JT chat, 11/17

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_401c0882cd99?Page=0

With all the injuries to the offensive line, who is out there that can come in and help? It seems like we have the same problem year after year with the line. I notice other teams inprove their line(Redskins) with good draft picks. It seems like we can not develope our picks.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 2:15 PM

At this time of year, there’s not a lot out there. You’re pretty much stuck with the guys you have. So I would figure Reynolds is the RT with Wichmann and Donnal at guard. The Rams better hope they don’t get another tackle hurt. At the end of the day, I still can’t figure out why the Rams went with all rookies and didn’t try to bring in at least one veteran free agent with starting experience over the offseason..
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Jim – can we all agree that Jeff Fischer is not the answer? He’s got the Rams to 500 (or thereabouts), but it’s pretty clear that as far as he can take them…
by Simple.10 2:17 PM

It’s definitely trending that way. FIsher and Snead did a great job getting this team from horrible to respectable, but just can’t seem to take the next step. They’ve had four offseasons, and plenty of draft picks (thanks in part to the RGIII trade) to get this thing going. I said at the beginning off the year, this was a no-excuse season for Fisher and Snead, and I still feel that way. But once again, I have to point out that ownership seems to be totally focused on the planned move. I still feel that only a disaster _ 4-12, 5-11 _ might bring about a coaching change.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

I hope I get my job back. What do you think?
by Nick Foles 2:20 PM

Eventually, probably.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Do you think the new developments with the Carson project will help the city keep the Rams. I have been a Ram fan since the 70s, I am rooting for the city of St. Louis.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 2:21 PM

The addition of Disney’s Iger certainly can’t hurt. And I don’t think you add someone of his stature this late in the game, just as a hood ornament. It could be a game-changer for Carson. We’ll see. No matter, St. Louis doesn’t deserve this _ what Kroenke is trying to do to them. St. Louis is making a legitimate effort to get a new stadium built.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Jim, do you think that Stan wants to move the Rams next year or is it better for him to wait until the year after. Thanks
by Brotherspyro 2:23 PM

I think a delay actually helps Stan and hurts St. Louis, especially with the FAA radar/safety concerns cropping up at Inglewood.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Is Fisher killing two birds with one stone in sitting Foles? It calms down everyone with pitchforks over the QB play and knowing his OLine might be swiss cheese protects Foles from getting battered? Sorry, Keenum, run for your life.
by Uncle Leo 2:24 PM

Well, Keenum has more mobility than Foles, that’s for sure.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Good afternoon, Jim. Looks like we dodged a bullet when Rex Ryan went to MacDonalds and took an “extended” lunch.
by Dave in Kirkwood 2:25 PM

I’ve always felt he was overrated.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Who is the wr coach? Why does it seem whereas other teams #3 and 4 receivers can catch contested balls not even our 1’s 2’s or te can?
by Bob 2:25 PM

Ray Sherman is the WRs coach. I will agree that this has not been a good year for this group _ tight ends, backs, and wideouts _ in terms of coming down with those 50-50 balls. You’ve got to catch some of those to win regularly in the NFL.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Assume you were at The Ed Sunday, were the Bears fans in the house really that loud?
by Uncle Leo 2:26 PM

Pretty loud. And at the end, they were basically the only fans there.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Did the Rams practice yesterday (Monday) and if so, wasn’t crucial time missed in preparing Keenum?
by Firestone 2:27 PM

Team doesn’t practice on Mondays. I think just about every team uses Mondays for film review, corrections, treatment, recovery, etc. The team practices today.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

How was Welker on Sunday? Did he look like he can get separation and be effective in 3rd down situations (provided the ball is thrown in his vicinity)?
by Ramsfan67 2:29 PM

He looked surprisingly good if you ask me. He got open on at least five of those six targets _ two of the incompletions were either errant throws or cases where they QB and WR weren’t on the same page.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

I hope Chris Long comes back next year. Our defense seems to be much better wih him in the lineup.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 2:31 PM

He’s more important to this defense than you realize _ not just his pass rush, but his edge-setting ability on run defense. He makes Quinn a better player, too.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

The inability or the feeling of Sneed and Fisher to not add offence line help has been my biggest frustration this year. $5m on Fairly in the off season and then nothing at the deadline!? It seems the asking price for J Thomas was a 1st round pick. Would you have made that trade and moved G Rob over to guard for a year or 2?
by Mark T 2:32 PM

I think the Browns wanted more than a first-rounder for JOe Thomas.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

The reported $500,000,000 relocation fees would seem to negate the Raiders being able to move to LA. Where are they going to stumble upon that much cash? It would seem that new wrinkle would work in Stan’s favor.
by Ramsfan67 2:33 PM

You don’t have to pay the $500 million in one lump sum; it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for Mark Davis, especially if he adds Iger as a minority owner.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Jim, wouldn’t you agree? I have the best job in the NFL or any business institution for that matter.
by Jeff Fisher – Head Coach St… 2:34 PM

I’m sure your frustrated that this thing isn’t farther along than it is.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

You probably have gone over this before but, when Georgia moved the Rams to St. Louis, how/why did Kroenke come in as minority owner? The stadium was built, did she need his money to pay the relocation fee?
by Uncle Leo 2:35 PM

She needed the money , period. Kroenke was offered the chance to buy a minority stake in the team and keep it in Anaheim, or do so and have the team move to St. Louis. He decided on St. Louis because he felt short-term _ over the next 5-10 years, St. Louis would be much more profitable than having the team stay in Anaheim. Now that he’s sucked up those profits, in locust-like style, he’s ready to move back to LA so he can make some more money.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Jim do you think fishers choice to go to Keenum was pushed by the defense showing they can’t do it alone against the Bears
by Bob 2:38 PM

I think it was a result of being 31st in total offense, 32nd in passing offense, and not even reaching 20 points in 5 of 9 games _ all losses.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Think the rams will be looking at QB early in next years draft? Thanks
by Paul 2:39 PM

I’m sure they will look at their options. I don’t think that necessarily means they’ll go QB early.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

I thought with the emergence of Gurley our passing game would really open up. Wishful thinking again.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 2:40 PM

Yeah, very surprising. Instead, it’s kind of gone the opposite direction.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

How would grade J Brown for his first year?
by k Rockne 2:41 PM

Just OK. He sure didn’t play very well against Chicago before the injury.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Jim, with where the Rams might be drafting in 2016, who do you think could be the most immediate impact from a list of: Miles Jack (LB), Jaylon Smith (LB), Reggie Ragland (ILB) and Laquon Treadwell (WR)? Miles Jack may lacks ideal size at linebacker.
by St. Louis fan out of State… 2:42 PM

Here we go. . . .our first draft question of the year. Don’t mean to be a wise-guy here, but check back with me again in January. And again, with all the current Rams players scheduled for unrestricted free agency that could have a huge impact on which direction the team goes in the draft. For example, what if Jenkins, Johnson, and McLeod all go elsewhere as UFAs. Suddenly, you need three starters in the secondary.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Did you attend the St. Louis Board of Aldermen hearing on funding the stadium. If you did what were your takeaways from the meeting?
by Steve 2:45 PM

Sorry. Did not attend.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Hey, for three minutes in mid-November, we looked like a potential playoff contender. We’ll always have that.
by wiley 2:45 PM

Well stated, Wiley. Well stated.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

If Carson is selected do you think the best option for SK is to build on the 200 acres in Maryland Heights and own the facility, parking and develop the remaining acreage. He has the stadium drawings and a glass roof could host college games, final four , MLS soccer. He would get TIF deal as well. The man know how to develop land. The 1.8 billion stadium could be downsized to midwest dollars for about 1.4 billion or less. No relocation fee either.
by ramsfan 2:46 PM

Repeat after me. . . .Stan Kroenke does not want to be in St. Louis. . . . .Stan Kroenke does not want to be in St. Louis. . . .Stan Kroenke does not want to be. . . . . . . .. .
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Just joined the chat… shocked no one has asked about trading for Manning yet! Let’s do it! Go crazy!
by Eli 2:47 PM

Stop it.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Was the mood with the players and coaches after the game more shocked, stunned, or upset? Thanks
by Paul 2:48 PM

I would say numbed.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

I know we all like us some Gurley highlights but have we gone too far away from Mason and Cunningham not keeping them involved in the offense. More Cunningham I guess, Mason just seems to not have it this year, physically or has he mentally checked-out with Gurley grabbing the spotlight?
by Uncle Leo 2:48 PM

Fisher ideally would like to get Mason 10 carries a game, complementing Gurley. But Mason didn’t help his cause by fumbling on his first carry Sunday.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

If Carson is selected, does Stan’s bubble pop and does he go another route, e.g., sell or trade the team?
by Jasper 2:49 PM

Does he go rogue – remember, there are potential financial penalties in place that weren’t before, making such a move tougher than it used to be? Or does he sell the team? Kroenke has never really been a seller when it comes to his pro sports teams.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Hey Jim! I just returned from a 7 day cruise so I missed both the Vikes and Bears games. After reading the recaps on NFL &ESPN, it seem once again the major cause is the lack of a true #1 WR to move the chains once our run game is shut down and the lack of a good oline. Do you think we will finally get our true #1 WR in the draft? Treadwell (Ole Miss) or Doctson (TCU) or Thomas(Ohio ST)
we Need 1 of them immediately!
by Rodney T (ATL) 2:51 PM

The major cause just could be sub par quarterback play in both games as well as a defensive coaching staff that lost the Xs and Os battle to Bears OC Adam Gase.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Do you find it odd that hekker kicks more accurately than foles throws? Remarkable
by Bob 2:53 PM

Hekker is a pretty amazing punter.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

If the Rams decide to cut Foles after this year, what type of a cap hit would they take? I know there was a certain amount of his contract guaranteed, but I don’t know how the numbers work out with what he has already been paid. I think I have seen enough of Foles to know he isn’t the long or short term answer…
by RamTough 2:53 PM

Foles has a $6 million roster bonus due next March that already is guaranteed. in addition, $2 million worth of unamortized signing bonus would count against the cap if he’s cut. So it sure doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.
by jthomas 3:03 PM*

if you were stan, do you move the team or stand pat here in the lou? also if you’re fisher do you bench foles before the end of the game yesterday? thanks!
by Diesel 3:03 PM

I’m from St. Louis, so if I’m Kroenke I work towards a new stadium here. And actually, Keenum did finish out the game Sunday, so in that sense Foles was benched.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Jim, I am not making excuses for last Sunday, and I really can’t say I know the rules that well, but weren’t the first two holding penalties against our RT weak? And wasn’t that the case with the penalty for hitting their QB? Also, I thought our QB was it harder in the head and no call? Again, not an excuse, just wondering. Thanks.
by Larry 3:04 PM

I thought Barron pulled off on his hit on Cutler, so I thought that was a weak call. Also there have been a couple of times this season where Robinson has been flagged for holding where it just looked like he was shoving the player to the ground.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

How much longer does Greg Robinson have to play at his current level to be considered a bust?
by Boon 3:05 PM

I’m not even close to breaking out the “B” word. He has bee a pretty good run blocker.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Do you think there was anyone in the Ed Sunday that didn’t expect that fake punt? Do you think fisher assumed as much and thought what the heck Johnny has as good of a shot picking it up as nick does
by Bob 3:06 PM

Well, the Bears certainly weren’t surprised, that’s for sure. It was a little bit desperate.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Adam Gase and Cutler are good, but not that good. Was the defense out schemed or the players just didn’t make plays Sunday? We kind of count on the defense to be a constant, keeping us in the game, especially at home (such as it was with Bears fans invading)
by Uncle Leo 3:07 PM

I think Gase and Cutler were that good on this Sunday.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Uh, oops… Admittedly I am no expert but sure seems like if Todd Gurley encountered difficulty running the ball, it seems like the offensive line’s likely the problem for our offensive woes. In fact, situation to me seems to give Foles almost no chance. Not sure benching him is the best move. Wonder of your thought. Thanks JT!
by MJ 3:08 PM

Wasn’t a strong game by the O-line overall. But if you saw all the misfires by Foles or open receivers he just didn’t see, it’s hard to say Foles had no chance.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Is case keenum more mobile than Austin Davis?
by Boon 3:10 PM

Hard to say. I haven’t seen Keenum enough in game situations.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

The way things are going, Ill probably catch 3 touchdowns on Sunday!!
by Chris Givens 3:10 PM

That would be fitting, wouldn’t it.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

On that first long TD play by the Bears, it looked like our players around the ball were very slow to react, then got out of position, and missed a tackle. Did you see that as well? Thanks.
by Tom 3:11 PM

Rams blitzed from that side. Once Ayers overran the play, there were only two players left who could make tackles. Jenkins was blocked out of the play downfield; McLeod came in too hot and slipped.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Would you run Gurley less with this bad o line play to prevent getting him injured?
by Rams are going to Cali 3:13 PM

Not really. If he’s healthy enough to suit up, he’s healthy enough to get the ball a reasonable amount.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Do you know if Cutler audibled into that TD screen pass after looking at the Rams D or was it called in before the D lined up?
by Jasper 3:14 PM

Don’t know. I know there was a third-and-10 pitch in the second half that went for an 11-yard gain on a sweep that was a check.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Think the rams bring back Barrett Jones for OL help? Thanks
by Paul 3:15 PM

Doubt it. The Rams need help at guard and tackle, not center.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

On Cutler’s long run, it appeared to me that as soon as Cutler reached the second level of the defense, there was a Ram safety (or maybe LB, not sure who it was) bearing down on Cutler who pulled back and didn’t hit him. It looked to me like Cutler might have been about to slide, but he didn’t and kept running. Did a defender not hit Cutler for fear of being penalized (ala Joyner)?
by Merlin 3:16 PM

Could be. $23K is a pretty hefty fine.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

any chance the Rams will beat cinci down the road?
by Boon 3:16 PM

That was a pretty surprising outcome last night, wasn’t it.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

How were the Rams on third down when spags coached?
by Boon 3:17 PM

Not this bad.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

I believe you previously argued that C Tim Barnes was the Rams’ best Olinemen. Guess that’s true by attrition, now.
by bfulton 3:17 PM

Really. Last man standing.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

I think the Bob Iger addition solidifies Carson as the LA pick. Carson has more votes and Stan won’t have enough to block. Question for you does Stan wait until he’s voted down or does he save face now and start working with STL? Am I too optimistic?
by Terry 3:19 PM

He didn’t ask a single question during last week’s presentation in New York by the St. Louis Task Force. What does that tell you about his “interest” in working with St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

$500-600 million per team to relocate to LA? Does that put the Carson project in the lead of the LA sweepstakes and the Rams in St. Louis?
by bfulton 3:21 PM

Twice the relocation payday. That probably doesn’t hurt, if you’re one of the 29 owners not currently in San Diego, Oakland, or St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

How much does this team remind you of the Steven Jackson Rams and how other teams defend against them?
by Kurt 3:23 PM

It’s starting to get that feel, although I think Gurley potentially is better than Jackson.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

I understand Coach Fisher promising that QB Foles will eventually be starting again, this season. What’s supposed to happen between now and then to make that a possibility? Aside from a season ending injury to QB Keenum, of course.
by bfulton 3:23 PM

Maybe he’s simply trying to send Foles a message that the team isn’t giving up on him, that they just want him to sit back, gather himself, and regroup.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

If not for the stadium issue, would Fisher still have this job?
by SameOldRams 3:24 PM

Interesting question. But I think he’d probably still be here in 2015.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

What’s your prediction Rams stay/go? Has the needle moved any for you?
by Terry 3:25 PM

No, I’m still at 46-54 Rams stay. Waiting to see how city financing works out with Board of Aldermen.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

It is said that money talks. I do not think StanK would show his hand like this if he didn’t know the outcome. The NFL ownership, as we learned from the Cardinal move, is a good old boy system, with most taking care of their own.
by Jasper 3:27 PM

And that’s exactly why there’s such sentiment for Spanos.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

I think the oline doesn’t handle stunts or games well. Am I the only one.
by Ben S. 3:28 PM

I think you’re seeing what we’re seeing. And I think we all figured with such a young O-line teams would try such things until the Rams blockers showed they could consistently stop them.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Jim, would you turn down an extra 2 billion in team worth to stay in StL, if it was your team?
by StL in the rear view mirror 3:29 PM

If I was already a multi-billionaire and was truly committed to my home state, yes. Last time I checked, you don’t get an award for richest guy in the cemetery.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

G rob prob not a bust but would you agree players chosen after him in the draft have outperformed him so far? Or do you think Snead took the best lineman on the board?
by Greg 3:30 PM

i would’ve taken Matthews or Leewan. Not sure how they’re playing.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Maybe you should be a consultant to the team?
by Greg 3:32 PM

I’m available.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Why does it make sense financially to spend $2.3 Billion (Stadium and relo fee) to gain $2 Billion in additional franchise value. Especially when franchise value will increase in St. Louis if new stadium is built. Seems like it’s an ego thing.
by Steve 3:33 PM

I think a lot of it is an ego thing.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

I’ll make a call and put in a word for you
by Greg 3:34 PM

Thx.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

I am so tired of watching career backups start at quarterback for the Rams.
by Merlin 3:34 PM

Keenum will be the 23rd QB to start at game, in this, the 21st season of the “St. Louis” Rams.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Do you know when the Board of Aldermen Ways and Means will vote on the proposal?
by Terry 3:35 PM

At this point, no. But I thought I read in our coverage last week that it should be sometime around mid December.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Correct me if I’m wrong but fishers system is predicated on just needing an avg Qb. How is avg so hard to find?
by Greg 3:36 PM

An average passing game, would have these guys in the thick of playoff contention I would think.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Why Keenum over Mannion? Mannion has to learn sometime and this team is going nowhere fast.
by Jasper 3:37 PM

Mannion’s just not ready.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

What do you make of the Woody Johnson comment about moving the vote back till March? Is this a sign Stan knows he doesn’t have the votes and he’s delaying?
by Terry 3:38 PM

Could be just an admission that this remains a complex issue with no clearcut answer at this point.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Do you have to read every question submitted or do you have someone selecting them for you?
by Firestone 3:38 PM

I sort through the questions, but can’t get to all of them.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Will the Rams ever put a true burner back on kickoffs?
by Tackleberry 3:39 PM

It takes more than just speed. Pead and Givens were very fast.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Okay, Jim. Time for you to talk us off the ledge. Are things going to get any better with this team?
by Michael Fitzpatrick 3:41 PM

All right. Our first “talk us off the ledge” question of the year. My short answer to your question. . . .I doubt it.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Hi Jim, I don’t know much about keenum, what do you think he brings to the table that maybe Foles doesn’t?
by Johnny 3:42 PM

More mobility. I think he should be more accurate.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Are there enough OL bodies on the roster for this weekend or there will be more juggling of active/practice squad players during the week before Sunday?
by Uncle Leo 3:43 PM

I expect the Rams to add a lineman to the active roster and a lineman to the practice squad.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Hey Jim,In your opinion is their a franchise qb currently on the rams roster if not whats the best course of action draft or free agent again.
by Randy 3:46 PM

I’m not giving up on any of these QBs, but I can’t say at this point that I truly see a franchise QB on the roster right now.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Hi Jim. What a discouraging loss! OK it’s either time to get a new QB or a new coach!!! Which is it???
by Big Dave Wave 3:47 PM

Well, we’re going to see the new quarterback route this Sunday.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Does the announcement of the Bob Iger of Disney being added to the Carson project and last week’s comments by Jerry Richardson move your Relocate/Stay meter?
by Bob in Denver 3:48 PM

I was tempted, to kick it up a point or two, but I’m still at 46-54.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Hi Jim, I got the feeling that maybe Jeff was trying to send a message to the team with the QB change?? When he said he had talked to the three QBs and they understood the reason for the change and Nick would be back under center sometime later this year. Did you get that at all?
by San Diego RamFan 3:48 PM

Yeah, the message is that the offense has to do better. I think benching a player _ especially at QB _ always gets everyone’s attention.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Jim: Thanks for the chat. Enjoy your take. Long time football fan but not a pro scout or coach level person and it is obvious to me that the disaster on the field Sunday is the result of organizational indifference that has filtered down to the field. Your take?
by Jasper 3:50 PM

It never helps to have an absentee owner.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Some short good video of Keenum in his two preseason games with the Rams on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com and http://www.youtube.com
by Firestone 3:52 PM

Thanks for offering this Firestone.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Thanks Jim for the chats and all your hard work. So, your opinion… Foles vs. Bradford trade, who got the better deal? At least at this point Eagles fans have to believe they did not get the short end of the stick. I’d rather have Foles.
by STLRamMan 3:52 PM

You’ve heard of a trade being good for both teams? Right now, this looks like the opposite
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Jim, Why didn’t the Rams re-sign Joe Barksdale? I understand they had a set amount they weren’t going to go over but he ended up signing with SD for a little over a million a year. Did the Rams REALLY think he wasn’t worth at least that much? I always thought it was one of those deals where the Rams were willing to let him test the FA waters but I’d always thought they’d at least try to match or exceed the other teams’ offer if it fit into that set amount they had in mind. I find it hard to believe that they’d let an starting caliber RT walk for what Barksdale ended up getting. What’s your opinion Jim? Thanks as always for the chats!
by Ron 3:53 PM

Because he wanted about a bazillion dollars. He took much less to sign with San Diego than the Rams were offering. And did you see Barksdale get bulldozed twice late in the Bears’ game Monday night? We’re not talking Dan Dierdorf here.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

With the Oline in shambles, a backup QB, potential team move, etc. do you see this team winning another game? More of the same from the Fisher-Snead regime. We’ve seen this picture before. Why should I go to the games.
by Jasper 3:56 PM

Yeah, the Rams will win some more games. And why go to the games? Because even bad football is still football.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

I have been a fan since Roman Gabriel played. I think that problems with the rams goes to their not very disciplined. This shows in their inconsistency. I also think that the end of the season they should replace Fisher. He has shown that, as far as coaching, he is mediocre at best. Good at picking talent, but not better than an average coach. I know that a good quarterback would help but I still think most of it goes back to coaching.
by Neal Brookman 3:57 PM

The lack of discipline is an issue, there’s no doubt about that.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Is Harvey Dahl still retired/available? Do we have his phone number? Might be better than throwing Battle out there as fresh meat if it gets to that point.
by Uncle Leo 3:57 PM

Harvey is happily retired, and much closer to big WR size than OG size these days.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Jim Thanks for all you do. That same old feeling came over me Sunday night (in UK). The dawning feeling of a doomed season – about half way through the third quarter. I suppose it was better than the last ten years when that has happened on or before week 5 of the season. Question, do you agree that aside from stellar performers (potential and actual pro-ballers – Quinn, Donald, Gurley, Ogletree, Austin, McDonald and Laurinatus, maybe Jenkins) our roster just isnt good enough to make it to the play offs. Still too many let downs, dropped passes, penalties, lack of intensity, etc. Or is it just about poor QB play and an O/L that is still to raw and injured to score points?
by UK Ram 4:00 PM

I see a team that is good enough on defense, good enough on special teams, and good enough in the running game to be a serious playoff contender. If the passing game were even average, I think the Rams would be right there.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Were you in the room when Fisher made his comments about not regretting the Foles trade or extension? If so, did anyone laugh out loud or something like that?
by ihtnep 4:02 PM

Yeah, we were there. Nobody laughed. There were only about a half dozen or so reporters there. Not many reporters show up for Fisher’s press conferences on Monday.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Does Greg Robinson understand what holding is? Is he a knucklehead like Alex Barron was reported to be, or does he come across like a reasonably intelligent person?
by ihtnep 4:04 PM

He doesn’t seem anything like a knucklehead to me.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Is Foles the backup now or is he third string?
by Firestone 4:05 PM

The backup, No. 2 on the depth chart.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

If Stan doesn’t get to move to LA, is his most likely strategy a war of attrition by refusing to partner on a new stadium, and just wearing our resolve down until he can move somewhere else? If so, that would be a new level of supervillainry, no?
by ihtnep 4:06 PM

I can’t say what Kroenke will do is he can’t get the votes.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

What are your thoughts about B Quick ROS?
by PN 4:07 PM

So far, he’s been a big disappointment this year. I thought he’d have more of an impact. I can’t see the Rams re-signing him for 2016 at this point.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Hi Jim,Will Gurley be able to break loose against the Ravens D ?
by Johnny 4:09 PM

Won’t be easy. The Ravens are ranked 10th in the league in run defense, and are allowing only 3.8 yards per carry. In addition, the Rams probably will be starting rookies Donnal and Wichmann at OG.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

How exasperating the last two games to see open WR’s not seen and/or overthrown. I gave Foles the benefit of the doubt after the Vikings game but it was clearly evident his head was not in the game Sunday. To get thumped badly by an under .500 Bear team was devastating. Yes, Foles was bad but so was every other aspect of the game except maybe special teams. Fisher and Snead need to be held accountable. When a coach admits he was outcoached, as Fisher did, it’s time to pack your bags.
by Jasper 4:11 PM

Don’t know what I can add to this, but thanks for playing. . . . .
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Any chance we can pull Pace and Slater out of retirement to prevent Keenum from being mauled on Sunday?
by Ramsfan67 4:12 PM

if only it were that easy. And while you’re at it, give Timmerman a call.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

I assume I’m in the minority here, but I do not want Welker. I rooted against him when he was on the field Sunday. He’s a Patriot. I hate the Patriots. A guy who was there for a few years I could overlook, but not Welker. I wish they could ask Bruce to come back and catch 5 passes per game, go down or go out of bounds, don’t take a hit. I hate Welker. If this sounds petty, irrational and emotional, so be it.
by ihtnep 4:13 PM

I know there are many others with strong anti-Patriot feelings. But Welker is a couple of years removed from being a Patriot. Doesn’t that help?
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Will the some of the offensive guys skip the day off this week to get comfortable with Keenum’s cadence and to work on timing or is that disallowed by the CBA?
by Firestone 4:14 PM

Almost all of the Rams are at Rams Park in one way or another on Thursday _ which is the day off this year. I’m sure they’ll at least be watching some film w/Keenum on Thursday.
by jthomas 4:16 PM