FFToolbox - Brian Schottenheimer vacates Rams' OC position for same gig at University of Georgia plus 2 more

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Brian Schottenheimer vacates Rams' OC position for same gig at University of Georgia
QB Jameis Winston declares for NFL Draft
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers misses Wednesday's practice, guarantees he'll play Sunday

Brian Schottenheimer vacates Rams' OC position for same gig at University of Georgia

Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:42 PM PST

The Rams are now looking for their fourth offensive coordinator since the start of 2010. That's because former OC Brian Schottenheimer has agreed to fulfill the same role with the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Schottenheimer's move comes a week after head coach Jeff Fisher praised his play-calling and said he didn't expect any changes to his staff. Schottenheimer spent three seasons as the OC in St. Louis, and the team finished in the bottom third in total offense each year. Schottenheimer previously spent six seasons coordinating the Jets' offense, finishing among the top 15 in total offense only once. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Schottenheimer went down to Georgia after bedeviling fantasy owners and Rams fans with his uncreative schemes and inability to consistently draw up plays that accentuated the strengths of his best players. The Rams shouldn't miss him -- their offense was mired among the five worst in the league in terms of yards gained per game in each of the past two seasons. I have long thought he is on the short list for worst offensive coordinator in the league. The fact that he was paid to run NFL offenses for as long as he was is something that boggles the mind. Now the onus is on the Rams' brass to hire someone who can get the most out of Tre Mason, Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, et cetera. There are some continuity concerns since the next man will represent the fourth OC of Sam Bradford's career in St. Louis. However, the oft-injured former No. 1 overall pick may not be the Rams' starter next season.

QB Jameis Winston declares for NFL Draft

Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:02 PM PST

Is Jameis Winston's future home as a professional a mere four hours south of his home as a collegiate? We'll find out in a few months, but such a scenario is now a distinct possibility. Winston officially declared for the 2015 NFL Draft on Wednesday, forgoing his junior and senior seasons at Florida State. Winston recorded a 26-1 record in his two years under center for the Seminoles. Those years included a national championship and a Heisman Trophy for Winston along with nearly 8,000 passing yards and more than 70 total touchdowns. Now the NFL lies ahead for him, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers own the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Winston or Marcus Mariota? The latter has all of the talent and makeup to be a high-quality player. But he is not considered as NFL-ready as Winston, who comes from FSU's pro-style offense. There are no questions about his physical skills -- he's big, mobile, strong-armed and competitive. But will his mistakes on and off of the field cause him to drop in the draft? Winston threw 18 interceptions this past season and has been the subject of a series of off-field controversies, which included a sexual assault claim, shoplifting crab legs and screaming a vulgar phrase while standing atop a table in Florida State's student union. If draft evaluation was all about what a player does between the white lines, you could start pressing those Winston jerseys in Tampa Bay right now. But his maturity will be scrutinized -- probably to an annoying extent -- by everyone with opinion leading up to the evening of April 30. If the Bucs pass on Winston for Mariota or some other player, the redshirt sophomore may fall in the draft to at least pick No. 5, No. 6 or No. 7. Those are the first-round positions of the Redskins, Jets and Bears, respectively. The Titans sit with the No. 2 pick, but they are reportedly unlikely to spend that selection on a QB.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers misses Wednesday's practice, guarantees he'll play Sunday

Posted: 07 Jan 2015 06:12 PM PST

Aaron Rodgers wasn't expected to practice Wednesday because of his calf injury. and he didn't. However, he is expected to play Sunday against the Cowboys, and he guaranteed that he will. quot;I'm going on Sunday," Rodgers said today. "It's just a matter of how." Rodgers might practice Thursday, but regardless, head coach Mike McCarthy said "everything points in the direction of him playing." FANTASY ANALYSIS: We'll see if Rodgers can get some reps tomorrow, but Rodgers has said he won't be concerned if he heads into the divisional round without any practice time. His fantasy owners shouldn't be either. He may not be worth his $8,900 price tag on DraftKings, making him the most expensive QB playing this weekend, but Rodgers shouldn't have much trouble producing against a so-so Dallas defense that gave up 323 passing yards to Matthew Stafford last week.