National Football League

Fisher reflects on frustrating loss

Published Sep. 27, 2013 11:35 p.m. ET

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Just over 16 hours after a 35-11 loss to San Francisco, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher was finally able to come to grips with the setback.

Fisher angrily stormed out of Thursday's post-game news conference after just two questions. The 1-minute, 32-second briefing provided little insight into the team's dismal performance,

On Friday afternoon, after a night of sleep, Fisher was able to reflect on the sluggish effort that he called ''frustrating.''

''But we found out where our team is and what we need to do and where we need improve on,'' he said. ''We've got a lot of work to do as a staff. Fortunately, we have some extra time, some extra days to get focused.''

Fisher's club has dropped the last two games by a combined 66-18, marking the second-worst consecutive defeats in his 19-year head coaching career. Under Fisher in 2009, the Tennessee Titans lost to Indianapolis 31-9 and New England 59-0 in Weeks 5 and 6.

St. Louis (1-3) hosts Jacksonville on Oct. 6.

Thursday's loss to the 49ers took a physical toll as well. Safety T.J. McDonald broke his right leg and has been placed on the designated injured reserve list. He will be out at least six weeks, but could return to the team.

''We're fortunate that it will not have to be surgically repaired,'' Fisher said. ''It is not season-ending.''

Cornerback Cortland Finnegan and linebacker Will Witherspoon suffered hamstring injuries and are considered day to day.

Fisher felt the lack of a running game and the inability to stop the 49ers' rushing attack played major roles in the loss. Frank Gore tore through the St. Louis defense for 153 yards. Offensively, the Rams rushed 19 times for 18 yards.

''We'll get it fixed,'' Fisher said. ''We've got to adjust our offensive philosophy to what's better suited for us right now, and that's to hand it off. And then everything else spins off of that.''

Despite the rough start to the season, Fisher said his players are handling the adversity well.

''They're really good, they're going to be fine,'' he said. ''They're better than (just) hanging in there.''

Quarterback Sam Bradford hit on 19 of 41 passes for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

''I thought he did the best he could considering the circumstances,'' Fisher said.

Bradford connected with Lance Kendricks on a 6-yard scoring toss with 5:44 left.

The Rams will get four days off and return to practice Tuesday. Fisher is hoping the time off will help his players get things turned around

''I know they're excited to get away and come back and prepare for our next opponent,'' he said.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org

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