St. Louis Rams’ wideout Lance Kendricks upbeat about next season – NFL News
Lance Kendricks had an average rookie season, but this season gives him another chance to prove his worth.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has indicated that Kendricks will be the starter in the upcoming season.
Although he has secured his starting position, he will be facing competition with eight other players for four spots available.
Before the start of the 2011 season, he looked a capable player during the preseason, but his rookie season was filled with missed chances and injuries. He could not convert his offseason hype into output on the field.
In the 2011 season, Kendricks played 15 games and was able to collect 28 passes covering 352 yards and no touchdowns.
Kendricks does not have to only blame himself for his under par performance. He joined the Rams in such scenario when the National Football League (NFL) lockout did not allow him to train with the team.
The lockout denied players like Kendricks and all other rookies the opportunity to adjust with the fast pace of game in the league.
This offseason, Kendricks is looking to overcome his last season’s errors. He said:
“The main thing I saw was a lot of times when I was tired was when I made my most mistakes. When you get tired, you can forget things and I would have a mental error here or there so I think most of it just came from fatigue.”
Kendricks has been working very hard to increase his stamina. He has added about five pounds of pure muscles in his body. He said:
“Just having this offseason and being able to work out with the team, I was able to focus on getting my body right and getting healthy and taking my protein and doing the things they feel is right which will help me out in the long run.”
Kendricks will also have to understand and implement the new offensive scheme applied by Cardinals’ new offensive coordinator Schottenheimer.
Schottenheimer is very positive about Kendricks. He thinks Kendricks can handle the stress of playing in the league.
It is certainly Kendricks’ output in the training sessions that has convinced Schottenheimer to give him the regular spot.
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