NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora and Michael Lombardi are stationed in the NFL Media newsroom Monday as they track all the coach, front-office and player movement following the final day of the regular season. Watch NFL Network and check back with this blog for the latest.

After nearly winning the NFC West in 2010, the Rams were a favorite among experts to break out in 2011. But when the schedule was released back in May, who really thought St. Louis could get off to a good start?

Playing vs. Philadelphia, at N.Y. Giants, vs. Baltimore, vs. Washington, at Green Bay, at Dallas and vs. New Orleans created a murders’ row for the young Rams, and it played out that way, as a stunning upset of the Saints was St. Louis’ only victory through the first seven games.

But it wasn’t so much the start that led to coach Steve Spagnuolo‘s firing Monday. It was how the team finished, even with the number of injuries plaguing it.

“In the second half, they just couldn’t compete within their own division,” La Canfora said. “Had they won a few more games within the NFC West, there was a chance that maybe owner Stan Kroenke would’ve stayed the course. But you look at the totality of this regime, just not enough victories.”

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