JT chat, 11/4

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_62?Page=3

How severe was Hayes injury?
by Duane Ewell 2:02 PM

It was an aggravation of an injury he suffered the previous week in KC. He left the locker room on crutches in KC. Didn’t see any crutches this time. Don’t think it’s too severe.
by jthomas 2:03 PM

jim, thanks for the chats, i liked that fisher decided on one running back to go with for the entire game. Unfortunately, yesterday at his presser he went back to saying he plans on using all his back — is this a smart move? its tough to get these guys in a groove when youre switching all the time, especially during a game. what say you
by RamblinFan 2:03 PM

Regardless of what Fisher said, it sure looks like Mason is the guy. And that Stacy is the No. 3 behind Mason and Cunningham.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

Jim not sure enough is/was made about how terrible that officiating crew was in SF?!!?! Both teams have legitimate beefs. Those guys seemed clueless. Thankfully the rams overcame it — finally.
by tim 2:06 PM

Jerome Boger’s crew isn’t exactly the A team.
by jthomas 2:06 PM

what have i done to become a third stringer? was hoping you could shed some light … wish they would of traded me
by Zach Stacy 2:06 PM

I don’t think there’s anything to it other than the fact that Mason and Cunningham are playing better.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

The national sports media seem to be unanimously convinced that the Rams are going to move after this season. Any discussion of the St Louis Rams appears to be an academic exercise at this point. St Louis can’t afford an NFL team. Oh well.
by I’m Jim Too 2:07 PM

Ever think of this? It’s not much of a story nationally if the Rams stay.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

Is there any way to fix our offense this season? If so, how?
by Tom 2:09 PM

More consistent running game. More patience and better decision-making by Davis. They’ve also played the No. 2 ranked defense in the league twice in the last four games in San Fran and the No. 5 defense in the league once (Seattle).
by jthomas 2:10 PM

HC-JeffFisher, DC-GreggWilliams & OC-MikeMartz for 2015…what say you?
by RustyShackleferd 2:10 PM

Do not under any circumstances hold your breath.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

What are the odds in your view of an offseason change in offensive coordinator?
by Tom 2:12 PM

I don’t have any odds for you on that one. But right now,, I don’t think there’s a change. On Sunday, the Rams played the No. 2-ranked defense in the league, on the road, with their 4th-string QB, missing their top WR, and w/out their starting LT.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

Austin happy with short passes..and gets picks with his long ones.
by Ram 2:13 PM

He could have connected on his interceptions: 1.) If he had seen an open receiver in the same general area on the first pick, and 2.) If he had simply stopped, gathered himself, and gotten his body into the second throw. That one would’ve been a TD.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Thanks for the talks Jim…How would you rate Greg Robinson’s work Sunday against the 49ers?
by OdessaDJ 2:15 PM

I’m only about a quarter of the way through the coaches tape. But he played well. Fisher said he had a couple of hiccups on pass pro, and I saw one in the first quarter when Skuta got around him to the inside to get a QB hit on Davis.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

miss me yet?
by sam bradford 2:16 PM

I think some of the receivers do.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Jim, I like Zach Stacey but he doesn’t have the explosiveness that Tre Mason has. Any chance they can use Zach more in a FB roll?
by ekern55 2:17 PM

He’s a little small for a fullback, and Harkey handles that role pretty well.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

What do you think the odds are for the Rams going for a high first round QB, or trying to stick with Bradford moving foward?
by DevilDog 2:18 PM

I think that’s all still on the table. And a lot of it depends on how Davis progresses or fails to progress over the final half of the season. Not to mention, is there a college QB out there currently who merits being taken high in the first round.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

When do you think Chris Long will be back!
by Ramsfan618 2:19 PM

I think he’s at least a couple of weeks away. We’ll see if he starts to do anything on the side this week.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

why is every reporter hard on Olgetree saying he’s regressed when pro football focus has him rated as the best lb 4-3 against the run an his 5 straight games in the plus green status
by Star Stream 2:20 PM

Do you mean the same Pro Football Focus that had Andy Lee rated as its top punter last week over Johnny Hekker? You know the same Andy Lee whose shanked punt for 23 yards basically cost the 49ers the game? I use some of their stuff, but ignore most of it.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

jim, do we have some of the best depth at running back in the nfl – or do we have just have a bunch of guys that aren’t that great and just have similar level
by Coach 2:22 PM

I think it’s a little bit of both. If the Rams had a standout in this group, he’d be getting most of the work.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Is Tavon an intelligent football player? Does he have a nagging injury? Why does he pause and dance so much? Why havent we use any end around or reverses with him?
by willywawa 2:27 PM

He doesn’t always play smart, that’s for sure. He does not have a nagging injury to my knowledge. The pausing and dancing is annoying to watch. He ran a couple of end-around plays Sunday.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Will someone PLEASE tell Schotty to get me the ball in space more, similar to how the Saints utilized Darren Sproles?
by Tavon Austin 2:29 PM

You had the ball twice on end-arounds and once on a quick screen Sunday. I would say that’s getting the ball to you in space.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Defense, too early to tell if they have come around, or is what Williams doing finnally clicking?
by DevilDog 2:29 PM

Not that I’m expecting 8 sacks every Sunday, but let’s see if the defense can have a dominant performance two games in a row.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

If Les Snead and Coach Fisher do not cut Sam Bradford and decide to eat his almost 20 million in final salary for 2015 and he goes down again-wouldn’t you imagine that would be about it for this Coaching regime in StLouis?
by RustyShackleferd 2:32 PM

First off, his salary is $13 million next year, so you’re off by about $7 million. But in general, they obviously have to make additional plans at QB even if Bradford and Austin are back.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

JT, if youre the coach who is your running back and would you stick out with austin
by Coach Thomas 2:34 PM

I like the Mason, Cunningham combo. Right now, I stick with Austin at QB.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

Expect to see Mark Barron at all on defense in Arizona or still strictly special teams?
by jlarson 2:35 PM

Good question. It’s all about how quickly he can get a working knowledge of the terminology on this defense. I think there are some packages the Rams are hoping they can see him involved with in the near-term.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Do you think Aaron Donald is going to be in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year?
by DevilDog 2:37 PM

If he keeps adding to his sack and TFL totals, I think he has a chance. A few more wins would help his cause as well.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

If Davis continues to regress, any chance we see Keenum before the end of the season?
by Merlin 2:39 PM

Well, Keenum’s on the practice squad right now, so I think we’d be closer to seeing Shaun Hill.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Hi Jim – What’s your take on GZ ? He looks very shaky to me. I know he made 2 of 2 Sunday, but those knuckle ball kicks looked lucky to be good.
by rammadammado 2:40 PM

He made 26 of 28 FGs last year. He’s 10 for 13 this year. That’s 36 of his last 41, or 88 percent.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Jim What did Austin Pettis do that was so bad that it cost him his job looks like they could use him now
by UP North 2:46 PM

He was late for a team meeting but I believe there were other factors involved.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

With 8 games remaining, what is your expectation for finishing? 3-5 finish, or do you think we have a chance at a couple upsets?
by DevilDog 2:47 PM

I think 6-10 sounds about right at this point.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

is 6-10 a success considering all thats happened?
by Insider 2:48 PM

Nope.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Could you see the team bring back Pettis if one more WR goes out?
by me 2:50 PM

Nope.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

In years passed, I would be happy with this year… But the flashes of potential the team has shown has created a very big sense of dissappointment. Amazing how, looking back at those second half collapses could completly change the outlook of the season and even put us in playoff contention
by DevilDog 2:51 PM

The Rams didn’t seem ready to play against Minnesota, and couldn’t hold onto to a three-touchdown lead against Dallas. That’s the difference between 3-5 and 5-3.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Would you take a pre-injured Sam from last season or Davis from this season?
by me 2:52 PM

Bradford.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Do we need a spare DE, with the Hayes injury. Maybe some guy familiar with the system who recently got cut by the Cowboys?
by Andrew 2:53 PM

Ethan Westbrooks is available.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Has the light come on for Ogletree?
by c_good 2:54 PM

We’ll see. I and others thought the light came on last season over the second half of the season. He certainly played one of his better games against San Francisco.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Can you send a message to Davis that it’s ok to throw to Bailey and Givens sometimes?
by me 2:57 PM

Will do.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Hi Jim, did Barron play sunday ? If so how did he look ?
by johnny 2:58 PM

He didn’t play on defense. He was in for 7 plays on special teams and had one special teams tackle.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Jim..I have seen Austin Davis hesitate to run the ball himself when there is an open lane. Is he afraid of an injury or instructed by coaches to not to venture that route?
by Ram 2:59 PM

In general, I think the coaches would like him to stay in the pocket. But I don’t think he’s had a ton of obvious running lanes that he’s passed up.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Jim – Do you think Gaines will be a starter in the future or is he better suited to be a nickel back?
by McGarrett 3:00 PM

I think he’s shown he can start in this league so far. It’ll be very interesting to see what happens when both Johnson and Jenkins are back. (Obviously Johnson is back now, and Jenkins is close). Does Gaines then take over at nickel back over Joyner? Or does he drop down to status as the team’s No. 4 corner?
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Good Afternoon Jim-If the City of StLouis does as anticipated and presents the rumored proposal for an open air stadium then there becomes very little chance that the Rams are one of the teams that bolts for LA right? The NFL would not approve such a move if that were to happen right? Thank you.
by RustyShackleferd 3:03 PM

Yeah, that would be the case. But I guess it also depends on what the new stadium looks like, and what Kroenke and the Rams think of it. They haven’t seen the plans yet.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

in your opinion jim, have i arrived?
by Sack City 3:04 PM

En route. But still some miles to go before arrival.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

What is holding back Zac Stacy? Or is it that the other backs are doing much better than him?
by Ram 3:05 PM

I think it’s more what the other backs are doing than what Stacy isn’t doing.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

JT – Not without good reason I predicted a SOSAR game vs SF. Specifically I said the Rams undoing would come at the hands of Gore, Boldin Ogletree and a second half collapse. Boy was I happy to be wrong. Can this team beat the Cards?
by Sacramento Ram 3:06 PM

Won’t be easy. They need consistent pressure on Palmer, and need to find a way to run the ball against the league’s No. 3-ranked defense.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

austin davis looked scared to me after those two early turnovers — almost like he knew if there was a third that the party was over — what did you think and should we consider a change at qb.
by RamblinFan 3:07 PM

Yeah, he looked shaky for a while in the opening half. But then he threw that TD pass. As Fisher said, he has a knack for bouncing back. Remember, he was playing the second-ranked defense in the league.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Regarding failed FG attempts….like the one Austin caught and returned, if he had taken a knee in the end zone it’s a touchback, right? If he doesn’t field it at all, and it lands in and remains inside the end zone is it still a live ball ?
by Steve 3:09 PM

No, dead ball in that case. Touchback.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Ga.jim great win! but ive been hard on schotty but he has to stay committed to the screens for austin an the backs an aggressive an keep them involve
by Star Stream 3:12 PM

I would like to see more screen passes, you know the traditional kind to the RBs.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

City Of StLouis presents Stadium proposal soon and then there is a better than greater chance the Rams stay put right?
by RustyShackleferd 3:14 PM

It certainly doesn’t hurt the cause.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Jim I am seeing that there is a lot of missed tackles lately that lets the opposite team make good in roads. Has JF addressed that with his defense?
by Ram 3:15 PM

Actually, the San Fran game was one of the Rams’ better tackling contests. But yeah, Fisher has addressed the topic on more than one occasion.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

If the Rams win the next 3 games in a row, will you shave your head?
by C. Long 3:16 PM

I will shave my head if they make the playoffs.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Jim, watching live did you see that block, J Rob put on that linebacker, on Britt’s TD reception, man if this guy learns to pass block, we may have another O. Pace on the Rams! He has also has made some nice tackles on INT returns, showing what an elite athlete he is!
by T. Wood Ches., VA 3:16 PM

Yeah, he gets down field for a big man. If his keeps this up, Fisher may have to put him on the kickoff coverage team.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

2015 draft priority: OL LB TE CB QB
by Rams41 3:17 PM

I would omit TE from the list if Kendricks re-signs with the team. But otherwise, hard to argue with the list.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

ok, so you don’t miss me this week
by Tim Walton 3:18 PM

Not so much.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

last game vs the 49ers, i was on here crying about how the 49’ers were able to get to our QB with simple stunts and loops, and the rams couldn’t touch kaep with exotic stuff. well, the script flipped, eh? sure hoping this effort continues…do you think it was strictly effort, jim?
by steve 3:19 PM

Plenty of effort, that’s for sure. But I think it’s also a case of the Rams learning from past mistakes as well. Keep in mind also, that of those 5 sacks allowed against San Francisco in the Oct. 13 game, 2 were allowed by Kendricks, 1 was allowed by Mason, and a fourth came on a play when Davis had both Austin and Cunningham open underneath but kept looking deep and then tried to scramble out of trouble. So only one of the 5 sacks allowed was the fault of an O-lineman (J. Long).
by jthomas 3:24 PM

EJ Gaines looked great – especially with that late, diving pass break up. G Robinson and A Donald also looked good. How would you assess those rookies performance and how impressed are you with Gaines? Thanks!
by LA Rams 3:24 PM

E.J. Gaines played very well, I thought, against San Fran. Didn’t get beaten by a double-move this time around. I think he’s been a great pickup given his 6th-round draft status. Donald and Robinson continue to impress. Donald has been disruptive, Robinson is more than holding his own so far as a pass blocker and has loved up to his billing as a run blocker.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Hi Jim, any chance we see Shaun Hill this week? Are we ever going to win a game that doesn’t end with a 10 second run off, or a fumble that may or may not have happened and we may or may not have recovered?
by SteveSPN 3:27 PM

Now that you mention it, those three victories all have had bizarre endings. But I don’t think we’ll see Shaun Hill this week.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

You’ve been around football for a long time. Have you gotten good at identifying the players who will make it in the NFL before they actually succeed? Also, regarding the previous head coaches, did you think “This guy’s not gonna cut it?” before it became obvious to everyone else?
by Andy 3:28 PM

On your first question, I can’t say that I have. This is a league where you either do it or you don’t. A player can look all-world on the practice field, or even in the preseason. But game day in the regular season is a different deal. But usually, those who have a level of maturity and a strong early work ethic have a better chance to succeed _ and you can notice that early in a player. As for Linehan and Spagnuolo, I can’t say that I was that much ahead of the curve if at all.. It was pretty obvious to most of us in both cases, wasn’t it.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Do you think there’s any chance that Williams switches to two box safeties and only two linebackers, using Barron and McDonald as the box safeties? Which LB sits in that case?
by LaughingLion 3:32 PM

The two box safety approach would have one (Barron) playing as a linebacker. So in a dime package where Dunbar already is out in favor of the nickel back, that could mean Ogletree is on the bench. I’m not sure we’d see Barron and McDonald both playing in the box in a set with 2LBs.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

I like what I see from Greg Robinson! He’s not a Chip off my Block, that’s fer sure!!!!
by Jason Smith 3:36 PM

Yeah, but some were comparing him to you a few weeks ago.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

bogner’s crew has to go. i watched the punt return that was ruled out of bounds over and over, and i’ve yet to see a block in the back by #34 for the rams. also, i officiate football, and that ‘forward progress was stopped’ call is a total cop-out! it was an inadvertent whistle at best and the play should have been replayed, which still would have went against the rams. the holding call on the 49’ers defensive back was also a joke.
by steve 3:37 PM

What can I say? I know the game moves fast. I know the players are bigger than ever. But there do seem to be a lot of missed calls all over the league every week.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

StLouis offers stadium propasal later this November/December and Rams stay put-for all we know StanKroenke has already said yup, chances of this happening are…?
by RustyShackleferd 3:38 PM

Rams have no idea what the stadium plan looks like for that site north of Lumiere and south of the Musial bridge.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Why can’t we see Sean Hill in there? At least two or three games. I think he is better, and if he is, we can get a better look at our other players.
by jeffInUtah 3:40 PM

Again, don’t think that’s happening. Some of the criticism of Davis has to be tempered by the quality of defenses he has been facing lately.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

How does an almost 1,000 yard RB get so deep in the doghouse? Fisher has to know that this is tanking Stacy’s confidence level. How much can you pin on the talent of the RB’s when the run blocking hasn’t been consistently good? If he believes in him at any level, make it work, otherwise Fisher is creating Isiah Pead II.
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 3:41 PM

I think Fisher simply believes Mason and Cunningham are better options at this point. In 1998, Amp Lee was the Rams’ offensive MVP, then Marshall Faulk showed up. I’m not saying the Rams have a Faulk on the current roster, but they may have a couple backs that are better than Amp Lee.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

I know that the Rams made a jump up the draft to get Tavon Austin, but I feel like there are times when there is just a little too much emphasis in trying to get him involved. Why not just play him in the slot and let him use his reportedly blazing speed?
by BKB 3:44 PM

A curious comment. I really don’t think the Rams are force-feeding the ball to Austin.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Aside from the glaring need at QB, would you say the Rams still need to draft 1 – 2 quality O Linemen as the top need?
by Tom 3:45 PM

You could throw cornerback and linebacker in the mix as well.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

None of the Rams running backs are explosive….#fact. Tell me when was the last time they exploded through the gate for a long touchdown? They are power runners at best.,
by Ram 3:46 PM

Mason has long-distance ability. In fact, he has the 3-longest runs of the season for the Rams.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

How are the Rams injury wise after the SF game?
by 28-Blast 3:48 PM

Pretty good shape. Roberson has an ankle; Hayes has an ankle/foot. That’s about it as far as we know right now. Will get a better feel Weds in practice.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Who’s to blame for such inconsistency week after week. It seems like maybe Jeff Fischer doesn’t know how to prepare the team some weeks. Would you agree?
by Matt 3:49 PM

One, a lot of the league is like this. Two, the Rams have the youngest team in the league again. But yeah, I think part of it would fall back on the coaches and preparation.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Why don’t the Rams get Barrett Jones into the game, at least instead of Joseph? Let’s see what he can do in a game situation!
by Tom 3:51 PM

Fisher going with the veteran. But yeah, it would be nice to see some Jones.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Now if we get 8 more sacks against AZ and win THAT one……..I’ll give up drinking
by Big Wave Dave 3:51 PM

Interesting. . . .
by jthomas 3:52 PM

In your own opinion what should the do at QB for 2015 right now if the season ended today.
by Grant 3:52 PM

Keep Davis, bring Bradford back, draft a QB in the 1st or 2nd round.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Hi Jim Who are the friendliest Rams to interview. I bet Hekkar’s a kick!
by Big Wave Dave 3:53 PM

Lots of good quotes in the locker room. Chris Long and James Laurinaites shared our Pro Football Writers Good Guy award (for media cooperation) for 2013. Rodger Saffold, Joe Barksdale, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Lance Kendricks, Chris Givens, Benny Cunningham _ I could go on _ are all accessible and try to be healthy.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Question on the defensive scheme and execution… do you think last weeks game was just the perfect storm of events, or possible Williams and the Defense is finally starting to bring everything together with schemes that match the talent?
by DevilDog 3:55 PM

Maybe just the perfect storm. I don’t think we can say the defense has finally arrived after just one dominant game.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

If the Rams DLine continues to play good/great the rest of the season, will the team be able to afford to keep the guys together next year or some pieces will have to go due to salary cap issues and other position needs?
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 3:57 PM

All of the top guys on the D-line are under contract for 2015 or beyond, so it shouldn’t be a problem next year.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

@jthomas thanks i just observed him to be very active in the back interpreting signals and commanding his troops. He is a smart LB.
by Ram 3:58 PM

Yes, he is. I had a coach in the film room show me a couple of weeks back how Laurinaitis got the defense out of a bad look for the play that was called and into a different front that stopped the play. I think he does a lot of that.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Do you think anything was said to Tavon Austin during the half about his decision to bring that missed FG out of the endzone? Somethign post-game? At least SOME yelling by Fish?
by Kevin_Kevin 4:01 PM

Fisher mentioned after the game and also on Monday that he talked to Austin about it at halftime.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Why is a proposed open air stadium a better option than restructured, upgraded dome?
by Steve 4:03 PM

Because the Rams wouldn’t have to share it with the CVC.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

JT what is you prediction for Sunday’s game, Rams or Cards?
by Tim S. 4:04 PM

I don’t think lightning will strike twice.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Are the Rams having fan appreciation for the last home game against the Giants? Thanks.
by John 4:04 PM

I believe that’s the plan.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

On the last play, if the rams would have recovered in on the 1 and taken a safety would that have been the game or would they have to punt it away. I know game cant end on a penalty but a safety isn’t a penalty.
by eman 4:05 PM

There were only 2 seconds left on the clock, so you line up Austin Davis in the shotgun, he takes the snap and runs to the corner of the end zone. Two seconds expire, game over.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Hi Jim. I keep hearing that Austin Davis badly under-threw at least two open receivers and that his accuracy was really off. What I saw was the Rams having to use a holder on kickoffs after the ball blew off the T. Twice. Aren’t super-windy conditions a factor? Why do teams sometimes take the wind at the coin toss instead of starting on offense if it’s not a real issue?
by Author 4:06 PM

Don’t think the wind was a factor on either of those throws.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Jim, we have played some very top notch defenses in the past weeks, how do the Cardinals stack up against San Fran and Seattle on that side of the ball?
by DevilDog 4:07 PM

Arizona is pretty good, although not quite to the level off San Fran or Seattle. Strangely, they are 3rd in rush defense but dead last (32nd) in pass defense. But some of those passing yards may be garbage yards from teams attempting to catch up late in the game.
by jthomas 4:10 PM