Can the Rams do it with just four receivers?

by Ryan Van Bibber on Sep 9, 2009 9:08 AM CDT in Roster

So maybe you had better get used to this four receiver roster after all. As of now, all signs point to the St. Louis Rams opening the regular season in Seattle with just four receivers on the roster. It's been widely expected here and around the interwebs that they would most certainly add a receiver after cutting Nate Jones (and adding him to the practice squad) to clear space for DT LaJuan Ramsey and S Anthony Smith, a move that put them at their current total of just four WRs.

I'm still in benefit of the doubt mode for Spagnuolo and Co.. However, that seems a little risky with Donnie Avery just coming off a broken foot (he did play a couple series against the Chiefs last week though). The payroll might be figuring into the decision at this point, since any veteran WR they pick up now would get his contract guaranteed by being on the opening day roster. Wait a week and they're free to talk turkey with potential additions. They could also be waiting to see what Philly, with seven WRs on the roster, decides to do with Hank Baskett and Reggie Brown.

Let's get to the question of whether or not the Rams need more than four receivers. I think they do, especially given the injury history of Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton. Do they need a fifth guy in time for the Seattle game? That's another matter. Pat Shurmur's offense calls for plenty of two tight end sets. We'll also be treated to Steven Jackson lining up in the slot or out wide on some plays too, something we did not see in the preseason. Those players could be the key to matchups this week, since Seattle has a pretty good group of linebackers.

Don't expect four receivers to suffice as the season goes on.

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I hope we land

Hank Baskett. Since I’ve successfully lobbied the Kendra show on E! to count towards one of my wife’s “tv nights,” it’d be nice to see Mr. Kendra (Baskett) be talking about the Rams. Hot chick + a little side football talk about MY team = well played, Jeff. :)

I hope we land one of those Eagles’ castoffs, regardless—just makes sense to bring in one of those young guys who are so well acquainted with Shurmur’s offense.

by bigwood25 on Sep 9, 2009 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

How would they run a hail Mary at this point?

That’s usually 5 wide. I guess they’d move Jackson out. They really need to address this.

by BruinHalo on Sep 9, 2009 9:43 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

To me that doesn't seem to be that big of a deal.

The Rams shouldn’t need to be running a hail mary more than once or twice a game, and if they do need to run it more often they have much bigger problems.

by lackey41 on Sep 9, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Either one

From the Eagles are serviceable. Send the Hill pick for the receiver!

by 81 Witness on Sep 9, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions

I think after the first game

they will add another veteran receiver. Once their contracts aren’t guaranteed, they will come at a more reasonable price. Let’s cross our fingers for no injuries the first game.

by andyrose on Sep 9, 2009 10:36 AM CDT reply actions

Receiver to be acquired after Game 1

I agree with andyrose.

I would also add that Vanram answered this question in his own article. The Rams will use their tight ends more and use the backs as receivers.

Where did they invest in their talent pool if not with the WRs? Look at the DL … at last count 10 defensive linemen on the 53-man roster. The D-line is more important then our WRs at this point IMHO. WE MUST STOP THE RUN!

by Fullerton Rams Fan on Sep 9, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions