Avery, Burton provide glimpse into future
Could Avery/Burton some day be a worthy successor to Bruce/Holt? It’s a delicious thought for the Rams and their fans. The speedy rookie wideouts flashed considerable promise Saturday night in the 24-10 preseason victory over the Ravens:
*Donnie Avery had five catches for a team-high 65 yards; he also averaged 23.5 yards on two kickoff returns. The second-round draft pick sat out the first two preseason contests while recovering from a slight pelvic fracture.
*Keenan Burton caught three passes for 63 yards and scored on a 4-yard pass from Marc Bulger. The fourth-round draftee has five grabs for 74 yards in the preseason.
Both also displayed their inexperience at times. “I was very pleased with their work and effort,” coach Scott Linehan said. “It wasn’t perfect. They had their share of mistakes, but they also had their share of plays. I think they showed that they have . . . the ability to come out and step up and make plays. It was fun to watch them.”
And fun to think what the future might bring for the two youngsters.
<><><>
Notes & quotes:
>>The stout play of the defense, particularly the first-teamers, has LB Will Witherspoon excited. “Definitely there’s some momentum building in the unit,” he said. “Each time we go out there, every time we’re together, I think we’re getting just more and more cohesive.”
>>CB Tye Hill had a rough night, especially defending WR Derrick Mason. But Hill did make a couple of nice open-field tackles.
>>WR Marques Hagans took a big shot after a 7-yard reception but popped right back up.
>>The Rams’ leading tacklers in the preseason are veteran S Todd Johnson (16) and rookie LB Chris Chamberlain (15).
>>DE Leonard Little is first in sacks (2). “I think you’re seeing a little of the old 91, before his (toe) injury,” Linehan said. “He has that look in his eye.”
>>Linehan said he left QB Marc Bulger in for the last series of the first half, instead of going with Trent Green, so that Bulger could run the 2-minute drill. He directed a 12-play, 91-yard march that culminated with a 1-yard TD toss to RB Travis Minor with 27 seconds left before the break.
All for now . . .
The rookie wideouts look good. Drew Bennett looked the same as he has his whole time on St. Louis, BADDDD. I also like Minor & Ball. I hope Lineham, can fight himself and this year keep the best players, instead friends of Lineham, as Hancock expressed.
I agree, Bennett is garbage. I went down and watched the last 2 games and I’m not sure can’t recall any of his catches. I recall multiple passes going off his hands. We need to get these rookies acclimated and get one of them in there as the #2 reciever. The Rams made a big mistake picking Bennett up… I can only imagine the thoughts going through the heads of D backs who line up across from Bennett… they know they can lock him up and play a little help defense at the same time, considering he can’t catch. DA and Burton are the future and I personally am really excited about both of them. GO RAMS!
by the way… slotalk… its Linehan not Lineham
and when i said “I’m not sure can’t recall any of his catches,” I meant: I’m not sure I can recall any of his catches…
Linehan and Saunders….we’re watching you. You want us at the games…..do the right thing and cut Bennett now. It’s your job…here’s hoping you man up and do what’s necessary.
The Rams won’t cut Bennett too big of a cap hit. But SIT his butt!!, I’d rather see a Pittman line up as a wide out at least the defense would have to account for him, with Bennett they can just let him run free he won’t catch it any way.
I’m just shocked at how many WRs we’re trying out in the preseason. I think when you talk about slotting the starting WR roster you have to fill it out:
Wr:Holt,Avery
Slot:Burton
Keep Drew and Looker on the bench. Looker gives you that occasional grab. Dump Caldwell. Who gets another spot, though? Hall, I haven’t been comfortable with him or his health. I hear Stanley is supposed to be a decent talent. I don’t want to lose out on Stanley just to hols on to Hall. Haggans can go.
1. Holt
2. Avery
3. Burton
4. Stanley
5. Hagans
6. Hall
731. Bennett
913,561. Looker
How can Looker be lower than 4th?
How many key 3rd down catches has he made?
Bennett on the other hand is somewhere below my dog’s vomit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZiJSFy4gmg
Got your megaphone and hat?