JT chat: highlights from 2/14 & 2/21

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_49?Page=0

The further we get away from the Rams being in St. Louis, the less authoritatively I can speak on the team. But at this point, I still think I have a pretty good perspective on the team, and can add something to what the LA writers can bring.

I think 6 to 7 wins is possible, believe it or not. Remember, the Rams also lost several close games. And with all the logistics involved in the move, I think they were a tired team at the end of the season.

I have a lot of respect for Boudreau. And no one, or at least not many, were complaining about the line play in 2015, when Gurley had his breakout rookie year and the Rams gave up _ what was it, just 18 sacks? But at the end of the day, you need players. New coaches and even a different system can lead to different results from the same group of players. But I think it’s safe to say the Rams need at the very minimum a new starting left tackle. It’s been 3 years with Greg Robinson and it’s just not working. I think you have to wonder if Havenstein is the answer at right tackle as well. Overall, this group didn’t get much push, didn’t seem as physical as it needed to be. the pass-blocking regressed. I don’t think it’s necessarily a “quick fix.”

how long do you see it taking to build a playoff team in L.A.? Two to three years, if Goff can play. For starters, why not try to move Saffold to left tackle and Robinson to left guard. I think you need two starting caliber offensive linemen – whether you get them in free agency or the draft doesn’t matter. But preferably one in free agency, one in the draft. You need at least one starting-caliber WR if Britt stays; you need two if he signs elsewhere. Would like to see a true blocking fullback added to help Gurley. You better get some LBs, and I think you can survive osing McDonald more than you can survive losing Johnson in the secondary.

I was ready to put Matthews into my final mock draft that year _ the one we run on the first day of the draft _ when I got a text from someone at Rams Park (who shall remain nameless) informing me that the Rams weren’t drafting Matthews, and if I wanted to be right in the mock I should go with Robinson. So that’s why I picked Robinson in my final draft. (From the now-it-can-be-told files.) Robinson played in a very basic offense, and one that barely passed the ball. So pass-blocking was an entirely new concept for GRob. He’s never really adjusted. Also, he was known for having a problem with holding calls back then, and that has followed him to the NFL. The Rams fell in love with his measurable and potential, something they did on more than one occasion under the Fisher-Snead regime. This wasn’t the only time that approach didn’t work out.

Around the turn of the century, the Rams were arguably the best team in the league. What caused them to go down the tubes? You could do a 30-for-30 on this topic, and why hasn’t there been one? Anyway, here’s the Cliff Notes version: 1.) Faulk’s knees gave out around 2002, 2003. 2.) Warner’s play declined, in large part because off hand injuries. 3.) After that first Super Bowl appearance in ’99, the roster started to get raided by other teams in free agency; 4.) After the upset loss to New England in the second Super Bowl, the Rams fell victim to one of the league’s all-time Super Bowl hangovers. Things were never the same with Martz, Zygmunt, etc.

Here’s the way it was explained to me. Technically, Snead had the final say. But as a practical matter, Fisher called the shots. I’m not saying that Snead didn’t talk Fisher into some picks. I think Pead was one of those. Also influential in the process was Rich Snead (who was close to Fisher and worked with him in Tennessee). But Rich Snead (no relation to Les) no longer is with the Rams.

Kenny Britt’s allegiance was to Jeff Fisher, plain and simple. Fisher brought him into the league and helped revive his career. I expect he will go to the highest bidder. A decent No. 2 wide receiver. Good size, decent speed, but prone to drops and some lapses in concentration. He’s still pretty young. I certainly wouldn’t break the bank for him, but he should earn a decent contract.

Coaches invariably like to bring on players they have had a working relationship with _ so both Jackson and Pierre Garcon bear watching. Now, both players are starting to get up there _ they each will turn 31 next season. But both should have some tread on the tires.

In terms of my experience with Rams coaches, it’s been different things with different coaches. I actually think Rich Brooks would’ve been pretty good with a strong GM. But that’s not what he had with Steve Ortmayer. Scott Linehan was _ and is _ a very bright mind, but couldn’t play the “big room” – leading the team and commanding respect. Steve Spagnuolo could lead and has a sharp defensive mind. But he was a micro-manager who didn’t treat the players like grown men.

I think Bruce, Holt, and London Fletcher are Hall worthy. It may take awhile.

I don’t think Bulger had quite the field awareness of Warner. Or the durability. But man was he accurate, and he didn’t lack for toughness.

Charley Armey has told me on more than one occasion that he took more heat internally over the Incognito pick than any other draft pick during his St. Louis tenure.