JT chat 8/12

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_96?Page=0

I have not heard much about L. Joyner, is he not been playing well or is he just getting buried on the depth chart due to the quality above him? Also, have you heard anymore on Gaines and is the feeling around camp that his injury is serious?
by Tom 3:30 PM

On Joyner, I just haven’t written about him. Remember, there are 90 players on the roster. He’s had a good camp so far from what I can tell and is running with the first-team defense at nickel back. Haven’t heard anything more on Gaines but I think the Rams are concerned that it could be an injury (plantar fascia) that sidelines him for a while.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

do you think jacob hagen will make the team or practice squad or neither? if not, do you think another team would pick him up?
by timr 3:32 PM

Still very early on Hagen. The preseason games will be key of course. It will be tough to make it at safety on the 53man where the Rams have McLeod, McDonald, Barron, Alexander, Coady and of course Joyner could play there in a pinch.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Welcome home Jim. How did Kroenke’s, “Why It Didn’t Work In St Louis”, presentation go over?
by Alton Ken 3:34 PM

That’s how he opened the presentation. It certainly wasn’t the entire presentation. As I think we all expected, the Inglewood stadium presentation was very impressive by all accounts.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

I’ ve read from some posters that the Rams offense looks horrible especially downfield passing. Supposedly they are not even working on this that much. Is there any truth to this?
by Dennis G 3:35 PM

Offense has had its moments. I would say not a ton of downfield passing so far. The offense did look sloppy and was not effective at Lindenwood on Friday. We’ll see what the preseason games bring, starting Friday in Oakland.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

When StanK and company make comments like “Why is didn’t work in STL”, how much do the other owners consider / keep in mind the W/L record? I mean, were the fans expected to put a better team on the field?
by Emily 3:37 PM

I get your angst. Kroenke & Co. are going to hit the “St. Louis breached the lease by not meeting first-tier standards” angle to try to meet relocation guidelines.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Are we looking at a series or 2 only for the first team offense on Friday? Hopefully 1st team Oline plays a little longer right?
by simdaddy 3:38 PM

Fisher didn’t specify Monday _ that’s the last day I talked to him before heading to Chicago. But the general rule of thumb is the starters play about a quarter in preseason openers. I would expect that some of the young O-linemen play longer.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Do you have an update on your Rams stay/go odds?
by Lloyd Christmas 3:39 PM

No, I come home from Chicago with the same odds _ 44-56 _ as last week.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

On the Gaines injury, any timeline on when the Rams will make any decisions to, let’s say, put him on the short-term IR list or look to the street for a possible short-term replacement?
by MIchael Fitzpatrick 3:40 PM

Have heard nothing yet on that.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Jim, I plan on attending at least four games this year. Will attendance impact the NFL’s perception?
by Gumby dammit 3:40 PM

To a degree I think it will.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Been reading the Philly report, seems Bradford is practicing with only an elastic brace. Did the sheep act to fast, Foles doesn’t seem to have the tools SB brought to the table?
by Don 3:41 PM

There’s no doubt Sam Bradford has lots of talent. Let’s see if he can stay healthy.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Where did you go to college?
by Boon 3:41 PM

George Washington and Missouri-St. Louis. I was on the 7 1/2-year plan.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Since “it didn’t work in St. Louis”, do you think Kroenke should open up the books to show how the team has operated as a loss for the last 20 years?
by MIchael Fitzpatrick 3:42 PM

Funny. Obviously, the Rams haven’t lost any money in St. Louis. To the contrary. He bought 40 percent of the team in 1995 for a “mere” $80 million. That’s for a franchise that some say will be worth $1.6 billion with a new St. Louis stadium.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Is that the same plan Fisher is on?
by Tom 3:43 PM

Now that’s funny.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

There have been reports that an inventory company WIS has been tasked with inventorying Rams items. IE Rams park items in order to move them. Has anyone researched or heard anything about this?
by Mannetime 3:44 PM

I know they were tagging furniture in the media workroom in the spring.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Is the major focus on the offensive line during the game Friday?
by Alton Ken 3:45 PM

Well, that’s one of the areas of focus.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Is Isaiah Pead a special team player only now? How has he looked in the backfield? Forever hoping that he can flip the switch like Quick did last season.
by simdaddy 3:45 PM

I think he’s fighting for a roster spot. His chances of sticking this year _ at least early in the season _ may be helped by the fact that Todd Gurley probably won’t play much early. (If at all.) And Trey Watts will begin the season serving a four-game suspendion.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Over under on our total sacks for this year?
by Strategically placed dropkick 3:47 PM

For the Rams’ defense? 52
by jthomas 3:47 PM

After watching practice so far, what’s the parade meter?
by Don 3:48 PM

I opened at 9. I reserve the right to change it up till the first regular season game.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

The national media are reporting that the Chargers/Raiders proposal has more support among NFL owners, true?
by Alton Ken 3:49 PM

I’ll just say this: Carmen Policy is a very persuasive man.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Jim, I am curious what your thoughts are. If all are ducks are in a row, could Evil Enos move to LA have the Chargers team up with him and then offer to pay for Oakland’s stadium? I keep hearing how Davis keeps whining about wanting to stay in Oakland. Could that happen or would you think the NFL would not allow that since Oakland has done nothing and STL did all their homework. I would hope they would make Enos pay for Davis’s share of the STL stadium if he would be willing to pay for the whole stadium in Oakland. Starting to worry if we get nothing.
by STLRamMan 3:50 PM

At this point, no scenario should be ruled out. Goodell himself indicated that on Tuesday.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Jim, thanks for the chats. I’m rather bullish on the defense of the Rams. If healthy (I hate those words but they are necessary) I see few teams that can put a front 7 out there that are overall as good as what the Rams have.
If Janoris can find a way to focus and not make so many mental errors and if EJ Gaines can be healthy or if Trumaine Johnson can step up in his absence and our safeties communicate with our CBs the D should be a top 5 or top 10 group.
Am I insane?
by Andrew 3:50 PM

Yeah, I think the front seven will hold up its end of the bargain. I think it’s all a matter of who the back end holds up. As you mention, the DBs have to cut down on the number off big plays allowed.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Will play action help T Austin get separation from defense? How can someone that quick not get the ball in space?
by simdaddy 3:51 PM

It certainly would. But in order to make play-action effective, you’ve got to have an effective running game.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

So will all the owners see some financial benefit from all the shopping and entertainment options surrounding the inglewood stadium, or does that all go directly into Kroenke’s pocket? If that’s the case, why would they care about all of that when making a final decision on which project to go with?
by Thad 3:52 PM

No I don’t think their getting a cut of all that other stuff. If anything, it may make traffic even more congested there on game day.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

It sure seems Carmen Policy did a great job in speaking with the reporters covering the owners’ meeting, while Kevin Demoff was … well, the Kevin Demoff we have heard here for too long (speaking, but saying nothing). Why in the world would Kroenke think that approach would help garner support? Sure the owners are the voters, but if the media isn’t given anything to work with, he doesn’t have a chance in getting as much exposure as Policy will bring to Carson. As ESPN wrote today, “when two options are on the table, the one that’s better doesn’t always overcome the one that’s advertised the most”. Remember beta tapes?
Thanks, Gerald Reynolds
by Gerald Reynolds 3:53 PM

You make some very good points. In the end, I’m not sure how much the owners pay attention to what’s being said or written about the situation _ at least in the matter of a potential franchise relocation. But Policy seemed to sway some national writers Tuesday.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Will the Rams be able to run the ball this season?
by Strategically placed dropkick 3:55 PM

I’m gonna say yes. Slow go early, but yes, when all is said and done.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

What’s Kronke’s clout number with the league?
by Don 3:56 PM

How every many billions he is worth.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Obviously Spanos and Davis will vote no for the Rams to move. IYO, which 4 of the remaining owners to do you also saying no? Maybe Khan.
by Den 3:57 PM

I think Khan, Mara, Kraft are all potential no votes. Possibly Clark Hunt, Rooney.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

From what I saw at training camp the O-line is working very hard. Roger Saffold is a high character guy and a very good leader. All that said , do the Rams have Evan Mathis on speed dial.
by ramsfan 3:58 PM

Not the kind of money he’s asking for.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

If Brian Quick is able to play in say 14 of the 16 games this year, what kind of numbers do you think he will put up?
by Joel C 3:58 PM

So hard to predict. But with 14 games I’d say 800 yards.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

I read SK’s the second richest owner in the league, behind the Seahawks. As you said that has to account for some pull.
by Don 3:58 PM

No one questions his wallet.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Hi Jim, Do you see Marcus Roberson starting by the 2016 season? Also does Cody Davis stick around for 2015?
by Dwayne 3:59 PM

I think Roberson could have starters potential. And if either Jenkins or Johnson leave after ’15 (as pending UFAs) that could give Roberson a shot. I think Davis sticks. Good special teams player.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Hi Jim, Will you be out at the Oxnard practices? Been a fan of your coverage of the Rams for the last 20+ years. It would be great to stop by and just say hi.
by Joe G 4:00 PM

I’ll be there.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Do you suppose it has crossed Fishers mind that the team needs to get off to a faster start?
by Strategically placed dropkick 4:00 PM

I think the subject’s come up a time or two at Rams Park.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Jim I saw Jeff Garcia at pracitce Monday working with some receivers what exactly is his role?
by Dave 4:01 PM

He’s the assistant wide receivers coach.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Speaking of a fast start, how do you see our OL faring in the opener vs. Seattle?
by Tom 4:01 PM

Five words for Foles Get the ball out quick.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

JT, Whats the deal with Brandon Washington, every year he sneaks on the practice squad why? Do the Rams pursue Matt Flynn or try to trade for Mike Glenon.
by Dwayne 4:02 PM

Obviously, they see something they like in him. But after two or three years on the practice squad, or bouncing on and off the active roster, players usually have show they’re capable of taking that next step. So this could be that year for him. On the QBs, I’d say no.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Hey Jim what happens if the 3 projected center’s don’t pan out. Can you see Garret Reynolds sliding over as the grizzled vet?
by Dwayne 4:04 PM

I don’t think he plays center.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Is it too early to start talking about uniforms?
by Strategically placed dropkick 4:04 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

What’s your opinion of the extra point trial?
by Don 4:05 PM

Kind of gimmicky.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Jim Seeing I Bruce at Ram’s started me wondering about the Rams eligible for the HOF next year. How do you rate their entry chances, individually?
by Hugh 4:05 PM

1.) Pace; 2.) Warner. 3.) tied _ Bruce and Holt.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

How about running the ball vs. Seattle in the opener? Any hope?
by Tom 4:05 PM

There’s always hope. But as you know, it’s tough to move the ball against Seattle, and at this point don’t see any reason why that would change on Sept. 13.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

If the Rams allow BBRTLA signs while in Oxnard for Dallas free session, could you please write up a nice Kroenke is a hypocrite story for us?
by Chris 4:08 PM

If that’s the case, I’m sure the Rams will say any policy on sign display in Oxnard is up to the host Cowboys.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

How have you heard the relationship between Demoff and Peacock being? Obviously, Stan is Demoff’s boss, so is he helpful, obstructionist, dismissive, etc?
by Amy J 4:09 PM

I think they get along pretty well. I think there have been times when Demoff has made some suggestions on the St. Louis stadium plan. But keep in mind, as David Hunn has reported, the league basically had to do some arm-twisting in order to get the Rams to even show up to the stadium meetings.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Is a 12-4 record realistic?
by Sid 4:11 PM

Survey says! No.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

what do you take from the Geno Smith deal?
by ramwrap 4:11 PM

Don’t really know the details.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

JT – been doing some mock drafts and they have the Rams ahead of the 49ers. You buying that?
by Bears Fan 63 4:12 PM

I don’t see any reason why the Rams shouldn’t finish ahead of the ‘Niners this year in the division.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

What do you think the Rams division record will be this season?
by Spencer 4:13 PM

4-2. Sweep San Fran, split with Seattle and Arizona.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Now that Kroenke has showed his hand officially, do you think there is any way for him to repair his relationship with St Louis fans? Thanks for all your hard work Jim.
by Alton Ken 4:14 PM

How much is he around anyway? Maybe he has to play nice a little bit with some of the local business leaders, but that’s about it. And if the team starts winning, will anyone be thinking about Kroenke?
by jthomas 4:15 PM

So the Rams win opener? because we are not beating Seattle there
by ramwrap 4:15 PM

Yeah, I think if the Rams were to go 4-2 in the division they’d have to win that opener.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

I asked this question last time but I know you get a lot of questions so I thought I’d ask again and it’s not a relocation question 😉 Going to see my first Rams home game when the Rams play my hometown Browns in October and wondering if you had any local things I should be sure to try and do, items such as restuarants, type of food, things to see, etc. Thanks for taking my question.
by John 4:16 PM

I don’t think the Museum of Westward expansion is open now because of the construction work on the Arch. But I’ve always enjoyed that. If you get to StL early enough (like on a Saturday), the zoo is always great that time of year and it’s free. There are tons of Italian restaurants on the Hill, but plenty of restaurants in the downtown area around the Edward Jones Dome as well. If you’re the casino type, there’s one right across the street from the dome.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

What are the chances Kronke sells Rams to a local owner?
by LD 4:19 PM

Don’t think that’s on his radar at this point.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

So I understand that if Chargers-Raiders end up in LA, then one of them have to leave AFC West. Any chance Rams replace them to join the Chiefs inteh AFC West and would that be good for the fans?
by bfulton 4:20 PM

Yeah, I don’t think FOX would be crazy about not getting a share of the LA TV market if it’s the Chargers and the Raiders. So it’s possible the Rams could got West. Myself, I’d have no problem with that. It’d be fun to play the Chiefs twice a year, and also get the Broncos and either the LA Chargers or Raiders.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Hey Jim, what about Paul Allen when it comes to owner votes? Isn’t St. Louisian Peter McLoughlin (Seattle’s CEO) friends with our friend Peacock? Regarding Demoff, I hope Enos is paying him well. While Enos runs off into the sunset to avoid questions Demoff comes out stumbling, bumbling, and mumbling to take all the heat. I almost feel sorry for him. Keep in mind I did say almost.
by STLRamMan 4:22 PM

Not sure on the Peacock connection you’re referring to. As for Demoff, yeah he’s certainly in a tough spot. That was never more evident that yesterday in his remarks to reporters _ many of whom were from St. Louis _ after the Inglewood presentation.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

Have you seen enough to form an opinion on who is in the lead in the Center battle?
by punkindrublik 4:24 PM

Not really. But I’ve said all along, I think slight edge for Jones.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

Are Kroenke’s development of a stadium in inglewood and the Rams moving into it mutually exclusive? In other words, could Kroenke own and develop the land (it is what he does) and simultaneously develop the riverfront project in St. Louis?
by Tackleberry 4:24 PM

He certainly has enough money to do both, although it doesn’t make sense why he would spend all that money to build a palace in Inglewood and not have his team play there.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

Hey John, go to Zia’s or Rigazzi’s for dinner best authentic Italian arround
by Visitors Bureau 4:25 PM

Thanks for the input, VB.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

Gave Jason Garret a haircut yesterday in Oxnard. He seems excited about the upcoming scrimmage Monday. Said the Rams are a good team. He’s a real classy guy. Too bad he doesn’t coach the Rams.
by Cutman 4:25 PM

How much did he tip you?
by jthomas 4:26 PM

The January 2016 timeline for a decision doesn’t leave much leeway for teams relocating. They have the draft, OTA’s and training camp scheduling to contend with. Not to mention PSL, season tickets etc. The City of San Diego has given the Chargers a Sept 11th date to commit. If they don’t do you foresee the process being moved forward.
by ramsfan 4:26 PM

I think the timeline gets moved up no matter what happens or doesn’t happen in San Diego.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

What about LaClede’s Landing for visitors?
by Tom 4:27 PM

Good point, Tom. And Ballpark Village, too.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

Goodell said something about the Denver issue, that Stank proposed something that seems acceptable but needs to be approved by the right committee. Do you know anything about the proposal?
by Jim Otis 4:27 PM

It’s Kroenke’s proposal to meet cross-ownership rules. I asked the question, and judging from Goodell’s answer, it doesn’t seem like it will be an issue.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

very eager to hear your thoughts on Scott Reid’s OC Register article highlighting Inglewood presentation
by stlrams4ever 4:28 PM

Sorry, I haven’t had time to read it.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Last week you mentioned some players with Pro Bowl potential. I noticed McDonald wasn’t on the list but I’ve seen a lot of good press for him with national writers. Do you think he has the makings of being an elite safety?
by Holtville Ram Fan 4:29 PM

Yeah, I think he has that potential.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Do you think that the appeal on Frawley’s ruling could be a deathblow to the stadium?
by Schallm 4:29 PM

I’m no legal expert but I don’t think so. I think Mayor Slay saying the city won’t appeal was key.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

Whats the deal with stedman? he gets rave reviews every year but never seems to get the reps. are the other receivers out playing him?
by Beez 4:30 PM

Yeah, I’d like to see Bailey get more of a chance at the start of the season.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

During the presentation, a Rams official showed a slide of a suite with a fireplace containing a roaring fire. A Rams official said the fire in the fireplace is fake “just like everything in L.A.”The official also said the Hollywood Sign was visible from the stadium on a clear day “should that ever happen.” And there was a reference to Los Angeles’ notoriously late-arriving fans. The Rams official said the stadium should have a special parking area for fans who arrive late. Brief highlights for you Jim
by stlrams4ever 4:31 PM

Those all sound like the kind of jokes Kevin Demoff would make.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

Jim, As always thanks for the chat. Sorry if this was already asked but I have several questions. There’s a certain poster who calls himself Hammer in the Rams forum. He claims to be at most of the Rams practices and he’s adamant that 1) Chris Long is finished. 2) That GRob losing 25 lbs has him being pushed around by even the back up D-linemen. 3) that William Hayes has lost not one, but TWO steps. 4) That Greg Williams has the D blitzing so often that the team can’t work on it’s intermediate to deep passing game. 5) That Tavon Austin looks lost and will continue to be a bust. And 6) That Michael Brockers will never be a good pass rusher because he lacks the “quick twitch” muscles. Any truth to any of these claims or is the guy full of s**t?
by Ron 4:32 PM

Sorry, I’ll pass on this one. We’re all entitled to our opinion.
by jthomas 4:32 PM

Jim I have a potential solution to the dilemma facing the Rams and the move to LA. I researched the Jaguar’s lease and it would cost about $100 million to buy the team out of that lease. If Khan was on board could the NFL redirect $100 million of Kroenke’s relocation fee to the Khan and allow the Jaguars to move to St. Louis?
by Roger 4:32 PM

I think Khan is committed to trying to make it work, at least in the short term, in Jacksonville.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

Demoff would make jokes bashing LA while presenting? That seems strange. Rams just going through LA motions to get a new stadium in St. Louis.
by kevin 4:33 PM

They are not going through the motions.
by jthomas 4:34 PM

Jim, If the NFL accepts Carson, do you see Mr. K then taking a leadership posture on a new stadium here? Has he ever stated a preference on the stadiums location?
by Hugh 4:34 PM

Don’t think he’s interested in a stadium in St. Louis.
by jthomas 4:34 PM

No offense to the crowd today, but the season is less a month away and all talk is of owners meetings. My dad told me to only worry and work at what you can actually control..and to leave the rest for God….that being said, how many sacks for Quinn this season?
by Moose 4:34 PM

I’m gonna go 13 1/2 for Quinn.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

Hey Jim, Alan Grossman here. Thanks for the forum. In reading Sam Farmer today, he mentioned that part of Kroenke’s pitch to the owners mentioned Inglewood (The Kroenkeseum) could host the NFL Combine (along with The Grammys, The Academy Awards and I believe The Resurrection). How do you suppose that went over with Jim Irsay, owner of the Colts, whose city has hosted the Combine for many years? Is his greed and arrogance that out of touch to where he doesn’t realize he needs every owner’s vote that he can possibly muster?
by Alan Grossman 4:35 PM

I think there are plans for similar things in Carson.
by jthomas 4:36 PM

It sure seems Carmen Policy did a great job in speaking with the reporters covering the owners’ meeting, while Kevin Demoff was … well, the Kevin Demoff we have heard here for too long (speaking, but saying nothing). Why in the world would Kroenke think that approach would help garner support? Sure the owners are the voters, but if the media isn’t given anything to work with, he doesn’t have a chance in getting as much exposure as Policy will bring to Carson. As ESPN wrote today, “when two options are on the table, the one that’s better doesn’t always overcome the one that’s advertised the most”. Remember beta tapes?
Thanks,
Gerald Reynolds
by Gerald Reynolds 4:37 PM

It was a shrewd PR move by Chargers and Raiders to hire Policy, no doubt.
by jthomas 4:37 PM

Good afternoon, Jim. Will you be taking up Khan’s off for an all-expenses paid trip to Jacksonville this season? What do you suppose his motivation is?
by Dave in Kirkwood 4:39 PM

He didn’t call it an all-expenses paid trip. (Although, I think drinks are on him.) He was just having fun.
by jthomas 4:39 PM

Glad your back! Yuor chat is the highlight of my week! I wonder if you can tell us how Foles has been looking? What’s his TD-INT ratio been and has it improved as camp has progressed?
by bfulton 4:40 PM

I think he has improved as camp has progressed. In that sense, he’s growing on me. He’s thrown a few INTs in camp, but not too many.
by jthomas 4:41 PM

Thanks for the chat Jim. Aside from the more speculation on LA from the meeting yesterday how do you view the voting to block the move anyway? I’m seeing Khan, Spanos, Davis, Rooney, Mara and maybe Hunt, Richardson, Irsay, McNair, Blank, Lurie and Green Bay as potential blocking votes. Only need eight to block. Your thoughts and thanks.
by Stlgates 4:41 PM

I’ll just say this: There still seems to be a fair degree of skepticism from what I gather if Kroenke has the votes.
by jthomas 4:42 PM

Honest unvarnished truth: how is the o-line going to play this season barring significant injuries?
by Shep Proudfoot 4:49 PM

It’s difficult to see such an inexperienced line getting by without some bumps along the way. As I mentioned before, the Rams are going to have to get the ball out quick.
by jthomas 4:50 PM

Hey Jim. Hard to believe that the Rams season opener is just a month away. I guess the biggest question mark would have to be the O-line.Do you think Gurley will get in for a few plays, or is it too soon to tell.
by Dave 4:50 PM

If I had to guess, I’d say he doesn’t play in the opener.
by jthomas 4:51 PM

Jim – Given Oakland’s rather desperate situation with a terrible stadium and no hope for a new one in the market, do you think that some in the NFL might view their relocation to LA as undeserved?
by McGarrett 4:51 PM

Well, they are certainly bringing nothing _ or next to nothing _ to the table.
by jthomas 4:52 PM

Did you watch Hard Knocks last night? Do the Rams have anyone that practices by themselves at 9pm at night working on their moves against bags like he did (or anyone who stays that late to practice anything by themselves)(maybe Watt was just playing to the cameras, I wasn’t in the editing room).
by Danny in Denver 4:52 PM

Haven’t seen it. Was at owners meetings.
by jthomas 4:52 PM

Jim here’s my thinking. Stan moves Rams to LA. Chargers if don’t work out the new stadium in SD move with him. Mark Davis owns the Raiders and he is having the same problems with estate taxes that Chip and Lucia had here and is forced to sell to Peacock and associates who move the Raiders to STL! Your opinion on that ? Too farfetched to be considered? Peacock never says he wants to keep the Rams in the region. He talks of keeping the NFL in St Louis
by jweb19 4:53 PM

Not ruling anything out at this point.
by jthomas 4:53 PM

Does Coach Boudreau have any input on draft day regarding which OL the Rams select? Not that either one of them is Fred Astaire, but who would you say is more mobile: Foles or Bradford? How is Akeem Ayers in pass coverage?
by George 4:53 PM

Yes, Boudreau has input. I think a healthy Bradford _ when he first came out _ was a little more mobile. But Foles does OK. (By that I mean he’s not a statue.) Ayers is supposed to be pretty good in coverage.
by jthomas 4:55 PM

Jim, question from friggin Redskins land… any sense from practice/camp so far if our passing game will continue to be pedestrian? Or will we continue to see screens that don’t work and dink-and-dunk that isn’t reliable enough to score points? As pessimistic as that sounds, I’m really looking forward to the Foles effect. Go Rams!
by John in DC 4:57 PM

Don’t be surprised if there’s a lot of short stuff in the passing game early while Foles settles in and the offensive line gets its legs under them.
by jthomas 4:58 PM

Hey Jim, are you aware of the logistics for Oxnard practices for next week? Would like to stop by and say hello to you. As a LA Rams fan, you’ve been one of my favorite writers for a long time.
by RamTough 4:58 PM

Not really sure what the setup is like. But if you get a chance, please say hi.
by jthomas 4:59 PM

Greetings Jim, L Collins’ agent bragged that he outsmarted the Ram’s front office by telling them Collins would sit out if the Rams drafted him in the late rounds, as they planned. Do you buy that narrative? Wouldn’t they have taken all the pressure off their first round pick by getting a first round talent in the 6th or 7th round?
by Hugh 4:59 PM

Because of the practices next week in Oxnard, the weekly chat probably won’t take place until Thursday next week. Thanks for playing. . . . .
by jthomas 5:01 PM