Rams Team Report

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New coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have their work cut for them in 2012 as they try to inject life into a moribund offense that was affected by injuries last season.

One thing is clear: They are glad to be building the offense around quarterback Sam Bradford and know they have to find weapons for him and make sure he is protected.

Fisher has said on several occasions that Bradford's presence was a major factor that made the Rams' job attractive.

"Sam was a big part of the decision," Fisher said. "We think he has a chance to be great. A lot of people around the league believe that. We are going to everything possible to make that happen."

Fisher recalls meeting with Bradford at the combine in 2010. He said, "I remember just about every word he said. He was very, very impressive, sharp, motivated. Hates losing like most elite college players."

Then, after Fisher met with Rams owner Stan Kroenke in Denver four days after the end of the 2011 season, he came to St. Louis for a day and visited with Bradford for nearly two hours at team headquarters.

Said Fisher, "It went way beyond getting acquainted. I didn't need to get him on the board. He knows more offense than I do. We exchanged ideas. I wanted to get a sense of him and the team, his teammates, the pulse, where he thought they were. His injury was a difficult thing, especially with the lack of an offseason, and it being his second year. We covered it. I felt very comfortable as he did when we went different directions."

As Schottenheimer began watching tape of Bradford, he liked what he saw. "Obviously, he's extremely gifted, extremely talented," Schottenheimer said. "As I'm watching the film, getting the sense of how accurate he is with the football and how well he actually moves around and has made plays. That was one of the things that jumped off the film at me. It will be a fun process going through and looking at all the games and just getting a sense of where he's at. Obviously, I've been around a lot of young quarterbacks, but I think this guy's got a chance to be real special."

Now, their task is to get special players around him, in addition to running back Steven Jackson. Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd is a free agent. Danny Amendola will return after missing all but one game with a dislocated elbow. Danario Alexander has the ability to be a playmaker, but has injury issues.

At tight end, Lance Kendricks had too many drops in his rookie season and Mike Hoomanawanui also has problems with injuries.

Still, the biggest question marks are on the offensive line. Guard Jacob Bell, who left Fisher's Titans for the Rams in 2008, isn't expected back. Center/guard Jason Brown might be a salary-cap casualty.

Tackles Rodger Saffold and Jason Smith are young, but have also had injuries. Saffold suffered a torn pectoral muscle last season, while Smith has had two serious concussions in three seasons. Harvey Dahl could end up at tackle instead of guard.

Whatever changes are made in personnel, Jackson is glad to have Fisher as his coach.

"I have played against his teams a lot and they all come with that attitude and a certain level of play," Jackson said. "They have that 'it.' It's hard to explain what that 'it' is to a ... fan. But it's just something about (the way they play) when they go between those lines. Coach Fisher's teams have a certain something that's hard to put a finger on. But I have to assume it's (his) leadership."

NOTES, QUOTES

—It didn't take long for Dave McGinnis to say yes to Jeff Fisher. McGinnis, who coached with Fisher in Tennessee will be an assistant head coach in the truest sense of the title.

"I'm going to be helping in all aspects of the team," McGinnis said. "I'm going to be assisting Jeff, and both coordinators, and the special teams coordinator in a lot of various capacities. ... It's a role that I filled last year there in Nashville for Mike Munchak, and I'm really looking forward to it."

As for how long it took to accept a job when Fisher called, McGinnis said, "Once Jeff got this job and called me, it was instantaneous. I mean, if Jeff wanted me to be with him, I wanted to be with him. He's a guy that is so spot-on with what he's doing in all aspects of it. He just gets it, on every level in this league.

"He's got a confidence about him that is very, very evident when you're around him. He's extremely comfortable in his own skin. He knows what he wants to do. That confidence goes to the players; it goes throughout the building. You know you're going to have a chance week in and week out to get it done on Sunday."

—The quest to hire a new general manager continued when the Rams interviewed Omar Khan, Pittsburgh's director of business and administration. Khan has handled the Steelers' salary cap and contract negotiations, and is believed to be the first candidate that doesn't have a background in personnel evaluation.

He is the 10th known person to have spoken with the Rams. The latest have been San Francisco director of player personnel Tom Gamble and Arizona director of player personnel Steve Keim. Minnesota director of player personnel George Paton has been interviewed twice.

—Fisher appears close to putting the finishing touches on the coaching staff although the only announcements have been offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis.

Believed to have been hired are Frank Cignetti Jr., quarterbacks; Ray Sherman, wide receivers Rob Boras, tight ends; Paul Boudreau, offensive line; Mike Waufle, defensive line; John Fassel, special teams; Rock Gullickson, strength and conditioning; Andy Sugarman, offensive quality control; Blake Williams and Brandon Fisher.

Gullickson and Sugarman are believed to be the lone holdovers from Steve Spagnuolo's staff. Williams and Fisher are the sons of the defensive coordinator and head coach. It's possible Williams will coach linebackers. Unknown are the identity of the running backs coach and defensive backs coach.

QUOTE TO NOTE: Fisher: "We have options and a lot of time. We will maximize that. I will say, this will be the last time we'll be picking that high." - Coach Jeff Fisher on plans for the second overall pick in this year's draft.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The Rams won a low-level bidding war for offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, and then abruptly cut him after he failed a physical. Olafioye played two seasons in the CFL and made a name for himself with aggressive play. He made the CFL All-Star team last season and was also finished second in voting for the league's outstanding lineman award.

There were as many as 15 NFL teams interested and the Rams guaranteed $85,000 in base salaries in the first two years of his contract. He agreed to terms Feb. 3, the contract was reported to the league Feb. 6, the contract was disapproved on a technicality Feb. 7, was reported again Feb. 8 and he was waived Feb. 9. The Rams would not comment on what caused Olafioye to fail the physical.

His agent, Dan Vertlieb released a statement saying, "The St. Louis Rams have notified Jovan Olafioye that they have released him from his contract due to their concerns about a medical issue. Given the closing window to explore opportunities in the NFL in Jovan's current CFL contract, he will return to the B.C. Lions for another season after thoroughly addressing his status."

A statement from Olafioye said, "While this news was unexpected, I am very happy to be returning to my family at the BC Lions."

CFL players whose contracts expire have until Feb. 15 each year to sign with an NFL team. However, Olafioye is now in the NFL waiver system and could be claimed by teams Friday.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.