JT chat … 10/21

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_60?Page=0

Thanks for the chat. Do have an update on how Chris Long is doing?
by ND Ram 2:03 PM

The earliest he can come back is Nov. 2 at San Francisco by league rule But it could take longer. He has yet to do any field work yet.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

What happened to the Rams starting running back?
by Duane Ewell 2:04 PM

Zac Stacy has been nicked up (ankle/calf) the past couple of weeks, so that may have had something to do with it. But Tre Mason simply got the hot hand vs. Seattle and Benny Cunningham is playing well.
by jthomas 2:06 PM

There is no way Jake Matthews gets the kind of push Greg Robinson does. Zack Martin has been good and I have watched him very closely being a Cowboys fan, but even he doesn’t put guys on roller skates the way Robinson does on certain plays. Look at both the Mason and Cunningham TD’s. He pulls from Left to Right and erases guys
by Ramsfancanada 2:06 PM

Good point. No one ever said Robinson couldn’t run block.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

Thanks for the chats this season. Is Janoris Jenkins a liability at this point?
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 2:07 PM

He has been at times this season, there’s no doubt about that. But he played pretty well vs. Seattle.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

Are the Rams really going back to LA? Or is this another trick play?
by JohnB 2:07 PM

I don’t think it’s a trick play _ not when your lease expires at the end of this season. But the league is still unsure if LA’s a real NFL market and there’s still no stadium there.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

PFT has reported this week that the Rams are the favored team to move to LA using Stan’s new land for a stadium. Another source says that the NFL is polling in LA to judge various market interest factors. Meanwhile, Bryan reported this week that plans for an open air stadium on the riverfront are afoot. If you have anything to say, please say it. Inquiring minds want to know.
by Jo Jo Gunne 2:10 PM

I think the league made it pretty clear at its meetings in early October that LA does not in any way have its stadium situation solved. Until that happens there won’t be a team in LA.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

C’mon Mr. Thomas, you could do analysis in LA and wouldn’t you want to rollor skate with those bikini babes on the venice beach boardwalk
by mslay 2:13 PM

I can’t help but wonder. Since the Rams couldn’t make in Los Angeles before, why does the league think they can make it again? How many fans would be in the stands if the reborn LA Rams went through 10 consecutive non-winning seasons?
by jthomas 2:15 PM

How would you grade my play so far this year?
by Lamarcus Joyner 2:15 PM

Improving. Better in coverage over the past couple of weeks. Good special teams contributor.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Okay, Jim- who are the Rams adding to the roster to replace Pettis? We know you know…!;)
by Contrarian 2:16 PM

Not sure if I’ll know the answer before this chat ends. I believe it’ll be a linebacker.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

The Clippers have gone through more than 10 consecutive non-winning seasons in LA, and they just sold for $2.4 billion.
by LaughingLion 2:17 PM

What does that have to do with this. Kroenke isn’t selling the team.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Hello Jim. Hey, imagine of this team could put a whole game together on a consistent basis. One quick question, how can the secondary be fixed for this season? Will getting Trumaine Johnson back make that big of difference?
by Vince Guldin 2:18 PM

Getting Johnson back will help to a degree. But it’s a very inexperienced group. The youngest secondary in the league, and I don’t see any way they don’t have growing pains throughout the year. You have to hope they learn on the job and minimize those big mistakes.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

I wonder if its time for Offense to revisit the flea-flicker? Might as well dig into the bag of tricks a little deeper. Especially if we can establish a running game moving forward. Good way to Givens back in the saddle
by simdaddy 2:21 PM

Why not, if it helps you win a game?
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Why hasn’t Stedman Bailey been used more on the offense since returning. It was baffling to me that he played so much in preseason, knowing that he was to be unavailable for 4 weeks. He was the top receiver in preseason. Now, regular season, very little play.
by Steve 2:23 PM

Agreed. Jeff Fisher keeps saying they want to use Bailey more, but it hasn’t happened yet. In fact, the No. 4 and No. 5 receivers (Bailey and Givens) had only 7 snaps between them vs. Seattle. They are really committed at this point to Quick, Britt, and Austin.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Hi Jim good win my question is all the goods thing the rams did how could they let one man take over russel wilson im speaking of why cant guys like quin an Jl step up an be difference makers like the rook Mr.donald
by Star Stream 2:25 PM

You’ve got to give some credit to Wilson. The Rams had 3 sacks 17 QB pressures and something like 6 QB hits in that game. Wilson had to throw several balls away but also did an amazing job escaping pressure. But also, the Rams failed to secure the perimeter on several occasions, which frequently is the responsibility of the linebackers. We all saw that it wasn’t the best of games for Ogletree.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

JT, thanks as always for the chats – ive really become impressed with the development of our RBs. last year stacy and cunninghman – tre watts has shows he can play if called upon and now Tre mason looks like he’s ready to soar – who’s our running backs coach and how come no one ever mentions him, i mean i have no idea who it is – its incredible the depth we have right now
by BigDaddy 2:28 PM

His name is Ben Sirmans. Fisher went through numerous RB candidates _ I heard it was something like 10 _ before hiring him in 2012. Sirmans is 44, played running back at Maine, and came to the Rams out of the college coaching ranks (Boston College). We’ve mentioned him a few times over the three years and interviewed him a couple of times. But probably not enough.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

If the fatal mistakes continue with jenks. Do you see him as a nickel corner only moving forward or the rams moving past him? He’s def. A gambler!
by East side andy 2:31 PM

There’s not doubt he has to cut back on the mistakes. Taking fewer gambles would help. But again, he played better vs. Seattle.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Ogletree, has his play really degarding that much this year. I thought he performed well last year, and he was more of a run stopper. He looks lost at times this year, and is missing many tackles.
by DevilDog 2:32 PM

In some ways, he’s still playing the run pretty well. But he has struggled in space _ both in coverage and in terms of making open-field tackles. Obviously we haven’t seen the big splash plays from him this year like we did over the final 2/3rds of 2013. He doesn’t look as fast to me as he did a year ago.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

The Rams made a giant step in the right direction with almost no penalties. One called against Quick for unsportsmanlike conduct was a sham. I hope Fisher raised the issue with the league. Sorry to see Pettis go, wish him the best.
by Steve 2:34 PM

Still it looked like Quick was trying to throw a punch, although it looked like both players were at fault. I wouldn’t be surprised if Quick was fined this week.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

If you had a top 10 pick for this team; would you go QB, CB, WR or other; assuming the same talent for who ever you pick.
by Replacement 2:35 PM

Right now I’d say QB or CB.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

Ranked number 1 by PFF this year. Do you think I have a shot at making the Pro Bowl. Am i outplaying my draft slot?
by Aaron Donald 2:36 PM

No. 1, I put very little stock in PFF player ratings. The more you go with individual rankings in analytics, the less accurate you are. I’m not saying PFF doesn’t do some good things. But ranking players is a subjective thing.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

jim, the offense has been as exciting as its been since jeff fisher arrived – i like the play calling – – seems to me that austin davis fits the type of qb thats needed to run schottys offense — that being said why the heck did we waste so much time with sam bradford?? he’s just not the type of qb we need for this style of offense — not saying austin is answer long term yet — but i know sam bradford couldn’t run this offense better — what say you – or am i crazy … you wouldnt be the first person to call me crazy
by 3Sacks 2:38 PM

I do like the ability Davis has shown to improvise. He obviously has more mobility than Bradford. But did you ever stop to think that Davis might have a better supporting cast around him than Bradford? The Rams have depth at WR, RB, and TE _ something they never had under him.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

Jim, Sorry if you already answered this, but what is Saffold’s status? Thanks.
by Bull 2:40 PM

First practice isn’t until tomorrow. There is a chance he could miss some practice time. But after Sunday’s game he told me there was no doubt that he’d be available for Kansas City.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Jim, How many pounds of sun flower seeds do you think Bradford eats on the sidelines ? Why is he even there ? Isn’t he getting paid- why no counselling the young Davis ?
by Mike 2:41 PM

Another set of eyes and ears always helps. He does counsel Davis. In fact, Davis made it a point to thank Bradford (and Shaun Hill) for helping to get him prepared for the Seahawks. And finally, Bradford is still a member of the team. What would you like him to do? Go back to Oklahoma for the fall?
by jthomas 2:43 PM

I don’t see Britt being thrown to as much as I thought would happen. Is he not getting open, Davis is not seeing him in time, what? I can’t really see on TV that well.
by Steve 2:44 PM

He’s been part of the mix. But Quick and Cook clearly have been the favorite targets. Not everyone can be targets 8-10 times a game.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

People needs to stop hating on Bradford if he was our Qb this year i say we beat dallas ,minn, 49ers
by roc 2:44 PM

Might have another victory or two.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Do you have any feeling/opinion of the Hall of Fame chances (percentage) for Warner, Pace, Bruce, Holt?
by Andy 2:46 PM

I think they all get in at some point. But it may take a while for the wide receivers. I think Kurt and Orlando have the best chances of getting in this year.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Jim do you think this team knows how to win after the seattle game?
by roc 2:46 PM

Well, at least they finally closed out a game. (Barely) I think this should give them some confidence going forward, especially the younger players.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Is Zac Stacy the starter this week, how serious is ankle/calf injury?
by stratis 2:47 PM

I kind of doubt he starts. Cunningham started against Seattle. The injuries aren’t serious; Stacy practiced a lot last week and seemed to be moving well.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

2 Penalties, 0 Sacks given up, and no turnovers = win football game. P
by Ed Hochuli 2:48 PM

It’s really a simple game.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Jim, when will Trumaine Johnson be available – we need him. and Why hasn’t any team touched champ bailey on waivers? cost too much? surely he could at least help our guys develop if not play better than them.
by the Truth 2:49 PM

I think teams feel Champ Bailey’s time is over. I think Trumaine could be ready to go in the next week or two.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

I hope someone said something to Mason on the last carry. Not giving himself up after getting the first down is beyond a “rookie mistake”. He looked like he wanted to get a TD… He has played football his whole life. I don’t expect everyone to have a football IQ like Marshall Faulk, but c’mon!
by laramsfan 2:50 PM

Yes, it was addressed according to Fisher.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Three sacks versus Seattle. Do these snowflakes indicate the start of an avalanche?
by stratis 2:50 PM

I’m sure the residents of #Sack City are hoping that’s the case.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Who’s the Rams starting QB in 2015 ?
by BlueRams 2:51 PM

That’s the question isn’t it? What if Davis plays the final 10 games this year like he has his first 5 starts? He would certainly get some consideration. Do the Rams bring back Bradford? And if so, at what price? Do they draft someone _ and at what point in the draft? All to be determined.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Will Barrett Jones see any live action at C in the near future. Didn’t here Wells name much this week … which is good
by Mark 2:53 PM

I think that happens only if Wells gets hurt. Wells’ play has stabilized these last few games.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Is #SackCity still the most unfortunate team slogan ever?
by c_good 2:54 PM

Yeah, it’s gotta be right up there.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Why has Seattle seemingly regressed? Is it because they get everyone’s best punch each week or were they just that good last year?
by Tackleberry 2:54 PM

I think there’s something to that “best punch” theory. Your offseason’s longer by a month over the non-playoff teams. The Seahawks lost some depth in the offseason via free agency. I think they miss Golden Tate’s playmaking ability at WR, and miss DT Red Bryant on run defense. They had a lot of injury issues entering the Rams’ game (plus the surprise trade of Percy Harvin). The Rams certainly caught them at right time. It could be a different story in December in Seattle.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim-I’m sure Silent Stan can afford, along with his wife’s money, to build his own stadium in Hollywood Park. Can’t he do the same in St. Louis?
by Bopat from SoCal 2:57 PM

That’s a great question. If he’s willing to do it in LA _ which is what it could come down to _ why isn’t he willing to do it in St. Louis. He’s certainly going to get no public/government money in LA.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Jim, what is your outlook with the upcoming game with the Chiefs?
by DevilDog 3:00 PM

I haven’t started my prep work on KC. I usually start that for the opposing team on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. But I know what a daunting home-field advantage that can be for visiting teams. That should especially be the case with the young Rams. I’ve seen some pretty good Rams teams over the years get splattered at Arrowhead. Hard to see the Rams coming out of this one with a victory.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

I live in Georgia so I don’t get to see the Rams. I rely on stltoday and ESPN for scores and team news. I seldom hear Michael Brockers name mentioned. I recall that when he was drafted the buzz was that he could become an above-average lineman. What is your impression of his play since joining the Rams? Are the coaches satisfied with his progress?
by Mick N 3:03 PM

Brockers improved in 2013 over 2012, but has yet to have the breakout year that we all anticipated. He’s played a little better lately, but overall has been quiet this year. He lost a decent amount of weight in the offseason, in any effort to get quicker. I’m wondering if he got too lean. Coaches obviously would like to see more.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

when the rams lose does any of the players get upset or breaks things
by roc 3:05 PM

Have you forgotten Williams Hayes shattering the mirror in the locker room with his forearm _ resulting in lots of blood and several stitches _ after the Tennessee loss last season?
by jthomas 3:06 PM

JT, so as STL sports fan should we take more optimism from Burwell’s report or more concern from La Canfora’s reporting? Also, % they stay?
by Nick Rolando 3:06 PM

Of course, I’m going with my guy. Burwell’s story was well-sourced. (Although there were things in La Confora’s recent report that I agree with. I’m down one percentage point _ to 54-46 they stay.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Jim this team can score some points with that said have we found the winning formula?
by roc 3:09 PM

I keep waiting for this Top 10 defense to show up.
by jthomas 3:09 PM[/i]

Jim, I think we have seen the last of Zach Stacey as our starter, this year he just looks really slow, a hesitates when hitting the hole. What happened? Had high hopes for him this year. thoughts?
by Ekern55 3:14 PM[/i]

It’s funny. A couple of weeks ago, I was getting questions about why isn’t Stacy getting more carries. Now, we want to get rid of him? I think he can still be a useful player. But Mason and Cunningham just may be better options at this point. But I do agree with you to a degree on Stacy’s play. He hasn’t shown much of the vintage Stacy: You know, hitting the hole quickly, dragging the pile. He doesn’t seem as decisive, and has missed some holes.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

The Greg Williams led defense seems to be less aggressive than last year’s D. Has the fallout from BountyGate taken away what made him a great coach? Is he now just “another coach?”
by Andy 3:17 PM

Oh the Rams are being aggressive in terms off scheme. They are blitzing more, but aren’t getting there. At this point though I do think it is fair to wonder if Williams still has his edge.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Jim, in your opinion, does Hayes and Dunbar look slower to you? Dunbar can’t stay with TE’s and Hayes can’t catch any QB’s rolling out. Hayes whiffed on Russell few times.
by Ekern55 3:18 PM

Dunbar has been slowed by that groin injury. You can certainly tell when he has to play in coverage. But I think he has been as effective as ever on run defense. To me Hayes doesn’t look any slower. But It did take him a while to round into form following those multiple offseason surgeries, but I think he’s played pretty well the last 2, 3 games.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Releasing Pettis, IMO, represents that maybe this FO is turning a corner. Pettis represented that continued carrying along of mediocrity that Fisher had done since he got here. Pettis would have been fine alongside Bruce/Holt, but in an offense with almost no identity week-to-week the last thing they needed was another JAG.
by Tackleberry 3:21 PM

Good point. I think it also shows, along with the release of Ray Ray Armstrong and practice squad WR Emory Blake, that maybe Fisher is turning a page as well. Maybe he’s not as tolerant as he once was when it comes to players showing up late for meetings or continuing to commit silly penalties. He wants this team to grow up.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Jim: When the Rams went prevent defense in the 2nd half Sunday I noticed JL55 was 15-20 yards deep several times. He was also deep middle on the SF TD pass right before half. Is that planned or is he just drifting? Seems like his speed or lack of wouldn’t make that the best alignment.
by Carolina Ram 3:25 PM

I meant to answer this earlier. One of the tenets of the Cover 2 scheme is to have the LB take a deep drop down the middle of the field in zone coverage. That’s what Laurinaitis was doing on those plays.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Kudos to the Special Teams and its Coach… What is his name?
by Limo Driver Pickup for Law… 3:27 PM

John Fassel. He’s the son of former NY Giants head coach Jjm Fassel.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Aaron Donald is so good (Great Pick Les Snead) He should start alonside Brockers and kick Kendall Langford to DE (His former pos. in Miami) JT, your thoughts???
by Limo Driver Pickup for Law… 3:28 PM

Langford played DE in Miami in a 3-4 scheme. The Rams remain a base 4-3 team, so he couldn’t play outside in a 4-3. Donald is starting alongside Brockers _ has been for the last two games. He’s getting twice as many reps as Langford since then.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Ohhhhhh, That’s who John Fassel remined me of – looks just like HIS dad!!!!!!
by Limo Driver Pickup for Law… 3:30 PM

Just a lot skinnier. Rams players call him Bones. He runs marathons and doe triathlons in the offseason.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Question for you personally and I don’t mean to ruffle any feathers. Feel free to ignore if you are offended. I’m just genuinely curious about this. You are a beat writer for the ST. LOUIS Rams for the St. Louis Post Dispatch? If the Rams were to move to LA, would you be reassigned by the Post Dispatch to cover something else or are you employed by a higher power to follow the Rams, despite where they may land? I enjoy reading your columns and chats.
by Bach 3:31 PM

Probably re-assigned. Hey, high school football is a lot of fun.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Glad with the win but man it’s frustrating to nearly lose after being up 21-3. Did we go conservative on defense?
by Ky Kid 3:32 PM

I have yet to look at coaches tape. But I don’t think the Rams got conservative. In fact, they were beaten on a couple of blitzes as I recall in the second half. I think part of it was just that Russell Wilson got hot.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Why can’t we game plan a 3rd quarter like we can a 1st quarter?
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 3:35 PM

Would be nice.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Do you think the D had any shot at stopping another meltdown from occuring without the trickery? Ill take it regardless
by willywawa 3:35 PM

I think Seattle wins the game if the Rams punt it at the end or if the fake punt doesn’t work.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

I’ll never tell!
by Stan Kroenke 3:38 PM

I disagree. Sooner or later, you must show your hand.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Remember the last time we faced Alex Smith? Dominated him then made a career for Kaep…hope we don’t do the same for Aaron Murray.
by The Bernie 3:45 PM

Yeah. We can blame Dunbar for that hit on Alex Smith.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Hey Jim, any chance that another team will try to beat the Rams to the punch and commit to LA first! i.e. the Chargers or Raiders?
by STL45Fan 3:46 PM

It seems like the Raiders would sure like to do so.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

If the rams move im heart broken lost mad ? with that said we still need to show some surport
by roc 3:46 PM

Look for my story tomorrow _ online and in the newspaper. I have interviews with Bruce, Holt, Pace, and Warner on the possibility of the move. From very interesting words from Bruce.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

I hear it would be collaborative (2 team effort/stadium in L.A.) and i dont think the NFL wants TWO AFC teams there!!!!
by Limo Driver Pickup for Law… 3:47 PM

Stan Kroenke will not share a stadium.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Marshall McFadden. Who?
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 3:48 PM

He’s a first-year linebacker out of South Carolina State _ 6-1, 235. I mentioned the Rams probably would add a linebacker earlier in this chat and did so in my online story yesterday. It’s mid-October _ you’re not going to find the next Brian Urlacher.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

I heard Michael Sam was cut by the cowboys today, with 2 spots open any chance he comes back to st louis?
by SackCity 3:51 PM

Yeah, Sam was released. Don’t think it happens here. The Rams don’t need DEs on their roster. But they could use an LB and a WR.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

If the Rams commit to STL, and the NFL promises STL a Super Bowl, and Kroneke will pay for the retractable roof, then let’s start digging!
by STL45Fan 3:52 PM

If only it were that simple.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

jim, through six games, what part of the team has impressed you the most? obviously the defensive unit as a whole has been the most disappointing
by SackCity 3:53 PM

I’d say the play of QB Austin Davis No. 1, and the improved play of the receiver corps _ WRs and TEs _ No. 2.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

I think Alex Smith is a bit of a poor mans Russel Wilson in that he is mobile, smart, but makes less spectacular plays with is arm or feet than Wilson. That being said, Can we count on our young D to play smart and not overreact to to play action or double moves by the less than spectacular chiefs receivers? Stopping Charles should be the game plan in my opinion.
by willywawa 3:54 PM

I think were all waiting for that complete game _ or at least close to complete game _ by the defense.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Does the new stadium include a swimming pool like Jacksonville has? (Sarcasm) That’s just weird to me to be honest.
by Martin 3:55 PM

Doesn’t Arizona have one in baseball as well?
by jthomas 3:55 PM

With a stadium cost of round 1B and a relocation fee of about 1B, and the fact that most NFL earnings are shared, isn’t an LA move really just a ploy. Most NFL teams make less than 100Mil after tax. Stan would be better off keeping the money in the bank. Or am I being too simple minded?
by Dude53 3:55 PM

I think the stadium cost in a market such as LA would be more like $1.5 billion.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

I know its cheaper but can’t believe they may go with an open air stadium. Seems like a lot of lost revenue between final 4’s and concerts. Do you buy the belief that elected officials are waiting until after elections? Makes sense, seems like leaders at every level in an election year don’t do anything all year until after election day.
by Martin 3:56 PM

Yeah, but you can bring in an MLS soccer team with an open-air venue, and still have concerts during in that late spring to early fall period. As for the waiting until the elections, I’m not sure. Seems like I heard that before a couple of years ago.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Why doesn’t the coaching staff use me more like JJ Watt in Houston? At least move me around and occasionally even stand me up… I think our defense is too predictable.
by Robert Quinn 3:58 PM

I’d like to see some of that.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Jim–your assessment of the play of Greg Robinson.
by Bopat from SoCal 3:58 PM

I was surprised by how well he played vs. San Francisco, and Fisher said he thought Robinson played even better vs. Seattle.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Governor’s Cup. Do the mayors bet? Is there a presentation ceremony? Is there even an actual cup?
by wiley 3:59 PM

There is a Governor’s Cup. I’ve seen it. But there is some confusion over whether it applies for just the preseason games or the preseason and regular-season contests. The Governor has presented the trophy in the past during preseason game.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Ok Jim straight to the point…..percentage chance the Rams bolt for LA?
by Ian 4:01 PM

I’ve been at 55-45 Rams stay for a long time. I’m down one percentage point _ to 54-46.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Can you tell me why Tavon Austin is still playing RB. I’m still baffled when I saw that when we have Zac Stacy and Tre Mason.
by james 4:02 PM

I like Austin at RB. It’s an added skill he has and one he displayed very well in college. It’s another way to get him the ball. I wouldn’t run him up the middle so much, but I like it.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

JT, Does Fisher have an answer for the difference between the First Half Rams and the Second Half Lambs?
by V Ferragamo 4:04 PM

He kind of danced around the topic Monday.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Hey Jim, After watching Robinsons performance the last 2 weeks. Are you still taking Jake Matthews over him? We jumped to conclusion when Robinson was on the bench that we should have taken matthews so where do we stand now?
by Ramsfancanada 4:05 PM

I didn’t jump on or off any bandwagon when Robinson was on the bench. I was saying I would take Matthews before the draft. Robinson has looked very good so far _ but it’s just 2 games.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Would you say Rams got lucky and beat Seattle or is there some potential in this team to take on anyone in the league? It’s frustrating how this team has performed this year. Hard to tell who Rams are
by sKarnam 4:09 PM

I think the Rams stole one Sunday w/their special teams trickery. But they have shown flashes of excellent play vs. some very good teams this year _ Dallas, Philadelphia, SF, and now Seattle. But then come flashes of mistakes, missed tackles, missed blocks, penalties, etc. It is hard to get a true read on this team so far.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Hi Jim, is Austin Davis the starter next year barring a complete collapse?
by ihtnep 4:14 PM

We’re not there yet. Not after 5 starts.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Jim, thanks for the chats. After 6 games in his rookie year, Bradford was 133-234 (57%) with 7 TDs and 8 interceptions. He of course ended up being Offensive Rookie of the Year. After 5 1/2 games, Davis is 136-206 (66%) with 9 TDs and 4 interceptions. After six games, Bradford had been sacked 13 times, and Davis has been sacked 15 times, a rough metric that implies they both have had similarly bad protection. Davis’s numbers seem much stronger. My question for you is, do you believe that Davis is showing us that he has the skill set to be our quarterback of the future, and how would you compare his first 6 games with Bradford’s? More specifically, how do they compare in elusiveness in the pocket, deep throwing skills, accuracy, check-down ability, ability to change the play at the line of scrimmage, etc. Thanks so much!
by Sacramento Rams fan 4:15 PM

Davis definitely has better mobility/elusiveness. So far, I’d call accuracy a push. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Davis’ accuracy. Bradford has better check-down skills. Right now, I’d say deep ball skills are a slight edge to Bradford.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

What was it like in the stadium on Sunday? Sounded like there was some noise. Of course, in watching one Seattle touchdown video clip it sounded like the noise was in favor of Seattle? For the players sake, I hope the continue to feel that The Ed is still a home field advantage.
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 4:17 PM

There really weren’t many Seattle fans in the house. It was a supportive crowd.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

When can we expect Trumaine Johnson back?
by Bobby Schmurda 4:19 PM

Next week or two barring setback.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

Do you think the Rams slowed Greg Robinson’s transition to the starting lineup by splitting his time this offseason between left guard and left tackle? I realize the depth concern, but asking him to go from starting LT in college to starting LG in the pros should have been his focus all those summer months.
by NYC Rams Fan 4:20 PM

Yes, I think it complicated the learning process.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

Jim, I lived in Orange County when the Rams came, and I was still there when they left. A mediocre NFL product has no chance in the LA area. There are too many successful sports teams, college and pro there, and too many other things to do year round, and you only get attention if you win. If the NFL wants to succeed in LA, they need to put a playoff-caliber team there, not the Rams.
by Sacramento Rams fan 4:22 PM

Here’s one view from the West Coast. I think he’s right.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

What is Hekker’s career QB rating? Not suggesting Rams use him at QB, just curious.
by George M. 4:22 PM

According to Casey Pearce of Rams PR, Hekker’s passing rating is 156.3 _ just off the perfect rating of 158.3.
by jthomas 4:24 PM