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St. Louis Rams Wide Reciver Brandon Gibson and 3rd Down Conversions

By Eric Nagel
May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) catches a ball during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE
May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) catches a ball during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

As much as I like Brandon Gibson for coming out of Wash. St. (go Cougs!), I can't shake the glaring fact that his best games normally come in the preseason. Even with four receivers drafted in the last two years, he still has a chance to make the team based off of a stat that was brought to my attention by Mike Sando.

You see, Brandon Gibson had one of the best third down conversion rates in the NFC West. His percentage of 45.8%, while nothing to write home about, was still better than the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Lloyd, Sidney Rice and Vernon Davis. In fact, his rate was third highest in the division.

His best conversion distances were 6-9 yards (5 for 12) and 10+ yards (4 for 7). While the Rams ranked dead last in overall third down conversion rate, you can't help but think they might want to keep Gibson on board as a backup given the fact that he moved the chains better than any receiver last year on the team.

Food for thought.

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