1-0, sorta.
The Rams are undefeated in division play this year. They will look to continue their strong play against division rivals against the Arizona Cardinals this week.
So, without further fuss, here are your Rams players to watch during Week 4.
WR Tavon Austin
It may be year three for Tavon Austin, but it's better late than never for the former No. 8 overall pick. Tavon has been playing into a sort of groove of late. Last week, Tay played in 84-percent of the offensive snaps and caught the five passes thrown his way for 38 yards. He added on three punt returns for 32 yards, with a long of 20 yards. Not eye-popping numbers, yet still a sign of improvement for the former Mountaineer. In Week 2, he added on 40 rushing yards on four attempts. Austin did his damage in the return game versus Seattle, taking a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. Throw in his rushing score as well.
The product may not always result in a win, but Austin is finally producing weekly. He finally has at least one play per game where he can take it to the house. Offensive Coordinator Frank Cignetti has shown the ability to put Tavon in positions to strive. All that as to happen is Austin making the plays.
The Other Side Of The Coin
The Other Side Of The Coin
WR Kenny Britt
After a slow start to his season, the Kenny Britt Show emerged in Week 3 to the tune of seven catches for 102 yards. Solid numbers, especially for an anemic offense looking for a cure.
Britt's task will not be easy this week. The Cardinals boast a secondary with Patrick Peterson and the "honey badger" Tyrann Mathieu. Luckily the Rams have a decent decoy option in Tavon Austin to clear paths for other players like Britt.
Kenny will not have to surpass the 100-yard again this week, but substitute in a touchdown and his day will be productive.
LG Jamon Brown
It was a known fact the offensive line was going to take some time to gel together. And while rookie Rob Havenstein has struggled a bit more at right tackle, Jamon "Ham" Brown has made left guard his own.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jamon scored an overall grade of +4.6 last week against the Steelers. This is evident by how he stood up against Cam Heyward. He kept Heyward off of quarterback Nick Foles and away from the running back on multiple occasions. TST's very own "RamBuck" illustrated both very well in his piece.
Brown will have his hands full again with Arizona's savvy veteran Calais Campbell. He represents a step up in quality, possessing the ability to rush the passer. If Jamon can hold up against Campbell, it will be safe to say we have something special in the third round lineman out of Louisville.
TE Jared Cook
In the Week 1 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Cook had five receptions for 85 yards – by far the Rams best receiving option that week. In the subsequent games, Cook's production took a downward trajectory. In the two losing games, Cook put up six catches for 54 yards. This type of production is common for Cook. We have seen Jared put up good, respectable, sometimes even elite numbers, to only follow up with a couple flops.
It is those lost opportunities that have dragged the Rams down in their losses. Cook has to do his part to not have those dropped passes.
CB Janoris Jenkins
Janoris held his assignment in check for the most part against the Steelers. Antonio Brown did have 11 catches and 108 yards, but his longest catch was for 19 yards. Jenkins did not have his patented mental lapse. He did not blow his coverage. He had a solid game.
Mr. "Strip Club Ready" will need replicate his play this week against a re-surging Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has 23 catches for 333 yards along with five touchdowns so far this season.He ranks eighth in catches, fifth in yards, and first in TDs respectfully. It will be up to Jenkins and his fellow corners, Trumaine Johnson and LaMarcus Joyner, to keep Larry quiet. Throw Michael Floyd and John Brown into the mix and it becomes more of a sticky situation.