Rams to Experiment With Quartet in Backfield

Oct 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) hands the ball off to St. Louis Rams running back Zac Stacy (30) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Tre Mason and Tavon Austin now provide Rams with a diverse set of options in the backfield

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What once looked like a Zac Stacy-dominated backfield is now crowded, as the St. Louis Rams used rookie Tre Mason and wide receiver Tavon Austin during Monday night’s 31-17 loss to the 49ers. Add the presence of Bennie Cunningham, and veteran coach Jeff Fisher now has a variety of options.

While Stacy was held to just 17 yards on eight carries (he also had 17 yards receiving), the Rams were able to get production from Mason, who made his pro debut. The third round pick and Heisman Trophy finalist, Mason had missed the first five weeks of the season, yet left a solid impression by rushing for 40 yards on eight carries. Mason is envisioned by the Rams as a change-of-pace runner whose explosive speed can be utilized as both a runner and receiver.

Austin has been used as a runner, but the fact he was lined up in the backfield with the intent to run inside was a surprise. He finished with just five yards on three carries, yet his value will continue to come from the Rams’ ability to use his speed on sweeps, reverses and screen passes.

Cunningham gained the ire of many a Stacy owner in Fantasy football, as he scored the game’s first touchdown with a 1-yard run in the first quarter. Regarded as the prime backup to Stacy, Cunningham could also see an uptick in his touches.

The Rams will continue to experiment with the quartet over the course of the season, making them an intriguing unit to watch.

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