Jeff Fisher is glad Brian Schottenheimer coaches Sam Bradford
St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, center, talks with quarterbacks Kellen Clemens (10) and Austin Davis (9) during practice. (June 14, 2012) Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- With quarterback Sam Bradford as the face of the Rams' franchise, coach Jeff Fisher knew he needed an offensive coordinator who had experience, a successful track record and a knack for developing young quarterbacks.
"Everything that I heard about him is true, and more," Fisher Wednesday said of Brian Schottenheimer, who became the scapegoat for the Jets' offense last season and ultimately was run out of town two years before his contract expired.
Fisher said he brought in Schottenheimer for several reasons, including his communication skills and experience cultivating young quarterbacks. And he's hoping that knowledge will lead the Rams (3-5-1) to a home win Sunday against the Jets.
The Jets averaged an NFL-best 172.2 rushing yards per game in 2009 -- Mark Sanchez's first year. But as they shuffled new receivers in and out, they strayed from the ground-and-pound focus and finishing fourth (148.4) in 2010 and 22nd (105.8) in 2011. That, coupled with Sanchez's third-year struggles, signaled the end of the Schottenheimer Era in Florham Park last year.
Bradford, who ranks 19th among NFL quarterbacks with a 62.2 percent completion percentage and an 85.3 QB rating, said Schottenheimer's presence has "absolutely" improved the Rams' offense. "I feel better with what we're doing at this point in the year than I did last year," Bradford said.
Though Bradford said Schottenheimer hasn't talked much about wanting to beat his old team, the Rams' quarterback knows what's at stake. "It would be nice to for us to help him out and bring this one home for him," he said.
Jet streams
The Jets announced the signing of RB Kahlil Bell . . . RB Bilal Powell (concussion) and WR Stephen Hill (illness) did not practice . . . RB/KR Joe McKnight, who did not play in Seattle because of a high ankle sprain, was limited in practice. But he's optimistic he'll play Sunday. NT Sione Pouha (back, ankle) also was limited, along with LB Bart Scott (toe) . . . Asked about OLB Aaron Maybin, who was waived Tuesday, Rex Ryan left the door open on a possible return. But the coach said Maybin's lack of production (one tackle, no sacks) and the play of LB Ricky Sapp forced their hand . . . CB Isaiah Trufant, who was placed on IR Tuesday, reportedly tore the medial collateral ligament and meniscus in his left knee and will undergo surgery.
