Reassessing Jeff Fisher and Les Snead’s Impact

It was a shot of legitimacy that the Rams needed; a proven coach with vast experience. The hiring of Les Snead, who was the Falcons director of player personnel during their Super Bowl-caliber days, was big as well and he showed he had what it takes from the start. A month into the job, Snead and Fisher pulled off the famous RGIII draft trade in which the Redskins gave up a kings ransom for the #2 pick to draft Robert Griffin III.

This trade was one of those rare franchise altering trades that changes the course of a team. As a result of the picks acquired from the trade, notable players the Rams drafted are: Greg Robinson, Alec Ogletree, Janoris Jenkins, Michael Brockers, and Stedman Bailey. Under Snead and Fisher, the Rams also underwent a much needed roster overhaul. Under their watch, the Rams have signed Jared Cook and Jake Long, even though the latter didn’t pan out. They also infused the team with young talent as they have become one of the youngest teams in the league.

Aug 1, 2015; Earth City, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Fisher and the Rams put their best foot forward in his first season, going 7-8-1. The next season was a minor step back as they went 7-9, but considering Bradford went down with a torn ACL and Kellen Clemens was their starter for half a season it wasn’t so bad. Then this past season Snead and Fisher put their faith in Bradford one more time, yet it back fired badly.

Another torn ACL for Bradford, another underwhelming season at 6-10. Too much talent missing one thing… a quarterback. If there is one knock on Fisher and Snead it is that they have not been able to find a reliable starting quarterback. If Bradford had remained healthy the past two seasons, we might be singing a different song, so here is hoping that Nick Foles can finally be the last piece to complete the puzzle of what is a talented, young roster.

Through their first three seasons the two have compiled a 20-27-1 record, much better than their predecessors, but still not great. Many see this as a make or break year for Fisher and Snead. In my opinion, even if it is another losing season, the Rams should keep Snead.

This roster is worlds above the 2011 one under Devaney and good GM’s are hard to come by. I am glad to have the current regime because things could be a lot worse, see 2007-2011. Actually don’t do that to yourself, no need to relive that torture.