Last year, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford didn’t have much in the way of weapons. That’s something coach Jeff Fisher hasn’t been afraid to acknowledge.
And while Bradford never complained about the lack of a supporting case in 2012, he’s praising the tools he’ll have in 2013.
“I’ve been waiting for this, just wanting to see this offense succeed and maybe do some things we haven’t been able to in the past,” Bradford told Nate Davis of USA Today.
“Defenses are going to have to choose who they pay attention to,” Bradford added. “There’s just a sense of speed now, where in the past we might have had speed at one position but no true burners.”
The most significant arrivals are free-agent tight end Jared Cook and receiver Tavon Austin, a first-round pick for whom the Rams traded up to No. 8. Holdovers Austin Pettis, Chris Givens, and Brian Quick are complemented by third-round rookie Stedman Bailey. Throw in left tackle Jake Long, and Bradford should have more time to throw.
“We know what we’re capable of and what we did in our division last year,” Bradford said. “If we play at our true potential, we’re not worried about those other teams getting the attention now.”
If they don’t play to their true potential, it will be much harder to blame Bradford’s supporting cast again. At some point, the fingers will point at Bradford, who at some point will put the Rams in position to choose between paying him big money or moving on.