Rams rookie wide receiver Tavon Austin, whose big-play flair has helped propel St. Louis to two straight wins, has garnered NFC special teams player of the month honors for November from the NFL.
Austin’s 98-yard second-quarter punt return touchdown helped break open the Rams’ 38-8 win at Indianapolis on Nov. 10. Showing the savvy of an experienced returner and displaying special vision, change-of-direction ability and quickness, Austin fielded a bouncing punt and sprinted down the St. Louis sideline on his way to his first regular-season return score.
At first, Austin motioned as if he wanted his teammates to get away from the bouncing ball. Then, he snatched it up, and within a few seconds, he was gone.
The No. 8 overall pick in the 2013 draft, Austin would later add TD catches of 57 and 81 yards as the underdog Rams stunned the Colts. Two weeks later, Austin would score a 65-yard rushing touchdown on the Rams’ third offensive play in a 41-21 victory vs. Chicago.
A dynamic player at West Virginia, Austin’s playmaking ability is starting to shine through on pro football’s highest level, as the Colts and Bears too well know.