After the 31-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Rams coach Jeff Fisher fired a salvo directed at a member of the local media covering the Rams on the road in Ohio who questioned the team’s effort: “Anyone implies that it’s an effort issue, they can kiss my ass.”
Fisher said it’s an execution, rather than effort, issue, assigning 70 percent of the blame to offense and 30 percent to defense. I think those offensive numbers for the blame should be a tad higher than 70.
In 2012 the Rams offense ranked 25th in points out of 32, 23rd in total yards and 21st in passing yards. In 2013 the numbers almost stayed the same: 21st in points, 30th in total yards and 20th in passing yards. Last season: 21st in points, 28th in total yards and 23rd in passing. And now, this year: 31st in points, 31st in total yards and 32nd – dead last – in passing.
The lack of a passing game is one of the main reasons why the Rams are 4-7 instead of 7-4 or 6-5. The crazy thing is that the Rams are currently ranked 7th in rushing yards. You can attribute that to the legs of Tavon Austin and rookie RB Todd Gurley.
One of the biggest blunders going into this season with a rookie RB and a new QB was the offensive line. Fisher drafted four new linemen, and out of that group only one is healthy enough to suit up – Cody Wichman, who plays guard. Greg Robinson, drafted last year, is having a horrid season; he has all kinds of laundry thrown in his direction by NFL officials on nearly every Sunday afternoon.
With the Rams’ putrid passing number since Fisher took over, one would think he would have a fortress built in front of his QB and rookie RB. And as much as Fisher says the Rams need to pass the ball better, no improvements have been made at the receiver position. The only threat in that aspect is Austin, who presently leads the Rams in receptions.
But Fisher said the team’s problem is 70 percent offense. The Rams’ problem is 100 percent Fisher. Remember, he chose Brian Schottenheimer over Hue Jackson. Hue Jackson is doing a great job calling plays for the Bengals – who, by the way, have a very solid offensive line and some playmakers at the skilled positions. Their tight end Tyler Eifert leads the NFL in touchdown catches with 12.
The Rams’ head coach is in denial about this football team he put together. But firing him won’t solve anything at the moment. This organization needs to be scrubbed all the way down again, because in all honesty Fisher is only a couple wins better than the coach he replaced, Steve Spagnuolo.
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