JT chat … 1/17

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_78?Page=3

You seem pretty certain Rams are leaving at end of 2015 season yet Bernie seems more optimistic a deal can be worked out. Do you know more than Bernie about this?
by Duane 2:05 PM

Don’t I don’t know if my views are that much different than Bernie’s on the topic. Bernie definitely knows more about what’s going on than me. I’m kind of in-and-out of the process because I have to spend a certain amount of time actually covering the football part of the team. Like the Combine this week for example. But Bernie has some very good sources on this.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

Any news about potential progress to re-signing Kenny Britt, or restructuring Sam Bradford? If we get those deals done, would be nice to release Wells, Langford and Jake Long to give us space to be aggressive in free agency for the o-line. Could allow us to take a CB in the first in the draft
by Superjim 2:08 PM

Don’t have any updates on Britt or Bradford. I’m sure things will start moving at the Combine this week.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

Any word on their unrestricted FA’s or is the front office in combine mode?
by Greg in Raleigh 2:10 PM

I’m sure the scouts and coaches are in the Combine mode. But Kevin Demoff and Tony Pastoors are in the let’s meet with an agent mode.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

Hey Jim….Are the league meetings this week? Or coming up? If so, any idea if the Peacock gang makes an appearance to update league on STL stadium proposal?
by Mike 2:13 PM

Owners meetings are March 22-25 in Phoenix. I don’t know if Peacock & Blitz will make a presentation to the league. Sounds like a good idea. I wonder if they feel like they’re far enough along for an update.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

What do you make of the political contributions in Inglewood?
by Robert 2:15 PM

Doesn’t surprise me in this world of politics. But it doesn’t seem like Mayor Butts needed any financial “nudging” to make him pro stadium project.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Hey Jim
by Grant 2:18 PM

Grant, don’t hit your paragraph key.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Hey Jim Bernie had an article on how STL and LA can both win. What are the chances that they both win and could the raiders possibly come to STL?
by Grant 2:19 PM

No odds this time from me. But there are a lot of variables and options to this situation. And I’m certainly not ruling out the St. Louis Raiders.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

auburn wr 2nd rd ?
by jack snow 84 2:20 PM

If the Rams re-sign Britt I don’t think they draft a WR. Coates should be one of the fastest WRs at the Combine, but has some problems with drops.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Question number two for you Jim: What do you make of the AEG stadium proposal and the possible connection with the Chargers? Sure seems like the Chargers are wanting out while the Raiders stay silent. Interesting.
by Mike 2:22 PM

Well, Oakland hasn’t been all that quiet lately. I think they’re in some kind of rent dispute at the Coliseum at the moment. And last year at the owners meetings, owner Mark Davis spoke openly of talking to San Antonio.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Jim, Just renewed my season tickets for the 21st and probably last time with the Rams. I’m conflicted, I would like to tell Stan to shove it and not give him anymore of my money, however I think that is what he really wants, so he can make the arguement that the fans have deserted the Rams. So hopefully my act of ‘defiance’ will help keep the Rams here, because I’m not really interested in getting another team.
by Bull 2:24 PM

Bull, good to hear from you again. Hope all is well. I understand your dilemma. But I would take Dave Peacock approach and go to the games because you love football and you love Rams football. Not because of how you feel about the owner.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Will all of the top rated offensive linemen attend the combine. Who is your favorite at the moment
by ramsfana 2:25 PM

Yeah, they’re all expected to be there. We’ll see if they all work out (although most offensive linemen do work out). Intrigued but want to find out more about Iowa’s Brandon Scherff, who’s generally considered the best O-line prospect in the draft.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Hi Jim – Who are the best offensive lineman that the Rams would consider in the draft?
by Steve 2:27 PM

To continue from the previous answer, Andrus Peat, T.J. Clemmings, and La’el Collins are all first-round possibilities for Rams on offensive line.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

It’s been said the new stadium will revitalize downtown. Old Busch and new Busch were both suppossed to do that, yet we are still talking about the need for downtown revitalization – at least Peacock was. Why am I supossed to believe this new stadium will accomplish that?
by David 2:31 PM

Well, if you’ve been down to the proposed stadium site on the north edge of downtown, you’d quickly realize that just about anything would be an improvement in that area.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

What’s ur thoughts on j.Barksdale should we be looking to upgrade?
by beez 2:32 PM

I’d like to see him back if the price isn’t out of whack. It’s always easy to see you can do better; it’s much harder to actually accomplish that.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

If Winston is still there at 10, do we take him or select the best OL available?
by Ron 2:33 PM

I’d have to be convinced on the off-field stuff. But I’d take Winston. (I don’t think the Rams need to worry about that scenario, because that’s not going to happen.)
by jthomas 2:34 PM

lets have some faith i think Rams stay
by Billy 2:34 PM

Glass half-full.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

What are the chances that STL has an NFL team in 2016? Rams or someone else?
by Grant 2:34 PM

Here’s an interesting variation of the old “odds the Rams are here in 2016” question. Rams or someone else? I’m gonna go 50-50 on that one, up from 45-55 that Rams are here in ’16.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

I’ve only flown over the site and taken pictures. It does look kinda dumpy, but what did the Dome do for the area around it?
by David 2:36 PM

Well, there’s this thing called Lumiere Place right across the highway.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Hey jim. More press coverage this year?
by chuck 2:41 PM

That would be nice wouldn’t it? But you have to have faith in the corners doing it, and I don’t think that’s quite there yet with the Rams’ corners.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Go rams.
by Al 2:42 PM

Judging by the record Super Bowl audience I don’t think we’re at the Mark Cuban point.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

What I’m really saying is, if we are going to build a stadium, don’t skimp on it like we did with the dome. I understand a billion dollars is not skimping, but give me 10K more seats and a retractable roof for crying out loud. It just seems like STL is not at the same level as other cities when it comes to things like this…
by David 2:43 PM

Why do we need 10K more seats, when the Rams are having trouble filling the ones they have. And also, a retractable roof adds a $200M to $300M to the price tag. And where do you suggest that money come from, given the fact that financing the current (almost) billion dollar project will be tough enough.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

do you have any idea of the number of landowners on the proposed stadium site
by ramsfana 2:45 PM

I don’t.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Call me crazy, but I just think at the end of the day, there will be a new stadium in downtown st. Louis, with the Rams being the team that plays there. –Leverage only works when one party without hesitation believes the other party will act on their threat of relocation. I just can’t see how, if we build this stadium, the NFL will leave us out to dry, especially when they are the ones getting involved telling us to build it. I also believe considering the Rams’ terrible performance over the last 12 seasons the only way to negotiate a new stadium would in fact, have to be an all out do or die scenario; anything less than a do-or-die approach would have been dead in the water. I also believe there are a lot of variable pieces moving around here behind the scenes with only a select few knowing the details…
by kevandre 2:46 PM

Some good points here. But when you’ve actually gone to the trouble of reaching an agreement on a stadium plan in Inglewood, I think that goes beyond seeking leverage.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Why do members of the St Louis NFL market keep deceiving themselves about the fact they are about to lose another NFL team?
by Al 2:48 PM

I think because of the efforts of Peacock & Blitz.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Any chance Cook is released if Kendrick resigns? His talent does not equal results
by Greg in Raleigh 2:48 PM

I think I mentioned this last week. But $5 million of Cook’s $7 million is guaranteed, so can’t see that happening.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Mabye Hekker can see if he can punt the ball out of the stadium and into the river. Although that would be a shank…
by David 2:51 PM

Would love to see it. . . .during pregame.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

I can only speculate or dream of how it would feel to be as rich as Mr. Kroenke. But, wouldn’t there come a time when you would say “I’ve made plenty and I should think of my legacy now.” Many NFL owners give a lot back to their communities. But right now, who does Mr. Kroenke remind you of—Scrooge? or Gordon Gecko?
by bartcampus 2:54 PM

Only Stan Kroenke can answer the first part of your question.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

I live in Denver and never hear anything about the Broncos going up for sale. That being said, I hear the Kronke buying the Ponies scenario thrown about from time to time when discussing the Rams and LA. Are there any legs to this story? I’d love to think there are as I think a Rams sale is only good for keeping them in Stl. Thanks Jim
by Tom 2:56 PM

I still think the Denver scenario may be in play at some point for Kroenke.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

That’s just bad management by our elected officials
by Al 2:57 PM

They deserve a fair amount of blame.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Shad Khan has just released plans for a massive development project on the riverfront in downtown Jacksonville that includes a pretty incredible practice field facility. It is too bad the Rams don’t have an owner who is as interested in improving the city as he is in improving the team. How different do you think things would be with the Rams if Khan had been allowed to purchase the team before Kroenke effectively blocked him?
by Turf Toe Jones 2:57 PM

Thanks for the re-send, Turf Toe. Shad Khan certainly tries to engage with the locals in Jax. And the so-called Shipyards development project sounds interesting. Beyond that, how about Khan doing an annual “state of the team” press conference to go over some of the team financials and take questions. Khan certainly gets the “public trust” part of owning a professional sports franchise.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

No question here. Just wanted to say how much I like your work on 920. You always provide great insight.
by Tom 3:01 PM

Insight among a bunch of lunatics, right? 🙂
by jthomas 3:02 PM

There was some kind of a dust up when Georgia tried to move the Rams here, and the league voted no. I can’t remember the details. How was that overcome?
by Al 3:02 PM

John Shaw threatened to sue _ supposedly he showed up with the lawsuit in his briefcase _ and the Rams sweetened the pot in terms of a relocation fee-type package to the NFL.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

Who is the #1 WR this upcoming season if Britt signs?
by GO ARMY, Jeff Brizic 3:04 PM

If Britt signs with Rams? I’d say some combination of Britt and Quick, with Austin as the slot and Bailey as the No. 4.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Stadium proposals and relocations notwithstanding, how/when does Kroenke ever resolve the cross ownership issues? This seems largely ignored right now… is it b/c everyone assumes the NFL will continue giving him a free pass?
by tim 3:05 PM

Very good point, Tim. Kroenke moving the Rams to LA doesn’t solve the cross-ownership rule. We could find out in the next year or so, how strongly the league really feels about the importance of both its cross-ownership rules and relocation rules.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

simply based on starting positions – assuming SB is the starting QB – which position needs the most upgrade? and how much of that analysis will influence the Rams drafting
by stlfilmmaker 3:07 PM

Offensive line.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Jim, hard to imagine the players haven’t been told anything regarding a possible move (even if a year from now)…nothing said to them?
by Christopher 3:07 PM

I think Fisher may have talked to them last November after the formation of the Peacock & Blitz task force was announced by Gov. Nixon. The entire team isn’t around Rams Park this time of year, so it’s not like Fisher can call a squad meeting every time there’s a headline on the subject.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

So if the Rams bolt to LA and continue to stink, does Kroenke look like an idiot in 5 years when 30,000 people are showing wearing paper bags?
by ihtnep 3:09 PM

If that happens, I don’t think it’ll take five years.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Jim, As many Ram fans wait for the relocation outcome, is this something you see dragging on or will we know soon where our team will be playing?
by Art V 45 3:10 PM

It looks like we’ll have a pretty good idea by say next December _ an idea about whether the StL stadium plan has a chance to reach the finish line, and an idea on whether Goodell will allow teams to file for relocation.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

… heh, I gotta ask JT, in the spirit of things given your effort’s longevity at the the draft, have you ever tried the Wonderlic Test? Anyway, I always wondered do the players truly worry about it or just worry about on-field skills, interviews?
by MJ 3:11 PM

I did take the test, maybe 10-12 years ago. You get only 12 minutes. to answer 50 questions. They get progressively tougher. My mistake was that I’d think too much about a question I didn’t know the answer to. I was confident I’d score in the 30s _ I ended up with a 28. I think most players do their best on the test. Because a low score can hurt you.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Everyone was saying that Schotty was the one who decided to leave, but after watching the Cignetti presser, I got the impression Fisher wanted changes to that position as well. Mutual decision? Schotty get the boot?
by Gladdy 3:14 PM

I know this: Fisher had planned on having Schotty back. However, I don’t think Fisher was crazy about seeing Schotty interview _ once again _ for another job. But yeah it was interesting to hear both Cignetti and Fisher talk about how they wanted the new coordinator (Cig) to be less hands-on with the quarterbacks, and also talk about how they planned to simplify the offense (both the volume and the terminology).
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Jim – Would completion of the new stadium in St. Louis make it difficult for the Rams to move or close to impossible?
by McGarrett 3:18 PM

I’ll go with difficult, as opposed to “close to impossible.”
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Since the rams are gone after this season, do you think we might get the chargers?
by Robert 3:18 PM

All things are still possible at this point.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Hi Jim, I have looked around the NFL at CB’s drafted last year and gaines comes up probably at a top 5 performer… do you side a lot of upside with him to be a top teir CB ?
by johnny 3:19 PM

Yes, I still think he can get better.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Who’s attending the veteran combine any known vets?
by james 3:19 PM

I think it may be a while until we see that list.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Jim…You think Stan would sell Rams to become owner of Raiders? Some rumors that this is a possibility.
by jm2006 3:19 PM

Repeating. . .at this point I think all things remain possible.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

The rams 3 biggest needs are??? RG, C, QB?
by Greg in Raleigh 3:20 PM

In my mind you’ve hit upon the big 3. Although I think I’d rate them 1.) QB, 2.) G, 3.) C.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

JT, It looks like Fisher and Company are going to stake their Rams legacy on Bradford. Is that just because the free agent pool and the trade options aren’t there. I can’t say I’m ecstatic about counting on a QB who has missed the last 25 games. Thanks
by Justin 3:21 PM

I share your concern. I think a big part of it is that yes, those other options appear very limited.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

i am thinking 1st rd OL….2rd qb/ or auburn wr..3rd rd another ol
by jack snow 84 3:23 PM

You like Coates that much, eh?
by jthomas 3:24 PM

What happens if we start construction on the stadium, but the Rams leave anyway. I assume we will still finish the stadium?
by David 3:25 PM

Unlike last time around (i.e., construction of the dome), there weren’t be a stadium built without a tenant.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Do you see the rams drafting another LB in the 1st to rounds and if so who do you feel fits our Defensive system
by james 3:27 PM

I can’t see an LB being picked in the first 2 rounds, not with the needs at QB and OL.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Based on what you heard from Fisher last Friday would their commitment to Bradford preclude them from taking Winston or Mariotta at #10 if they slipped?
by Tackleberry 3:28 PM

The odds of that, I think we’d both agree, are very, very small. But no, I don’t think that would preclude the Rams from taking Winston or Mariota at No. 10.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Jim, could you please give us a few names that you will be concentrating on during your coverage of the combine this week. Thanks.
by Bull 3:29 PM

Sure. OL Brandon Scherff of Iowa; QBs Winston, Mariota, and Hundley; Mizzou DE Shane Ray; former Mizzou WR Dorial Green-Beckham to name a few. Maybe some of the top WRs (Cooper, White, Parker). For a variety of reasons, we don’t always get the players we want into the media room for interviews, but those are some the headliners for me.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Kronke is viewed in St. Louis as a unengaged, disinterested owner who’s had LA on his mind since he took over controlling interest of the franchise is 2010. He’s has not spoken to the mayor, the governor, Mr. Peacock, or Mr. Blitz regarding the proposed new stadium or the future of the team in STL. After seeing what Shad Khan did today, why isn’t there a concerted effort by the powers that be in STL to portray Kronke in the national spotlight as a carpetbagger interested only in enriching himself? Seems to me, we are not even trying to win the perception battle. Perception is reality. And, the only perception that ever gets discussed nationally, is that STL is a baseball town.
by Clyde Duncan 3:33 PM

Well, for one. I’m not a columnist. For another. At this point, what good does name-calling do? Do you think it really helps keep the team in St. Louis?
by jthomas 3:34 PM

How long does the Edward Jones name last? If the rams leave is it tied to the building? Are they tied to the team?
by jonno 3:40 PM

It took me a couple minutes to research your question. But the naming rights deal runs through 2025 if the team stays, at about $4 million a year. Here’s a story from the 2012 Post-Dispatch about the naming rights extension:
Edward Jones Dome to keep name through 2025, if Rams stay : Sports
stltoday.comEdward Jones will pay the Rams $42.3 million over the course of the 11-year agreement.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Hey Jim, thanks for the chats. With the horrible roster that Fisher started with 4 years ago and what the regime has built so far, with fewer holes/needs to fill this year and the fact that we only have 5 picks in this years draft, do they draft best players available period or do they take best player available at a specific position to fill a specific need?
by Keith 3:45 PM

I think the Rams have to be much more married to need this time around, as today’s combine preview story suggests:
Rams focused on quality, not quantity : Sports
stltoday.comQuarterback, offensive lineman top the wish list as coaches and scouts arrive for the NFL Scouting Combine.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Jim, don’t you think we need a new Center pretty badly? I saw in your article today you thought getting a guard would be sufficient.
by Tom 3:46 PM

No, what I said was at a minimum _ a MINIMUM _ the Rams need a guard. I go back and forth on the center position. I get the feeling the front office isn’t sure what to do on Wells either.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Has the Chargers statement from yesterday affected your odds of the NFL staying in STL?
by InPeacockWeTrust 3:48 PM

Not really. The Chargers and San Diego government officials have been going at it for years and years. So this isn’t something brand new. Although this does seem to push the Bolts a little closer on the spectrum of wanting to move.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Enjoyed you article about FA QB’s. With those options and rams staying in-house for OC, does it make the most sense for davis or hill to stay and draft a developmental QB? And which of hill/davis do you see staying? Thanks
by Paul 3:49 PM

I think that could be the plan. Bradford, young developmental QB (w/legitimate starter’s potential), and Hill or Davis. As to whether it’s Hill or Davis, that’s a tough one. Call me undecided on that one at this point, although I think I’m leaning towards Hill. Keep in mind, that the Rams may not have a choice on Hill since he’s unrestricted.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

If it all goes bad, wouldn’t you prefer the Chargers to the Raiders? Don’t really want to trade dysfunction for dysfunction!
by Jim Kremer 3:54 PM

Certainly, if you’re talking won-loss records alone, you’d go with the Chargers.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

I say no to sam
by Billy 3:54 PM

You may not have a choice.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Gambling only benefits the devil.. just kidding
by David 3:55 PM

Seems like Lumiere does pretty good business.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Jim – are you targeting any specific players or positions to cover at the combine. Personally, I would be interested in any QB’s that STL could draft in rounds 2-4…
by Pville Steve 3:55 PM

Yeah, I mentioned that in an earlier post, and that would include Brett Hundley (in terms of the Round 2-4 QBs) you’re talking about. I wrote about Petty and Mannion at the Senior Bowl, so may lay off them this time around.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Hi Jim, Which elite QB (past or present) can a healthy Bradford be like? if he plays to his potential and gets some good support from O line
by sKarnam 3:57 PM

I’d have to say Marc Bulger, who made 2 Pro Bowls with Rams, although I think Bradford still has the potential to be better than Bulger.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Hello Jim greetings from fans in Serbia, I am a Rams fan since 2001 well since the tv broadcast of the NFL began here in Serbia. I understand a Fishers decision to bring Cignetti as OC as oposed to outside candidate but don’t see new OC brings a success as martz did in 1999 even dispaite being a first time OC in the NFL and outside candidate. Liked the idea of Van Pelt from Packers was there any more candidates like him from other teams?
by Dejan from Serbia 3:59 PM

Dejan, the only other candidate who had a formal interview was former Buffalo OC Nathaniel Hackett. Fisher did talk to Kyle Shanahan and Adam Gase. I think Fisher would’ve interviewed Chudzinski, but he got a promotion and re-upped in Indianapolis. Here’s a story I wrote about Cignetti and the hiring process from Monday.
Loyalty was key for Fisher in OC search : Sports
stltoday.comCignetti will emphasize leadership, motivation and flexibility in running Rams offense.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Jim – I would like to take a second to encourage everyone to embrace the idea of a new stadium. Some of the newer ones I’ve seen in person (Indy) are awesome and I’d love to see that here. I don’t buy the cost argument. I don’t think the bonds for the ED caused any “tax payers” to go broke. Plus, taxes fund a lot of things not everybody uses (not everybody has kids that go to public school, etc.). On to my question…what sort of leash will Bradford have next season if he is the opening day starter and struggles? I noticed the Rams seemed quick to name Davis the starter this year and were maybe a little slow to bench him. I’m just thinking 1 or 2 wins could be the difference next year. Thanks
by Ryan 4:04 PM

If you subtracted the $10 million a year the Rams bring into the market, the tax burden from the Edward Jones Dome and potentially on the new stadium would be less than $5 a year per taxpayer in the state of Missouri, or less than the cost of one Big Mac meal..
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Are the Rams going to do any Marketing? We really need a FULL house. It will be obvious if they don’t even try to sell tickets. (just renewed my season tickets)
by Jimbo 4:07 PM

Interesting point. I need to pay more attention to our Stltoday.com adds just to see if we have any.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Why does San Antonio seem like a NFL market? Texas already has the Texans and “America’s team” the Cowboys. I don’t think a state needs more than 2 Franchises to a state unless it’s California.
by Grant 4:08 PM

Since Jerry Jones thinks Stan Kroenke can move the Rams anywhere he wants, I wonder if Jones would be fine if Kroenke moved the team to San Antonio.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Is there any merit to a rumor going around about the reason Grubman has being meeting with Peacock lately is about the sale of the rams?
by Robert 4:09 PM

There are a lot of rumors going around these days _ there’s a lot of layers to this story. Again, at this point I’m not ruling anything out.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Here’s another % question, that I know you love. What is your guess on the % of St. Louis fans that will remain Rams fans if the team moves to LA? I’m one of the holdovers from the LA days, but until recently I can honestly tell you there weren’t many!
by GO ARMY, Jeff Brizic 4:10 PM

I think the local TV rating might be good for the first year or two after the team left. But that’s about it.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

If a team stays, do you think it will likely be a current NFL owner such as Davis, Spanos, Khan or Kroenke or do you think a deal is being put together for new ownership?
by Count Cristo 4:11 PM

Again, take Khan out of the picture. Jacksonville not a factor here.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Just saw running scroll on NFL channel where DGB listed as #3 WR behind A. Cooper (if im not mistaken-text goes by fast)… Either way, where do you see his draft selection spot and would the Rams pick him? THanks!
by MJ 4:12 PM

Mike Mayock, who I think is the most highly-respected of the draft analysts, has DGB rated fourth. So if he handles his business at the Combine, etc., he could be a second rounder or even a bottom half of the first round guy.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

How about a three way ownership trade, if we build a new stadium. Stan gets the Raiders 47% and moves them to LA, Mark Davis gets all of Jaguars for his 47%, and Shahid Khad gets the Rams closer to his home. Crazy idea but I think it would benefit all three owners.
by Rams Fan On Hold 4:14 PM

You like Shad that much, eh?
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Hi Jim, I don’t see a magical QB solution. Therefore, if the Rams can make like Dallas on their O-line, get the defense to play as advertised for 16 games, and rely on the run and checkdown passes, they could win 9 or 10 games whoever wins the QB battle. Agree? (Dilfer has more rings than Marino!)
by ihtnep 4:15 PM

That could be the path, although the defense needs to play for 16 games like it did over the second half of the 2014 season.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

What do you think about the Rams signing Rodney Hudson out of KC (assuming Wells is released) and drafting La’el Collins with our first round pick and Garrett Grayson in the second? While restructuring Bradfords contract and bringing back Barksdale at a reasonable price tag. Collins can start the season at guard until he’s ready for RT or an injury at either tackle position. The Rams can groom Grayson until he’s ready or another Bradford injury.
by Jack 4:16 PM

Sounds like a pretty good plan, although I’m not sure Grayson is the second-round QB I’d take. And also are you re-signing Britt and Kendricks as well? If not, that might change your draft plan.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

“John Shaw threatened to sue _ supposedly he showed up with the lawsuit in his briefcase _ and the Rams sweetened the pot in terms of a relocation fee-type package to the NFL.” It sounds like Stan has been shown the way to bully and bribe his way through League rules.
by Another Denverite 4:18 PM

Perhaps. But the landscape is different and the rules and penalties involved in a relocation are different than they were 20 years ago.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

If Bradford stays on does this give Givens a new lease on life. The long ball should comeback with Bradford tossing.
by LARICK 4:20 PM

Possibly. But Givens needs to show he’s more than a 1-trick pony.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

1. Has any city had to put up with as many trolls trying to take their team as we have?
by ihtnep 4:20 PM

No.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

I personally think these billionare owners realize they can do as they please, the league or anyone be damned. Rules are just there for talk. You?
by Don 4:21 PM

Billionaires are used to getting their way on things, aren’t they.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

good day JT, your thoughts on this. yes Stan has the land in Inglewood, think of this scenario, NFL says Rams stay, Kroenke builds the stadium with the guarantee of expansion in 3-4 years and he has the market he wants, we have new owners?
by Bob Hruby 4:23 PM

There has been no talk of expansion in a while, and it doesn’t appear to be something the league is contemplating at this point.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

Saw on Bleacher Report that Russell Wilson went and saw Fifty Shades Of Grey…Your thoughts?
by Casey 4:24 PM

My wife wanted to go on Valentine’s Day. She eventually came to her senses. Until next week. . . . .
by jthomas 4:25 PM