Rams excited about Tavon Austin moving forward

It took a little while to get things figured out – not to mention a late-season coaching change at offensive coordinator in 2015 – but Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin appears on track for a breakout season in 2016.

In 2015 – Austin’s third year with the Rams – the former eighth pick overall from West Virginia posted career highs in pass receptions (52 for 474 yards) and with 434 yards rushing on 52 attempts for a 8.4 yards per carry average.

The key is building on that momentum, which the Rams hope to do with a full season under offensive coordinator Rob Boras and new passing game coordinator Mike Groh.

“I think, from Tavon’s standpoint, he has done everything we have asked of him,” said Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. “I think we have to do more as a staff to get him the football. I think you saw that late in the season, when Tavon got the touches, in addition to the punt returns. I think he’s one of the most dangerous returners in the league, and he has proven that. We’ve had some called back, but I would hate to punt the ball in the field of play with him being there, if I was playing against him.

“I think from that standpoint, we have to do whatever we can do to get him the football. Keep in mind, there’s only one brown ball and we’ve got good players on offense. But I think the combination of Tavon and Todd (Gurley) and the rest of the guys, I think it provides us an opportunity to be very explosive opportunity.”