Many will disagree and point out that all this offense needs is a healthy Sam Bradford or another good option at QB along with a couple of OLinemen for this team to take the next step. That may be true, but I’m really not so sure. IMO, I believe that Jeff Fisher needs to make a
BOLD MOVE in this division to get this team over the hump.
As I recall, Fisher came to St. Louis with plans of building a strong rushing attack and defense as they compliment each other tremendously. Well the defense has finally arrived, but the rushing attack still hasn’t shown up yet. And it’s not just about personnel, IMO. I believe that this team has fallen into the trap of focusing their creativity, time, & finances on the passing game while not spending nearly enough on the running game. And this while a strong rushing attack opens up the passing game even more and is usually necessary for successful playoff football.
With this in mind, I believe that Fisher/Snead should go back to their Auburn connection. They should go after Auburn’s current Offensive Coordinator, Rhett Lashlee, to be this teams new Offensive Coordinator and the Rams should run a version of the Auburn Offense in the NFL.
(And before you say it, many scoffed at the effect Chip Kelly would have in the NFL and he now enjoys a top 5 scoring offense with QBs this organization and it’s fans would be calling for their heads if they where here).
For those unfamiliar with the Auburn offense, the core of it is basically a hurry up, no-huddle, power running game, based upon the Delaware Wing-T. It uses mis-direction and it‘s run out of spread formations designed to pressure the defense across the field, per it’s architect, Gus Malzahn. Contrary to what may be popular thought, this is not Georgia Tech’s wishbone and they
do throw the football. (In fact, Auburn probably takes more deep shots down at least than the Rams).
This offense features some plays where the QB has 2-4 different options (including passing) to counter whatever the defense does, thus making it more difficult to stop. On top of that, this allows (along with its various formations, personnel packages, and misdirection), the team to focus upon and basically run mostly 5-6 core plays great success shortening the learning curve and allowing for these athletes to just play football. In fact, I believe this is something both Tre Mason and Greg Robinson expressed (in comparison to Schotty's offense), when they got to St. Louis.
Anyway, Lashlee is a young up and comer who has been with Auburn’s Gus Malzahn at several stops (high school - college) and according to his current fellow coaches, knows the Auburn offense inside and out. In fact, the OLine & WR coaches say that he taught them the offense.
http://archive.montgomeryadvertiser...n-assistants-speak-highly-of-OC-Rhett-Lashlee
Step One for this team to take the next step.
1) Replace Brian Schottenhiemer with OC Rhett Lashlee
(potential personnel moves to follow)
