Robert Quinn, the St. Louis Rams’ highly touted first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, hasn’t yet emerged as the dangerous pass-rusher he promises to be eventually, but he’s been a factor on special teams—Sunday he blocked his second punt of the season, breaking through the center of the line and diving forward to give the Rams’ another perfect piece of field position; they began their next drive, thanks to Quinn’s interference, just behind the 50-yard-line.
Quinn’s made three sacks and forced a fumble in part-time work during his rookie season. The three sacks put him behind Chris Long, his eventual partner-in-crime on the defensive line, for the team lead. (Long, the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, has eight, just half a sack away from tying his career high with much of the season still to come.)
The Rams weren’t able to do anything with Quinn’s bounty, but Steve Spagnuolo will no doubt keep Quinn’s special teams hustle in mind when it comes time to work out playing time for the rest of the season.