The St. Louis Rams should take a serious look at Chip Kelly

Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly prior to game action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Given the severe lack of weapons on the Rams squad, any coach would struggle to have an impact right away, but if there is one, it’s Kelly. Kelly was at the wheel when current Rams quarterback Nick Foles enjoyed the best year of his career in 2013. Foles tossed 27 touchdowns in his 13 games and went to his first Pro-Bowl. Kelly’s offense also included a key piece at running back, LeSean McCoy.

McCoy, now with the Buffalo Bills, is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. If there is one player that might be able to match that production on the Rams current roster, it’s Gurley.

In each of Kelly’s 10-win seasons, McCoy rushed for over 1,000-yards. Gurley is currently sitting at 794 after missing the first few weeks of the season. With a full season, and apparently even injury-shortened seasons, Gurley has the potential to break that mark on a consistent basis and be the “LeSean McCoy” of the St. Louis Rams.

The one thing that St. Louis lacks that Kelly was afforded in Philadelphia is a clear-cut number one wide out. This is an issue that has plagued the Rams for quite some time now. In 2013 it was DeSean Jackson racking up over 1,300 receiving yards. The following year it was Jeremy Maclin also exceeding 1,300 receiving yards. In both 2013 and 2014, the second and third receiving options for Philadelphia out performed the top receiving option in the Rams offense.

In the time it took Kelly to reach 20 wins in the NFL, Fisher lost almost as many games. Fisher amassed a record of 13-19 in the same time frame between 2013 and 2104. Kelly still holds the upper hand in wins even after stumbling out of the gate in 2015.

If Kelly wins more often, gets more out of his players and commands his offense at a pace that would make the current Rams heads spin (in a good way) what’s the downside to going after him as the next head coach in St. Louis?

The offensive line.

The same reason Kelly needs to come to St. Louis is the same reason he may never be successful there. While Kelly is probably the best chance of getting Foles back to his Pro Bowl form, were currently witnessing what a poor offensive line can do to a quarterback in both cities.

As Rams fans can attest, the offensive line play has been abysmal this season and has lead to a serious set of deficiencies on that side of the ball. Unfortunately, the same thing is happening in Philadelphia. Quarterback Sam Bradford and back up Mark Sanchez have both struggled to put together the relentless attack in Kelly’s playbook. A huge part of that is the poor play from the offensive line.

Should St. Louis choose to pursue Kelly at the conclusion of this season they would be all in on Nick Foles. Foles is the best chance this team has at becoming a contender and the team should do everything they can to nurture that opportunity. Kelly can get the most out of Foles and this offense. He dreams of having players like Tavon Austin and Todd Gurley at his dispense, and he has a top tier defense to back up his fast-paced offense.

St. Louis needs to sign Chip Kelly.