Watkins opened a window into his frustration, Rams need to squash that ASAP

As Sammy Watkins opened a window into his frustration, Rams need to get that nonsense squashed ASAP

VINCENT BONSIGNORE

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/10/09/bonsignore-as-sammy-watkins-opened-a-window-into-his-frustration-rams-need-to-get-that-nonsense-squashed-asap/

Lost in all the Rams mistakes and turnovers and one very big dropped pass Sunday in a frustrating 16-10 loss was the misuse – or non use – of dynamic wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

But if the Rams and head coach Sean McVay hoped the omission of Watkins in the execution of Sunday’s game plan would just sort of slip through the cracks, Watkins had other ideas.

As in a few not-so cryptic Tweets Sunday night in which he provided a window into his frustrations over the one pass catch he has over the last two weeks and being targeted just four times on Sunday.

Wide receivers can be a divaish type bunch. Especially the really good ones who insist they’re open even when they’re covered. It’s part of what makes them so great, of course, and the really, really, really good ones are dynamic enough to bust up all sorts of coverage schemes or even beat multiple defenders to make plays lesser receivers can only dream of making.

The Rams traded for Watkins this summer specifically to add that type of charisma and mindset to an offense lacking dynamic force of nature on the perimeter.
But there’s a warning tag typically attached to those kinds of players. Their need for love, attention and above all else touches can sometimes get the best of them when they feel neglected.

And sometimes they lash out as a result.

That happened on Sunday. And it’s on McVay and quarterback Jared Goff to get it squashed as soon as possible less this morphs into a bigger problem.

It all started innocently enough when former Rams wide receiver Torry Holt observed on Twitter:

“Sammy Watkins 0 catches on four targets, Watkins now has 1 catch for 17 yards over his past two games.”

To which Watkins replied: “Something gotta be going on” along with a curious emoji.

Later, Twitter user @jalensampson tweeted: “He needs more targets, they need to put him outside and in slot he’ll do work if he gets his looks.”

Watkins replied: “True.”

Oh uh.

Before anyone starts worrying Watkins might already be thinking about an exit strategy at the end of the season – he’s in the last year of his contract – keep in mind he was loud and clear that he’s enjoying his new home with the Rams in Los Angeles by responding to @bhem32 observation “Back to buffalo after the season” by replying: “I love it where I’m at bud.”

Nevertheless, Watkins, who had a history in Buffalo of voicing his displeasure when he felt he wasn’t getting enough touches, is obviously feeling a bit overlooked the last two weeks.

He’s been largely a decoy against the Cowboys and Seahawks, and while the defensive attention he generates provides more room for fellow receivers Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Todd Gurley to operate, Watkins is simply too dynamic to go such long stretches without getting thrown to.

It’s a fine line, though, as it makes little sense to force the issue to Watkins while passing up open windows to Cupp, Woods and others.

“By no means do I want to force (anyone) the ball,” said Rams quarterback Jared Goff. “Just continue to let them get open in the framework of the play and work the ball to them.”

Said McVay: “The flow of the game kind of dictates and determines whatever plays we feel like are going to work best.”

By the way, it’s somewhat ironic Watkins chose Sunday to voice concerns as, even when he was targeted, his level engagement was, well, lacking.

Watkins made minimal efforts to go get the ball on two passes that came his way, the most blatant coming on a long ball Goff unleashed to him that Watkins either didn’t know was coming or didn’t bother to go chase down.

“I think it was probably one of those plays that he didn’t expect it,” McVay said. “I’d have to talk to Sammy about that. Until you go back and truly look at it, I can’t say and I haven’t had a chance to specifically talk to Sammy about that one individual play.”

Goff suggested he and Watkins weren’t on the same page.

“We talked about it. He was little bit confused on it,” Goff said. “But we’re good and it’s nothing that can’t be fixed overnight. It’s uncharacteristic – don’t expect that to happen.”

Whether Watkins was just confused or his frustrations rendered him disinterested, the Rams have a situation on their hands.

It’s been more than two months since the Rams traded for Watkins. That’s more than enough time to get him up to speed with the offense.

And if a lack of touches is distracting him into indifference, McVay, Goff and Watkins need to get that squashed immediately.

Maybe Watkins just had one of those days. And maybe one of those days turned into one of those nights and his fingers got the best of him on Twitter.

Maybe.

But we all know wide receivers have a touch of diva to them sometimes. Most of the time it’s just a harmless – albeit frustrating – dynamic to deal with. But sometimes it can turn a locker room upside down and turn seasons sideways.

The Rams have too much good going on to let that happen.

Might be time to have a little talk with Mr. Watkins.