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Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander Overshadow Mike Sims-Walker For St. Louis Rams Targets

The St. Louis Rams haven't used wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker as much as some thought they might, thanks to Danario Alexander and Brandon Gibson.

The St. Louis Rams brought Mike Sims-Walker in to be the veteran focal point of Sam Bradford's revamped receiving corps, but ever since the Philadelphia Eagles blanketed him with their top cornerbacks he's become the forgotten man of the offense. Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens Sims-Walker was targeted six times, fewer than both Danario Alexander, who barely made the team, and Brandon Gibson, who looked like an afterthought until the preseason. If it weren't for Danny Amendola's injury Sims-Walker, who's seen most of his targets in the short-to-midrange game, might be the fourth option in a Rams passing game increasingly focused on the big play.

Of course, Gibson and Alexander didn't exactly reward Bradford's confidence in them in Week 3. Gibson missed a bomb that would have been a sure touchdown by tripping in his route and then letting the ball slip out of his hands after he had to dive for it, while Alexander fell down on a route of his own, leaving the Ravens wide open for an interception on what might have been a drive-breaking sideline catch.

Mike Sims-Walker hasn't exactly dominated the Rams' receiving game like some thought he might, but his six-reception, 92 yard performance Week 2 is what might be expected of him if Sam Bradford finds some consistency and his only veteran receiver—nothing as dramatic as Danario Alexander might provide, but consistent chain-movement. In that sense, Brandon Gibson, who did make an outstanding catch for the Rams' only touchdown of Week 3, is his primary competition.