JT, NFL chat, 3/1

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_7?Page=3

Who’s been the most impressive at the combine, or biggest surprise?
by Don 2:10 PM

Well, I came away from the combine really impressed with QB Carson Wentz, RB Ezekiel Elliott, and OT Laremy Tunsil to name a few. CB Jalen Ramsey’s workout apparently was tremendous. Mizzou OG Connor McGovern had a very good workout, and helped his cause.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

How would you feel with Treadwell at pick #15
by Dwayne 2:13 PM

I wish he would’ve run the 40 at the combine, not that 40 time is the tell-all, be-all. but. . . .I happened to be in the stadium watching his workout. And although I was mainly watching the QBs (particularly Wentz), there wasn’t anything about Treadwell the particularly wowed me. Again, it was just a combine workout. He did some great things in college. But overall, I don’t think this is a great year for WRs in the draft.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Who gets tagged Jenkins or Johnson?
by James in NorCA 2:15 PM

We’ll find out soon enough. A couple of weeks ago, someone at Rams Park told me the team was considering giving the transition tag to Trumaine Johnson. And that’s all I know or have heard.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Do you feel there is a franchise QB in this draft class?
by ThrowDeep 2:16 PM

I think Wentz and Goff are both interesting QBs who could be successful in the league. But franchise guys? Don’t know about that.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Just saw the Freeman tweet concerning Manning to the Rams. You don’t believe it for a minute, do you?!?!?
by Mark 2:17 PM

The Rams were dropping hints about going after Manning a few weeks ago, at least someone did to me. But it’s hard to believe that Manning would want to play for an offense with such a conservative approach as the Rams. The Rams certainly have the money to go after him; and if they want to make a splash during their opening year in LA _ well, I think that would do it.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

I keep reading and hearing that the Jaguars to London in 3-5 years is going to happen. Do you see it that quickly?
by ThrowDeep 2:19 PM

I don’t see it happening at all unless they can invent a jet that can go from the East Coast to London in two hours. The logistics are just too tough.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

What was your favorite non-football-related highlight on the trip to Indy?
by J Cromwell Higgenbothom III 2:20 PM

I guess I’d have to say a meal at the Waffle House near the Indianapolis airport, just before my drive back to St. Louis. Very friendly staff. A very good ham & cheese omelette. Sorry, my days of carousing the bars of Indy and seeing NFL coaches behaving badly are long gone.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Did you get a chance to watch Sterling Shepard from Oklahoma? If so, what are your thoughts on him in maybe the 2nd round?
by Carolina Ram 2:27 PM

He was also in the same group of WRs (w/Treadwell) when I was inside stadium. Again, didn’t pay a ton of attention to him, but I like him. I think he’s more of a slot receiver though. But he ran well, caught the ball well. Think he’d be a good value in the second round.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Up to you, who do you franchise, #21 or #22?
by Jeff 2:29 PM

It’s a tough call. But I think I’d go Johnson.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Hi Jim. Love your chats. I’m a 35+ year Rams fan. I lived in CA until 2008 and watched my team move to StL. That was understandable as there was no stadium plan in CA. I moved to the StL area in 2008 (work related) only to see my team move again. This time there is no excuse. The league broke their “rules” and the owner had options. He just moved to line his pocket while sticking it to this market. I’m done with Enos…can’t root for his team. The departure of Laurinaitis and Long (my two favorite players) locked that in for sure. My question is this: Do we know what games will be shown on local TV? Will we get a steady diet of Chiefs? Bears? Colts? Titans? I’m not lining the NFL’s pockets to buy the NFL Ticket and I can’t see rooting for a team that I won’t be able to watch. Who decides this, the local affiliates? Or does the league decide what games each region sees? Thank you.
by Tom 2:29 PM

So you’re the issue then. Wherever you are, the Rams end up moving. As for TV viewing, it’s up to the local affiliates, and I would think the local FOX station would start out with the Rams and see what the ratings are.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

Too early for the parade meter for 2016?
by Jeff 2:32 PM

Yes. I would like to at least wait until after the draft. (P.S. _ I’m flattered that you’re still interested.)
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Do you think we end up losing Jenkins? Or, was his tweet just a posturing signal for the Rams to up the ante?
by Jeff 2:33 PM

No, I think Jenkins wants to get paid. And will basically go to the highest bidder unless he’s franchised.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Do you find it at all strange that the website for the St.Louis Post Dispatch seems to hosting what’s basically a chat for a Los Angeles based nfl franchise (going by the questions asked)? Do you still consider yourself to be on the “rams beat”?
by Thad 2:34 PM

How do you know if the questions are coming from Rams fans in St. Louis or LA? Let me what you find out. This is an NFL chat and open to all questions on the NFL. I’m sure some of the LA Rams fans are leaning on my expertise now simply because I’ve covered the team for 21 years. I’m sure that will change over time.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

If Jeff Fisher’s first version of the Oilers went 7-9, his second (and last) version went 8-8, and his first two teams in Tennessee went 8-8, I don’t see what management sees in his one-time experience of moving a team. To keep it from sliding to 6 – 10?
by JC11 2:37 PM

I’m not arguing with you. It’s all pretty puzzling to me as well.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Hi Jim, appreciate ya. Do you feel that Sean Mannion will get a chance to earn a spot on the Rams roster next season?
by davewv 2:40 PM

Oh, he’ll be on the roster. Can’t see the Rams giving him up after one season.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Bills released Mario Williams today. Do you think the Rams make a play for him?
by Jeff 2:41 PM

Nope.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

If Jenkins wants to be paid, then they should franchise him and work out a deal with Johnson. However, I do think some people forget that EJ Gaines is a solid CB and can step in nicely should we lose either CB. Agree?
by Jeff 2:41 PM

if the Rams do it that way (franchise Jenkins), then there may be no way to prevent Johnson from reaching the market. We’re just eight days away from the start of free agency.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Do you think Cook, Long and Lauranitis end up somewhere else and where do you see them ending up?
by ThrowDeep 2:42 PM

Yes, I think they all find new homes. As you probably know, Laurinaitis is visiting New Orleans today; Long will start making visits after birth of his child (which is due Weds.), as for Cook _ I haven’t heard anything on him. That’s all I know.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

You didn’t answer my question about EJ Gaines? Do you think he is a sold CB?
by Jeff 2:44 PM

Yes I do.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Is Akeem Ayers contracted to return in ’16?
If not, do you think we have a depth issue at LB?
by Jeff 2:44 PM

Yes, he is. And I do think the Rams need to add a linebacker or two in the draft or via free agency.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Any chance Rams trade back and sneak Foles in the deal?
by Dwayne 2:45 PM

I don’t know who would want to trade for Foles before that $6 million roster bonus is guaranteed.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

I asked you a question on here several months ago, which I would of course not expect you to remember, but it implied that the Rams have no class with respect to how they treat fans, players, and media. You asked me to give any examples I had. Of course, I didn’t have any, and was hoping you did, actually. But do you have any comments to this point now? Outside of the St. Louis bashing, I’ve got to believe, if nothing else, you’ve compared notes with other beat writers over the years. Are the Rams as bad as I’m guessing or they pretty much run like any other team with how they treat players, fans, and the media?
by JC11 2:46 PM

Your question is very broad, and therefore tough to answer definitely. What the Rams did to St. Louis in terms of moving certainly fits your description of having no class. Especially with the owner saying nothing to the market over the past 4 years, plus the way St. Louis was denigrated in the relocation application. I don’t know what else you want me to say. In terms of the media, St. Louis was one of the few franchises in the NFL in which basically all of practice was open to the media. The PR staff went out of its way to make players available. Yes, in some ways access became more limited over time, but that’s kind of the way of the world in the NFL today.
by jthomas 2:51 PM
Permalink

Do you see st. Louis either getting the Raiders or the Jaguars. We need a team and we are hungry for a winner
by New England STL 2:52 PM

I just don’t see it happening at this point. Not in the near future.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

By releasing Long and Lauranitus early, have the Rams given Barron and Hayes a lot more leverage in negotiations?
by Jim 2:52 PM

Maybe to a degree. But I think Barron and especially Hayes want to stay with the Rams, so I don’t see it being a big issue.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Do you see the Rams trade up to get Wentz or Goff ?
by ramswinbig39 2:53 PM

I think you’d have to get all the way up to No. 3 overall to make sure you get one of the two _ so no, I don’t see that happening.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

What rumors did you hear about who the Rams are going to go after in the draft?
by ThrowDeep 2:54 PM

I didn’t really hear any rumors like that. Sitting at No. 15 overall, I think it’s still very fluid _ lots of teams ahead of you. Plus, what happens in free agency in the next few weeks may have a lot to say about which direction the Rams turn in Round 1.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Manning to the Rams … I don’t get why either side would be interested in the other. Manning is clearly well past his prime, and only getting older. The Rams aren’t nearly good enough to carry him to another Super Bowl ring. Why would either side want the other?
by Alex 2:58 PM

I agree with you on the Manning side. As for the Rams, they want to get everyone’s attention in LA, and this might do it. Even in his current state, they might feel Manning would be the ultimate caretaker type to guide a team dependent on defense and the running game.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Does that sound reasonable to you?
by Knux 3:00 PM

That’s a lot of travel. And a lot of extra cost to basically have two training facilities _ one in the U.S. and one in the UK. And what about weekly player tryouts? What about the cost of living in London? What about flying in free agents, or trying out draft prospects? Where would you hold OTAs, spring minicamps, etc?
by jthomas 3:02 PM

What do you think about Tree being our MLB? In the past our defense against the run has been weak at times. Do you think this will make it even weaker or stronger?
by Mark 3:03 PM

Ogletree isn’t really a shed-the-blocker type of player. He’s more of a run-around-the-blocker type of guy. Not sure how that will work playing inside.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Any threat Benny C. leaves us? He’s a restricted FA, right?
by Jeff 3:04 PM

I think he stays with a minimum tender.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

That’s too bad. I remember back in the day being at the Chiefs training camp in River Falls, Wisconsin. One night we watched Marty Schottenheimer dance the Macarena. Good times.
by J Cromwell Higgenbothom III 3:05 PM

Mike Martz used to have a lounge _ dubbed the Chardonnay Lounge _ where he’d stop in and have a sip of wine or beer with the media during camp. After practice, of course.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Who are the starting LB this coming opening game?
by D_Roks30 3:06 PM

Barron on the weakside, Ogletree in the middle, Ayers on the strong side.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Has anyone from the LA Media picked your brain yet? More so, are you moving to LA to continue following the Rams? Hope so…
by Jeff 3:07 PM

Yes to your first question; probably not to your second.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

How about the Rams looking to reach extensions with their coaching staff? What type of world does the front office live in? Such a joke
by Ian 3:07 PM

it’s a very short list of head coaches who have gotten a fifth year after four consecutive losing seasons _ much less get an extension.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Rumors of an extension for Jeff Fisher? Are the Rams stupid, insane, or stupid AND insane?
by Alex 3:08 PM

I can see why, to a degree, that the Rams didn’t want to change head coaches while moving to LA. The timing of the relocation vote, etc., would’ve made it much more difficult to get a top-flight candidate. But the whole extension thing doesn’t make a ton of sense. Having a lame-duck head coach doesn’t have as much impact in attracting free agents as say it would for a coach in college football when it came to signing recruits.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

What’s your opinion on QB Lynch from Memphis?
by Jeff 3:13 PM

Very strong arm. Judging from his combine workout _ and again, there’s a danger in reading too much into combine workouts _ he is struggling with the change from spread offense in college to learning the footwork and drops associated with playing under center. May need a year or two to develop.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

You should consider hitting up the rams (or a local news outlet) for a job in LA. You’d probably be the big name in rams football in no time due to your expertise regarding the home team. Think how much more valuable you’d be based on your new address alone.
by Thad 3:15 PM

There are very good writers who will be covering the team in LA.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Over/under for how many years it takes before LA stops caring about the Rams again (such as first year they have no sell outs).
by David L 3:16 PM

Maybe longer than you think because there will be a double-bump. The first couple of years out there (playing in the Coliseum) and then after the new stadium opens.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Your noting Tree is a “run-around-the-blocker type” is right on and worries me. Any big AND fast run stuffing MLB’s in the draft this year?
by Mark 3:17 PM

There is this fellow named Reggie Ragland out of Alabama. And down the draft a little bit, I still think Mizzou’s Kentrell Brothers could be an effective 2-down linebacker despite his lack of great 40 times at the combine.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Jim, any idea what John Shaw’s take was during the whole relocation process? Did he envision the Rams going back to LA someday or did he think the Rams were here to stay in STL when they moved here back in 95. Any idea on his view point of all this?
by BillP. 3:19 PM

I talked to John a couple of times during the relocation process, but it was an off-the-record deal and I’m not the kiss-and-tell type. But regardless of what you might think, he did feel bad for the fans of St. Louis. He did, after all, win a Super Bowl there.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Hey, at least the Lombardi Trophy will always be engraved with “St. Louis” on it, right? Unless Kroenke somehow gets it re-engraved (not putting anything past him). Also, please tell Demoff the last time you see him to let the door hit him on his way out. He could use a good spanking.
by David L 3:21 PM

Not only the Super Bowl 34 trophy, but the Greatest Show on Turf will always be uniquely St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

With about 45 minutes to the Tag deadline, is it possible the Rams decide to Franchise Tag neither Johnson or Jenkins? Though that would be stupid on their part.
by SBC34 3:22 PM

Would doubt that very much unless they’re able to strike deals with both.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

If both Manning and Osweiler are available, wouldn’t the Rams prefer Osweiler? I would. I’m not particularly interested in seeing the Namath, Pastorini, Jones, Bartkowski, etc., experience again.
by Scott 3:25 PM

Good point. And the franchise tag to Von Miller in Denver could make Osweiler available.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

What would you change (if anything) to improve instant replay?
by JK 3:26 PM

I for one, think replay is intrusive enough. I don’t think I’d add any more situations or scenarios for replay to judge _ just more cameras and camera angles to get a better view of some plays.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Did you get a chance at the combine to ask Fisher about his recent comments about reviewing the stadium plans (vs his prior comments about having been uninvolved)?
by Tom 3:27 PM

I did not. Does it really matter at this point?
by jthomas 3:27 PM

I understand that Dline is the deepest position in this draft? Do you agree? Regardless, given the Chris Long cut and likely free agency losses (Fairley), should we expect the Rams to draft Dline?
by bfulton 3:28 PM

They very well could, especially at D-tackle if Fairley doesn’t come back. D-tackle is thought to be especially deep in the draft.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Hi Jim, no doubt about Shaw winning the Super Bowl here. I actually give him credit for making it happen here. He orchestrated the Faulk deal, coaxed Vermeil in making changes. He really is responsible for making it happen. He actually was pretty astute, I mean he was the one, and I got this from you a few years ago, he was the one who urged Linehan to draft Matt Ryan. Now that was smart. You’d think somewhere along the way the Rams would of turned it around here if they had Matt Ryan as their QB. John Shaw is okay in my book, I think he was pretty sharp. Thanks for your input
by BillP. 3:32 PM

Well, not everything John touched turned to goal. But there are a lot of execs around the league who would love to have a Lombardi Trophy.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

I still think we should look at a receiving TE and a big (one who can separate at the line) receiver. I’d like to see us throw more vertical this year for more big plays
by Bill 3:33 PM

I haven’t really studied the free agent lists yet, but it’s not a very good year for tight ends in the draft.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Teams don’t let winning QBs go. The Rams will likely have to go after an unknown in the draft or free agency. Are there any under the radar free agent QBs you think Rams may target?
by bfulton 3:33 PM

I don’t know if you’d call him under the radar, but Chase Daniel would be intriguing to me.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Ok lets play What if: If the Rams had been successful on the field like playoff teams and the dome would have been full. Would they still have moved or would have been allowed to move?
by Showmethemoney 3:35 PM

I’ll answer it this way: Do you think Lucas Oil Stadium would be standing today without Peyton Manning? Or if the Greatest Show on Turf was taking place now instead of 15 years ago?
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Would you agree that this coming year is not only a playoffs-or-bust season for this coaching staff/front office but if they come out and have the same lame offense again will it impact their ability to find jobs after this season?
by Tackleberry 3:36 PM

Honestly, I thought 2015 was a playoffs-or-bust season. Or at least a finish-with-a-winning-record-or-bust season.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Please remind your readers that they can contact the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and suggest Kroenke be removed since the only reason he is in there is as a native son who brought the Rams to St. Louis.
by Andy 3:37 PM

Now, why should I do that? Oops! I guess I just did.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Where do you seee Ezekiel Elliot going?
by Showmethemoney 3:39 PM

I think he’ll fall somewhere in that 10 to 20 range. With his one-cut and go style, coupled with good acceleration, plus his pass-catching and blocking ability, I could see him fitting in with a lot of teams. I think he’s more NFL ready than most backs coming out.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

According to USA Today Tru has been tagged
by jb 3:42 PM

Yes, I see that several are now tweeting that it’s Trumaine Johnson who is getting tagged. So I guess the person who told me several weeks ago that the team was thinking of tagging Johnson _ which we mentioned on this chat several weeks ago _ knew what he was talking about. But instead of the transition tag, it’s apparently the franchise tag. And why not franchise? For a little more money, you get the insurance of two first-round draft picks if you don’t match. There is no draft-pick compensation if you don’t match on a transition tag.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

When Army/Navy rolls around, do you and Bernie have any friendly wagers or trash talk between the two of you? How many dinners have you owed him in the past few years?
by David L 3:46 PM

We communicate during the game, text back and forth. And occasionally during the year, we’ll talk service academy football. One year, when the Rams were playing in New Orleans, we even watched the game together. Bernie is very respectful, even though his Navy guys have had the best of it for so long.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Please tell me that there is a chance that the Raiders end up in stan’s stadium? Nothing would make me happier than the Raiders winning (as a tenant) in la and having more success than the rams!
by Mel 3:48 PM

Yeah, it’s still possible in 2017.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Hey Jim, thanks for the chats. Tell Tom its not his fault that the Rams moved. It’s totally Bernie Miklasz’s fault! For pete’s sake, the guy has lived in cities that have lost 3 NFL teams. Twice now for us so he’s the jinx! Jim, please tell Bernie to move to Jacksonville or Oakland. Thanks!
by former STLRamMan now #1… 3:48 PM

Very perceptive. Yes, there is a trail of evidence here that works against Bernie.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Jim…are you still working out of Rams Park? What the state out there? Are most people gone by now or is there still a big crowd?
by RamTough 3:49 PM

I’ve been in and out. Remember, I was out of town for most of the last week at the combine. It’s pretty depressing out there. All the pictures down from the walls. Parking lot half empty _ no need for the people who aren’t making the trip to LA to be out there. Even in the media room, all the chairs are out of the room, except there still was one at my desk. (At least that was the case last time I was out there.)
by jthomas 3:51 PM

What are the limitations, if any, on signing players to a long term deal once they’ve been tagged? What are the limitations, if any, on using the tag, next year? What are the limitations, if any, on using the transition tag now that the Rams have use the Franchise tag on T. Johnson?
by bfulton 3:52 PM

You can only use a transition tag or a franchise tag in a year – you can’t use both. Rams can still use the franchise or transition tag next year. I believe the deadline is July 15 for signing franchise or transition tag players.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Have you ever found yourself working late at Rams park all alone and then taken the opportunity to run routes on the practice field?
by J Cromwell Higgenbothom III 3:53 PM

No.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

What are they going to do with Rams Park? Who owns it?
by Tackleberry 3:56 PM

The stadium authority owns it _ same group that owns the dome. I would think they put it up for sale. If it were me, I’d hang onto it for a while, and see if you could use it as training headquarters for MLS if you get a team.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Jim. Did the players and staff pass a hat for you?
by All gas no grapes 3:58 PM

Why? I have a job. I had one before the Rams moved to St. Louis, and I have one now that they’re leaving. That’s more than you’ll be able to say for many of the players in the coming weeks.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Do you think that Janoris’ attitude played anything in Tru getting franchised?
by Len 3:59 PM

No doubt.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

I think you can argue that the Rams were void of talent 4 years ago and Fisher had a whole lot work to do, he has done a great job rebuilding the defense and maybe even positive overall with the offense, but don’t you think that someone like Andy Reid or Bruce Arians would have found a better quaterback in 4 hours than Fisher has been able to find in 4 years, and you can’t win without a quarterback.
by Jim Hart 4:00 PM

As we all know, it’s hard to win without good quarterback play. An Fisher certainly has had trouble (and some bad luck w/Bradford) when it comes to finding one.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Do you think the Rams could draft Lynch at 15, let him sit a year while Case plays and then become the starter in 2017. He reminds me of Roman Gabriel from my early days as a Ram Fan.
by SBC34 4:01 PM

Some logic to that.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Whatever happened to Marc Bulger? I know for a few years his wife worked here as an optometrist. Are they still around St. Louis?
by David L 4:02 PM

Don’t know. I’ve lost track of Marc.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

I saw Marc in the grocery store about 1 year ago, I believe he still lives here.
by Henry 4:03 PM

There you have it. Thanks Henry.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

What sort of chatter about St. Louis did you hear at the combine?
by Tackleberry 4:04 PM

In terms of the whole relocation thing? Very little, except from a few reporters.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Here’s what I don’t understand about the owners not wanting expansion: add 4 teams with 6 divisions of 6, put teams in Toronto, STL, San Antonio/Mexico City/London/other, raise fees by more than usual the next time TV contracts are up due to added fan interest in new markets, and negotiate new contracts with foreign TV networks? How hard is that? And scheduling can always be worked out. The NFL has had 31 teams at one point after all.
by David L 4:05 PM

I like what you’re saying, but are there enough players to go around for all this?
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Over the years of doing these chats, what question have you gotten the most? Parade meter, percentage of Rams staying, when a specific coach would be fired, other?
by David L. 4:06 PM

Over the course of time, I’d say the parade meter. But certainly the relocation percentage was a hot one for about a year or so.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Jim, with the assumption that come free agency. Kapernick, RG3 and Osweiler will be available, whom do we overpay to come here?
by Len 4:07 PM

While reserving the right to change my mind, I think I’d go w/Osweiler.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

I’d think the uniform questions would have been among the most asked.
by Doug 4:08 PM

I’ve tried to forget those ones.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Considering you’ve been on a Rams-specific beat for the past 20+ years, how comfortable are you in terms of answering questions about and covering the entire NFL in general, especially if you get questions as specific as the ones you’ve gotten about the Rams on a weekly basis?
by David 4:09 PM

Well, it’s a different dynamic. While I think I have a good general knowledge of the league, I’m certainly not as well-versed on team-by-team details. It’s an adjustment process, to be sure. It was even different at the combine, writing more about local players (Mizzou guys/Ezekiel Elliott) and more on broader-interest topics (Wentz/Goff at QB, for example/the Fuller Bros. of Va. Tech) and less on Rams. But it was fun.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Looking back, what was the best win and worst loss in the 2015 season?
by Jeff 4:12 PM

Winning at Seattle for the first time since 2004 _ that was a very happy locker room that day; losing at Baltimore and blowing a 10-point lead in the second half.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

JT, help me! For what seems like forever, at this time of the year I have immersed myself in the Combine, then Free Agents, then the Draft….but with all of that riped away from me I have too much idle time (dont tell the wife)..can you suggest any good books?…movies… 🙂
by Jim S 4:14 PM

I saw The Martian a couple of weekends ago; it was pretty good.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Do you think the broncos will sign Brock Osweiller or will he walk?
by Showmethemoney 4:15 PM

I think they will do everything possible to keep the guy.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

So cal guy here. Jim the Lakers have fallen on hard times and dodgers are off the air to much of market due to a TV dispute. The rams are coming at a prefect time.. They gonna not suck??
by Mike 4:15 PM

Based largely off recent history, prepare yourself for mediocrity.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Better QB: Manning or Brady? Manning’s got gaudier stats, but in more QB-friendly systems/stadiums/offensive teammates. Brady’s got more rings, but had the best coach of the last 30 years behind him every step of the way.
by Zach 4:16 PM

Tough, tough call. As much as it pains me, I think I have to go with Brady based on number of Super Bowl rings (even w/possibility of cheating factored in).
by jthomas 4:17 PM

Do you think for the near future at least it will be easier to acquire better free agents. Since they are in LA now?
by ThrowDeep 4:18 PM

I don’t think locale has a whole lot to do with it in the NFL. It’s all about the money at this level, with the coaching staff (particularly the head coach) a distant second.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Will J-Thomas get a group together and bring nfl football back to St. Louis as an owner
by New England STL 4:19 PM

I’m accepting donations as we speak.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

Brady’s new contract extension takes him to age 42. Aside from the one random ACL tear a decade ago, he’s been remarkably healthy. But thinking a guy in his 40s can quarterback 16 games in today’s NFL is nuts, right?
by Zach 4:20 PM

It sure is. To me, it’s amazing how relatively fresh he looks on the field at his advanced football age.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

You are a cruel man. You continued to say the Rams move was 48/52, when in actuality it was 0/100. Did you know this? Or are you just as heartbroken as me still? Either way, i’ll never forgive you Jim Thomas.
by Johnson and Johnson 4:20 PM

Should you really be surprised that I was off? Have you investigated the success of my parade meter over the years?
by jthomas 4:21 PM

I am not sure why you guys dislike Stan Kroenke. To me, he is brilliant. Why do you have such hard feelings about a man who did what he could to make money, exactly what you and I do every day?
by Kronk’s New Groove 4:21 PM

A very poor and transparent attempt at trolling.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Will you keep us updated on the Isaac Bruce flag football festivity at the Dome at America’s Center? I’d love to attend; maybe it can be an annual thing if circumstances allow. Keep football in St. Louis in some way and remembering STL Cards and Rams.
by David L 4:22 PM

I sure will. They are still working to finalize the June 25 date. If it takes place on that day, I think even Long and Laurinaitis will attend, because their OTAs will be over.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

Why do I now cheer for the blimp while watching “Black Sunday”?
by Gerald Reynolds 4:23 PM

Didn’t you send this one in last week?
by jthomas 4:23 PM

Does tagging Johnson mean JJ is unsignable? Or that JJ is the only they trust to give the big contract, this year?
by Bfulton 4:23 PM

I don’t think it’s a good sign in terms of keeping Jenkins.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

Yep, but it wasn’t posted
by Gerald Reynolds 4:24 PM

Well, now it is.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

Let JJ go, we need a QB, $20 million a year for Osweiller $50 guaranteed
by Len 4:25 PM

You might have to offer Osweiler that much, just to get his attention.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

is R. Quinn going to be healthy after back surgery? If he can’t go (see Tiger Woods after back surgery), the Rams DL looks very ordinary except for A. Donald. (It would give me great pleasure to see them waste another first round pick on another DL.)
by dg 4:26 PM

I believe the presumption is that Quinn will be fine.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Why do I now cheer for Bane while watching “The Dark Knight Rises”?
by Gerald Reynolds Jr. 4:26 PM

OK, OK we get it, Gerald.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

On top of your game today JT, answering questions as they come in.
by David L 4:27 PM

Easy for you to say. You’re not among the 50 or so questions below I haven’t been able to get to.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Gerald is a loser for sending in the same comment two weeks in a row
by Ian 4:28 PM

That’s a little harsh, isn’t it?
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Here’s an oldie…after Linehan went 8-8 in his first season and started to look like he knew what he was doing, what happened that made things go south and all the players dislike him? It seemed like slowly but surely the situation was becoming worse and worse for Scott, but I can’t pinpoint what exactly happened or if there was a turning point that caused his demise (aside from injuries to an aging core). Have you gotten to speak to him since he left?
by David L 4:28 PM

Yeah, things looked pretty rosy after that strong finish in ’06 _ winning the last 3 games to finish 8-8. A couple of things; Linehan just couldn’t handle losing. He should have let Greg Olson continue to call the plays. The roster was aging. I talked to him briefly at the Senior bowl a couple of years ago, but that was about it.
by jthomas 4:32 PM

yeah well it was a stupid comment too….Bradford just got two years from the Eagles
by Ian 4:32 PM

Good for Sam. I wish him well. And wish him good health.
by jthomas 4:32 PM

Apparently Bulger is involved with a new Major League Football as a senior advisor. Way to put that sports management degree to the test. en.wikipedia.org
by Rob L 4:32 PM

Thanks for this Rob. We’ve got a resourceful bunch today.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

Hi Jim, I just moved in my new apartment today. My rent is now $2,550.00 in LA and I was only paying $825.00 off Washington Ave. And get this, El Cheapo is not giving me a cost of living adjustment. He claims he does not have enough “Jack” and is spending a fortune on his new stadium. He even had the nerve to tell me I was lucky to have a job. I wish I worked for the DeWitt’s or Mr. Stillman. I am so homesick and hate it here! Your friend, Rampage
by Rampage 4:33 PM

Thanks for the update Rampage. I still get a kick out of your standing backflips Please stay in touch. With that I’ll sign off and say _ as always _ thanks for playing and talk to you all next week.
by jthomas 4:34 PM