JT chat, 11/3

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_18331403e489?Page=3

How does one get a copy of the team photo of the Rams?
by Jack Reynolds 2:44 PM

I would check with the Rams PR department at 314-982-7267. Or you can e-mail PR director Artis Twyman at atwyman@rams.nfl.com.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Any chance the Rams deal for Alshon Jeffrey before the trade deadline?
by joeboevercloever 2:46 PM

We’ll see. We’ve got less than 1 1/2 hours until the trade deadline.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Hi Jim. Hope all is well. How much credit do we give the D this week? 49ers are sooo bad. There numbers at against Seattle were worse than what we allowed and that was at SF.
by Cutman 2:48 PM

There were still professional football players on the field for the 49ers. So yeah, you have to give the defense some credit.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Do you see the NFL moving a playoff team?
by TGFG! 2:49 PM

That would seem very odd, don’t you think?
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Any rumblings around Rams Park of any kind of trade in the works?
by joeboevercloever 2:49 PM

I haven’t heard much at this point. But the Rams have been active in the past.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Conventional thought would be that the Rams passing game would improve now that running game is dangerous. The passing game seems to have gotten worse? What say you?
by DJM34 2:50 PM

Yeah, that does kind of seem to be the case. The Rams did have a couple of big pass plays last week, however. And Foles isn’t getting many chances to throw the ball. I think 7 NFL QBs have completed more passes than Foles has even attempted
by jthomas 2:52 PM

How much will we know about relocation after the meetings on the 11th?
by STLFanJH 2:55 PM

The NFL says there will be no votes taken, or no decisions made, at the meeting. But if nothing else, the committee members will know a lot more about the home market stadium plans. From what I can gather, the Board of Alderman will not have reached a decision by then on the city financing piece of the stadium plan. So don’t know if that will matter to the committees, particularly the finance committee.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Good stuff. Thanks Jim.
by Rdstrasmer 2:57 PM

No problem.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim, did you read Ben Fred’s article about Cook? Would you agree? Any furher news about trading him?
by AzRamsFan 2:57 PM

I wrote a similar story last week. Don’t think they’re trading him.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Hi Jim, If the task force is meeting with the NFL on the 11/11 do you think the pressure is on the city to get the funding passed this week?
by STLFootball 2:58 PM

From what I’m told, I don’t think that’s possible.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Thanks so much, Steven Snyder
by steven 2:58 PM

Don’t think the Board is supposed to vote until after the meeting. Last I heard on land acquisition, they are basically there. A couple of outliers, but remember, task force has right of eminent domain.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Will Stan K be at the meeting on the 11TH?
by Dan in Phx 3:00 PM

Teams are allowed to have representatives there. My guess is Demoff will attend, but not Kroenke.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Anything to the story about Kroenke buying up that Maryland Heights location? I know it was previously a potential spot for a new stadium.
by JR 3:00 PM

I’ve been told its for a “regular” real estate project, not a stadium.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Hey Jim, did Brian Quick dress up as a ghost for Halloween because he sure was invisible on the field this past weekend?
by Johnnie Miggs 3:01 PM

Hey now, he did catch one pass.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

What makes me so much better than other RB’s in the League ?
by Todd Gurley 3:02 PM

I think it’s a combination of your speed, power, vision, and patience.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Is Fisher the inverse of Martz, all defense and offense is an afterthought? These receivers are a lot like Martz’s DBs… not good.
by Tackleberry 3:02 PM

To a degree, yes, on the “inverse” comparison. I for one don’t think the receivers are bad. Great no. Average to a little above average, yes.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

Do you think the rams will do anything at trade deadline? Maybe a wide receiver.
by Bill 3:03 PM

Again, I haven’t heard anything. Been busy on other fronts. Only 57 minutes left, so we’ll know soon enough.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Thanks Jim
by New Uniform 3:04 PM

I think it takes about 2 years of lead time to change uniforms. Funny, back in the day, I can remember a lot of people hating on the old uniforms.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Who are this year’s potential Pro Bowlers? Might we FINALLY have one on offense?
by DJM34 3:05 PM

I would say the usual suspects _ Hekker, Donald, Quinn. But at this rate you’d have to throw in Gurley.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Do you think Long comes back against Minn?
by Jim – \”The Intern’s Dad\” 3:05 PM

No. At last check was still wearing knee brace.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Ga. jim if the rams want to make the playoffs they need this game bad this is a big game for them…if they lay an egg what can we expect from Fisher here on out..tired of we were closed….
by roc 3:06 PM

This is a huge game for November, I agree. The Vikings are the second wild-card right now. A victory by St. Louis would move Rams into that spot. But I think even if the Rams lose to Minnesota, they still have a shot. Chicago, Detroit, and Tampa Bay at home, as well as San Francisco on the road, all look like very winnable games. That would get you to eight victories. You need two more of the five other remaining games to reach 10 wins which usually means playoffs: @Baltimore, @Cincy, @Seattle, Arizona at home, and off course @Minnesota.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Feel bad for the receivers on this team. Not many slices of cake to go around. With this reality would any big free agent feel like signing here to give us a true #1?
by Cutman 3:10 PM

I you were a true No. 1 free agent, I think you’d rather sign with a team that throws the ball a lot.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Am I just wishful thinking but do you think our defensive backfield is playing better with the recent forced changes due to injuies ?
by coachraf45 3:10 PM

Not sure what you mean here. But I think they’re maturing as a group. They’ve had continuity for a couple, three years as well. The basic secondary _ starting 4 _ is now in its 3rd year together. Plus you have the motivation of contract years approaching for Jenkins, Johnson, McLeod, and Barron. Jenkins mention to me a couple of weeks ago that he liked the work of defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson as well.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Jim if you could change the parade meter would you say we’re winning more than 9?
by Cutman 3:16 PM

Wouldn’t change it right now if I could.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Hey Jim, would you wear a fan jersey with Grrrley on it?
by Ramster 3:16 PM

Please.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Will Hayes & Westbrooks success in Long’s absence dictate how the Rams proceed with Long this off-season?
by Tackleberry 3:16 PM

Don’t think so. Remember, Hayes is scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

I’m baffled by the passing game. Foles doesn’t appear to be the problem. Bailey can’t even get open in this scheme. It was great to see Cook contribute and we need him badly. I don’t feel that there is a possession receiver on the roster. Interesting that they were using Marquis (special team player) on offense. Shows that they are really searching for some sort of answer. What answer would you suggest for better third down efficiency.
by ramsfan 3:17 PM

Well,, Marquez was in for only four plays. I think Foles can play better. There are a lot of factors with respect to third down. 1.) They’ve had a lot of third and longs. 2.) Most third downs are passing situations and we all know the passing game is struggling. 3.) Better blocking would help. In other words, some of the same issues that are affecting the offense as a whole need to improve to help the offense on third down.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Hi Jim, Ignore if this question was already asked. Would you place Gurley in the same league as Faulk? It’s only been a few games but if he continues this level of play year after year, can he be as good or even better than Faulk?
by sKarnam 3:21 PM

Certainly not after four games. They’re different styles of runners of course. What set Faulk apart from just about every other back that played the game was his pass-catching ability. It looks like Gurley has some potential there, but still needs to develop as a pass catcher. Even with his knee issues, Faulk was very durable for an NFL back. Let’s see if the same holds for Gurley.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Hi Jim, Rams fan from the UK! Have you heard any rumours of the Rams coming to London for a game next year? There have been whispers here that suggest maybe they are
by Superjim 3:24 PM

Haven’t heard anything on that topic. But with 3 NFL games a year now in London, another Rams’ turn should be coming up pretty soon.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

James Lauriniatis seems like a great interview. I get the feeling Saffold has always been good to the press also. Who else can you talk to and get real answers not player platitudes?
by Isiah Robertson 58 3:25 PM

Once his football career ends, I think Laurinaitis has a great career ahead of him as a studio analyst or game analyst. And I think he has some interest in pursuing that when the time comes. Both Laurinaitis and Saffold have won the Bryan Burwell “Good Guy” Award, which goes to a Rams player annually for his cooperation with the media. It’s awarded by the St. Louis Chapter of the Pro Football Writers. It’s a good locker room overall. Lance Kendricks, William Hayes, Greg Robinson, Cory Harkey, Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Jared Cook are all interesting guys to talk to.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

are the Rams too predictable with relying so heavily on running and, if so, how can they improve the passing so they have balance?
by David B 3:28 PM

It’s only been 4 games with Gurley, but so far that “predictability” hasn’t led to a decrease in production. Minnesota, which ranks just behind the Rams at 7th in total defense, will be a good test this week. I don’t think the Rams have to be great at passing the football because of the other elements they possess on defense, special teams, and in the running game. They just have to be average. As to how they can improve the passing game, there are a variety of factors which we all have discussed at one point or another. Better blocking. Better play by Foles. More cases of receivers making the tough catch. Better separation by receivers, more involvement by Gurley in the passing game, etc.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Just read your article…What stadium plan does Oakland have to present? Are they planning a new stadium for the Raiders now?
by dgt 3:32 PM

I had that same thought. No, there isn’t anything resembling a stadium plan in Oakland at this point. And I doubt they’ll be able to come up with a plan in 8 days.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Do you think the NFL will take anything out of the Town Hall Meetings?
by rams 3:34 PM

I don’t think it’ll have much of an impact. But I think out of it, the owners will have some awareness of the passion the fans have for their team here.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

What’s your take on Polished Concrete-gate at the Dome? Do you expect the CVC to make any moves to cover those surfaces?
by Byung-Ho Park 3:35 PM

That would seem to be the way to go.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

I saw a stat on tv stating TG reached a higher speed in each of the last four games. What was his fastest 40 in college?
by Cutman 3:38 PM

I think he’s regarded as a 4.4 guy. Not wearing his knee brace in the past 2 games I’m sure has helped.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Hey Jim. I know the 6 LA committee members have said good things about STLs progress. Any word on what members on the members of the other committees like the Finance and stadium committee think?
by Beeper Magoo 3:40 PM

Well, for starters, you have some overlap. Clark Hunt, Robert Kraft, and Bob McNair of the LA Opps committee also are on the finance committee. Art Rooney is on the stadium committee. I believe Jax’s Shad Khan on the finance committee is a friend off St. Louis. I’m really not sure on the others.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Jim–what’s with the photo next to the “Jim Thomas Live” banner? Is that from the 70’s?
by Rodger Glassfold 3:42 PM

I believe it’s pretty recent. Covering all these losing teams has aged me. 🙂
by jthomas 3:43 PM

excellent points in response to my question. thank you. You are correct — the rams do not need to be like Green Bay in the passing game to win consistently with the other elements they have — defense, special teams and running. Still would like to see better receiver and QB play. 3 key receptions per game can change a season. thanks.
by David B 3:43 PM

No doubt.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Go back to the last draft, if Gurley and Cooper were sitting there, who do the Rams select?
by STL45Fan 3:43 PM

Gurley in an instant. Remember who’s the head coach here.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

What’s your stay/leave split these days? Still around 55/45?
by Beeper Magoo 3:44 PM

I thought I was at 46-54 stay. Doesn’t that sound right?
by jthomas 3:45 PM

JT!!!! What are the odds we ever see Austin and Gurley in the backfield together with Foles in the pistol?
by Tyler 3:45 PM

I say, why not? At least for a play or two here and there.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Jim-
Are NFL beat writers in other cities covering the possible relocation situation?
And if so, what are their thoughts on St. Louis keeping the Rams?
by Chris 3:45 PM

Not really. But many are paying attention to it. And most that I talk to are sympathetic to St. Louis. They don’t like what Kroenke is trying to do to this city. And I know them well enough that they’re just not giving lip service.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

It’s unbelievable the drop off from Gurley to Mason/Cunningham. Is Trey Watts still on the roster in the event Gurley’s knee acts up?
by Rodger Glassfold 3:47 PM

Watts is back on the active roster. I thought Mason showed a little bit at the end of the SF game _ didn’t you?
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Is Greg Robinson improving? I personally hope you have to delay this chat to announce that the Rams traded for Joe Thomas and are moving Robinson to guard.
by dgt 3:47 PM

I do think he’s getting better. But his pass blocking remains inconsistent. As for trade deadline, I’m not anticipating any chat delays.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Any feedback on how Kroenke reacted to the beating he took in the town hall forum?
by Chris 3:49 PM

No, Stan hasn’t talked to me in a while.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

I enjoy the video segments you and the other PD staff contribute to the site. Out of curiosity, is this something you enjoy doing or just something you had to get used to with the evolution of paper to online journalism? When you were going through school or when you got your first writing job, did you ever envision yourself doing something like that?
by Byung-Ho Park 3:50 PM

Even though I have a face for radio, I do enjoy doing them. I can’t say that I ever envisioned doing video blogs or anything resembling TV. But they’re fun. And I’m glad you like them.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Fair enough….what was Demoff’s reaction to the fan backlash at the town hall forum?
by Chris 3:52 PM

Haven’t talked to Kevin about it, but I’m sure he’s heard most of it before. For example, when he attended the focus group hearings held in St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Any veiled comments from anyone team-side about Cunningham fumbling yet again?
by TSFH 3:54 PM

No.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

During the Town Hall meeting Eric Grubman indicated that the analysis to determine the merits of relocation for any market isn’t just about today but about 20 years in the future. Having been in business and participated in long range strategic planning for I can tell you that forecasting 3 years in the future is very difficult for an individual company let alone a metropolitan area. Is this the “weasely” way to justify doing whatever the NFL wants?
by Steve 3:55 PM

I think one of the points Kroenke is trying to make in justifying his planned move is based on stagnant market growth in the future.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Jim, I was curious if you find it ironic too that we have had so many televised Oakland Raiders games. Coincidence or do you think there is something to it?
by STLRamMan 3:56 PM

Wasn’t aware of that. St. Louis has had a bunch?
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Hey Jim, As it looks right now dont you think Rams are a better team than Seahawks ? (I sincerely hope we can win the division, Cards are good, but pretty lucky also in the last 2 games..)
by Peter / Denmark 3:57 PM

I don’t think I’m ready to go that far yet, but the gap between the Seahawks and Rams is as close as it’s been for years..
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Would signing someone like Ashlon Jeffery hurt the chances of the Rams being able to afford JJ/Turmaine McLeod?
by Joe 3:57 PM

I don’t think you have to worry about that one.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Rams MVP right now? I would go with Barron.
by Stans hairpiece 3:58 PM

Not Gurley?
by jthomas 3:58 PM

A question and a comment regarding the concrete issue at the Dome. Is the concrete part on both the Rams and visitor’s side? NFL.com writer (Hanzus) bringing into question the safety of the Dome (pyrotechnic fire and concrete) issue. Thought it was funny with the Rams wanting to move.
by Stickman 3:59 PM

Yes, there is concrete on the fringes of both sidelines.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Jim , did you ever the feeling on Sunday that the only reason the Rams won was because they were playing the hapless 49ers ?
by JWSmooth 3:59 PM

No.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

I wish the Rams would have kept Zac Stacey. He can get those tough yards and can help finish off a game. Once the Rams drafted Gurley, it seems that made Watts more expendable. Seemed like a team guy as well…plus good pass catcher and pass blocker…
by laramsfan 4:00 PM

I don’t know about that one. Stacy isn’t exactly lighting it up for the Jets: 30 carries for 86 yards, 2.9 per catch.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Rams MVP right now, Aaron Donald. My two cents.
by Steve 4:01 PM

Another worthy vote.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Any Rams trades today?
by KeepTheRamsinSTL 4:02 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Did Bush NOT run thru a lot of 49’ers who could have caught him before hitting the wall?
by STL45Fan 4:02 PM

If you look at the replay, I’m not so sure that Bush didn’t twist the knee before he hit the concrete.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Who do you think will win Sunday, Rams or Vikings? (I left the cap lock on for my name….)
by AzRamsFan 4:03 PM

I think I’m going Minnesota.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Have you heard anything on the contract front for any of the Ram’s pending free agents? It would be nice to get some of them under contract before the end of the season, don’t you think?
by STL Fan 4:04 PM

Haven’t heard anything lately, except that it looks like Jenkins wants to test the market. But we’re a long ways to early March and free agency.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

I liked that the Rams offense at least tried to stretch the field with its receivers. Do you believe the receivers have more difficulty getting open against zones than man-to-man?
by Stickman 4:06 PM

Fisher has indicated that the passing game has to do better against man coverage.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Has the tactic of benching a player for bad play become a lost art? Cook for drops and lack of effort, Foles in the first half against Cleveland etc? In lots of sports that gets a players attention
by Simdaddy 4:07 PM

I don’t know. I saw T.J. McDonald on the sidelines for a few plays Sunday, getting some things with coverage “cleared up” according to Fisher.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

I know that the new stadium would only be built if an NFL team stays, but in case that doesn’t happen, has Peacock mentioned anything about downsizing the planned stadium for an MLS team?
by David 4:07 PM

He has told me nothing directly on that topic, but I think it’s a possibility.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

If the standard for keeping an NFL team is “growth rate” Buffalo is in big trouble…they’re at the bottom of all NFL markets. Would think the NFL would want to transfer the worst growth market instead of one that’s in the middle. This kind of thinking makes every market vulnerable if there’s any market available that’s bigger?
by Steve 4:09 PM

Yeah, by those standards, I think Green Bay is in trouble and Jacksonville has a lot of growing to do as well.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Who gets more yards on Sunday, The Toddinator or AP?
by Steve 4:09 PM

I’m going to stick with the hot hand and say Gurley.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

Can you fill us in on Manions progress? Is he possibly our future QB??
by AKGuru 4:10 PM

Well, it’s hard to get much of a read on the third QB during the regular season. Foles gets almost all of the reps w/the regular offense. Case Keenum gets the vast majority of the reps with the scout team. So we don’t see all that much of Mannion in 11-on-11, or team, situations. But I don’t think you drat a QB in the third round if you don’t think he has starter’s potential.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

In game 1 against Seattle we through 5 or 6 screens to Benny. He seems to be our best option on that play. Not many since or am I missing them
by Simdaddy 4:11 PM

Don’t think you’re missing them. I don’t think the Rams have done as much with the screen game lately.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Hi Jim, long time Rams fan from the UK and read the chat every week. Who do you think is the most important pending free agent to re-sign this offseason (or before)?
by Nick H 4:12 PM

I think it’s got to be Janoris Jenkins at this point. It’s hard to win without good cornerback play in the NFL.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

Are the Rams going to be able to afford all their FAs? Seems like many of them are having their best years ever.
by Craig 4:13 PM

That’s a good question. They’re in good overall shape, cap-wise. I think they should be able to sign many of them. I don’t think they necessarily want to re-sign all of them.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Hey jim, i tweeted to you about the video the rams showed right before the game sunday, it kindve had a bittersweet feel to it. What did you think?
by charles 4:16 PM

Sorry, I missed that tweet. Yeah, it was very powerful given what’s going on these days.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

Dunno if this question made it through or not; the interface kept saying there was something wrong with saving. You’ve joked in the past that if the Rams move, you’d go back to covering high school. But in all seriousness though, what beat would you most likely be put on? What about restarting Illinois coverage?
by David 4:17 PM

I haven’t really given it much thought. We have a writer from the Decatur Herald, part of our Lee Enterprises chain, that covers the Illini for us.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

I can see the Vikings winning and I think it will be as tough if not a tougher challenge than the Cards but I really think the Rams can pull it out if they can contain AP and establish their own running game. Last year they shut AP down except for that one 79 yard TD that changed the entire game. I think they win 20-17.
by AzRamsFan 4:19 PM

What you outlined certainly could be the victory formula. As for your game specifics, I think you’re talking about the 2012 game here. Last season here, Peterson’s longest run was 17 yards.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Thanks jim no worries, just wanna say it seems you always answer the most questions out of all the post dispatch writers with these live chats
by charles 4:22 PM

Well, thanks I appreciate that.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

Is the Nov 11th meetings somewhat of a pencils down turn in your test thing? None of the teams will have everything done, so the NFL has an excuse to leave. They aren’t going to meet again if one of the cities is able to finalize everything are they? Just seems like they set themselves up for a nice ‘out’ to leave whatever city they choose… It’s pass/fail, and nobody got to finish.
by Matt 4:23 PM

Well, there is a regularly-scheduled meeting with the full ownership in December. But I think it’s unlikely St. Louis would make a presentation there, if they’ve already done it to 17 owners a month earlier. But to answer your larger question, I don’t think this meeting represents a deadline of sorts to have everything done.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

Last night’s Colts/Panthers game got me thinking of our new proposed stadium. Since we have been an indoors team for most of the time in STL, is this team capable of playing in outdoor bad weather?
by Stickman 4:25 PM

I think a team that’s based on defense and a running game can always thrive outdoors.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Jim,
Does the OC take his playbook with him when he leaves, i.e., Schottie? Did our OC have to create his plays from scratch?
by ldjohn55 4:26 PM

Pretty sure there’s more than 1 copy.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

Mason runs hard but seems to get knocked over by tackles that Gurley can just power thru. Gurley looks relatively thin to me, where does he generate that power?
by SSoto 4:28 PM

Gurley looks slender, but he’s listed at 227. That’s pretty good size.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

As a follow up, have any teams complained about those uncovered surfaces at the Dome before or was it just these recent injuries that have brought it to our attention?
by Byung-Ho Park 4:29 PM

This is the 21st season games have been played in the dome, and I can’t remember any wall collisions until this year.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

How about those Rams VIP playoff tickets bro?
by Cutman 4:30 PM

I’ll let you know as soon as they arrive in the mail!
by jthomas 4:31 PM