The Los Angeles Rams have done an excellent job of spreading the wealth among their variety of playmakers so far in the 2017 NFL season. Aside from running back Todd Gurley rightfully taking the lion’s share of the touches, the Rams versatile attack has transformed them into one of the best offenses in the league.
One of the players fans are glad to finally see making an impact is utility man Tavon Austin. The speedster has taken on a unique role within head coach Sean McVay’s new offense and has surely reaped the benefits thus far. As a result, McVay said during the Rams press conference that Austin’s role will likely increase deeper into the 2017 NFL season:
“Tavon is a guy that we’re going to continue to try to find ways to get the ball in his hands,” McVay said. “He poses a great threat, does a great job doing some different things whether it be at the receiver or the running back spot and he’s a guy that’s going to continue to get more work as we go.”
McVay’s comments are reassuring for Austin, especially with running back Lance Dunbar finally returning to from the PUP list. Dunbar possesses a similar skill set to the fifth-year veteran, however, it seems Austin and Malcolm Brown may have a firm hold as Gurley’s complimentary backs for now.
Austin has taken 25 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown while catching just seven passes for 34 yards so far this year. Although it may not have been the role fans had envisioned for him after signing a lucrative extension in the 2016 NFL season, he has obviously become one of McVay’s favorite weapons.
