Through Rams’ Ups and Downs, Ellard Has Catchy Season

It doesn’t take a genius, or even a rookie, to figure out why Ram wide receiver Henry Ellard may have earned himself preferred seating in the next Pro Bowl team picture.

But there was first-year receiver Aaron Cox, a veteran of a whopping 14 regular-season games, offering his own very technical theory on Ellard’s season to remember. According to Cox, who should know, Ellard is the league’s leading pass receiver because of . . .

“Consistency,” Cox said, beaming. “He’s consistent. The defenses know it’s coming his way. It’s no big secret. What’s this, Week 14?--and they still haven’t stopped him.”

Yes, well, so much for that deep-thinker image Cox was hoping to cultivate. But in his own way, Cox is correct. While inconsistency has swept through the Rams like a Santa Ana wind this season, Ellard has remained true.

Think about it. Quarterback Jim Everett became Jim Average at times. Cornerback LeRoy Irvin became a pass target again. Tailback Charles White became Charles Who on occasion. As they and other players struggled, so did the Rams. That once-striking 7-2 record became 7-3, then 4, then 5, then 6.

Meanwhile, Ellard prospered. Week by week, catch by catch, he quietly worked his way toward the top of the league’s stat sheets.

On Monday he made it. On national television. Against the Chicago Bears. In grand style.

This time he collected 6 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, his eighth of the season. And unlike last week, when his 167 yards and 2 scores were wasted against the Denver Broncos, Ellard could smile without apologizing for it. This time the Rams left the field with a victory, their first in 5 games.

And, in part, they could thank Ellard and this new-found consistency.

“Tonight, I think we put things together,” Ellard said.

Which is nice, since Ellard had done his solo act long enough.

If you’re keeping score, Ellard has burned various secondaries for 1,248 yards this season. The Bears gave up those 132 yards. The Denver Broncos gave up 167, which was a yard shy of what the Philadelphia Eagles allowed Ellard. The Atlanta Falcons watched Ellard gain 134 yards, while the Seattle Seahawks permitted Ellard to collect 101 yards.

Suddenly, Ellard finds himself keeping his postseason plans loose. Honolulu, site of the annual Pro Bowl game, seems like a nice place to visit.

Monday night helped. It always does.

“It kind of caps off the way the season has been going for me,” he said.

Ellard reported to training camp on time this season and it shows. No contract holdout. No hamstring pulls. No ill feelings. Just lots and lots of catches.

“Just working with Jim Everett twice a day, that helped,” Ellard said. “He got to know my body language.”

It is a simple language. Ellard runs, waves his hand when open and Everett throws.

Against the Bears, Ellard slipped past cornerback Mike Richardson, raised his arm slightly and cradled a 31-yard touchdown pass from Everett. Easy.

“We knew it was there because we just missed (the same pattern) the first time,” Ellard said. “We knew it was that close.”

Even with Monday night’s win and those 132 yards, Ellard isn’t entirely happy with the season. His Rams are still longshots for a playoff spot, which explains why he took postgame compliments carefully.

“It’s nice,” he said, “but the main thing is winning the game.”

A measure of retribution for 4 straight losses.

“We got a little of it, but we still got 2 more games to win.”

No matter what happens to the Rams, though, at least Ellard can walk proud. He’s earned it.

“It was just a great night for me,” he said.

Try season.