Sam Bradford, who suffered a high left ankle sprain sprain last week against the Green Bay Packers, is listed as questionable against the Dallas Cowboys.

Don’t expect Bradford to suit up.

High ankle sprains are serious injuries. They are more serious for running backs and wide receivers, who have to plant off those ankles more often, but they are still painful even for quarterbacks. Typically, NFL players can be back on the field between two to four weeks after the injury, but it’s much longer before they are 100 percent healthy.

Saying that Sam Bradford won’t suit up is in no way questioning his toughness. Come on, the guy has taken a league-high 22 sacks already this season and has gotten back up every time. He needs to sit so that he doesn’t make the injury any worse.

The St. Louis Rams organization needs to make this call for him. If it’s up to Sam Bradford, he’s playing. Bradford is the future at quarterback for this Rams team. There’s no need to jeopardize this guy’s long-term health for a single game. There will be way more important games down the line than trying to earn your first win against a tough Cowboys team.

If Bradford sits, 34-year-old A.J. Feeley will start in his place. Last week’s game against the Packers was the first time Feeley had attempted a pass in a regular-season game since 2007. That’s a four-season stretch where this guy has done nothing but hold a clipboard.

The good news for the Rams is that at least they would be playing a seasoned veteran who has been around the league. The bad news is that A.J. Feeley has a career 69.3 passer rating with a 27 to 29 touchdown to interception ratio.

While Sam Bradford is clearly the better option at quarterback, it’s simply not wise to put him out on the field this week. He will be severely hobbled by the ankle injury, and it’s not going to get any better by taking more punishment. Even if it may be the same effect as forfeiting the game, the Rams should give A.J. Feeley the nod at quarterback. 

With a late lead to protect, the Redskins’ defenders were
grinning.

They knew they could step up when the punchless Rams suddenly
made it a game.

Ryan Torain ran for 135 yards and a 20-yard score, and
Washington overcame a potentially devastating late turnover with
two of its seven sacks, as Stephen Bowen and Brian Orakpo made
plays that backed St. Louis out of scoring position in a 17-10
victory Sunday.

“It’s go time. Hey, somebody make a play,” Orakpo said.
“Everybody’s looking in each other’s eyes, and we’re smiling and
we’re ready to go. We were able to do it and get off the
field.”

The Redskins (3-1) roll into their bye week looking like NFC
East contenders, the only loss by two points Monday night to the
Cowboys.

“I’m disappointed we’re not 4-0, but you’ve got to get over
those things,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “The key is to win and the
key is to get better every week.”

James Laurinaitis’ interception and 15-yard return of an
underthrown pass from Rex Grossman had given St. Louis (0-4) the
ball at the Washington 19 with about five minutes remaining. The
Rams went in reverse with an illegal shift on first down, Bowen’s
sack for a 10-yard loss on second and Orakpo’s sack for a 5-yard
loss on third down. That left them with fourth-and-30 and a punt
from the Redskins 39.

“I thought we were going to score,” quarterback Sam Bradford
said. “I thought we were going to tie the game. I thought our
defense was going to get another stop, and I thought we were going
to win the game in a two-minute drive.

“We’ve got to find a way.”

Washington is 3-1 for the first time since 2008.

Orakpo had 2 1/2 sacks and Bowen added 1 1/2 for the Redskins,
who totaled eight sacks the first three games. Washington shut out
its opponent in the first half for the first time since the opener
last year against the Cowboys.

Torain, who missed the first two games with a broken left hand
and had no touches in Week 3, stepped in for a banged-up Tim
Hightower and had a 39-yard carry to set up a field goal in the
third quarter. It’s his fourth career 100-yard game.

“Every single game they’re always telling me to be ready, stay
focused and keep working hard,” Torain said. “I finally got that
opportunity to get out there and make some plays.”

Steven Jackson scored on a 15-yard reception in the fourth for
the Rams, who trailed 17-0 after three quarters. St. Louis also has
a bye next week.

“I’m not going to lie,” Bradford said. “It’s getting
frustrating.”

The Rams have allowed 18 sacks on the year. Players were booed
off the field at halftime for the second straight week. By the time
they showed some signs of life, many fans had already hit the
road.

St. Louis was supposed to contend in the NFC West after a
six-win improvement last season to 7-9 but has regressed in Year 3
under coach Steve Spagnuolo, who is 8-28 overall. The Rams have
been outscored 41-0 in the first half the last two games and 79-16
in the half overall. They didn’t top 100 yards total offense
against the Redskins until the fourth quarter.

“I definitely understand our fans’ frustrations. There were a
lot of high expectations with this team,” Jackson said. “I don’t
think the season is written off quite yet, but I’m disappointed,
too.”

Santana Moss scored on a 6-yard catch from Grossman, and Torain
was untouched until a step from the goal line on his scoring run,
only his second carry of the year.

Justin King’s 50-yard interception return on a ball that went
through Moss’ hands put the Rams at the Washington 31 and set up
their first score. They settled for a field goal after rookie Lance
Kendricks dropped a pass in the end zone.

NOTES: Chris Cooley’s 427th reception, a 4-yarder in the first
half, tied Mike Ditka for 18th on the tight end career list. …
Rams OG Jacob Bell (hamstring) was sidelined in the first half. DT
Gary Gibson injured his right hip in the first half, but returned.
TE Michael Hoomanawanui took a blow to the head, but the Rams did
not have a diagnosis. … Shanahan is 3-4 against the Rams and beat
them on the road for the first time. … Jackson has scored 56
touchdowns, breaking a tie with Elroy Hirsch for fifth on the
franchise list.

ST. LOUIS — Running back Ryan Torain rushed for 135 yards and one touchdown as the Washington Redskins held off the St. Louis Rams 17-10 Sunday before 56,113 fans at the Edward Jones Dome.

The Rams fell to 0-4 heading into their bye week. The Redskins improved to 3-1.

The Rams entered the fourth quarter trailing 17-0.

The Rams finally got on the scoreboard on a 32-yard field goal by Josh Brown with 10:09 left in the fourth quarter.

Cornerback Justin King, much-maligned after giving up three touchdown passes in the first quarter last week against the Baltimore Ravens, intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards to the Washington 31.

A pass to Danario Alexander along with an unnecessary roughness penalty at the end of the play gave the Rams a first-and-goal from the Washington 3.

However, they had to settle for the field goal after left tackle Rodger Saffold was flagged for a holding penalty and rookie tight end Lance Kendricks dropped a pass in the end zone.

The Rams closed the gap to 17-10 on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford to Steven Jackson with 5:45 left in the game.

Jackson’s TD catch capped off a 10 plays, 60-yard drive.

The Rams got the ball back when middle linebacker James Laurinaitis intercepted Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman and returned the ball to the Washington 19.

A 5-yard illegal shift penalty and then back-to-back sacks of Bradford forced the Rams to punt.

The Rams got the ball back at their 28 with 3:20 left. They turned the ball over on downs with 2:11 to go after failing to move the ball past their own 39.

The Redskins were able to run out the clock after Torain picked up a first down with a four-yard gain on third-and-3.

Bradford completed 20 of 43 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked seven times.

Redskins pad lead with field goal in the third quarter

Washington kicker Graham Gano kicked a 38-yard field goal as the Redskins increased their lead to 17-0 over the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter.

Gano’s field goal came at the end of an eight-play, 82-yard drive on the opening possession of the second half.

The third quarter brought more frustration for the Rams’ offense, which produced minus-4 yards in the period.

The Rams reported that tight end Michael Hoomanawanui left the game in the second quarter after taking a blow to the head. His return was questionable.

Redskins go up 14-0 in the second quarter

Running back Ryan Torian had a 20-yard touchdown run as the Redskins led the Rams 14-0 Sunday at halftime.

The Rams were in field goal range when right tackle Jason Smith was called for a 15-yard personal foul for grabbing a face mask.

On the next play — third-and-22 — Bradford fumbled as he was being sacked by rookie Ryan Kerrigan.

The loose ball was recovered by Washington’s Barry Cofield at the St. Louis 44.

Three plays later, Torian ran around the left side for a touchdown.

Rams fans booed when tight end Lance Kendricks and center Jason Brown were called for back-to-back false-start penalties on a drive late in the second quarter, but the boos really came cascading down as the team ran off the field at the end of the second quarter.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford completed 10 of 18 passes for 73 yards in the first half.

Rams running back Steven Jackson had 14 carries for 42 yards.

Redskins take 7-0 lead in the first quarter

Rex Grossman threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss as the Redskins led the 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Grossman threw to Moss, who’d cut across the end zone to catch the ball before going out of bounds on a third-and-4 play from the St. Louis 6 with 3:06 left in the opening quarter.

The touchdown capped an 11-play, 69-yard drive.

The Rams managed only three first downs in the first quarter. Rams wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker was booed by the fans after dropping two passes on the same offensive series.

Left guard Jacob Bell suffered a left hamstring injury, while defensive tackle Gary Gibson suffered a right hip injury. Both players’ return was questionable.

Norwood is surprise inactive

Running back Jerious Norwood was the lone surprise among the St. Louis Rams’ inactives for their game against the Washington Redskins.

Running back Quinn Porter, a first-year player signed off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad a couple of weeks ago, was active instead of Norwood.

Porter is capable of returning kicks.

As expected, wide receiver Danny Amendola, who has beens sidelined with a dislocated elbow, was inactive.

Also inactive for the Rams were: wide receiver Greg Salas, defensive end C.J. Ah You, cornerback Ron Hood, linebacker Jabara Williams and tight end Stephen Spach.

As St. Louis prepares to travel to New York to face the Giants on Monday Night Football, the Rams must succeed in six key areas to come back to Missouri with a win and some momentum before facing the Baltimore Ravens at the Edward Jones Dome on September 25.  

In week one versus the Philadelphia Eagles, known by some as the “dream team,” St. Louis walked off the field with a 31-13 loss.  

The outcome could have been much different if:

-Lance Kendricks catches a wide open pass near the goal line that would have almost certainly ended in a touchdown.  Net result: -4.

-Billy Bajema does not false start on 2nd and goal from the one-yard line.  Net result: -4.

-Sam Bradford does not fumble the ball that ended in a touchdown for Philadelphia.  Net result: -10 to -14.

-Josh Brown makes the 47-yard field goal that he missed: Net result: -3.  

Those four plays alone resulted in -21 to -25.  

Those plays only told part of the story, however.  The Rams accumulated six drops and nine penalties against the Eagles.  Both areas must be cleaned up to find success Monday night at New York.  

Furthermore, St. Louis failed to contain Michael Vick on several occasions.

The Rams failed to keep the Eagles from going deep in the passing game.   

Finally, Steven Jackson went down for the day after two runs.  

Although backup runner Cadillac Williams played terrific, he is no Steven Jackson.  The Rams clearly missed his leadership, energy, and the attention he demands from the opponents’ defense.

Looking back, the game could have had a different outcome.   

I gave five keys for the Rams to come up with a win versus Philly in week 1. 

1. Contain Michael Vick: Major fail.  Vick ran for 98 yards rushing and the Rams failed to maintain the right edge on one occasion allowing Vick to convert on a key third and 18 play with his feet.

2. Keep the Eagles from getting deep: Fail. DeSean Jackson beat Ron Bartell over the top for a big play early in the game, and ended up with six catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.

3. Experienced Josh McDaniels versus new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo: Mixed review. Castillo had not coached defense at any level since 1995.  McDaniels is known as one of the better offensive coordinators in the game. 

The Rams only managed to put up 13-points, however, on the day.  The results could have been much different if not for a half dozen drops, a missed field goal, a fumble in the red zone, and a false start on second and goal at the one. 

4. Attack the middle of the field: Mixed review.  The Rams did a good job of attacking the middle, the problem was–they couldn’t catch the ball.  Lance Kendicks, Greg Salas, Brandon Gibson, and the sure-handed Danny Amendola all dropped balls in the middle of the field.  The plan and execution were fine but without the catches it was all for nought.

5. Run, run, run.  Pass.  The Rams ran for 154 yards against the Eagles.  Even after Steven Jackson went down after just two carries, St. Louis ran well.  Cadillac Williams, the Rams backup running back, ran for 9-yards and filled in admirably. 

Out of five keys, the Rams passed in only one area and left the field with a loss to open the season.

In looking ahead to the Monday night matchup in New York, I believe there are six areas that the Rams must successfully scratch off their to-do list to come home to St. Louis from the Big Apple victorious.

1. Run defense: Coach Steve Spagnuolo blamed “gap integrity” for the Rams’ generous run defense against Tennessee last week. He will be looking for improvement in this game. Veteran linebackers Ben Leber and Brady Poppinga are joining James Laurinaitis in the starting lineup for the first time since signing with the team this summer. I would expect them to remain in the lineup, most likely, for the regular season. It’s important for them to get some time together in game situations before the regular-season opener against Philadelphia. Poppinga, 31, missed 10 games to a knee injury while with Green Bay last season. He started 15 games in 2007 and has subsequently seen his totals decline each season (12 in 2008, three in 2009 and one last season). The Rams held up well against Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles last season until allowing an 80-yard run. Kansas City led the NFL in rushing yards, so this should be a good test while the starters are on the field.

2. Offensive consistency. The Rams opened their most recent preseason game with an 83-yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford to Brandon Gibson. The starters went to sleep on offense from that point forward. Steven Jackson found little room to run. Bradford took some big hits. The Rams will be looking for more consistency in this game. Their starting offensive line will be back together with left guard Jacob Bell’s expected return from injury. Getting that group some time together will be welcome for the Rams.

3. Wide receiver competition. There should be time for Rams coaches to work backup receivers into the rotation while the starting offense is still on the field. Donnie Avery, Mardy Gilyard and Danario Alexander are the ones most likely fighting for a roster spot at this time, in my view. Avery and Gilyard appear to have the best chance in part because Alexander’s chronic knee problems raise questions about his ability to hold up over time. Avery and Gilyard also made more of their opportunities in the game against Tennessee. Both need to play well, however, because the team could always bring back Mark Clayton once Clayton’s surgically repaired knee has healed sufficiently.

Although it was just a preseason game, last Saturday’s
performance by the St. Louis Rams gave players, coaches and fans a
reason to be optimistic about the 2011 NFL season.

The Rams had plenty of encouraging signs in a 33-10 victory over
Indianapolis.

“I thought the guys came out and did pretty well. There’s no
on-off switches, it should always be on. It doesn’t matter who you
play, whether it’s preseason or regular season,” said Rams Head
Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “What was really good to see was in the
second half when the young guys were out there, I thought the
veterans on the sideline were really into it. That says a lot about
the vets, a lot about the team and how we’re coming together.”

Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning did not play in the contest,
nor did Rams’ running back Steven Jackson.

Many of the Rams’ newcomers stood out.

On the third play from scrimmage, safety Quintin Mikell
intercepted a pass, which set up a touchdown.

“It’s good to come out and get some turnovers in the first game
and play physical,” said Mikell. “That’s really what we wanted to
do was play physical and get some turnovers.”

On the ensuing drive, Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford hit rookie
tight end Lance Kendricks for a six-yard touchdown pass to give the
home team the lead for good.

Kendricks finished the game with five catches for 47 yards and
one touchdown.

“The thing about Lance, the one he remembers is the one he
dropped. That’s the kind of guy he is,” said Spagnuolo. “He’s been
getting a lot of reps in practice. I like to see him have success
in the game.”

With Jackson not playing, backup running backs Cadillac Williams
and Jerious Norwood, both newcomers, had solid performances.

Williams carried the ball 11 times for 40 yards and scored one
touchdown. Norwood rushed for 37 yards on eight attempts.

“Cadillac hit some seams and kept some drives going,” said
Spagnuolo. “There’s certain things that Jerious does that fit what
we do.”

Keith Toston rushed for 64 yards on 11 carries.

“There’s some pressure on me, but I just got to get in and play
my game,” said Toston. “I just take the carries I get and run to
the best of my ability.”

Making a difference on the offensive line was right guard Harvey
Dahl, a free agent signing who previously played for Atlanta.

“It felt good to get that out of the way and take some live
bullets and go hit somebody beside our own teammates,” said Dahl.
“We had good communication and put the ball in the end zone a
couple of times.”

Bradford played 24 snaps, completing 7 of 12 passes for 45 yards
and one touchdown.

“It was nice to come out and put two touchdowns on the board,”
said Bradford. “I thought we did some really good things. Our line
played great early.”

The Rams’ defense had three interceptions and held the Colts to
just one touchdown.

“We did well to start the game. We got a couple of turnovers
early,” said Rams safety Craig Dahl. “Guys just came together and
communicated well and played off each other.”

The highlight of the game was a 60-yard field goal by Rams
kicker Josh Brown on the final play of the first half.

“I don’t think I could have pulled him off the field. He was
running out there before I even said to kick the field goal,” said
Spagnuolo.

“(Spagnuolo) looked at me and (asked) ‘Do you want to kick it?’
Absolutely, why wouldn’t I?” said Brown. “(Spagnuolo) was like ‘I
can’t say no when you’re already halfway out there,’ so I kept
running.”

Brown was confident he could hit the field goal from
midfield.

“We’re indoors and we had an opportunity. It’s good that the
coaches see that I’m still capable of hitting a ball that long,”
said Brown. “I hit a lot this week over 60. Go figure, you know?
It’s not something that you practice very often, but we had a deep
day, that we called it, that everything was 50 plus. It pays off to
be able to practice that once a week. I think the fans really got
into the moment. They really wanted to see it.”

Spagnuolo put the win in perspective.

“Peyton Manning didn’t play. That would have made a difference
I’m sure. Some of their defensive guys weren’t out there. I know we
had some guys out, but I don’t want to get too excited,” said
Spagnuolo. “I’m happy for the guys. If you look at two solid weeks
they’ve been going through, it’s nice to feel this kind of
enjoyment. We’ll get it out of our system and move on.”

The Rams return to the Edward Jones Dome to play Tennessee
Saturday at 7 p.m.

Read More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams

From our Buccaneers affiliate, Bucs Nation:

“It is official now: Cadillac Williams is signing with the St. Louis Rams. Williams will share a backfield with Steven Jackson and Jerious Norwood in St. Louis. The fifth overall pick in the 2005 draft has been solid when on the field, but injuries have marred his career. After rushing for 1,178 yards as a rookie, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and setting a rookie record by rushing for 434 yards in his first three games, Cadillac never approached that form again. 

Four games into his sophomore season, Cadillac Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee that had people wondering whether he could ever return. Surprisingly, Cadillac did return – only to suffer a torn patellar tendon in his other knee in the 2008 season finale. Despite that, he returned for the start of the 2009 season and managed to wrest the starting job from Derrick Ward’s grasp. Cadillac was the main running back for the Bucs in the dismal 2009 season, but looked pretty competent that year. Unfortunately, he appears to have lost much of his skill and did not look like a competent runner anymore in 2010. 

That is why losing Cadillac Williams will hurt the Bucs passing game, but shouldn’t really affect the ground game. As a starter in 2010, Cadillac rushed for a paltry 2.96 yards per carry. While he improved on that number when he moved to a third-down role, it’s clear that Cadillac can no longer carry a ground game. But as a pass-blocker and pass-catcher, Cadillac was invaluable to the Bucs. In fact, he caught the winning touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the waning seconds of that game last season. It’s ironic that the exact team he beat last year is the new he is now playing for, and it’s a shame the Bucs will not see him on the field next year. 

We will miss you, Cadillac. Have a good career.”

Bucs Nation writer, Sander

ST. LOUIS (AP)—While the St. Louis Rams wait for top pick Robert Quinn(notes) to
recover from a knee injury, their second-rounder is fitting in nicely.

Tight end Lance Kendricks(notes) has been working with the first unit.

The former Wisconsin star said coming out of a complicated system in college
has helped him pick up new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ playbook pretty
quickly. He has both size and speed at 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds and with a 4.49
40-yard dash time, so could stretch defenses from the middle of the field.

“I’m kind of used to the terminology and lingo. They’re kind of the same,
so I try to take the similarities and apply them,” McDaniels said.

The Rams’ top pass-catching tight end last season, Daniel Fells(notes), signed with
the Broncos. Quarterback Sam Bradford’s(notes) favorite target this summer was Billy
Bajema(notes), given both are from Oklahoma City, but Bajema is more of a blocking
tight end with only 14 receptions last season.

Kendricks has the potential to be both, and more. Already in training camp,
he’s also lined up at fullback and in the slot.

“Kind of like I did in college. I’m used to that, which is good,”
Kendricks said. “I’m picking up the offense a lot better than I thought I
would.”

Not acting much like a rookie, either.

“I’m trying not to get nervous or anything, just get out there and act like
it’s college all over again and just be calm,” Kendricks said. “That’s how you
do it.”

Bradford has been impressed with Kendrick’s energy level and his physical
play.

“I think he’s probably taken more reps than anyone in our offense,”
Bradford said. “It seems like every time I look out there he’s in there.”

Coach Steve Spagnuolo said earlier in the week that Quinn, a defensive end
from North Carolina who was the 14th pick of the draft, could be on the field
soon. Quinn injured the right knee earlier this summer.

“I think the knee’s coming around, there’s a little bit of conditioning
we’ve got left to do,” Spagnuolo said after practice Tuesday night. “He’s
chomping at the bit to go, but we’re kind of pulling him back now.”

Before training camp, McDaniels said he might have to scale back things at
the start and ease players into an offense they’ve never run because of the
lockout. The lack of two-a-days is another reason.

“I think we’ve got to try to force them to learn, and they want to learn,”
McDaniels said. “We’ll push and see how quickly they can learn and pick it up,
and if we need to halt things a little bit then we’ll do it.”

McDaniels didn’t think training camp would necessarily be a lot more
difficult for young players.

“I think that they’ll learn what we want to do here and hopefully pick it
up quickly,” McDaniels said. “To me, they’re all new, so I’ve got that
advantage in terms of looking at them with a fresh set of eyes, seeing what they
can do and hopefully putting them in a great position to succeed.”

Kendricks’ college numbers weren’t eye-popping, just 62 catches for 914
yards and six touchdowns as an occasional threat at a school that’s a lot bigger
on the run. Wisconsin averaged 221 yards rushing last season, but Kendricks had
back-to-back 100-yard games as a senior against Arizona State and Austin Peay.

Perhaps the biggest challenge thus far for Kendricks has been the heat and
humidity. The temperature was in triple digits for the first full-pad workout
Monday.

“If I had to say anything about it, it would have to be perseverance,”
Kendricks said. “You’ve got to come out here with your mind right and ready to
go. Definitely an eye-opener.”

Cornerback Ron Bartell(notes) sprained his left ankle covering rookie wide receiver
Greg Salas(notes), but walked to the trainer’s room and after X-rays Spagnuolo
characterized the injury as mild.

Players are getting the day off Wednesday, a planned break in the schedule
to avoid further soft-tissue injuries. Bradford had a long work day planned.

“My day off? Film and study,” Bradford said. “I’ve got to try to stay
ahead.”

By Kevin McCauley

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Jul 30, 2011 – The St. Louis Rams have finally inked their first round pick Robert Quinn, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Rams training camp started today, so the team will be anxious to get their new defensive end on the field as soon as possible. Quinn had some issues with his former agent and recently signed a new one, which complicated his situation. Though rules have complicated his signing, Quinn and the Rams have agreed to a deal and he will be practicing with the team soon.

Quinn was the 14th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and he should give the Rams some much needed help at defensive end. Though rookie QB Sam Bradford had the Rams on the brink of a playoff berth, albeit out of the weak NFC West, there’s no question that their pass rush needed some serious help.

The investigation into violations at North Carolina kept Quinn off the field in 2010, but he put up an impressive 11 sacks in 2009 for the Tar Heels. For more on Quinn’s signing and the St. Louis Rams, check out SB Nation’s Rams blog Turf Show Times.

Read More: Robert Quinn (DE – STL), St. Louis Rams

Initially, my reaction mirrored many of your reactions, according to various message boards: I hated the pick. 

After all, I had my mind set on a running back or a receiver.  If not one of those, perhaps a pick to fill another need at defensive tackle, safety, outside linebacker, or guard. 

With that said, I began to later open my mind to the pick, and, looking further into it, liked it more and more.

The New England Patriots got 87 receptions and 16 touchdowns from young tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez last season.  New offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, formerly the OC of the Patriots, reportedly plans to use his tight ends similarly to the Patriots of 2010.

As Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported,

“McDaniels wants to make use of two tight-end sets and is excited by the thought of putting Kendricks and Hoomanawanui on the field at the same time to exploit mismatches and create space for the outside receivers.”

Anything that would create space for the outside receivers would have certainly been welcomed here in 2010, as receivers generally struggled to get consistent separation.  Although the receiving corps looks to be improved going into 2011, we don’t have an Isaac Bruce or Torry Holt on the roster (that we know of), and any help in creating space and separation is certainly desirable. 

As Michael Hoomanawanui said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

“The proof is there…What New England‘s done with their tight ends, hopefully we can do that this year.”

Opinions on Kendricks, and how we will be utilized for the Rams, vary widely.  

Many have viewed Kendricks as a receiver pretending to play tight end.  Some believe he is an H-back type.  Others view his as a tweener, caught somewhere between being a true tight end and a true receiver.  Still others think he will be fine lining up primarily in traditional tight end sets, like the similarly sized Shannon Sharpe did, and excelling in the pass game while proving adequate as a blocker.

In all honesty, there’s something to be said for all of these views.  In all probability, he will be used in a myriad of ways for the Rams.  

From aol.sportingnews.com, Devaney said:

“We think (Kendricks) will be a valuable (contributor) in this offense. He’s really athletic. He’s got great hands. Extremely smart. He can run. You can use him in a lot of ways—on the line, off the line, in the backfield. There’s a lot of areas where we can use the guy.” 

When he does line up on the line, he will have to prove that he can handle blocking responsibilities against bigger defensive ends and, in some cases, bigger linebackers.

Of course, it won’t be blocking that earns Kendricks a big second contract- it’s his skill-set in the passing game that will always be his bread and butter.  However, he could and needs to be solid as a blocker.  His value will only be enhanced if he can show himself to be a solid blocker on the line. 

The Rams will likely use him off the line, too, a la Patriots receiving tight end Aaron Hernandez, who excelled in that role last season.   

A best-case scenario, if used primarily in traditional ways as an in-line TE, would see Kendricks developing into a Shannon Sharpe type: a tweener in size who battles in the blocking game adequately but excels in the passing game.

Kendricks possesses good speed, (his best time being a 4.5 40), and quickness.  Those attributes will help him get open against linebackers and DB’s.

 With McDaniels wanting to put Kendricks on the field with Big Mike, look for him to make an impact as a rookie, assuming he picks up the offense and performs as expected in camp, while being utilized in a variety of ways.  

 Expectations:

-Chances to See Field in 2011: 10/10

-Projected Impact in 2011: Kendricks should be rather noisy in 2011. Look for him to contribute to the passing attack.  Also, don’t be surprised to even see him (or Fendi Onobun) occasionally if the Rams go five wide, looking to exploit match-up problems against smaller DB’s in dime, quarter, and dollar coverages.

-Projected Long-Term Impact: Kendricks should be a staple in Rams passing game for years to come, averaging 40+ catches a year.

-Has Been Compared With: Dustin Keller, Aaron Hernandez, and Owen Daniels

(For a detailed look at fellow Rams tight end Fendi Onobun and his chances to follow the footsteps of fellow hooper to NFL tight end, please go to: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/762039-st-louis-rams-will-onobun-take-autobahn-to-stardom-like-gates-and-gonzalez).