JT chat, 12/15

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_37792d1ca74c?Page=3

Jim, Looking ahead to the Rams FA, it seems to me, Trumaine Johnson has taken his game to another level this year and they need to sign him and Janoris Jenkins, and in that order, however I think JJ is going wherever the money is, do you think any chance the Rams slap the franchise tag on Jenkins? That’s two shut down corners in my opinion. Now, if we can only find a decent QB….a left tackle…No. 1 wide out…
by A.J 2:04 PM

Jenkins has had a good year, but the 2015 franchise tag number was $13 million. I don’t think he’s worth that much. But there’s no doubt to me that the Rams need to re-sign at least one of those two corners.
by jthomas 2:06 PM

Happy Holidays Jim!
What is your opinion on how #47 and #31 performed on Sunday? I thought that they were pretty capable fill ins for TJ and JJ. Also, do you think TJ is a bit reckless at times? i.e, taking out his own team mates-JJ, and EJ last season vs. the Giants.
Thanks!
by Jeff 2:06 PM

Roberson had some tough moments against Tate, but was competitive. He has some potential as a cover corner but needs to tackle better. I thought Alexander was pretty solid. I don’t know if I’d call McDonald reckless. He gets after it. And if Jenkins just tries to break up the pass and doesn’t go for the INT, he doesn’t get hurt and its not a touchdown.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

well look at God! Rams won a game! Rob Boras for Governor of MO! lol
by Rodney T 2:09 PM

He might get some votes.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

All jokes aside, that was a great performance by the Rams. Great running the ball, started off slow, but it ramped up as the game wore on. Tru J. did great job on CJ81. If the Rams could get this game, week in and week out, CONSISTENCY, we’d be a true 10-6 team playoffs bound almost every year! Here is to 3 straight wins to close out year and finish 8-8! #BeatTampaBay
by Rodney T 2:10 PM

One of the best things about the game was few mistakes. Only one turnover _ a harmless INT with 13 seconds left in the half. Only five accepted penalties (although one did wipe out a touchdown). But some of the same problems are still there. For example, the Rams had only 124 yards passing. You can’t survive that way in the NFL. The Rams ran only 52 plays. Detroit had the ball 7-plus minutes longer.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

What is your thoughts on OL? Thanks
by Paul 2:12 PM

A pretty good game. It helps having Garrett Reynolds over on Robinson’s side. I think this current unit with Wichmann at RG is starting to jell a little bit.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Who would you rather have at QB-Case or Nick?
by Jeff 2:14 PM

Right now, I’d say Keenum.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Who would win a competitive game of baseball….the blues vs the rams? I thing the blues would with an advantage at the catcher position and their advantage of hitting the puck with a stick.
by Butcher33 2:15 PM

I think you need to go Christmas shopping or something.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

I think Stan wants to host a Super Bowl in LA. Can we consider make the River Front Stadium a “Super Bowl” venue? More money, but so would the profits. Would that work?
by L Monte Slim 2:15 PM

Without a retractable roof can’t see the Super Bowl coming to StL.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

I am starting to get hopeful about keeping the Rams. Am I crazy???
by Rams41 2:16 PM

No, you’re not.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Do you think that Aaron Donald could tackle a horse?
by Butcher33 2:16 PM

I think he could tackle an elephant.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Hi Jim. There is a lot to like about the Rams talent base. A good HC candidate should be intrigued about coaching the team. How about Sean Payton? There are rumblings that he might leave the Saints; and he has a relationship with Greg Williams. Keep Williams to run the D and let Payton rebuild the offense. What do you think… Bountygate withstanding?
by Vince Guldin 2:17 PM

If Payton took another job, I think he’d want to go to a place with a better quarterback situation. Also, I don’t think Gregg Williams is on Payton’s Christmas card list after Bountygate.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Can #99 win the D Player of the year on a losing team?
by L Monte Slim 2:18 PM

Doubt it.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

OK, the world wants to know … have you raised your % of the Rams staying with today’s news?
by Gerald Reynolds 2:18 PM

Pending approval of city financing by Board of Alderman, we’re upgrading odds to 52-48 Rams stay.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Can you tell us what it’s like for the players to play on Thursday night so soon after a Sunday game ?
by EricR 2:19 PM

I can only imagine. A lot of times, players don’t feel physically right until the middle of the week. Well, this game is being played basically in the middle of the week. I would think this late in the year, with the normal wear and tear of the season, it would be even tougher.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Wow!!! 52-48?
by Tom 2:21 PM

Again, that’s pending BOA approval.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Good day Jim,
I wanted to thank you and the PD for all the Rams coverage for the last 20 years. As a devoted lifetime fan. I have looked to you and the PD for my Rams info. It’s been a great 20years. the memory of the SB victory will never grow old. I hope the Rams do stay
by OzyRamsFan 2:21 PM

Thank you so much. And it’s been 21 seasons. I hope there’s at least 21 more.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Pick ’em: Bill Coats, Kathleen Nelson, or Joe Lyons?
by David 2:24 PM

Don’t forget Elizabethe Holland, Lorraine Kee, Jeff Gordon (for part of one year), and Nick Wishart. Like my children, I love them all equally! (Then again, the Rams haven’t had a winning season since Nick Wishart left in ’03.)
by jthomas 2:26 PM

How do they feel about dressing like canaries?
by wiley 2:26 PM

I’ve only asked about 3 or 4 players so far. They all seem to like the Color Rush uniforms.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Hey Jim, thanks as always for your hard work. I’m confused with two things. First, Grubman says our proposal is not, “compelling”,. Second, the NFL asks the city to change the ticket tax. Does that make the proposal, “compelling”,? Glad to hear your forecast is up to 52!
by Alton Ken 2:26 PM

What Grubman said is that the Rams (i.e. Kroenke) didn’t find the proposal compelling. And that’s probably Grubman’s opinion as well. But Grubman doesn’t speak for the 32 owners.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

What does a 7-9 record do for Fisher’s job security? Is a double digit loss season the death knell?
by Tackleberry 2:28 PM

I think he’s OK at 7-9. I think 6-10 puts him on the bubble. And 5-11 isn’t enough _ that would mean the Rams’ record got worse in each of his 4 seasons.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

No one can say Tavon was a wasted pick anymore, right?
by Jeff 2:29 PM

I agree.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

I get it about bringing along a rookie QB slowly, but couldn’t they promote Mannion to 2nd string (ahead of Foles) and at least get him some practice reps? Wouldn’t they like to know if he can be our future QB? How else can they find out?
by Healey 2:29 PM

I don’t think you’re going to ‘find out” on Mannion by having him be the second-team QB for 3 games.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Trumaine should have gotten more credit for holding down Megatron!
by Jeff 2:36 PM

I thought he got a lot of credit. Joe Lyons wrote an entire story on it for Monday’s paper.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Last week you said it might be time to “blow it up”. Where might you start?
by D_Roks30 2:37 PM

Well, that usually implies a new head coach, new GM. . . .etc., etc.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Well you sure aren’t going to learn anything watching him sit in a meeting room…
by Healey 2:38 PM

Patience my man. Patience.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

If Kroenke is kept out of L.A. do you see him coming to the negotiating table with St. louis? What do you think his next step would be?
by Butcher33 2:38 PM

Kroenke has always been very hard to predict. He could go year to year on the lease. But if Chargers and Raiders end up in LA, I don’t know if he really has any other options. Might as well take the new stadium deal here, right? But I don’t think Kroenke is thinking that way.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

If Case started they season, I know we would be in the playoff hunt. You?
by L Monte Slim 2:40 PM

I’m not going to go that far after one victory.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Why not play Barron at strong safety while McDonald is out? Do we have enough LB depth to do that?
by David 2:41 PM

Not really.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Hey Jim–if the Carson proposal goes through, who’s to say Kroenke will want to move into National Car Rental Field? It seems less likely that he’d spend $200M-$400M of his own money, plus borrow another $200M from the NFL, to invest in the political tool that blocked him from moving to LA–and more likely that he’d either sell the team (since he’s never shown much interest in owning an NFL team in STL) or keep them in the Dome until he can either build another stadium outside the city or move the team to London. What do you thin?
by c_good 2:45 PM

I don’t think the NFL will ever have a team in London. The logistics are just too tough, unless you can invent a jet that will get there in 2 hours from East Coast. As for building his own stadium in St. Louis, are we sure he can make more money from a stadium that costs him at least $1 billion than he would from one that will cost him half that much.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Hey Jim What are the chances we keep both JJ and Trumaine J this year – looks to me like JJ will go unless Rams cough up top tier money – they might get better value from keeping Trumaine? Do you agree?
by UK Ram 2:48 PM

I think you’re right. Jonson would come “cheaper” _ and I use that term loosely.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Listened to the game but didn’t get to watch it. While Keenum gave kudos to the offensive line and took responsibility for wrong protection calls, what did you think of the line play in the passing game.
by Robert Clark 2:49 PM

I’d say pretty good, especially when you consider how good the Detroit pass rush is. Then again, the Rams threw only 22 times.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Hi Jim,
How come no mention of the “Mountaineer” punt return attempt? Looks like they had the right play called, but Chase dropped the ball. I see him as more of a liability these days on Special Teams. What do you think?
Thanks!
by Jeff 2:52 PM

I guess because it didn’t work. It was Cody Davis who muffed the punt. Not Chase Reynolds.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Can Robinson move to Guard? And we can look for a Tackle in FA?
by L Monte Slim 2:52 PM

I think that’s always possible. But I don’t think the Rams are contemplating that switch.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Hi Jim, why did the Rams feel they were in a position to gamble on GRob instead of going for the safer option of Matthews? When the need for help now on the O-line was so desperate rolling the dice instead of going for NFL-ready pedigree (and a family connection to Fisher) seems a crazy risk. Also, what are your latest Rams stay percentages?
by Gavin 2:53 PM

They didn’t think it was a gamble.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Please tell us that the Rams will hire a real OC for next year ?
by EricR 2:54 PM

Down on Boras already, eh?
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Hi Jim:
Aloha from the State of Hawaii. Three questions. (1) Are the Rams going to make a late season effort to win games, and decrease their 2016 draft position? (2) Is there any cure for the Rams’ tendency to make mental mistakes and earn themselves penalties such as the one on Tavon Austin’s punt return? (3) What is your prediction for the Rams game against Tampa Bay? I’m guessing the Rams eke out a 17 – 16 win. Merry Christmas from the land of Aloha.
by ramsfanmike105@yahoo.com 2:55 PM

1.) The Rams will not tank it to improve their draft position. 2.) These penalties seem to be a part of Jeff Fisher football. 3.) I’m leaning towards picking the Rams, but not there yet. . . .Mahalo.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Poor #11, he had a TD on the punt return except for a bad call. The Canadian Football league reviews some penalties, can we go there to avoid another mistake by the stripes? Poor #11
by L Monte Slim 2:57 PM

Don’t think the league wants to slow the game down that much by reviewing all penalties.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

do the Rams look to take a quarterback in the draft or look to grab a Daniels or Mettenburger from another team, your thoughts
by mdk 2:58 PM

To be determined. if you think Mannion is the future, maybe you bring in a Daniel, etc.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

yes the 124 passing yds i do still find aggrevating. If only we could go back to 2014 and change the #2 card name to O. Beckham Jr instead of the turnstyle at LT now! but i think Fisher will not be stubborn this year and will address the WR & TE spots this draft. Me, i vote we take L. Treadwell as our true #1 WR and get H. Henry or OJ Howard for TE in the 2nd or 3rd rds.
by Rodney T 2:59 PM

You are way ahead of me on the draft stuff, Rod. I’m still trying to finish out the season.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

If Stan doesn’t get the votes, can you see him moving this team anyway? Just like the Colts did?
by L Monte Slim 3:00 PM

There are financial penalties in place now that weren’t when the Colts moved. It’s tougher to go rogue.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Hi Jim Who is the best Ram to interview?
by Big Wave Dave 3:01 PM

As has been almost always the case, it’s a good locker room. My personal favorite, William Hayes.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Keenum said something I hadn’t considered. He said because the Rams have such a great defense that he is not forced to make riskier throws downfield if they are not there, instead use the punter and play a field position battle. I always want the team to be going for scores and first downs every series and I lose site of the bigger game picture. Are Keenum’s statements a reflection of the coaching philosophy?
by Robert Clark 3:03 PM

To a degree, yes.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

The way I understand things,if Kroenke losses LA, The city & state will have to start new negotiations with Kroenke to keep the rams here. Do you think Kroenke would build his stadium here if the Loo gave him that land on the riverfront?
by st.annrams fan 3:05 PM

A little late for that, don’t you think.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

I’d like to see the Rams get a big receiver, not tall but big and tall. We need to get receivers/TE so we can line up 4-wide, throw deep more, get people open. I don’t think our receiver sets are really conducive for a good passing game.
by Bill 3:06 PM

You mean, like Brian Quick?
by jthomas 3:06 PM

And I thought it couldn’t get much worse than the blueberry combo. Although I am surprised that the Rams didn’t use their current unis as their “Color Rash” template.
by David 3:07 PM

They’re not as bas as I thought. Players seem to like them.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Can you see Barron keeping that OLB stop next year? Only if we sign him.
by L Monte Slim 3:07 PM

That’s an interesting question. But Barron would have to be a weakside LB, and that job does to Ogletree when he returns.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Seems that momentum is going st louis way; the real sticking point Is getting money from mr kroenke…. how are ticket sales for last game of THIS season?
by blueyedstevie 3:08 PM

Haven’t heard anything on ticket sales. I don’t think it’ll be much different from recent games.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Any idea how long Keenum is signed for? i believe he is paid league minimum.
by Robert Clark 3:09 PM

He’s making $585K, which is the league minimum for a player at his experience level.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

52 – 48 Wow….
by Rams41 3:09 PM

Well, it’s still basically 50-50.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

How are things at Rams park for this last home game. Business as usual or a different feeling?
by Stickman 3:10 PM

Pretty much business as usual. Might be a little different if this last home game was also the last game of the season.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Thanks for answering 2 of my 3 questions today. I didn’t even have to include a wedding picture like that other guy!
by Jeff 3:11 PM

Wedding picture? What are you talking about?
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Jim–aside from your odds on the Rams staying/going, do you have corollary odds on _any NFL team_ playing in STL?
by c_good 3:12 PM

Not really. I don’t think there’s much in the works on that front at this point.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

That makes me happier than a robust discussion about uniforms!
by Gerald Reynolds 3:13 PM

Which is good?
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Watching from TV, it looks like the stands are only 1/3 filled. Is it really that bad in person?
by Jeff 3:13 PM

No. I’d say they had maybe 35,000 to 40,000 in stands last game.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Is Greg the leg back at 100%?
by Jeff 3:15 PM

Seems to be.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

will the Tampa bay bucs be wearing special color rush uniforms on Thursday also.
by Butcher33 3:15 PM

Yes.The NFL revealed the “Color Rush” alternate uniforms the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will wear for their prime-time Dec. 17 game against the St. Louis Rams, and if you like red
by jthomas 3:16 PM

What does this team need more — a QB or an O-Line? Can only choose one!
by Drew 3:16 PM

QB
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Are Rams’ fans truly a little different, or are the other 20 losing teams’ fans writing to their guy, looking for hope too?
by L Monte Slim 3:17 PM

I think it’s pretty much the same all over.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Hello Jim, thanks for the chats, have you heard anything about the supposed $100 million the NFL is “sweetening the deal” with for the riverfront stadium? Bleacher Report has it but they aren’t the most credible
by Willywawa 3:20 PM

St. Louis aldermen debate riverfront stadium deal after last minute changes : News
stltoday.com
The NFL is promising another $100 million toward construction – if city ticket taxes are rebated back to the team.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

What happened to Foles? His inability to complete passes was mind boggling since he had a good reputation before and played well earlier in the season. He took a viscous, viscous hit in the sternum one game and from that point onward his performance went down. Good guy, just wondered if you had thoughts on what changed?
by Robert Clark 3:21 PM

Very interesting thoughts. he certainly was never the same after the Green Bay game, when he took lots of hits. It looks to me like his confidence is way down. But it is a mystery. I wasn’t expecting the second coming of Kurt Warner when the Rams made the trade, but I think we were all at least expecting decent QB play.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Jim, I’m negative and I hate St. Louis!
by Greg Pusczek 3:34 PM

Thanks for playing.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

After the win on Sunday, the Rams look ready for the Superbowl. Do they have their tickets?
by big tuna 3:35 PM

Not yet.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Is Trumaine Johnson just that good or is Calvin Johnson no longer the HOFer that we thought he’d be? If he’s fallen off, what happened?
by bfulton 3:35 PM

Chalk it up as a very good day for Trumaine. Also, Detroit didn’t seem very committed to getting him the ball. And keep in mind, Calvin was questionable with an ankle injury so he was probably less than 100 percent.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Merry Christmas season to you Jim! That last game was tough to watch. Sorry if this question has been asked already but when and how did Quinn hurt himself? I don’t remember a significant injury during his last game.
by Cutman 3:43 PM

I don’t know if it was any particular game. Sometimes, back injuries just sort of happen. We haven’t had a chance to talk to Quinn for a while. Injured players usually _ but not always _ are made off-limits to the media around here. But I’ll try to find out.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

With the impending free agents in the secondary, and based on the reserves waiting in the wings, who do you think the Rams will realistically resign and who will fill the shoes of those who leave? I guess what I’m saying is, what do you see secondary looking like next year?
by Scott B. 3:45 PM

That’s so hard to say at this point. I think the front office is so occupied with the potential move to LA, it seems like things are kind of on hold in terms of free agents. I’ve talked to several Rams FAs in the last couple weeks and they’ve all said they’ve heard nothing from the Rams. I would have thought they’d have two or three of those free agents re-signed by now. They have the cap room to do it right now.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Jim, Do you see a conflict of interest situation developing now that Iger has admitted that he was “recruited” by Jerry Richardson (Panthers owner) to join the Chargers/Raiders’ Carson project? That is will “Silent Stan” sue the NFL to get his way?
by James Craig 3:48 PM

Oh, you mean like Jerry Jones and Stan Kroenke doing business deals together?
by jthomas 3:48 PM

It seems that a big difference between Gurley and past backs we have is that last lunge after contact that gets him an extra 2-3 yards. Your Thoughts?
by NoLAforyouStan 3:50 PM

Well, he does have some of that. But Gurley also has great instincts to me that allows him to set up his blocks. He has good acceleration and speed, which I think we’ll only see more of next year once he’s another year removed from knee surgery.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Is Britt back next year or locked up for one more year?
by L Monte Slim 3:51 PM

Britt is under contract in 2016. He gets a $3.6 million base, and is due a $1 million roster bonus.
by jthomas 3:52 PM
Permalink

With the young developing OL, studs at #30 and #81. All we need is a decent QB and a couple of sure handed WR. Not like the butter fingered #18, #89, #83, and #88, right? That’s not too much to ask…
by Jeff 3:52 PM

Good QBs are hard to find.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Even though I supported the trade for Foles and forgetting the pick and financial savings that came with the trade, it sure looks like we would have been better withBradford. Your thoughts?
by Free 3:53 PM

Yeah, I think you’re right. But that would be assuming that Bradford stayed healthy. And we all know that was a big if.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Which current members of our starting OL do you see as starters for game #1 next year assuming everyone is healthy?
by Butcher33 3:55 PM

Of the current line. I’d say the only guarantees are G. Robinson and R. Havenstein.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Jim, looks like they have a keeper in Marquez. The kid can shake a defender. Hope he gets more playing time.
by JoeRamfan 3:56 PM

It has been fun to watch him develop, that’s for sure.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Is our potential stadium going to be a Tier 1 stadium? That’s still a requirement, correct?
by David 3:56 PM

It’s not a requirement. The reason why Kroenke can now be a franchise free agent is because the local stadium authority was unable to meet first-tier requirements.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

How long is Mark Barron under contract.
by Butcher33 3:57 PM

He’s an unrestricted free agent after this season.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

What is the status of Ogletree. I assume he is ruled out for the rest of the season. I hope it not more serious than previously expected. Any word on EJ Gaines as well. Are either receiving treatment at Rams Park.
by ramsfan 3:58 PM

We’ve seen Ogletree around lately. He’s walking around on the practice field, seems to be moving well. He has not officially been ruled out for the season but I think the only reason the Rams put him on IR/DR to begin with was if they had a chance at the playoffs. And we now know that’s not happening. As for Gaines, I’ve been trying to catch up with him but have been unsuccessful so far.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

I read Joe Lyons article on Trumaine. But not much said on the National front-nothing on ESPN or Peter King MMQB.
by Jeff 4:01 PM

Actually Nick Wagoner wrote an article on Johnson as well on ESPN.com. Peter covers a lot of ground on MMQB, but he can’t get to everything. As for TV highlights, the Rams usually don’t get much love there.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

How many times to the Rams need to be blown up before we (or LA) get a consistent winner again?
by David 4:03 PM

This is the question of the day. I wish I had a prize for you. (And an answer.)
by jthomas 4:05 PM

London and Toronto have been mentioned as alternatives for Hairpiece. Other websites are saying he’s determined to leave STL. What happened to this guy?
by Alton Ken 4:05 PM

Likes money.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Given the emergence of Barron at weak safety, next year will they consider playing Barron alongside Ogletree and moving Laurinaitis to SLB.
by Ben S. 4:05 PM

Having Barron play in the middle? Can’t see that happening.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Is Farley back next year?
by L Monte Slim 4:06 PM

He’s unrestricted. Can’t see the Rams bringing him back for $5 million next year.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

What is your opinion on Colin Kapernick or RGIII at QB for the Rams in 2016?
by Jeff 4:06 PM

With Gurley and the jet sweep action with Austin, I’ve got to say, the thought of Kaepernick intrigues me.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

can tight ends be used for pass protection?
by tim 4:07 PM

Certainly.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

From Nicholas J.C Pistor. By vote of 17-9 on perfection, St Louis alderman appear to have the 15 votes necessary for final passage of #STLNFL bill. Thoughts Jim?
by Rams 4:08 PM

Passage is expected. And that would be huge for the St. Louis stadium plan.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

How many comments do you get during JTLive? Seems like I never get any answers… SIGH!!
by quickquestion 4:09 PM

There’s upwards of 100 questions on here that I’ve been unable to answer today and that’s after 2 hours of chatting. So I can’t get to them all. Speaking of which, it’s time to go. Tuesday practice today. Until next week. . . .
by jthomas 4:10 PM