Rams Coach Jeff Fisher Foolish to Say Daryl Richardson is Starting RB

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Daryl Richardson (26) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is one of the best at what he does and has a serious battle at the running back position set to take place between Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead and Zac Stacy.

So why in the world is he coming out and saying Richardson is probably going to end up being the starter?

The team’s official Twitter account has the quote:

Make no mistake—we are not saying Richardson is a bad player by any means. He played well enough last year and flashed starter potential in limited playing time.

What we’re questioning is Fisher’s comfort with talking depth chart strategy so early. Not only that, he has two very capable backs in Pead and Stacy that can make a serious case for a committee—or maybe even the starting job.

Pead is the most electric of the bunch with the highest upside, but a committee approach makes the most sense. Ride the hot hand and keep all three fresh into what could be a playoff run.

Why Fisher is saying these type of things so early is hard to comprehend. It’s good motivation for the other backs on the roster, but there’s always a propensity for that kind of strategy to backfire.

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