Jackson excited for Fisher: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Rams RB Steven Jackson is excited for new coach Jeff Fisher because, as the story says, "Fisher likes to ground and pound" and "Jackson is a grounding, pounding running back." That should help Jackson heading into 2012. "I think he's the perfect coach for a guy who wants to win," Jackson said. "He brings running and an attitude to the way you play the game, all the things I believe in. And what makes this hire so exciting is that coach Fisher has been a head coach in this league. Not to take anything away from (former Rams coaches Steve) Spagnuolo or (Scott) Linehan, who were very good at what they did. They were very good play callers on offense and defense. But being a head coach brings on another element to the game and coach Fisher has that experience." (Updated 01/25/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Jackson had a solid season in 2011 with 260 carries for 1,145 yards and five touchdowns, 42 catches for 333 yards and one touchdown on 58 targets and one fumble. He is on the decline for his career, but he might have at least one good season left. He will have a great schedule in 2012 against weaker run defenses in Green Bay, Washington, New England, the Jets, Tampa Bay and Buffalo, along with his division opponents. Fisher will emphasize the run, and the Rams should look to improve their offensive line to also help protect Sam Bradford. Jackson closed the season on a high note with double digits in Fantasy points in three of his final four games, and you should expect 300-plus touches and quality production. We'll find out if the Rams add a running back in the draft, which is likely, but Jackson can still be helpful for what might be his final standout year as a featured rusher. He remains a risky option to draft in Round 2, but there aren't many workhorse running backs like him. (Updated 01/25/2012).
02/02/2012 16:13 Offseason Extra: RB tiers for 2012
The number of running backs that can make an impact in Fantasy is increasing, but the overall production from the position is decreasing. Dave Richard puts it all together and shares his initial tiers for 2012.
Steven Jackson continues to prove he's among the best Fantasy options in all leagues. Heading into 2011, the Rams talked about giving Jackson some help to keep him fresh, but he spoke out about being an every-down back and said he relishes that role. Since
2005, Jackson has at least 1,300 total yards in all but one season, which was 2007 when he was limited to 12 games. He still managed 1,273 total yards that year. In 2010, Jackson had more than 1,600 total yards and six touchdowns. We'd like to see Jackson
score more (he has just 10 total touchdowns in his past two years), but it's hard to argue with his production. Now, the Rams don't want Jackson to break down and could make some moves to ensure he'll be around for a playoff run. After all, he has 907 rushes in his
last 43 games (over three seasons). But as long as he's the starter without losing touches to either a third-down back or a goal-line vulture, he should be drafted as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB with a pick toward the end of Round 1 or beginning of Round 2. Jackson,
who has at least 40 catches in five of seven NFL seasons, could also see his receptions rise with the addition of new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, so his value should improve slightly in PPR leagues if that's even possible. (Updated 5/2/11)