Jim Thomas chat

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_50?Page=3

Is Pead playing this week?
by willEYEam August 12 at 2:01 PM

Looks like it. He practiced Monday.
by jthomas edited by Mike Smith August 12 at 2:02 PM

Even with the 2’s and 3’s on the OLine, I expected the Rams running game to pop more than it did. What happened? The Saints obviously had theirs in gear.
by Guy Munsch August 12 at 2:02 PM

Well the Rams ended up with 150 yards rushing to the Saints’ 123. Both teams averaged 5.1 yards per carry. Granted, 38 yards came on Chase Reynolds’ fake punt ramble, but I don’t think it was as bad as you seem to be portraying it. Missed tackles helped the Saints. And the blocking just wasn’t as good as it needed to be by the Rams’ backups.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:04 PM

What are the chances of Pead making the team? Any chances of him getting play at RB during the season if so?
by Fanfave August 12 at 2:04 PM

I think he makes the final 53 at this point. Fisher likes to keep a lot of backs. He kept 5 RBs last season if you count Chase Reynolds. I think he has some value as a pass-catcher and a third down back. But barring injury, it’s not going to be easy to pass Stacy, Cunningham, and Mason on the depth chart.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:06 PM

Will Barret Jones play this week?
by AzRamsFan August 12 at 2:06 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:06 PM

Hey Jim will Laurinaitis be ready for week 1.
by Mike August 12 at 2:06 PM

I think he’d be ready for this week if the trainers would let him. Most likely he plays in the third preseason game (@ Cleveland) and goes from there.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:07 PM

What, if anything, can we draw from the first preseason game, aside from Greg Z needing practice.
by LaughingLion August 12 at 2:07 PM

Shaun Hill looked very good. Run defense, tackling needs work. Depth at safety could still be a problem. Frontline WRs and TEs caught the ball well. The Sam vs. Westbrooks battle remains tight. The Rams may have a find in TE Alex Bayer. . . .Those are just a few impressions.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:09 PM

Hi Jim-was kinda impressed withe QB play last Friday-if SB8 goes down it’s looking like we will be better prepared-do you think Austin Davis can beat out Gilbert? I thought Austin looked great with the exception of that last stupid play.
by ScottyD August 12 at 2:09 PM

I still get the impression that Gilbert will stay ahead of Davis. But Davis did look sharp except for the botched spiked and the delay of game on that last series.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:10 PM

When are the first cuts?
by Jack August 12 at 2:10 PM

Aug. 26, roster must be cut to 75.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:11 PM

What undrafted rookies do you think will make the team?
by nate nate August 12 at 2:11 PM

Right now, I’d say the two with the best chance are TE Alex Bayer and DE Ethan Westbrooks.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:12 PM

I keep reading words like “intriguing” used to describe rookie free agent Trey Watts. Will he get a look now that he’s back from the hamstring and does he have any chance of making this roster?
by bigby August 12 at 2:12 PM

OK, got the questions a little out of order, but here’s the answer to the Trey Watts question: He looks faster than I thought. Has some wiggle. And he looks like he’s pretty good catching the ball out of the backfield. He returned to practice Monday after missing several days with a hamstring issue. But barring setback, I think he plays against Green Bay.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:14 PM

How many TE’s do they normally keep? It seems they havea pretty good group right now.
by AzRamsFan August 12 at 2:14 PM

Usually four, although one of those four _ Cory Harkey _ plays more fullback than tight end.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:14 PM

What do you think would happen if Michael Sam goes on the practice squad, another team takes him or he’s safe there for the Rams because of the so-called ‘distractions’?
by Guy Munsch August 12 at 2:14 PM

I think he’d stay on practice squad.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:15 PM

Why aren’t the Rams practicing tackling? Seems to me that is one of the basics of football, Duh.
by Steve August 12 at 2:15 PM

They due practice tackling technique. But as for actually tackling, nobody does that anymore.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:15 PM

any new underground rumors on the progress or lack of progress on a new stadium?
by NJMizzoufan August 12 at 2:15 PM

Not really. I think there has been a little bit of dialogue though.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:15 PM

Hey Jim, How many snaps did Britt play against Saints? seems odd that he and Quick had zero catches based on camp reports
by simdaddy August 12 at 2:15 PM

They didn’t play much. Each had 17 snaps on offense, or 23 percent of the total. Britt wasn’t thrown to; Quick was targeting only once _ that deep ball from Shaun Hill that was a little overthrown.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:17 PM

Is jl55 playing this week? I knew they weren’t planning for last week, but his presence was missed badly
by willEYEam August 12 at 2:17 PM

I think Laurinaitis could play this week, but will be held out until Week 3 of the preseason.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:18 PM

I assume cody davis and ray ray will make the team but they definitely didn’t do themselves any favors in trying to earn a starting spot (really more disappointed in ray ray). They both looked terrible and probably couldn’t have tackled a guy that just fell down in front of them. Would you agree?
by eman August 12 at 2:18 PM

I wouldn’t go that far. But yeah, neither had a great tackling night. Let’s see what Week 2 brings.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:18 PM

I’ve seen many comments in the news over the past couple years about how Stan Kroenke is alienating the Rams’ fan base, and thus eroding the value of his franchise, by his strange and persistent silence on the team’s long-term plans. My question is, presumably Kroenke is aware of these remarks—either he reads the papers, or at least he has employees who do so and speak to him about it. So, if he’s such a shrewd businessman, why is he hurting his own financial interests this way, when it would be easy enough to speak up once in a while? What exactly is he trying to achieve by his ongoing silence?
by Bob August 12 at 2:19 PM

I don’t have an answer for you on this. Perhaps only Stan knows.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:19 PM

who were the 9 “starters” fisher said didnt play?
by eman August 12 at 2:21 PM

LT Jake Long, C Scott Wells RG Rodger Saffold, QB Sam Bradford, DT Michael Brockers, DT Kendall Langford, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Janoris Jenkins, and CB Trumaine Johnson. In addition, DE Robert Quinn didn’t start and played only 8 snaps.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:23 PM

Do you think Ethan Westbrook is ahead of Michael Sam i the race to stay on the roster?
by LaughingLion August 12 at 2:23 PM

I don’t know how the coaching staff sees it; but I thought Westbrooks played a little better than Sam against New Orleans.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:24 PM

Hey Jim, based on the fact that guys do not tackle full throttle in camp, is it really a big deal about some missed tackles in game 1 of preseason. Seems to me its more important that they were in right position to make the tackle compared to making the tackle.
by simdaddy August 12 at 2:24 PM

I guess that’s one way of looking at it, and you’re right, for the most part guys like Cody Davis and Ray Ray Armstrong were in the right position. Tackling is kind of a lost art in the NFL, and you especially see it in Week 1 of the preseason in terms of missed tackles. But you’ve still got to do better in terms of the number of missed tackles the Rams had in Week 1.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:25 PM

Did you play any high school or college ball? If so, where?
by Jim Lang August 12 at 2:25 PM

The now-defunct Southwest High School, home of the Longhorns in the St. Louis Public High League. Cornerback/running back/punt returner. Had a little small college interest but bad left knee.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:27 PM

Jim, I am so glad you and the Rams are back! Love you guys! So, you aren’t worried about the Rams’ run defense? That Saints game scared the hell out of me.
by bfulton August 12 at 2:27 PM

Sure it’s a concern. But you can’t overreact to what you see in the preseason, especially the first preseason game. It’ll be more of a concern if it happens again this week vs. Green Bay.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:28 PM

I think maybe you mentioned Britt’s influence on Quick, does it strike you as odd that this regime waited three years to bring in a veteran WR to help mentor this group of young WRs?
by Tackleberry August 12 at 2:28 PM

Interesting question. I’m not sure if the Rams realized they were getting a young leader when they signed Britt. I think it was more of an unexpected development. And you just don’t bring in a player to be a mentor. He’s got to be able to play as well. Amendola was here in 2012 as was Brandon Gibson.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:30 PM

Hi Jim! Wondering if the Rams would be interested if the Chiefs would cut either Tyler Bray or Aaron Murray before the season. Either one would look to be a potential quarterback for the future. Do not see anyone on the current roster with the skills that Bray or Murray have.
by Larry August 12 at 2:30 PM

I think the Rams are pretty happy with what they have now, although they did show interest in Murray during the pre-draft process.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:31 PM

Being ready for the season to begin and see what this team can do finally, what’s the odds that the front four ends Johnny Football’s chances to start week 1?
by Johnson Football August 12 at 2:31 PM

No odds here on the chances of a player getting hurt. But I must admit, it would be, uh, interesting to see #sackcity limber up against J. Football.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:32 PM

I’m good with stans silence and his seemingly hands off approach (better than having an al davis or dan shnyder stepping in a messing things up), of course i dont live in St Louis. Maybe they can move to North Carolina, any chance of that?
by eman August 12 at 2:32 PM

Eman, you already have a team there in Charlotte.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:32 PM

JT – did you see the play in the Saints game where they threw deep down the sideline and S Alexander came over? He could have lit up the WR but smartly pulled up instead. Havenn’t seen a safety get over on a route like that since Todd Light!
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 2:33 PM

Yeah. It was a savvy move for a rookie not to get penalized for hitting a defenseless receiver. Yeah, I thought Mo Alexander showed up a little bit on Friday. (P.S. _ I think you mean Keith Lyle, since Lyght was a corner.)
by jthomas August 12 at 2:34 PM

yeah but they’re not the rams!
by eman August 12 at 2:34 PM

I see!
by jthomas August 12 at 2:34 PM

Jim – haven’t heard any reaction from Greg Williams regarding the game. How does he feel the defense is developing up to this point? At this point the concern (especially regarding the run defense) is starting to creep in..
by Mike August 12 at 2:35 PM

During the regular season, by league rule, coordinators have to speak to the media every week. But that’s not the case in preseason.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:35 PM

Still having reservations about choosing me 2nd overall? And who do you think my career will better resemble, Orlando pace or Justin Smith. Thank you again
by Greg Robinson August 12 at 2:35 PM

I think he’ll be closer to Pace than Jason Smith (whom I’m sure you meant instead of Justin). But can’t have too many glitches as happened vs. Saints that led to a sack. (Can’t let pass-rusher in free.)
by jthomas August 12 at 2:37 PM

Can you interview Barksdale, he is the unsung hero on the line.
by Ben S. August 12 at 2:38 PM

I’ll certainly get to him at some point.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:38 PM

Austin D made several good throws during his presence and handled the blitz. Throw to Givens was short but the rest were on target. Hill’s throws had much to be desired with little to no pressure. Over the middle to Cook was behind him, the TD to Bailey was a jump ball when the sideline was open. Think I am too much of an Austin D fan?
by Larry M August 12 at 2:38 PM

Not at all.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:38 PM

Hi Jim I thought Gaines and Joyner for the most part were impressive…How about you ?
by johnny August 12 at 2:38 PM

Agreed. They both look like keepers after Week 1.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:39 PM

If you could take one player from the current roster and put them with the GSOT, who would you pick? Vice versa?
by willEYEam August 12 at 2:39 PM

Robert Quinn to GSOT. Bruce or Holt (your choice) to 2014 Rams.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:40 PM

It’s great that Stedman Bailey is playing so well and I am a big fan but, I’d rather the Rams played someone else in the preseason and concentrate more on other receivers in practice to give others important reps as Bailey will not be available 4 games. What do you think?
by Steve August 12 at 2:40 PM

He needs work too. It’s not as if he’s an established NFL player. But I think Fisher indicated they would throttle him back some at the end of preseason.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:41 PM

Jim-was also impressed with the play of Gaines and Woodard-thought they actually covered better than JJ and Truman-last year anyway-your thoughts? adn Gaines can tackle can’t he?
by ScottyD August 12 at 2:41 PM

Yeah, it’s great to see a good-tackling corner, isn’t it. And it looks like Gaines is that guy. That’s how he played at Mizzou as well. Woodard wasn’t bad, either. Hard to compare them to Jenkins and Johnson, based on part of one preseason game, thogh.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:42 PM

Jim – Two things seem evident from the Saints game, JL55 is worth the money and Ray-Ray is not ready for starting job. Everyone got way too high on dude for a few ST tackles. Will Rams be able to stop the run thsi season or defend pass on third down?
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 2:43 PM

Laurinaitis is a pro’s-pro and a good player. As for the Boom King, I know he’s got some work to do, but I wouldn’t be too down on him based on one game. Stopping the run remains to be seen. Given Williams’ rep, I think they’ll be good on third down.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:45 PM

I thought the first rounders looked really good. Cant wait to see them with the regulars
by Ben S. August 12 at 2:45 PM

I liked the first two days of the Rams’ draft (Robinson, Donald, Joyner, Mason) coming out of the draft in May and saw nothing in the first preseason game to make me think otherwise.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:46 PM

Jim the first three highlights on all the major networks of the Saints game was of Michael Sam. After three, semi-non impactful plays from Sam, the fourth replay was the amazing interception by Long. It’s not worth discussing how ridiculous the media coverage is, but my question is two-fold: Maybe it’s because it was the first game, but if Mike makes the team, do you think the coverage will die down over time? And do you think Rams players will start to get a tad annoyed since the coverage is not for the play, but rather for what he stands for?
by Ray August 12 at 2:46 PM

If Michael Sam makes the 53-man roster, I think the early coverage will be of the media circus variety, especially for the opener vs. Minnesota. But as the season wears on I think it will die down unless he’s playing just lights out. I’m not sure when the “annoyance” factor would kick in; it doesn’t seem to be an issue now.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:49 PM

Chances the Rams bring in a vet safety during camp to play next to TJ?
by jay August 12 at 2:49 PM

I think they like Rodney McLeod at FS at this point. So I can’t see that happening.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:49 PM

Ray Ray didn’t wrap up any tackles. The ones he made were dives at the lower body of runners. Not great form and seems like a gambler rather than a scheme player.
by Larry M August 12 at 2:50 PM

Yeah, he certainly didn’t wrap up. But he seemed to be in good position to make plays.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:50 PM

JG’s article on SB was a great read “Tipsheet: Quit blaming Bradford for Rams draft failures”. Offensive issues have more to do with failures to draft/coach WRs than Bradford. What do you think?
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 2:50 PM

I think there’s some merit to what Gordo was writing. It’s not like Brandon Lloyd, Danny Amendola, and Brandon Gibson have reached new heights post-Bradford. And don’t throw Avery into the mix, because he was never on the field with Bradford during the regular season.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:52 PM

Fisher talked about challenging any close play in order to help out the refs, why didn’t he challenge the potential Gaines caused fumble, seemed a lot closer than the one he chose? BTW, thought Gaines looked good and Woodard came up with a few good plays too.
by eman August 12 at 2:53 PM

Did the Gaines play happen before the other play. Also, Fisher might not have had a good look at the fumble.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:54 PM

I was at the Rams, charity softball game a couple of months ago, and I was surprised by the athletic ability of James Laurinaitis. He was one of the last guys I would have expected to be a good softball player. Without mentioning any names, some of the Rams players who really looked the part were awful. Pettis and Hekker were very good. Shows you can’t always tell just by looking at a guy.
by Jim Lang August 12 at 2:54 PM

It’s pretty difficult to reach the NFL and not be a pretty good athlete.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:55 PM

What is the deal with ST and running up peoples backs? Thats the third year in a row they have put someone on IR. That kick should not have been reurend, Mason trying to makse something out of nothing.
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 2:55 PM

The coaching staff encourages players to return deep kickoffs in the preseason. They want to get a look at them returning kicks (and the blockers doing their thing as well) as part of the evaluation process. Nothing to evaluation on a touchback. As for Brodine getting rolled up on, very unfortunate obviously. But there were some Saints players in that pileup as well.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:57 PM

In your opinion how did Ogletree look during the game? I’ve heard him say that the game is beginning to slow down for him but I’ve also heard that he looked completely lost at times versus the Saints
by Mike August 12 at 2:57 PM

Well, Ogletree was out there for only 17 plays. I didn’t really notice him one way or another.
by jthomas August 12 at 2:57 PM

Should we expect a run pass ratio similiar to the first preseason game throughout the season or more emphasis on the run.
by Ben S. August 12 at 2:58 PM

Sorry for brief delay. Just had WRs coach Ray Sherman down for an interview on Britt, Quick, and Austin’s develoment. Anyway, game situations definitely affect run-pass ratio, but ideally Fisher and Schottenheimer would like to be balanced as they were vs. Saints.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:10 PM

@johnny I agree. I watched Joyner his entire career at FSU. He is a ball hawk and a sneaky blitzer. EJ I had doubts about but his first game he was a stud (besides the TD play).
by #blessed August 12 at 3:11 PM

#blessed, you mentioned a part of Joyner’s game that is a little underrated _ his blitzing ability from the nickel (slot) position. Rams may not show it much in the preseason, but I’m sure it will be a part of their package on defense.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:12 PM

Very impressed with Reynolds running. Hope he makes the team, Your opinion?
by Dana August 12 at 3:12 PM

Yeah, he’s a Jeff Fisher type of player. Smart, hard-nosed. There’s a crowd at running back, and it’s not a sure bet, but I think he makes the 53.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:13 PM

JT – did “Cookie” finally make a catch outside his frame? Why is this guy a world-beater one minute and next minute dissapears? He could be difference-make the Rams need if he could get it figured out. Paying Jimmy Graham mony for graham cracker performance.
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 3:13 PM

He sure did. No doubt, more consistency would help with Cook. He has a lot of physical ability. But no, he’s not making JImmy Graham money. (Granted, $7 million a year is a lot; but it’s $10 million a yaer.)
by jthomas August 12 at 3:15 PM

How much does Bradford play in next game? When will J. Long play?
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 3:15 PM

Strictly a guess, I’ll say a quarter to a quarter and a half. As for J. Long, he is expected to play vs. Green Bay.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:16 PM

I think too many fans get caught up in team practice and forget for every great play, a teammate on the other side of the ball failed. Same in exhibition play when a one may be matched up on a 3 or vice versa. I see you often temper comments accordingly, but too few media do.
by dvh August 12 at 3:17 PM

As the players often say _ the other team gets paid, too.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:18 PM

Which players (offense or defense) do you think need to step up their game this season in order for us to have a chance at the playoffs? Mine personally are Ogletree, Brockers, Cook, and Quick
by Mike August 12 at 3:18 PM

I’d agree with three of your four, although Brockers didn’t play badly. I’d just like to see him turn it up just a notch towards that Pro Bowl level. As for Ogletree, he was good over the last two-thirds of the season. You could throw Bradford in that group. Jenkins. Johnson. McLeod.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:19 PM

does westbrook play special teams too
by eman August 12 at 3:19 PM

He was in for three special teams plays on Friday, although I couldn’t tell you which unit; Sam was in for six.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:21 PM

JT – will we see even 25% of William’s defense packages in preseason? Is he waiting to unleash in game 1?
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 3:21 PM

(An aside.) Always good to see the great Gil Brandt. He just walked into the media room; he’s here with Sirius XM NFL Radio. He’s been great to me over the years. (End aside.) A lot of players have told me that there’s a lot of volume in the Gregg Williams scheme. So I don’t know about 25%, but yeah, we could go through the entire preseason with a lot of stuff unseen. I counted 9 blitzes (more than 4 pass rushers) from Williams in the first half Friday. He did blitz three times in a row on the second series of the game, but it was hardly the Armageddon some in New Orleans were wondering about.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:26 PM

Gregg Reid also made some impressive plays and shows burst on the kick returns
by Ben S. August 12 at 3:26 PM

Yeah, he’s got a little something. Didn’t play a whole lot from scrimmage on defense though (8 snaps).
by jthomas August 12 at 3:27 PM

Jim, ok, enough of the “Greg the leg” talk, the guy just needs to make his field goals, agreed?
by Ekern55 August 12 at 3:27 PM

So you’re banning me from using the “Leg” in any story? Let me know what you think. Other chatters too _ should I temporarily drop usage of “the Leg?”
by jthomas August 12 at 3:29 PM

Are they shelving pead in hopes someone will offer trade? He has no hope to make roster unless Stacy, Cunningham and Mason get hurt.
by HomerSimpson August 12 at 3:29 PM

No, he’s had that hand injury. But what do you think Pead would get in a trade based on his first two seasons in the NFL? Not much, don’t you think?
by jthomas August 12 at 3:30 PM

If memory serves, the Rams ran a play with a pulling right guard (I think 4th down). After the guard left his spot it was wide open for a pass rusher who promptly ended the play. Did someone miss a blocking assignment or was that just one terrible design of a play?
by Steve August 12 at 3:30 PM

I don’t remember the specific play. But sometimes those things happen when you pull the guard.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:31 PM

Great to see another SWHS Longhorn be successful. Class of 82 DE/TE. Was Coach Anton your coach? In your opinion who has to step up on the OL to make that unit be successful this year? My answer is Mr. Health. They need the starting OLineman to average 12 starts each this year in my opinion. What say you ?
by Noods August 12 at 3:31 PM

Hook ’em Horns! Yes, Anton was the head coach. About as old school as they come. As for Rams OL, if you can sit here and tell me that Long, Wells, and Saffold each play 14 games (or more) I’d say the Rams will have one of the top 10 o-lines in the league. Maybe better.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:33 PM

I assume that players, the NFLPA and coaches would all be in favor of increasing roster size, so the only obstacles are the owners wallets?
by Guy Munsch August 12 at 3:33 PM

I assume you mean regular-season roster size. Yeah, I think you’re probably correct. Some coaches would like to see the number of players that have to be on the game-day inactive list (7) reduced, so you could have more than 46 of your 53 players dress for games.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:36 PM

After the draft, the consensus among the media (TV in particular and the MOTHERSHIP) expressed that the Ram D-Line was alreay “excellent” has added Aaron Donald to it to make it potent! I disagree wholeheartedly, The Ram DLine is AVERAGE at best with Quinn as the only “Potential Star”
by Hobgood -Chittick in da HOUZE August 12 at 3:36 PM

A little harsh there. We’ll see. I think they’re pretty good. So does Gregg Williams.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:36 PM

Hi Jim, With Sean Hill ready to step in and play at a relatively high level should Sam Bradford get hurt again, I’m not worried about the QB position for the Rams. Which position do you see as the weakest on this team and which player do you feel most that the Rams simply cannot afford to lose? Thanks
by RMitch50 August 12 at 3:37 PM

I’ll still say secondary as biggest concern and WRs as next biggest. (Yes, despite what I’ve seen on the practice field, still have to see it in the regular season on the WRs.) Bradford, J. Long have to stay on the field. (I’d say Quinn too, but at least the Rams have some other pass rushers.) There’s not much of a safety net behind starting safeties McDonald and McLeod either.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:40 PM

Is there a veteran linebacker that can help the unit? Seems like the need an upgrade from current backups.
by ArchBadness August 12 at 3:40 PM

I can’t give you a name right here, but I think a veteran LB for depth wouldn’t hurt.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:40 PM

Don’t see the love for someone’s cast off to replace a drafted rookie who is learning the position and has possible upside. Tell me the last in season pickup who had a meaningful contribution. Any?
by Larry M August 12 at 3:41 PM

And here’s the counterpoint. If you count Joe Barksdale as an in-season pickup (he was picked up after final cuts to 53), he’s a great example. But you’re right. There’s not many.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:42 PM

Chris Long said after the game that the defense knew they needed work against the run and that the game just confirmed it. Why is our loaded front seven still struggling with this? All of the starters are carry overs from last year..
by Mike August 12 at 3:42 PM

Three members of that front seven did not play against the Saints. Robert Quinn played only eight plays. Chris Long (14, or 21%). Dunbar and Ogletree (17 plays apiece, or 25%). So t he loaded front seven really wasn’t out there vs. New Orleans.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:44 PM

is/was jenkins hurt or just got the game off?
by willywawa August 12 at 3:44 PM

Jenkins has had a hamstring injury.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:44 PM

Did like the play of the big corner on the end zone throw. Was that Roberson?
by ArchBadness August 12 at 3:44 PM

Yep.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:44 PM

I know at surface this appears as an odd question. But the Rams focused on “Meat and Potatoes” with two premier picks on a deep first round. However, a 7th round pick outsold them in one weekend then either of them might have for their entire career. Other than Sam, who do you see being the Rams most “marketable player”. Guys that people will buy a jersey of and the casual fan will recognize there names? No offense to our pro bowlers, they don’t play flashy positions that people usually take much notice of.
by Ramblin horns August 12 at 3:45 PM

Probably Quinn in terms of marketable players.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:45 PM

Jim, I feel the team is ready to jump to “good” status with one exception: passing game. Special teams, run game, pass rush, defense against run (even though not good against N.O.) are all elements of the game the Rams seem improved, again except passing game. 8 minutes left in the 4th qtr. and Rams are down by 10 points. Does Bradford and his receiving corps have it them to come back from that deficit? This is going to happen a couple times during the season and to be good, they must come through. Thoughts?
by Philip H. August 12 at 3:46 PM

It’s debatable, I’ll give you that. But Bradford did have several 4th-quarter comebacks in ’12; and he had a fourth quarter comeback in the 2013 season opener vs. Arizona (the Rams trailed 24-13 after 3 in that one.) The following week in Atlanta, he nearly brought the Rams back from a 24-3 halftime deficit in what became a 31-24 loss. So he does have it in him. He seems more relax in a no-huddle, operating out of the shotgun.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:49 PM

Jim, when I am in the game I will declare that running stuff null and void! It only took a decade to draft a DT. Donald will be the lightning to my thunder.
by Brockers the man mountain August 12 at 3:49 PM

There you have it. . . .
by jthomas August 12 at 3:49 PM

Have you heard anything about charges against SEA RB Lynch?
by ArchBadness August 12 at 3:49 PM

Not really.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:50 PM

Hi Jim. Over 60 years a Ram fan now living in Canada. I was impressed with Tre Mason burst through the line of scrimmage. I think after some more experience later this year he may replace Stacy as the off tackle, sweep runner and let Stacy be the short yardage back and when we need to grind it out later in the game. Your thoughts?
by Dr. Shoe August 12 at 3:50 PM

I think it very well could become more of a time share. But Stacy is very instinctive, and moves the pile. I don’t see his role reduced that much.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:51 PM

Jim, will see more starters playing this weekend? Will Bradford be out there zipping some passes? as always, thanks for your chats.
by Ekern55 August 12 at 3:51 PM

Yes. Including Bradford, and I believe J. Long and Wells among others.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:51 PM

Quick didnt seem to fight through the CB on his ONE pass play… YIKES! I think we BOMBED on that draft pick. Your thoughts?
by Hobgood -Chittick in da HOUZE August 12 at 3:51 PM

This is a key year for him. We all know that.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:52 PM

Greg the Leg is looking all too human as our kicker after starting his career lights-out. Mental or physical issues we should be concerned about heading into the regular season?
by Guy Munsch August 12 at 3:52 PM

He was 26 of 28 last season. Don’t think that’s two shabby. And one of his misses was a 59-yarder. Personally, I’m not concerned at this point.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:53 PM

Im not worried after one preseason game, but what does Greg Williams scheme do to help us on run defense? I know its a blitz heavy scheme but getting to the qb hasn’t been one of our flaws on D
by willywawa August 12 at 3:53 PM

Well, he plays the strong safety up in the box a lot.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:53 PM

Hi Jim What is going on with Barret Jones? What type of injury does he have?
by Tom August 12 at 3:53 PM

Undisclosed injury.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:54 PM

didn’t really see moe show much friday. with the decrease in bailey’s snaps, will we see moe get more of a chance to make an impact? if he was out there but not making himself seen, i suppose that’s a different issue then. thanks for the chats!
by steve r August 12 at 3:54 PM

Moe was out there for only 11 plays on offense Friday (15%) and caught the only ball thrown his way. So he didn’t get much of a chance to help his cause vs. Saints. The Rams are looking at a lot of players _ 16 had at least one pass thrown their way Friday _ so it’s hard to say with certainty that he’ll get more of a chance over the rest of the preseason. It’s kind of a tough spot.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:56 PM

Is 2014 or 2015 the breakout year for this team. With schedule/division strength lookslike maybe 2015 will see Rams get batter and SF/SEA slip a notch or two. ARI seems to be getting older too.
by RamSpastic August 12 at 3:56 PM

That’s the expectation around here _ that ’14 and/or ’15 will be the year. SF and SEA may come back to the pack, but I really think they remain the teams to beat in NFC.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:57 PM

How would you individually rate our running backs in terms of blitz pick ups?
by Mike August 12 at 3:57 PM

Hard to say, especially since Cunningham and Pead have had so little NFL playing time and Mason is a rookie. Stacy got better as the season progressed.
by jthomas August 12 at 3:58 PM

Jim – Grantland ran an article yesterday on Bradford that had data showing how ineffective he has been throughout his career throwing the deep ball. Do you think this is more the fault of Sam, his receivers, the offensive scheme or all of the above?
by McGarrett August 12 at 3:59 PM

Did the article compare his deep passing numbers to others? I think you’ll find passer rating and completion percentage go down for all QBs pretty noticeably.
by jthomas August 12 at 4:00 PM

With Harvey Dahl gone which Ram now claims the title for the nastiest disposition?
by nominate Tavon for touches August 12 at 4:00 PM

Nice question. Dunbar maybe?
by jthomas August 12 at 4:00 PM

With the NFC West being hailed as the toughest division in football, and Arizona, San Francisco, and Seattle all posting double digit numbers in the win column last season. And considering this season’s schedule. Do you think the Rams win more than 7 or 8 games this year?
by RMitch50 August 12 at 4:01 PM

They’ve got to do better on the road. But I think they can win 9.
by jthomas August 12 at 4:01 PM