicated both PR/KR but thought I read on a return man thread he was only doing on of the two (can't remember which though.)

Agree that if you have him in Dynasty, hold until he becomes a FA and goes to a good passing team with a real OC like the Colts where he'll really have some value.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

I can't see him having much value with the current coaching staff. He's a non-traditional NFL WR playing for an HC and OC who weren't innovative 15 years ago.

 

[nastynate]

He's at the end of my bench in redraft, and will be in a very short leash. He may be first cut depending on what he looks like week one.

I just don't see how he's better that 750-150-6, which seems like an attainable stretch. That's around 7.5 pts a game. At best, I think you're hoping for a boom/bust wr3/flex that can take a bye week or injury start a few times during the year.

 

[cstu]

Patterson: 3 catches for 26 yards on 5 targets

Austin: 3 catches for 34 yards on 3 targets

The difference is that the Rams are sending Austin between the tackles on his runs.

 

[Gr00vus]

Patterson: 3 catches for 26 yards on 5 targets

Austin: 3 catches for 34 yards on 3 targets

The difference is that the Rams are sending Austin between the tackles on his runs.

Well, that and the Rams don't have Peterson to draw priority one focus and the Rams' QB is actually worse than what the Vikings have (not too many other teams can say that). Not a lot of support for Austin on that offense.

 

[az_prof]

I was never a big fan of Austin and I still think he has a low ceiling. There are some small receivers who are stars (Steve Smith and Desean Jackson), but not many who can attain the top 10 or even top 20 on a consistent basis. Steve Smith is also very strong and physical for his size. Desean has been inconsistent in his career.

I just feel like Austin's size is a huge limiting factor. Also, I think it is easier for a bigger receiver to succeed with poor Qb play because they offer a bigger target and if they can jump too, a larger catch radius.

Will Austin ever be more than a complementary receiver? My money is on Quick to be the featured receiver in STL, if anyone on the current roster can be, and Austin to be the complementary WR2.

 

[jurb26]

Patterson: 3 catches for 26 yards on 5 targetsAustin: 3 catches for 34 yards on 3 targetsThe difference is that the Rams are sending Austin between the tackles on his runs.

Patterson has run between the tackles with the same results. Let's face. Patterson is just a better player. He's much better with the ball in his hands and creating yards.

 

[cstu]

Patterson: 3 catches for 26 yards on 5 targetsAustin: 3 catches for 34 yards on 3 targetsThe difference is that the Rams are sending Austin between the tackles on his runs.

Patterson has run between the tackles with the same results. Let's face. Patterson is just a better player. He's much better with the ball in his hands and creating yards.

I completely agree with that - his size is something Austin doesn't have. What I can't understand his how the Rams are using a guy they used the 8th pick on knowing what he was.

 

[jurb26]

Patterson: 3 catches for 26 yards on 5 targetsAustin: 3 catches for 34 yards on 3 targetsThe difference is that the Rams are sending Austin between the tackles on his runs.

Patterson has run between the tackles with the same results. Let's face. Patterson is just a better player. He's much better with the ball in his hands and creating yards.

I completely agree with that - his size is something Austin doesn't have. What I can't understand his how the Rams are using a guy they used the 8th pick on knowing what he was.

I agree Austin is capable of more than he is doing now and St. L is a major factor in that. The offense is a mess right now. He can be very dangerous in the right scheme and fit within the offense. I don't think he's a guy to build an offense around, though.

 

[cstu]

I was never a big fan of Austin and I still think he has a low ceiling. There are some small receivers who are stars (Steve Smith and Desean Jackson), but not many who can attain the top 10 or even top 20 on a consistent basis. Steve Smith is also very strong and physical for his size. Desean has been inconsistent in his career.

I just feel like Austin's size is a huge limiting factor. Also, I think it is easier for a bigger receiver to succeed with poor Qb play because they offer a bigger target and if they can jump too, a larger catch radius.

Will Austin ever be more than a complementary receiver? My money is on Quick to be the featured receiver in STL, if anyone on the current roster can be, and Austin to be the complementary WR2.

Kendall Wright is not a big receiver (5-10, 187) but the Titans don't have a problem getting the ball to him 5+ times a game.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

It's like I've said. Until the OC is gone I'm not too high on Tavon. Should be a good buy low opportunity this offseason. Guy is a playmaker and he'll show it.

 

[jbz]

Rams should see how Seattle gets Percy the ball out of the backfield. Running Austin off tackle multiple times is hilarious attempt at being creative.

 

[Bri]

I was never a big fan of Austin and I still think he has a low ceiling. There are some small receivers who are stars (Steve Smith and Desean Jackson), but not many who can attain the top 10 or even top 20 on a consistent basis. Steve Smith is also very strong and physical for his size. Desean has been inconsistent in his career.

I just feel like Austin's size is a huge limiting factor. Also, I think it is easier for a bigger receiver to succeed with poor Qb play because they offer a bigger target and if they can jump too, a larger catch radius.

Will Austin ever be more than a complementary receiver? My money is on Quick to be the featured receiver in STL, if anyone on the current roster can be, and Austin to be the complementary WR2.

Kendall Wright is not a big receiver (5-10, 187) but the Titans don't have a problem getting the ball to him 5+ times a game.

Been saying this for a year now. Wright never played for Fish but he had to check out his old team and see him. That is a very very good role for Austin.

Austin's breakaway ability might just make him better at it too.

Defenses give Wright the 5 yard pass, afraid of his speed. Start there with Austin, he'll surely get that respect too.

 

[chinawildman]

Austin's moves don't translate to the NFL and that's the sad truth. How many times do people have to watch him dance for a net -1 yard gain to realize this? Yea he's fast, but lots of guys in the NFL are fast. A lot of comparisons are drawn between him and Brandin Cooks. But Cooks has demonstrated an ability to compete for the ball while in the air. Haven't really seen that out of Austin. Half of the times he catches the ball he falls down. Just not that impressed with his game regardless of scheme.

I believe Torry Holt even remarked in preseason that Austin had been "quiet", which he interpreted as a negative thing. Not good news coming from someone that is closely tied to the organization.

 

[OC Zed]

Any update on him coming back from the knee injury?

 

[cstu]

Any update on him coming back from the knee injury?

Limited and Fisher hasn't ruled him out.

 

[OC Zed]

Any update on him coming back from the knee injury?

Limited and Fisher hasn't ruled him out.

Thanks... any thoughts on how he'll play with Austin Davis? They were both on the field in Week 1, right?

 

[cstu]

Any update on him coming back from the knee injury?

Limited and Fisher hasn't ruled him out.

Thanks... any thoughts on how he'll play with Austin Davis? They were both on the field in Week 1, right?

Yes, they were. If there's a sign of hope for Tavon it's that he had 2 targets from Davis and caught both for 34 yards, including a 28 yard catch.

 

[cloppbeast]

Any update on him coming back from the knee injury?

Limited and Fisher hasn't ruled him out.

Thanks... any thoughts on how he'll play with Austin Davis? They were both on the field in Week 1, right?

If I remember correctly, Davis spread the ball around pretty good, and wasn't afraid to check down. I would think this would help Austin.

FWIW, I own Austin in a million leagues, so I have have rose-colored glasses.

 

[Bri]

He and Stedman Bailey haven't done anything and it's puzzling. With Quick rising and becoming significant, they should be breaking backs underneath, I'd go so far as to say that's the very reason they're even on this team.

If Davis and Quick continue to do well and Austin doesn't do well in the next few weeks, I'm going to be ready to call him a bust. 250-300 yard QB, big athletic WR attracting a D, he's supposed to be "made" for this with his quickness and speed.