Reeling Rams extend Fisher

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Los Angeles Rams gave coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead contract extensions.

Rams spokesman Artis Twyman confirmed the moves before Sunday's game against the Patriots. The deal for Fisher was first reported by the NFL Network, which said it was a two-year extension through 2018.

"I'm expecting to be the coach of this franchise. However, I fully realize that wins and losses fall on my shoulder," Fisher said after the Rams lost for the seventh time in eight games. "I'm not looking over my shoulder."

Fisher said he reached an agreement with owner Stan Kroenke "well before the season started," but the deal just hadn't been announced.

In his fifth season with the Rams, the first four in St. Louis, Fisher has presided over a 31-43-1 record. They have yet to finish above .500 in his tenure and they haven't made the playoffs since 2004.

Fisher has also come under fire this season from Hall of Fame running back and former Ram Eric Dickerson, who after he said Fisher should be fired was banned from the sideline.

Snead also became the Rams' general manager in 2012, taking over a 2-14 team.

Fisher and Snead were in the final month of their deals. Owner Stan Kroenke, who moved the franchise to Los Angeles this year, has praised Fisher, a Southern California native, for capably shepherding the team's move.

Fisher was in a similar position in 1997 when the Houston Oilers moved to Nashville. He oversaw that transition during his fourth season in charge of that franchise, and by 1999 the Titans were AFC champions, losing, coincidentally, to the Rams in the Super Bowl.

Fisher coached the Titans through 2010.

ANGEL OF DOOM: After a scoreless first quarter, 49ers punt returner Dontae Johnson appeared to run a punt back for a score against the Bears. Johnson capped the would-be touchdown by making a snow angel in the end zone, drawing a flag. The only problem? Johnson stepped out of bounds at the 4, pushing San Francisco back to the 19 after the penalty. Three plays and 6 yards later and the 49ers were forced to settle for a field goal.

In other 49ers news, Paul Kelly, the father of coach Chip Kelly, died Friday. No other details were given.

COWBOYS CLINCH: Dallas became the first NFL team to clinch a playoff berth when Washington lost to the Cardinals. The NFC East-leading Cowboys (11-1), who have won 11 straight games, are seeking the top seed in the NFC for the first time since 2007.

FALCONS: Matt Bryant, 41, closed out the first half with the second-longest field goal of his career, a 59-yarder that easily cleared the crossbar. Bryant's only longer kick was a 62-yarder with the Bucs in 2006. … Atlanta lost left tackle Jake Matthews to a left knee injury in the first half.

GIANTS: Defensive end and former USF standout Jason Pierre-Paul injured his groin late in the first half and did not return.

PACKERS: Receiver Randall Cobb made a snow angel in the end zone after a sliding 9-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Cobb was not penalized (see above).

PATRIOTS: Receiver Danny Amendola left late in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. He was later spotted walking on crutches.

TEXANS: Receiver Braxton Miller left with a shoulder injury after being driven to the cold turf by Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the second quarter.

Number of the day

11 Career pick sixes by the Jaguars' Blake Bortles, most by a quarterback through his first three seasons in NFL history. Bortles has one more pick six than wins.