Frank Cignetti Fired by Rams: Latest Comments and Reaction

The St. Louis Rams' sputtering offense rid itself of coordinator Frank Cignetti on Monday. An official announcement from the team indicated Rob Boras would take over play-calling duties.

Cignetti had been on the Rams staff since 2012, serving as the quarterbacks coach before being promoted ahead of this season. His stint didn't last long at all, though, as St. Louis has turned to its tight ends coach in Boras.

"We thank Frank for his hard work and dedication over the last four years. We wish him the best moving forward," said Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, per Myles Simmons of the team's official website.

During the Rams' current five-game losing streak, Cignetti's unit produced just 10.8 points per game. St. Louis ranks 31st in the NFL in scoring offense and total yards per contest following Week 13's 27-3 loss to the NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals.

NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal wasn't so sure Cignetti was to blame, though:

It can't get much worse for a team that boasts a playoff-caliber defense. After electric rookie running back Todd Gurley provided a spark upon entering the lineup, opponents have keyed in on him, and quarterback Nick Foles hasn't played well at all.

Foles was benched in favor of Case Keenum for Week 11's contest against the Baltimore Ravens, which resulted in a 16-13 defeat. Apparently, schematics are to blame for the Rams' offensive woes.

Fisher is guaranteed to not post a winning season for a fourth consecutive year at the helm. The move to get rid of Cignetti may be a desperation play as he tries to find a spark for the team's clear area of weakness.

Boras has had previous stints in Chicago and Jacksonville as tight ends coach, but his only experience as an offensive coordinator was at UNLV more than a decade ago. He has also failed to truly capitalize on the potential of gifted Rams tight end Jared Cook.

The fact Boras has little experience dialing up plays wasn't lost on Fisher, per Rams reporter Dani Klupenger:

No matter who is calling the shots, Foles or another QB has to play at a higher level in order for the Rams to light up the scoreboard more often.

The reeling Detroit Lions made a similar change earlier this season, replacing Joe Lombardi with Jim Bob Cooter, and have seen marked improvement. Their signal-caller, Matthew Stafford, is far more talented than anyone in St. Louis' QB room, though.