NFL Week 10: Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams-What to Watch
By Grizz.
The Third Dimension
Try to envision Devin Hester high-stepping down the sideline on his way to not his first, but instead his second special teams touchdown against the St. Louis Rams. Fast forward from 2006 to present day, and the sour taste of this erroneous special teams unit lingers in every Bears fan’s mouth.
Nov 24, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) reacts after a his touchdown punt return is called bag during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Chicago 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nowadays, the Rams have their own lethal returner in third year pro, Tavon Austin. Austin is the perfect compact mix of speed, elusiveness, and creativity. Currently tied atop the
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs onto the field before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sportsleague leader boards in punt return touchdowns, and in the top ten in average yards per return, Austin is a threat to take any kick back for six.
league leader boards in punt return touchdowns, and in the top ten in average yards per return, Austin is a threat to take any kick back for six.
Leaving his dual offensive threat skill set aside, Austin is someone who can make any gunner miss, and breakaway from the pack in an instant – he must be accounted for on every punt.
With an abysmal special teams unit, the one consistent throughout the season has been place kicker, Robbie Gould. Gould had an odd outing this past Monday as he missed not one, but two very in-reach field goal attempts. Look for Robbie to get back on track, and lock in his accuracy issues.
Tavon Austin in his entirety is worth the price of admission. The Bears special teams unit must muster up their best performance of the regular season in order to contain Austin, and make sure that the St. Louis Rams are not starting every drive with excellent field position.
Be on the lookout to see how Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers approaches this matchup, and if he respects Tavon Austin’s talents enough to kick away from him, or to attack fire with fire come this Sunday.
Next: All For The Team