November 22nd, 2009 
Mark Peterson 
Posted in UPDATE: It looks like Bradon Gibson may start this week against the Arizona Cardinals.
I hated to see Will Witherspoon leave, but I’d have to say that I am pleasantly surprised by the performance of Brandon Gibson. He is a much needed addition to the Rams receiving core that has been plagued with mediocrity and injury.
Gibson (and a fifth round draft pick) was picked up from the Eagles in October in a trade for linebacker Will Witherspoon. In 2008 Gibson played for Washington State University which completed its Pac-10 season an abysmal 2-11. However, Gibson finished his college career at Washington State as the school’s all-time leading receiver with 2,756 yards and 182 receptions along with 17 touchdowns. His senior year Gibson was given honorable mention All-Pacific-10 Conference and the team’s Offensive Most Valuable Player.
In his first appearance as a Ram, Gibson came out and impressed. He racked up a team season-high of 93 yards on seven catches (this is a Rams record for a rookie’s first game). Prior to week 10, the Rams top receivers production per game is as follows:
|
Week |
Opponent | Top Rams Rec | Yards |
Other |
|
10 |
Saints | Brandon Gibson |
93 |
|
|
9 |
Bye | |||
|
8 |
Detroit | Keenan Burton |
54 |
|
|
7 |
Colts | Donnie Avery |
58 |
|
|
6 |
Jaguars | Keenan Burton |
37 |
X |
|
5 |
Vikings | Donnie Avery |
87 |
|
|
4 |
49ers | Donnie Avery |
47 |
|
|
3 |
Packers | Keenan Burton |
37 |
x |
|
2 |
Redskins | Laurent Robinson |
54 |
|
|
1 |
Seattle | Laurent Robinson |
87 |
(In weeks 3 and 6 Steven Jackson caught passes for 46 and 78 yards respectively.)
It was announced Monday that Keenan Burton’s knee injury will require surgery and end his season. This will open up a huge opportunity for Gibson in this weekend’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. In addition, two of the Cardinals cornerbacks didn’t practice Wednesday – CBs Bryant McFadden (ankle) and Michael Adams (hamstring). Let’s hope our exciting new rookies can take advantage and help get us a win.
