St. Louis Looks to Ram Their Way into Prominence Once Again

Jeff Fisher says he is ready for the challenge of turning around the St. Louis Rams. Fisher appreciates what the team's ownership is trying to do and he said that "My decision was very, very simple. It was based on a shared collective vision in restoring this franchise to a place of significance. It was that vision that made my decision very, very easy." Fisher inherits a Rams team that has finished 3-13 or worse four of the past five years. However, the one other year (2010), the team finished 7-9 and was a Week 17 win away from making the playoffs.

Fisher took a break from coaching during the 2011 season after a 17 year coaching stint, the longest-tenured head coach, with the Tennessee Titans. During his time in Tennessee, the Titans won three division titles, made six playoff appearances, and fell one-yard short of forcing overtime in Super Bowl XXXIV against his new organization, the St. Louis Rams. Fisher hopes to bring the same time of success to a once proud Rams franchise.

Many people thought the Rams were a team on the rise following their turnaround in 2010, but 2011 was a total flop for the team. They finished 2-14 due in large part to a tough schedule and a number of key injuries. The most obvious one was to second-year quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford came off a great 2010, in which he won NFL Rookie of the Year. In 2011, Bradford regressed in many experts' eyes as he threw only six touchdown passes. However, he was never fully healthy for the majority of the season due to a lingering high ankle sprain.

The first priority for Fisher is to hire his coordinators. There are reports out already that Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has agreed to the same role in Fisher's new staff. This comes as no surprise Williams and Fisher are close friends from their time together in St. Louis. As for the offensive coordinator position, Fisher has reportedly interviewed former New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and former Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson. It is important that Fisher hires someone who will be able to aid Bradford in his development.

Bradford isn't the only cornerstone piece the franchise is looking to build upon. Running back Steven Jackson is showing no signs of wearing down. Jackson is coming off his seventh consecutive 1,000 yard rushing season. Two of the Rams' young defensive stars are defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis. Long has become one of the NFL's top pass rushers, while Laurinaitis has led the team in tackles in all three of his seasons.

Additionally, the Rams have the second overall pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft. While the team has many possible openings, I expect them to take USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil. The Rams could use the upgrade in protection for Bradford and help in the rushing attack. Kalil would provide both. It will be interesting to see what Fisher will do with the offseason decisions he has to make. He chose the Rams because he liked their vision. Now, it is time to see what his coaching vision will do for the team.