The St. Louis Rams' offense was slow, to say the least, in their first half against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but at least one Ram made a solid start: Lance Kendricks, the Rams' 2011 draft pick at tight end who's struggled to integrate himself into the offense ever since Josh McDaniels fell flat on his face. Kendricks picked up a crucial first down in the Rams' ultimately unsuccessful final drive, and he finished the half with three catches for 32 yards.

Which, unfortunately for Kendricks and the Rams, is a lot. He's crossed 30 yards receiving just four times in 11 games prior to this one, and he's 17 yards away from topping his season high of 48, accrued in a three-catch performance against the 49ers a few weeks ago.

With Danny Amendola out, Bradford has looked, so far, to non-receiver options to fill his role in the Rams' short passing game. So far Kendricks (and Steven Jackson, who has two catches for 13 yards) appear to be the beneficiaries. With the Rams' offense likely to look much different in 2013, whatever happens, Kendricks should consider today an audition as much as a start.