Fisher fired. The words roll off the tongue and sound oh so sweet. After four losing seasons, and what would be a fifth straight losing record, the Los Angeles Rams have finally relieved Jeff Fisher of his coaching duties. Rams fans can rejoice.
In the cut throat world that is the NFL, Fisher somehow survived year after year of subpar football. It seemed that Fisher was going to stick around for yet another two years after this season, when an announcement was made just eight days ago, stating that a two-year contract extension had been signed. Questionable calls seem to be one of the Rams’ few strengths as football analysts and fans around the league had yet another reason to laugh at the ailing franchise.
Thankfully, the franchise quickly came to its senses and fired Fisher today. Why give him the contract extension to begin with? That question leads to the questioning of the Rams’ front office and management. Cleaning house should definitely be considered. The Rams have not seen a winning record since 2003.
After a beating by the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, Fisher stated in a press conference that he feels responsible for the loss. Saying, “I have to take it, the head coach takes it. That is the National Football League. I feel responsible for this.”
That is the National Football League indeed. After bearing the responsibility of 45 losses in nearly five seasons, Fisher is finally out as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. The 42-14 loss to the Falcons tied Fisher for the most career losses by an NFL head coach. Fisher reached this milestone in the quickest amount of time. Firing Fisher is a great way to celebrate this achievement.
Recent weeks have been packed with ups and downs for Fisher, mainly downs. A spat with hall of fame running back Eric Dickerson made its way through the news. It all started after Dickerson commented on the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of quarterback coach Chris Weinke’s ability to develop Jared Goff. Fisher then responded to this by banning Dickerson from the sidelines during Rams’ games.
Shortly after this, the relationship between Jeff Fisher and Rams’ owner, Stan Kroenke came into question. Throw that in with the news of the two-year contract extension, and a four-game skid, and you have quite the recipe.
Fisher, who is a defensive minded coach, has done little to improve the Rams’ offense. Under the helm of Fisher, the Rams have not finished in the top 20 of NFL offenses for points per game or yards per game. After finishing dead last in yards per game, and 29th in points per game last year, the Rams currently sit at the bottom of the league in both categories this year.
In yesterday’s game, the Falcons scored more touchdowns at the Coliseum, 6, than the Rams have all season, 5. The offense has been a joke the entire season. Eric Dickerson has been quoted saying that the Rams are boring to watch, while Todd Gurley compared the offense to that of a middle school offense.
It is easy to see where the Rams need improvement. The next head coach should be one that can strengthen and build upon an offense that has young talent ready to explode. Rookie quarterback Jared Goff, second year running back Todd Gurley, and Tavon Austin, who signed a contract extension at the beginning of the year, need to shine and perform.
With an offense that sports true potential; a stout defense, including a fierce defensive line that showcases the talents of Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, William Hayes, and Michael Brockers; and the best punter in the league, Johnny Hekker; the position of head coach of the Los Angeles Rams is an appealing one. On top of the opportunity to build a young, talented team, the Rams will be playing in a new stadium come 2019. The Rams should not be hard pressed to find replacements, but finding the right replacement may prove difficult for what can be seen as an incompetent front office.
This is a critical time for the Rams’ organization. Replacing Fisher needs to be a carefully considered decision, one in which time is taken and all possibilities are examined. Firing Fisher should be just the beginning of many changes made to the Rams’ personnel. Offensive woes should not be placed squarely on the shoulders of Fisher. Offensive coordinator Rob Boras, has not impressed.
Boras became interim offensive coordinator last year when Frank Cignetti was fired with four games left in the season. Although Boras was able to record a 3-1 record as the interim, he has amassed a 4-9 record in his first full year at the position. Boras was a tight end coach prior to becoming the offensive coordinator, perhaps he should go back to coaching tight ends as the Rams offense ranks dead last in the league.
Perhaps Eric Dickerson was right to question Chris Wienke as the right quarterback coach for rookie Jared Goff. Wienke was hired as the Rams’ quarterback coach last February, having no experience as an NFL quarterback coach. Wienke put in work at the IMG Academy in Brandenton, Florida, prior to being hired by the Rams. A first-year quarterback coach working with a first-year quarterback does not exactly seem to be the right road to success.
With this season coming to an end, additions to the offensive line and receiving corps are desperately needed during the offseason. The offensive line has struggled greatly this season, as Todd Gurley has been given little room to run and pressure on the quarterbacks has been ever present.
Costly drops have led to not only missed opportunities and touchdowns, but interceptions as well. With a rookie quarterback, great throws that lead to drops or interceptions are not exactly ideal for the confidence. It is clear that the Rams should have one focus for this offseason, the offense.
Fisher being removed from the head coaching position should be a jumping off point for the Rams’ organization. The first season in Los Angeles can be chalked up as a bust. Now is the perfect time to create hope and find opportunity to turn a young and talented team into a winning organization. Thought needs to be given to what the Rams have been doing in the past.
Changes need to be made to break out of a stint of what will be 13 consecutive losing seasons. A streak of this caliber begs for steps in the right direction, firing Fisher was the first step. The steps following this are crucial for the Rams’ franchise. Thought and consideration need to be taken during the offseason.
In the meantime, the Rams are not making the playoffs, the offense has already been deemed a joke, and both attendance to the games, and television ratings are fading quickly. The interim head coach will be special teams coach John Fassel. Fassel’s goal should be to develop the young players at his disposal, focusing on the future of the team and building chemistry and comradery. Wins are no longer important, improving and seeing growth is. The change for the Los Angeles Rams needs to start now.
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