NFL coaching rumors: Will Rams fire Tim Walton?

It was a disappointing start to the season for the St. Louis Rams defense. That slow start and missed expectations could end up costing defensive coordinator Tim Walton his job.

Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports said Monday that Walton was not getting high marks for his first season in St. Louis. The unit's struggles at the beginning of the year led to Fisher playing more of a direct role in overseeing things on that side of the ball. That helped the defense get better, but it's not a viable strategy going forward.

... first-time coordinator Tim Walton's struggles were not lost on those inside the building, or outside of it for that matter. Remember, the Rams had hired Rob Ryan for a minute or two, after losing Gregg Williams to a suspension for the 2012 season and using a by-committee approach that season ... but Fisher has a ton on his plate already and wearing this hat probably isn't the way to go long-term.

The overall struggles of the unit were punctuated by disappointing performances from some of its key players. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins struggled in his second season. He had his ups and downs as a rookie, but flashed some of the potential that had many calling him the most talented corner in the 2012 NFL Draft. His sophomore season did not feature the expected jump in play from Jenkins, who is seen as a foundational player for the future of the defense.

Whether or not the Rams do fire Walton, they have some work to do ahead of the 2014 season, when expectations will be considerably higher.