Jared Cook looking for a break out year?

Jared Cook looks for a breakout year in St. Louis

Posted by: Derek Ciapala in 2005-Present, Commentary, Everything Rams, Featured 4 days ago

http://talkgridiron.com/ramstalk/2014/07/jared-cook-looks-for-a-breakout-year-in-st-louis/

The St. Louis Rams signed Jared Cook hoping that he would become an offensive star who would stretch the field in the passing game. His speed and athleticism were meant to be used in both the open-field and in the red zone. Instead, the former Tennessee Titans tight end failed to meet expectations during his first season with the Rams.

Cook actually led the team with 51 catches, 671 yards and five touchdowns in the 2013 season. Unfortunately, his numbers are a sign that the Rams’ passing game struggled more than anything else. Chris Givens was the closest receiver to Cook with 569 yards, while no one else on the roster topped 500 yards.

The Rams need Cook to establish himself during the 2014 season, due to his unique gift for getting open in the middle of the field. The problem is Cook lacks physicality and lateral agility, which means it’s often difficult for him to shake off defenders underneath. He’s also an inconsistent receiver who dropped multiple critical passes during the 2013 regular season. The odds are great that the Rams’ passing game will take the next step if Cook finally becomes the tight end the team signed him to be.

2012: Cook suffered a torn right rotator cuff against the Indianapolis Colts in December, 2012, which forced him to miss the remaining three games of the season. He caught 44 passes for 523 yards and four touchdowns to finish fourth on the team in receiving.

2011: Cook’s best season came in 2011. He placed second on the team with 759 yards on 49 receptions as the Titans finished 9-7. Cook produced his best game of the season in Week 16, when he caught eight passes for 169 yards and a touchdown in the Titans’ 23-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2010: The young tight end started off the season on the Tennessee bench. However, the coaching staff involved Cook more in the offense as the team’s struggles took it out of the playoff hunt. Cook barely touched the football during the first 14 games of the season, but he caught 12 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown in the final two weeks.

2009: Cook barely saw the field during his rookie season. Titans’ quarterbacks targeted him only 15 times, and Cook finished the year with nine catches for 74 yards.

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Jared Cook – Career Statistics

Year Team Games Rec. Yards Avg. TD Long
2009 Tennessee 14 9 74 8.2 0 17
2010 Tennessee 16 29 361 12.4 1 36
2011 Tennessee 16 49 759 15.5 3 80
2012 Tennessee 13 44 523 11.9 4 61
2013 St. Louis 16 51 671 13.2 5 47
Career 75 182 2388 13.1 13 80

About Derek Ciapala

Derek Ciapala is an award-winning journalist who brings expertise and passion to Rams Talk. He has years of experience and has been published on many notable sites, including Yahoo! Sports. Never afraid to explore a controversial issue, Derek’s insight and thought-provoking content consistently generate substantial buzz and plenty of sound discussion.