JT chat, 12/22

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_840f91d41455?Page=2

Hi Jim,

http://www.si.com
by Vince P 2:04 PM

Funny. Merry Christmas to you. Hey, I wasn’t that much better. I had the Rams at 9-7.
by jthomas 2:05 PM

Me for Nick Foles, eh? I’m starting to get settled into the Eagles offense – not setting the world on fire yet, but getting more comfortable. How’s Nick Foles working out for the Rams?
by Sam Bradford 2:05 PM

Sam, good luck against Washington this week. It would be great to see you in the playoffs this year.
by jthomas 2:05 PM

Jim – We have financing! (Sort of.) With that in mind, what’s your updated stay percentage?
by McGarrett 2:06 PM

I’m still at 52-48 Rams stay. (That was my update odds from a week ago.)
by jthomas 2:06 PM

Do you think Saffold will be back next year? I guess the Raiders were on to something when they failed him on his physical.
by Dave 2:06 PM

Except the Raiders failed him because of an injury to his other shoulder. The Rams have plenty of cap room. Given the state of their line, I would think they’d want him back.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

Re: the updated odds – do you tihnk that’s long term or just next year?
by Alan 2:08 PM

For 2016.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

Do you see Kroenke moving the team to Los Angeles no matter what the owners vote?
by LA RAMFAN 2:10 PM

There are financial penalties for going rogue that weren’t in place during earlier relocations (in the ’89s and ’90s), including cutting back on the team’s share of the TV dollars, so it makes you wonder what Kroenke will do.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

How high are the Rams on Mannion or do they look to draft a QB?
by mdk 2:12 PM

They like Mannion. They think he can be a starter in this league. But you’d have to think they’ll discuss adding a QB in some way shape or form this offseason. (Draft, free agency, trade)
by jthomas 2:13 PM

hey jim…i don’t always ask questions/make comments, but you can rest assured i read the transcript each and every week! if this is indeed the last season of rams football in st. louis, i just want to say thank you very much for providing this service to us rams fans! 2 things: 1) isn’t it convenient janoris “clamps” jenkins is having his best season as a ram (though he hasn’t scored this year); and 2) how will fisher ever convince a top tier qb or receiver to come play for him?
by steve m. 2:14 PM

1.) There’s no doubt in my mind that this has been Janoris Jenkins’ best season, in part because he’s been more consistent than in any other season. 2.) That’s a very good question. Of course, if you draft someone they don’t really have a choice. But in terms of free agency, I think it does make it tough.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Other than rookies, who in your opinion, has over achieved and under achieved the most this season?
by Ron 2:16 PM

Ask me this in 2 weeks.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

If you absolutely had to give your honest opinion on relocation, what would it be? Example, Rams stay in St. Louis but Stan goes year to year. Thanks Jim
by Greg 2:17 PM

I’d give the slightest of nods in the direction you’re pointing.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Would you finally say odds are that the Rams stay?
by Brad 2:19 PM

Again, my odds or 52 to 48 Rams stay.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Rumors of a trade of teams. Stan gets Chargers and move them to LA, Dean gets Rams and keeps them in STL.
by Darrell in Tn. 2:19 PM

Seems odd that Spanos would want to leave southern California, especially if he’s the frontrunner for LA.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Even if the Rams are not allowed to move, does the uncertainty of the franchise hinder signing any top notch free agents?
by Blake 2:21 PM

I would certainly think that would be the case, especially if there isn’t a decision made Jan. 12-13 at the owners meetings in Houston. If they make a decision there, it might not have much of an effect on free agency, which doesn’t start until early March.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

52 to 48 ! Is that the predicted score of the next Rams- Seahawks Game?
by Terry Cunningham 2:23 PM

So you’re assuming the Rams will score 48 points.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

How the heck does the NFL get itself out of the LA relocation mess?
by Steve 2:23 PM

Very easy. Go with the California solution. You take care of the two worst stadiums in the league. The Chargers remain a regional team for southern California. The Bay area still has a team (San Francisco), and the Rams stay in St. Louis, the only home market with a financing plan.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

If the NFL says no to Rams in LA how long do you see The Kronk keeping the team? Nobody deserves this man owning a team in there city especially STL. Do you see him selling someday or keeping the team until he passes?
by Duane 2:27 PM

Great question. Only Kroenke knows the answer. All I can add is that he has never really been a seller when it comes to his pro sports teams.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

My opinion is that the owners vote for the Rams and Chargers to move to LA, but he also has something up his sleeve to get the votes he needs.
by LA RAMFAN 2:28 PM

If that’s the case, Kroenke better have something up his sleeves. Because it’s widely believed he doesn’t have the votes right now.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

From what I’ve read, Spanos and Kroenke have the votes to block each other. I can’t see that the NFL would want two LA teams (Chargers, Raiders) in the same division. It seems to me that Spanos and Kroenke work out a deal (it’s been reported that Kroenke may be willing to take on Spanos as a minority partner); NFL gets an LA team in each conference, and the Chargers/Broncos/Raiders/Chiefs AFL rivalries are maintained. Davis is left to fend for himself in Oakland. Thoughts?
by Tea Leaves 2:29 PM

I wrote a story a couple of months ago about how Spanos approached Kroenke about Inglewood a few years ago, and Kroenke did an end-around and did the deal himself. Spanos doesn’t like Kroenke. He recently sent the LA opportunities committee a letter saying he had no interest in joining Kroenke, and re-emphasized his commitment to Mark Davis and Oakland as his partner. I don’t see where having both the Raiders and Chargers in the same division would be a problem. If it was, you can always re-align.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

I kinda get the impression that the NFL and Grubman don’t want the Rams to stay in St. Louis.
by Dave 2:32 PM

I have been told by multiple sources for nearly a year that Grubman is pro-Kroenke, and definitely not pro-St. Louis. I have also been told that there are some in the league office who are anti-St. Louis. But the owners do the voting, not the league office.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

How soon can a new stadium be build and can’t some local billionaire buy the team?
by marcusmccarter@hotmail.com 2:34 PM

I think the plans were to have the new stadium up by 2019. As for buyers, it’s not like there’s dozens of billionaires roaming the streets of St. Louis just dying to be an NFL sports franchise. That would seem like a tough one.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Jim – Have you heard the concerns that Davis might not be the right guy for the LA market as an owner? If that’s the case, how much could that impact the final decision?
by McGarrett 2:36 PM

And Stan Kroenke would? Kroenke is 35-58-1 as an NFL owner since becoming controlling owner of the Rams in 2010.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Probably to late again. The last two wins doesn’t change my mind about Fisher. Team inconsistent, lacking discipline. Fisher gone, adios, bye-bye, sayonara!
by Neal 2:38 PM

Doesn’t matter. All indications are that Fisher is staying. And it has been that way since the start of the season.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Will Aaron Donald be the only ProBowler from the Rams
by RichieI 2:39 PM

I believe punter Johnny Hekker and RB Todd Gurley have very good chances as well.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

TV wouldn’t like having both LA teams on just one of the networks, and re-alignment messes with the ‘AFL’ division that was such a big deal last re-alignment. I know Spanos and Kroenke don’t like each other, but business can trump personal feelings. It just appears that Chargers/Rams to LA makes the most sense.
by Tea Leaves 2:40 PM

Seattle moved from the AFC to the NFC, so I don’t think re-alignment is that big of an issue, especially if it involves a new stadium for Oakland and San Diego.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Fisher seems to accept losing as if it is part of the job. Belichick (and Brady), in contrast, are angry when they lose, do not accept their errors, and do not accept losing as a part of the job. that might explain how our team with such talent (aside from QB, which is ok given other strengths), cannot achieve more than it has over the past few years.
by David B 2:41 PM

Doesn’t seem to be much of a sense of urgency around here.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Don’t give up on your QB just yet
by Blaine Gabbert 2:42 PM

I don’t know Blaine, you haven’t been great these past two weeks.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Vince P
by Vince P 2:43 PM

I’m willing to chip in a couple of bucks.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

Just wanted to say I hope you received my email and further, wish to say for all here that that, was one GREAT article about the Rams’ arrival to St. Louis in 1995 in the aftermath of that ’95 expansion sweepstakes and the The Rams playing at the Busch II and the opening day November 12, 1995 at the TWA Dome. Brought back so many fond memories. Great work; great writing JT. Hope there are many more games here to come!
by MJ 2:43 PM

Yes, I did receive your e-mail. Thank you very much for the kind words. The years have flown by, haven’t they.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Concerning realignment if Raiders/Chargers go to LA, I think one team goes to NFC West and Rams go to AFC West. Rams/Chiefs rivalry would be good.
by David 2:44 PM

Yeah, imagine that. A Governor’s Cup at stake twice a year during the regular season.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

If the owners say no to Stan, he can do the one year lease at the dome. That could kill the chance of getting a new stadium right?
by dennis 2:45 PM

It wouldn’t help, that’s for sure.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

from all your sources, do you think there will be a vote to put a team in L.A. during the owners meeting in january or is this going to drag out another year?
by lafan 2:45 PM

Keep in mind, I’m not working this story daily. Most of my time is spent covering the team and the on-the-field product. The goal is to come out of those Houston meetings with a vote. And a decision on who’s going to LA. But there are no guarantees. And I’d be a liar if I said I knew how it was going to turn out.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Jim, why only 52-48? I thought it would have gone up because of the financing.
by STLRamMan 2:47 PM

I bumped it up 4 percent after the financing. I thought that was a pretty good bump.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Who gets voted into the Hall of Fame this year? Warner? Pace?
by Andy 2:48 PM

I would be very surprised if Pace didn’t get in this year. Because Brett Favre is eligible this year, I think Kurt Warner has to wait another year.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

What was the evidence that caused Todd Hewitt to drop his lawsuit against the Rams?
by David 2:49 PM

Do disrespect to you or Hewitt, but I don’t know and don’t care.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

I was at the possible last home game Thursday Night, I think those yellow uniforms burned out my retinas!!
by SBC34 2:49 PM

Bright they were.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Why can’t the Rams get the kind of effort shown last Thursday against the Bucs against mid level teams like the Ravens, the Bears and Vikings? That’s why they have an early vacation again this season.
by RAMsey 2:51 PM

Mind-boggling isn’t it. I would say the Vikings are better than a mid-level team, but you could certainly throw Washington into the mix with Baltimore and Chicago. Those three teams are a combined 16-26. Then you add the close losses to Minnesota and Pittsburgh. (Remember you had Pittsburgh without Roethlisberger down the stretch of that game). So consider those 5 games as a whole _ you win just 2 of those five and you’re 8-6 and right in the thick of things.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

To think only if Boras was Fishers first choice instead of Ciggs…
by Dwayne 2:55 PM

OK, we’re just 2 games in w/Boras. But it does make you wonder.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Is next year Fischer’s last year? Or this year?
by Grant 2:55 PM

All indications are that Fisher will be back in 2016, and again, that’s been the read since the start of the season.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

You say St. Louis has a finance plan and they do. However, you have the league saying its not a top tier stadium plan. Why should Kroenke accept anything less when the CVC didn’t live up to their commitment?
by John 2:56 PM

Because the CVC did not live up to the first-tier terms, Kroenke now has the ability to break the lease ad examine his options. And because that’s the case, Kroenke is no longer “owed” a first-tier stadium in St. Louis. Do you understand the distinction?
by jthomas 2:58 PM

If Kroenke were not chosen to go to LA, what reasonable option would he have besides staying in St. Louis? London’s not gonna happen, Toronto is in Buffalo’s area, San Antonio is in Dallas’s area, and San Diego is in the Chargers’s area (plus unless Kroenke wants to foot the entire bill for a stadium in San Diego, he may not get much help). What’s the point of going year-to-year when there are minimal options besides north downtown or Maryland Heights?
by David 2:59 PM

Those are all good points David. That’s why if the league decides on the Chargers and Raiders to Carson, I think Kroenke’s options are very limited.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Any chance the Rams go after Colin Kapernick to solve the QB problem? He’s really talented and a new environment may help get his career back on track
by CaliSteve 3:00 PM

That’s an intriguing thought. I’ve talked to D’Marco Farr about this one. The thought being, the Rams could really do some things in the running game with the combination of Todd Gurley, Tavon Austin (w/the jet sweep action, etc.), and Kaepernick doing read-option stuff. The question being _ would you feel comfortable enough with Kaepernick as a pocket passer, because sooner or later, you’re going to have to throw the ball.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Does Issac Bruce or Tory Holt ever make it into the Hall of Fame?
by Shawn 3:02 PM

I think so. It just may take a while.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

are you willing to divulge Chip Rosenbloom’s past comments about Stan and trying to move the team back to LA?
by london mike 3:03 PM

No can do. Private conversation.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

Didn’t the NFL used to fine players for throwing footballs into the stands or giving them away to fans after scoring?
by Terry Cunningham 3:03 PM

They still do.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Any..any chance Stedman Bailey plays again? Any word on how he is doing?
any criminals caught?
by Phil Dirt 3:04 PM

No update on the investigation. Several Rams players visited Bailey over the weekend in Miami, where he’s still hospitalized. There’s a video of him online today jogging in the hospital hallways. Not sure if he plays again.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Saying Kroenke is not “owed” a first tier stadium is one thing. But, unfortunately, Kroenke seems to have other plans for obtaining one. We all want the Rams to stay but I think he’s gone sooner or later.
by mr 3:05 PM

You can have all the “plans” In the world. But in the end, he may not have that option.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Would K build an Inglewood in Earth City ?
by John P. 3:06 PM

No. Because the potential profit wouldn’t be nearly as great as it would be in California.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Do you know, is the Grubman / front office personnel anti STL sentiment only with regard to the L.A. relocation issue or a more general dislike for the city?
by Steve W 3:07 PM

A little of both.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Jim, what did you think of the mustard vs ketchup jerseys? i getting Aaron Donald mustard 99
by Rodney T 3:08 PM

The Rams jerseys weren’t as bad as I thought.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

How do you rate laurenitis to other linebackers I. The NFL, seems to me as the “quarterback ” of the see fence he is more valuable than just stats
by Farnsworth 3:08 PM

Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Laurinaitis has been playing with his elbow heavily wrapped this year. He’s basically playing one-handed. He’s not in the category of a Kuechly or Wagner, but I still think he’s a good linebacker who excels at being that QB of the defense that you talk about.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Why build a stadium that’s not first tier…don’t we have that now?
by mr 3:20 PM

Do you have an extra $200 million for a retractable roof?
by jthomas 3:21 PM

So why does Grubman have an issue with St. Louis?
by TJc 3:21 PM

I think part of it has to do with the financial certainty that Kroenke brings to his project. The rest I prefer to keep to myself.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Do you think McNair and the other clown opened themselves up to a collusion based law suit from Stan K?
by Safety Blitz 3:22 PM

No.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Because there aren’t 32 NFL quality QBs to go around, any chance a team says “to heck with it, we are a read option team” and signs both RGIII and Kaepernick?
by Steven 3:23 PM

Oh yeah. I would think RGIII and Kaepernick would have their share of interest in the offseason.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

If Stan files to move, then doesn’t have the votes, can the Dome Authority say, we are not going to let you play here either?
by Tuco 3:24 PM

Interesting. I don’t think he has to declare on the year-to-year aspect of the dome until late January. So he could have a few weeks to play with.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

So with your prediction now in favor of the Rams staying, what does that mean for the Raiders and Chargers moving forward with the Carson Project? If they were to both relocate to LA where do they play in the interim while their stadium is being built? The Coliseum people said they would only take in one team.
by RR 3:25 PM

Perhaps the StubHub center, although it doesn’t have NFL capacity.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

If they start over with a new coaching staff, who if any on the current staff would you want to keep?
by Troy 3:26 PM

That’s totally up to the new coach. And usually, new coaches rarely keep any members of the preceding staff _ maybe one or two unless there’s some other kind of connection.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

the glaring error this past off season was the failure to add quality vet offensive line strength. Reynolds was good, but not enough. Do you think the young core drafted this year can be top tier players next year or thereafter?
by David B 3:28 PM

I think there’s plenty of potential with the young offensive linemen.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Why didn’t the referees in the Panthers-Giants game Sunday eject Odell Beckham from this game. Were they afraid of fan reaction since it was played in MetLife stadium?
by FredB 3:29 PM

I think he should have been tossed after the head butt.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Good win the other night vs TB! Although we won, I am sad because its drops us further in the draft. WE might miss out on WR Laquon Treadwell.
Should i feel bad my team won? even if my hopes are for a brighter future
by Rodney T 3:30 PM

Enjoy the victories, rare as they are.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Have you ever asked Adam Timmerman, Mike Martz or Trent Green why they choose to go to a perenially losing team?
by bfulton 3:30 PM

Didn’t have to ask. Martz had a chance to move up to coordinator’s status. Green got a chance to be a starter in his hometown. And the Rams overpaid for Timmerman _ who turned out to be worth every cent.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

If Johnny Manziel ends up on Rams I will puke. How about trying to go after Kaepernick or Stafford instead if they go that route?
by Phil Dirt 3:31 PM

Don’t think Manziel is going anywhere.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Are there any current Rams who will be FA that they need to re-sign? And what other FA would you like to see them attempt to sign?
by rjshaw 3:32 PM

At minimum, I’d like to see them re-sign Harkey, at least one of the 2 starting corners (Jenkins/Johnson), at least one of the 2 backup DEs (Hayes/Sims). It would be nice to have Barron back. I’d like to see Zuerlein back as well. I know this hasn’t been his best year, but good kickers are hard to find and I think he’s a good kicker.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

How has our play been at right tackle this season? I’ve watched Joe Barksdale play with SD a couple times this season, and he looked very solid. Do you think it was a mistake not to pay more to keep him based on our RT play this year?
by NYC Rams Fan 3:35 PM

I’ve watched Barksdale only once this year, and the game I watched he had some very rough moments at a critical point in the game.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

I don’t think the Seahawks jumping from the AFC to the NFC is the same as either the Chargers or Raiders making the jump. I just don’t see either of those teams making the jump. Seattle was not an original AFL team, and really had no traditional rivalry with anyone.
by RR 3:36 PM

My question is: Dean Spanos, do you want a brand new stadium in LA exchange for switching conferences? Mark Davis, do you want a brand new stadium in LA in exchange for switching conferences? Do you really think they’d say: No. I’d rather stay in my crumbling stadium, with no chance to get a new one built and make lots more money.
by jthomas 3:38 PM