Not trying to start a negative or nasty thread but I am hoping to get some positive feedback on why other Rams Fans think Jeff Fisher & Les Snead will make contenders out of the Rams sometime in the near future (I am NOT getting any younger!). I will admit that I was totally thrilled when the Rams hired Fisher and I thought he was definitely the right man for the job but right now I am beginning to have my doubts! I hope I am wrong and I hope some of you other Rams fans can make me feel better about the Rams but if not then I think we might be seeing some major changes during the offseason. It is probably my imagination but it just seems that the Rams always have excuses (Roster is really, really young; Injuries; Lousy Officiating; Salary Cap Issues; etc) but after awhile it gets a little frustrating to keep hearing the same old excuses (don't the other teams have to deal with those same issues and who's fault is it that the Rams roster is so young?). I guess this should be going under the Venting topic but I am just really hoping someone can help me feel better about the Rams! I have been a Rams Fan for a very long time and I can't remember being this depressed (well, I guess there WERE a few playoff losses that were pretty depressing!)!
Like you, mortality is knocking on my door and I share your doubts and concerns. But to respond directly to your question...IMO, Snead is a high energy/intellect and talented GM who also is a team player. Fisher is brilliant at handling young and in some cases, mildly disturbed players. I can think of few better to put together a competitive or dare I say, potentially competitive team. But I have doubts concerning his ability to "close the deal." He's loaded with experience, but can he get this team to the next level? I hate to say this, but considering his lengthy history, I am underwhelmed by the results.....irrespective of terms like competitive and tough.
At the same time, this franchise appears almost snake bit and outside of the GSOT, this teams record has been abysmal for over a generation and that's a lot of misery. There's no doubt (to me) that some of the air went out of this team when Bradford went down, whether anyone admits it or not. I have no problem with Hill as a back-up, but I'd bet a bundle, that if the players were honest with themselves, they'd admit that their chances to compete in this division went with Bradford. What I see out there is a whole lot of talent, playing for a whole host of reasons (pride, character, contract) and even some for each other. But that's not enough, without the deep belief that this team can compete at a high level and they honestly believe they can be successful, this team will muddle along in mediocrity, with a sparkling win here and there.
There's an old saying that "the pioneers never live long enough to see the fort get built"....that might apply in this case.
