Tavon Austin 'comfortable' in St. Louis Rams offense

The rookie season for Tavon Austin didn’t live up to the lofty expectations placed upon the No. 9 overall pick out of West Virginia, but heading into his second season with the St. Louis Rams, the electric wide receiver is much more comfortable in the offense.

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"“Toward the middle and the end (of the season) I probably started picking up on it,” Austin said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “That’s when I started having some big games. But for the most part, it’s all about the mental game, getting comfortable. I believe I’m comfortable now.”"

Coaches will tell you if you have to think on the football field then you aren’t playing as fast as you need to be or should be and that was the biggest problem for Austin last year. One of the fastest players in the draft last year, Austin struggled for much of his rookie season as he tried to digest the playbook and understand the mental aspect of the game.

Trying to simplify things for Austin and get the ball in his hands early and put him in space where his speed and acceleration can be a weapon this year is the focus for head coach Jeff Fisher the remainder of the preseason and into the regular season.

“We just have to give him the ball,” Fisher said. “Give him the ball in space, because we all know what he can do with it. And so we’re doing some different things. Probably won’t show a whole lot in the preseason, but I’ve (sic) very pleased with where he’s at right now.”

Austin had 40 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns last year and one carry for a 65-yard touchdown last year. He also had one punt return for a score and averaged 22.1 yards per kick return.

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Tavon Austin growing more comfortable in St. Louis Rams offense

By Patrick Schmidt | Aug 14, 2014