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RFL

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dzrams
IMO, it is incorrect to say that praising the rushing yards is an attempt to justify Austin as a WR when their original intent was that he would be a multi-purpose weapon, not just a WR. They talked about him as a RB starting the moment they picked him.

OK. I'll grant that. I think that fits with my memories of the thing.

Now, here's my question: taking a gadget guy for jet sweeps and so forth ... is that really a sound way to build a solid, productive NFL offense?

For me and I think others, that's the problem: the idea of basing our offense's development on what a guy like that can do. I think it's a screwy way to build a team. And I don't see that recognizing it was the plan all along helps any.

I like Austin because I think they can get more out of him as a WR. I think his full potential is to be much more than a gadget guy so I don’t accept the label of “gadget guy.” And hopefully if he’s improved at route running we will see more this year.

I envision a multi-purpose weapon that gets nearly 1000 yards receiving, mixes in the jet sweeps and so forth, and is a dangerous punt returner. If they get more out of him as a WR like I envision, 15 TDs total would be reasonable given that he had 10 last year.

I’m guardedly optimistic because we have several things coming together this year that were lacking in the past to extract his full potential. We have Groh’s influence on the passing game, a better QB, an improved OL, and reportedly an improved TA in the fine nuances of being a WR such as route running.

Couple those things together and I’m expecting to see much more this year. The weapon I’m envisioning here is definitely someone that you can make a central part of your offense.