Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has been an effective weapon on the outside for an otherwise dormant St. Louis Rams passing offense, but he may not be around next season if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is fired. Sure Lloyd has said all the right things about wanting to stay in St. Louis and wanting to grow with Sam Bradford, but his recent comments have cut through the PR and highlighted where his true intentions lie when he hits unrestricted free agency in the 2012 NFL offseason:
I'm tied to McDaniels. He uses me differently than other offensive coordinators used me in my entire career. He uses me as an every-play receiver. The short game, mid-range game, gimmick passes, deep balls. I do everything in this offense as opposed to other coordinators who would just run me off as the deep guy; run me off into double coverage and then say I'm not open. So I really like how Josh uses me within the offense. I'm extremely comfortable in the offense.
via StlToday.com. McDaniels returned the sentiment when asked to comment on Lloyd's thoughts, saying he has grown closer to Lloyd than other players he has worked with and enjoys coaching with him because he plays hard and gives the team a chance to win. If the Rams decide to make a coaching change and fire Steve Spagnuolo, the new head coach (and possible new GM) would likely be looking for their own candidate to take over as offensive coordinator, so this is one of the many dominoes that could fall if the process is set in motion by Rams ownership at the end of the season.
Since being traded to the Rams on October 17th, Lloyd has emerged as the team's primary receiving threat. Going into Week 17 he leads the Rams in receptions (45), receiving yardage (583), and receiving touchdowns (4). Lloyd also played for McDaniels while in Denver and enjoyed career years during their time together.
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