JT chat, 12/16

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_68?Page=0

Hey Jim, best draft day move between these 2? Trade up to the top to get a top QB or move up a little to get the WR Cooper? Thanks.
by STL45Fan 2:04 PM

I don’t think either will happen, but you’re going to have to get a lot to move into the No. 1 or No. 2 spot for a QB.
by jthomas 2:05 PM

Who from the Rams makes the Pro Bowl? Hekker? Quinn? Anybody else? It seems like having the best punter in the league is a consolation prize. I find it hard to believe any Rams’ defensive player makes it, since the defense only played the second half of the season.
by RichieI 2:05 PM

Not sure if Hekker gets in this year. Although his numbers are still very good, they’re not as good as last year. Same with Quinn. Wondering whether his slow start will hurt him.
by jthomas 2:06 PM

Once again it was shown that if you can not protect the QB, you can not win consistently. No holes to run, no time to throw. We need to build the O line center and RGuard. My wish is that B Jones and T Barnes get significant playing time the last two games to see how they fit into future plans.
by Larry M 2:07 PM

Doesn’t look like either Jones or Barnes will get significant playing time down the stretch. But I agree, the interior of the line needs to be addressed. I’d say it’s the top priority other than the QB position.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

Do you think the rams will be more active in FA this year instead of the draft? Its seems they have talked more about adding vets to the roster. Thanks
by Paul 2:09 PM

They’ve been burned more often than they’d like in free agency under Fisher/Snead, so I think they’ll be more cautious on that front, as was really the case last year.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Jim, any word on if the work Peacock and Co. has done will yield a retractable roof design?
by John G 2:10 PM

What I’m still hearing is that it will be open air.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Heard any rumors about movement on the stadium?
by Huckleberry 2:10 PM

Peacock has met with the NFL and the league like his presentation. That’s about it.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

GA. Jim Schotty offense look bad against good defense he appears lost an very predictable doing those games? Whoever Qb next year is going to have the same problem an it will be another year wasted with him calling plays for us Or L.A.
by Star Stream 2:12 PM

I don’t think Schotty missed a block, was called for a penalty, or fumbled against one of the top team’s top defenses.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

have you heard any rumblings from Bradford’s camp about staying for less
by stlRAMS4ever 2:14 PM

Have not.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Jim, good day. What’s the deal with Chris Guvens? Hurt? doghouse?
by Ekern55 2:14 PM

The Rams obviously feel the three guys playing ahead of him are better _ Bailey, Britt, and Austin.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Hello Jim. I may be somewhat in the minority, but as I scour the NFL for quality qb’s they are few and far between, and I can’t help but conclude that Bradford may be a top ten qb iF he could stay healthy. I think the team we see as of today would make him a better player, and in turn he would make the team better. All this to say, do you see him as the top prospect for next season if health was NOT an issue?
by CenCal 2:15 PM

If there weren’t the health concerns, there’d be no question about it.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

we are not going to have a winning season, Jones and Barrett should have a shot at playing time, can they be worse than what is out there now, could be. But at least the coaching staff could then decide moves for the future
by Bob Hruby 2:16 PM

I wouldn’t mind seeing them out there myself. but Fisher has been consistent in sticking with the veterans. He’s still trying to win games _ this isn’t August _ and feels they give him the best chance.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Does Fish ever take responsibility for anything bad? He never admits mistakes or getting out coached!
by Cutman 2:17 PM

He does every once in a while.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

following up on CenCel’s point; given the dearth of marketable QBs (see: Keenum starting, Hoyer fading, but not below Manziel so far), wouldn’t Bradford be attractive to some teams if he suddenly became available this offseason, knee problems and all?
by arnezzi 2:18 PM

Certainly. And there are, as usual, a lot of teams that could use a QB.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Example on “once in a while?”
by Cutman 2:19 PM

Example: The TD pass allowed against Denver. Fisher said that was more of a coaching mistake than a player error.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

The season is over. There are no playoffs. The thing to do now is play some young guys and see what they have to offer. You can’t lose a thing.
by Bye Rams 2:20 PM

Once again: It’s not August.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

Hey Jim, Needless to say our weakness at QB was exposed last Thursday night. If Sam won’t restructure, how is this going to shake out?
by SteveSPN 2:20 PM

If that’s the case, it just puts that much more pressure on the draft, free agency, or a trade.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Hi Jim Happy Holidays! Of the current active quarterbacks if you could select one of them to take the Rams to the next level which one would it be and why?
by Ramster 2:21 PM

Do you mean on the Rams roster? Or throughout the league?
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Fire Schotty! This week I’m serious. Why the refusal to use short quick routes? Austin absent from the plan? After ripping the Raiders to shreds with quick passing it should have been resorted to after half time or at least inside the five yard line. We couldn’t block for beans! Agree?
by Cutman 2:22 PM

It’s harder to complete those short routes when the DBs are playing press coverage. That’s what the Cardinals did most of the team, more than perhaps any team the Rams have faced this season.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Hi Jim, Would Rams still have been in playoff contention at this point if they won against Arizona last Thursday?
by sKarnam 2:23 PM

No. even with a victory the rams would’ve been eliminated because both Seattle and San Francisco won.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Hey Jim thanks for the chats. I believe the Rams have to bring Bradford back but also draft a QB in the first or second rounds as insurance. Your thoughts on this strategy? Any chance they jump up to get Mariota?
by Desousa209 2:24 PM

No doubt. That still seems like the best plan. I’d broaden it though to say first, second, or third rounds. Don’t think they’ll move up for Mariota.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Has any kickoff been terurned for a TD this year? It seems like the majority of kickoffs go to the back of the end or out of the end zone. With this in mind do you ever see the rules changed to put the ball on the 20 yard line after scores? This avoids injuries that happen on special teams and the annoying holding/ block in the back penalties that seem to occur on 90% of the kickoffs?
by FredB 2:26 PM

Just looking at the league leaders in returns, I see three TDs on kickoff returns. One of those, of course, was the 99-yader by Knile Davis to start the second half against the Rams on Oct. 26. Don’t see the kickoff return rule changing.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

Any chance the Rams bring back Garrett Gilbert?
by Dick Bass 2:28 PM

I guess it’s possible with that one practice squad spot available.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

I admire the fight the Rams have had this season and what they have achieved but they are still inconsistent and will not get to the playoffs without a Pro Bowl player on offense at QB or RB or WR. They passed on a LOT of WR’s last draft that did not take 3 yrs to GET IT like the ones the Rams have.
by STL45Fan 2:29 PM

I hear you. You win championships with difference-makers. I do wonder, however, what Quick’s numbers would look like now if he wasn’t injured in Game 7.
by jthomas 2:30 PM*

With the play upon playoffs about upon us, who are your SB teams?
by AP 2:30 PM

I’d go with Seattle and New England at this point.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Do you think we look to sign Shaun Hill again this off season for another 1 year deal?
by STL HAMMIES 2:31 PM

I’d be surprised if they didn’t try to re-sign him.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Do you see any veteran QBs that the Rams would be interested in? I’ve heard Cutler’s name get thrown around, but it’s hard for me to seem excited about that.
by ChicagoRamsFan 2:31 PM

There have been rumors to that effect, but I don’t think so. Yeah, hard to get excited about Cutler. But I haven’t really studied the possibilities yet.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

Which player has surprised you the most this year (in a positive way) and the least this year?
by John G 2:34 PM

I’d say E.J. Gaines as a positive surprise. With Rodney McLeod as runner-up. As for the most disappointing, I guess I’d say Chris Givens, and Zac Stacy runner-up.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Shotty’s on the hot seat again this week! But seriously, don’t understand where Tavon was on the bubble screens and Jet sweeps. I think I remember seeing one jet sweep and don’t remember seeing any bubble screens his way. And for that matter not much of any screen plays, seems like with as much blitzing as they were doing it would have been dialed up a lot. Thoughts?
by eman 2:39 PM

The very first play of the game was a bubble screen to Austin. Also give Austin some credit for the reverse off the fly sweep where he tossed it to Bailey. Cunningham had a 19-yard gain on a screen pass. He caught another screen pass that look like it might go for big yardage but he cut it back inside instead of outside.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

What one move do you make to upgrade this team the most for next year?
by John G 2:42 PM

Can I make 2 moves? QB and interior offensive line.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

It seems the RAMs couldn’t handle all of the Cards blitzing, was this a scheme problem or just player execution, QB or WR
by stlRAMS4ever 2:43 PM

The offensive line did not have a good day.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

LaMarcus Joyner was supposed to be a big piece of the D. Seemed like he played well but Gaines was better. Any plans to fit him in more significantly moving forward?
by STL HAMMIES 2:43 PM

That groin injury, I think it was in the Nov. 9 game at Arizona, knocked him out of the lineup for a few weeks and Gaines has played well enough in the slot to keep that job once Joyner was healthy. But I don’t sense that the Rams are down on him in any way.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

How’s Mo Alexander progressing? I haven’t noticed him at safety only special teams a little. Does he look like he might be a player?
by Fatpants 2:45 PM

Still very raw. Again, I thought he was over-drafted. But has shown some flashes on special teams.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Jim, I lied to You last week and took my son and best friend to DC to see their first pro football game. It was first time I have ever seen the Rams win in Washington! Last Thurs. was a real bummer I thought we had a real chance of finishing 8-8 for a change, but the O-line and QB play was terrible, and it was not to be! You had to go last week so I wanted to Tell you how much, I liked Bryan Burwell’s Upon Further Review, and his writing on the Rams, sorry about your friend and colleague, he will be missed!
by Tim Wood Ches. VA. 2:46 PM

Good to hear from you Tim. Glad you enjoyed the game in Washington. And thanks for the kind words on Bryan.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Any thoughts of Rams trading up to get a QB or a WR in the next draft? Lots of great talent. Would love to see Mariota or Cooper in a Rams jersey!
by Boston Mizzou 2:49 PM

I guess we can dream, can’t we?
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Who sets up the blocking scheme on a play the OC or the O line coach?
by up north 2:50 PM

It’s a combination of both.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

I got a new one for you Jim: give me the Rams 2015 record as of right now
by STL HAMMIES 2:50 PM

9-7
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Can Rams trade a RB (ie stacy) and a pick to get a higher first rounder?
by Boston Mizzou 2:50 PM

Well I don’t think throwing Stacy in with a pick is going to move you up in the first round.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Just a little comment. I still love watching the Rams and talking about them regardless of winning or losing, it is better than the alternative. Hope they stay
by Bob Hruby 2:51 PM

I think the games have been very entertainment _ sometimes in a hair-pulling kind of way, but still entertaining.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Don’t you think Austin Davis should start the last 2 games? We’ve nothing to loose and he’ll learn more on the field than on the bench.
by GregK 2:52 PM

Why?
by jthomas 2:52 PM

I’m still seeing mock drafts that peg the Rams drafting a FS. Do they not know the make-up of the Rams, am I missing something? I’d like to think we’re done with CBs and S’ for awhile, at least in the early rounds of a draft.
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 2:52 PM

Sounds like a 2014 mock.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

since the Rams are out of the playoffs do you see the Rams
keeping shottenheimer as I think he’s the one who’s holding the offense back for the Rams to be a contender.
by STEVE 2:53 PM

At this point, have gotten no indication that he’s on the hot seat.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Was it QB, WR or scheme that couldn’t break the Arizona blitzes? I think all 3 were not prepared
by stlRAMS4ever 2:54 PM

Again, are we forgetting the O-line?
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Jim – Am I missing something if the coaches thought either Jones or Barrett could play then they would be ? Why would the coaches not play them don’t get the fans love for those 2?
by bobo 2:55 PM

I don’t think you’re missing anything.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Throughout the league.
by Ramster 2:56 PM

I’ll have to get back to you on that one.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Do you see Bradford back but at what price?
by STEVE 2:56 PM

I see him back. I’m gonna guess somewhere around $6 million, but loaded with incentives that would allow him to recoup most or all of the missed money.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

If the Rams record since 2033 were roughly .500 with a couple of playoff seasons included would there be a possibility of the team moving?
by Brent Wood 2:57 PM

Yeah, I still think it would be an issue because of the first-tier provisions in the lease.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Did Cook get taken to the woodshed on his coaching commentt? More importantly -did he look in the mirror to see one of those who gets outplayed far too often given his veteran status.
by DaveM 2:58 PM

I wasn’t in the room and don’t have a transcript of the conversation with Fisher. but it’s generally not a good thing for a player to use any variation of the words “we got outcoached.” And yes, I did notice that Cook was targeted 8 times but only had 3 catches. And I did notice he was called for an obvious offensive P.I. that wiped out one catch.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Jim, of the current active Rams players who do you see not being on the team in 2015?
by Ramster 3:00 PM

Just a few off the top of my head. you have to wonder about Wells, Joseph, and Langford among current starters.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Unless I missed it, let’s kill two birds with one stone: FIRE SCHOTTIE IF HE WON”T START BARRETT JONES !!
by arnezzi 3:00 PM

Maybe we will be surprised on Sunday, but don’t think we’ll see Jones in the starting lineup.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Do you think the Rams still need a free safety?
by STEVE 3:02 PM

Right now, I’d say for depth purposes.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Shotty is incapable of making adjustments. As stubborn as his old man. All you need for proof is how good we are on opening drive/first half and how bad we are on the opening drive of second half (only team without a TD) and second half scoring. He can game plan when given a week to prepare, but is a deer in headlights once the other team adjusts.
by laramsfan 3:02 PM

I will admit, you have to wonder about the second half performances, especially to start the second half.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

What are the chances of Pead making the team next year. Also if he doesn’t do you suspect him to get picked up else where?
by Curious 3:05 PM

I have a hard time thinking Pead will be back, at least beyond he final cuts next year.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

I saw fishers presser comment on Cook’s comment. He said he didn’t mean it how it sounded? I think I meant exactly what he said, the Offense was outcoached by the cards defense. Do you think he meant it.
by eman 3:06 PM

Cook can be an emotional sort, but he’s a pretty straight shooter. I’ve gone back and forth on his one. I guess only Cook knows for sure.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Assuming the price is pretty low, do you think the Rams will legitimately consider a trade for RGIII this offseason?
by Grant Nicholas 3:10 PM

What do you think Fisher’s good friend, Mike Shanahan, will tell Fisher about RGIII? Probably not too many good things.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

How does Cook not get cut? He pushes his QB after he drops a easy TD, calls out the coach, and simply has the worst hands of any WR/TE in the entire league. I get that he’s big and fast but is beyond stupid.
by Fatpants 3:13 PM

So if I’m reading you right, you’re not a fan.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

How often do teams get stuffed like the Rams on first and goal from the one? Don’t we have any plays other than run into the teeth of the D when they have eight in the box and blitz too?
by Gunner 3:13 PM

Yeah, the Rams had a play where the Qb rolled to his right and nobody was open.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Does Robert Quinn get held on every play? Looks that way on TV.
by CuJo 3:14 PM

it is pretty amazing. Both he, and now Donald, get held a lot.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

All the talk about who the QB will be, but without an O line it is a moot question. Even the great Tom Brady would look pedestrian with this group.
by Gunner 3:14 PM

Point taken.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Thanks for the chats Jim when Joyner comes back can you see Jenkins going to the bench seems like every week he gives up 2-3 big plays that cost them
by chad 3:15 PM

Chad, Joyner is healthy now.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

We are really in a bind at quarterback, and there’s no easy way out. Nothing great will be available in FA, and in the draft we won’t get any top rated QB. So again we will hope SB can be healthy. How much should we hold Fisher accountable for the jam we’re in?
by Tom 3:15 PM

Well, on paper at least, last year looked like a pretty good year to draft a QB.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Jim, I’m not one to scream fire the coach but I have to wonder about the decision to kick a field goal from the one yard line for a team that has no chance of making the playoffs. What type of message does that send? We can’t get one yard and we’re not even willing to try. It’s a loser mentality.
by jay 3:16 PM

Again, I don’t mind the one from 4th-and-goal from the 1, because you needed points at that time of the game, because it was a two-score game at the time. But the one in the first quarter surprised me. Plus it was only about a half a yard.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Jim when will we see Peacock’s plan and will it be enough
by Billy 3:19 PM

As has been mentioned, he is supposed to shed some light on the plan by mid to late January. How detailed that plan will be, particularly when it comes to financing, is uncertain.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Jim, I’m with jay but my reasoning is our offense would never get down to the one yard line again. So instead of taking the fg there, go for the TD so all you need then is a field goal. I understand though there’d be people complaining if he would have gone for it and had not gotten it
by ky kid 3:21 PM

But that’s the thing. Kick the field goal and you’re still in the game. Go for the TD and miss and the game is over.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

I think most fans prefer a covered stadium and the Ram
by Gunner 3:23 PM

I think you’re right. But by covering the stadium, you’re adding a couple hundred million to the price tag.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Jim: Anything in the NFL by-laws that says how much an owner has to buck up for a new stadium?
by Gunner 3:40 PM

Nope.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Hi Jim-I’ve been to the Dome once on a really cold day-I’m thinking that fans should be careful what they wish for-if the Rams are concerned about attendance numbers-I don,t think playing outdoors is gonna help-agree?
by SD 3:41 PM

Good point. I’ve thought some about that as well. But where do you suggest Peacock comes up with the money for a roof.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Hello Jim. Any NFL prospects in the Army vs Navy game?
by poopeyerus 3:42 PM

Navy’s long snapper, Joe Carona, has been invited to the Senior Bowl. Army fullback Larry Dixon has been invited to one of the lesser all-star contests _ I think it’s either the East-West or the NFLPA Bowl.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

The Chiefs haven’t been that much more scuccessful than the Rams over the last 10 years and they pack Arrowhead pretty well. Is it the fanbase?
by Steve A 3:45 PM

Apparently you didn’t Arrowhead during some of the lean years. Lots of empty seats.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Do you see Aaron Donald making it to the pro bowl this year?
by Dirk 3:45 PM

Yeah, I probably should have mentioned him in my earlier answer on the Pro Bowl. I guess he’s got a chance.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Do you think it’s possible Fisher has made up his mind that Jones will never be much of a player? It’s hard to understand why he hasn’t been on the field, especially with how badly Wells and Joseph are playing.
by Tom 3:46 PM

i wonder about that because after Barrett Jones played in KC after Wells went down, I asked Fisher if Jones could be a starting-caliber player in the league and Fisher’s response _ and I’m paraphrasing here _ was simply that he thought Jones could play in the this league. Not start in this league. Maybe I’m reading too much into the response. But I wonder.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

If the Rams decide to trade zac Stacy would they get a fifth round pick for him?
by Boon 3:59 PM

Sorry a couple of phone calls there. I doubt it on the fifth, especially after this season.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

The Chiefs fan should have been at Arrowhead thru the late 70’s and early 80s. Not much of a fan base at the game until Marty ball came along. That started what we see as the Chiefs bandwagon of today. I was at many games in KC thru the lean years and I would drive up the day of the game to a fairly small crowd by todays standards. I want to say 20-25,000. Don’t they keep records on that kind of thing? Bottom line, if you have a successful program and build a tradition of having great fans, that can carry you through some of the lean years. The Rams started to do that but then losing and now this constant talk of moving are hurting a fan base that only really had a few great years here (and they were truly great!).
by david 3:59 PM

Thanks for your thoughts and input.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

If there were only two head coaching candidates Scott Linehan or Steve Spagnuolo who would you hire?
by Steve 4:00 PM

Really? That’s the questions. I let the team captains run the team.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Worse free agent signing, cortland finnegan or Drew bennett?
by Boon 4:01 PM

Bennett.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

I guess what comes round, goes round with Arians comments on Fisher, actually coach smack adds a little intrigue to rivalry, so I didnt mind BA’s comments. I think the Rams are really close to being good, just not sure Fisher can get them there (meaning 10 wins)
by Jimmy 4:02 PM

Yeah, I think it does add something to the rivalry.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Why do fans love me? I have done absolutely nothing to warrant this praise!
by BarrettJones 4:02 PM

Because you won every award possible for an offensive lineman – and you played at Alabama.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

I like your term “over drafted” unfortunately it fits most of the Fisher/Snead Era picks. How do they plan to change that or are they in denial?
by Tackleberry 4:03 PM

I don’t think they’ve been bad overall on that. Give me a couple of other examples.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Have you ever been on the nfl network or sports center?
by Boon 4:04 PM

Haven’t been for a while. I do appear occasionally on FOX Sports 1.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Wasn’t the Rams proposal for bringing the dome up to snuff oe that involved a retractable roof? As I recall, around $700 million. Seems like that would be the way to get a retractable roof – would likely be about the same cost as a new outdoor stadium. I agree that you need to have a really good team or a roof to draw here late in the season. I remember having tickets to a Monday night game against Green Bay – there was a freezing rain outside, if it was an open stadium I would have stayed home to watch on TV.
by George M. 4:05 PM

I don’t think St. Louis has to stick to every exact detail of the Rams’ proposal. And again, where is the money coming from for the roof? Any ideas?
by jthomas 4:06 PM

If kapernick or cutler become available this off season would the rams have interest? I kid I kid, is sarcasm allowed here?
by Boon 4:06 PM

Myself, I’d think about Kaepernick. (No sarcasm here.)
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Its hard to imagine a 100% healthy Rams team beating a 100% healthy PHX team.
by poopeyerus 4:07 PM

Agreed. But the gap is closing.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Did you think it was telling that Peacock flew to NY to make his proposal??? In that they are needing to pitch the NFL directly to stop Kroenke because he is not listening to them?
by Steve 4:08 PM

Never thought of it that way. I figured that some way or another, Peacock would keep the league abreast of the stadium plans.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

since espn 8 the ocho has found alternative programming for the Rams parade do you think the Oprah channel will air a Rams pity party instead?
by Boon 4:09 PM

Hey, don’t get ahead of yourself. The Rams still need a victory to reach the Parade meter.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

Do you think Joyner could be that FS for depth? I seem to remember after the draft there was a thought he could be a slot CB or FS.
by Bob 4:10 PM

Well, that’s a good point Bob. Joyner hasn’t done much safety work on the field this year, but he certainly has experience at the position from his days at FSU.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Did the new stadium in Indianapolis draw all of the extra events that take place there or did the events justify the stadium expense?
by Steve A 4:11 PM

Well, Indy was getting many of those events while the RCA Dome was there as well.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Any thoughts on Trestman as an OC? Rumor is he’s out in Chicago.
by Steve A 4:11 PM

Interesting thought.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

In next year’s Rams v Cards game, you think Fisher runs up the score for the defense jab Thursday night?
by Ron 4:12 PM

Wouldn’t put it past him. Or maybe he runs a fake punt with the outcome already decided.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

does the head coach have to make himself available daily to writers or just a couple times a week, was always curious on how much time daily they had to spend with media
by Bob Hruby 4:13 PM

During a normal week, we get Fisher on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and game day. It’s all part of the league media policy.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Count our blessings that Rob Ryan went out for a cheeseburger and we got Gregg Williams instead?
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 4:14 PM

That’s funny. But I think you’re right.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Martz for OC
by WeNeedTDs 4:14 PM

As much as I’d like to see what Martz could do with Bradford, don’t think we’re going to see that in our lifetimes.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Great piece last week regarding the recent family losses affecting Sims and Hayes. I was impressed at how well each played under such circumstances.
by Stratis 4:15 PM

They’re quality individuals. Hayes is one of my favorite ‘St. Louis’ Rams of all time. Quite a personality.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

What did you make of the Arians comment? What do you think Fisher made of it?
by c_good 4:16 PM

Just a happy coach after a tough victory. It’s not the first time a coach has played the “nobody thought we would win angle.” The 8-8 remark, however, was a little over the top.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

Martz???? Bradford can’t stay on the field with 3 and 5 step drops for dink and dunk passes, he would last a quarter in 7 step drops Martz long ball. See Bulger, Marc.
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 4:17 PM

Bulger made it to 2 Pro Bowls under Martz and is set for life financially. And have we forgotten that it wasn’t hard hits that sidelined Bradford.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

10,000+ empty seats at the Bears game last night.
by Larry M 4:18 PM

There were about 20,000 empty seats when the Rams played at Washington. and there were a surprising number of empty seats as well when the Rams played at Arizona. But here’s the thing: Arizona’s seats are red; Washington’s are burgundy and gold. Which matches the team colors, meaning the seats blend in with the fans. Empty seats stick out like a sore thumb at the Ed because they are red.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

The “…8-8. You figure it out” bit struck me as a little acerbic, and somewhat strange since, from Fisher’s account of their brief postgame remarks, he at least seems to have a lot of respect for Arians and the Cardinals.
by c_good 4:21 PM

Yep.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

What’s your read on the Rams’ WRs? Are they having trouble getting off the line and getting open? With a better QB and upgrades on the O-line, do Britt and and Quick get open downfield next season, with more plays open for Tavon and Givens? Or do the Rams need to draft someone at WR?
by c_good 4:21 PM

Gaining separation hasn’t been nearly the problem this season as has been in recent years. But I think it was a problem against what’s a very good Arizona secondary. If Britt comes back, I think the Rams will be fine at WR. If not, they better go looking.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

I agree Arizona has a slightly better defense than Rams, so post game comments weren’t off base, the 8-8 comment should have been 6-8 or 7-9, lets be fair. I also think Vegas has it wrong with Hawks versus Cardinals in Desert, I see a 13-9 type game, would not surprise me one bit if Cards won, their HFA is very under rated.
by Jimmy 4:23 PM

Almost all NFC West games are like pitching duels _ low-scoring affairs dominated by defense.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

I see Sam Bradford on the sidelines at the games, he appears involved with the team. How about Jake Long, is he on the sidelines. How is Bradford progressing from his injury.
by Stratis 4:23 PM

Haven’t seen Chris Long around nearly as much as Bradford, but that doesn’t mean he’s not around.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

I recently read the QB, Hundley out of UCLA, will make himself available for the 2015 NFL draft. Does he remind you of anybody that has played or is currently playing in the NFL?
by poopeyerus 4:25 PM

Boy, the times I’ve seen him play which isn’t much, he hasn’t played that well and has run a lot.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

How can Rams improve converting short yardage situations. A run oriented team should be better at this basic function, perhaps we are not the run oriented team we think we are.
by Stratis 4:26 PM

Running game certainly hasn’t lived up to expectations in Fisher’s three years here.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Austin, Quick, Jenkins, Pead, Givens, Brockers, Jones and to an extent Joyner (he was a 2nd rounder, not sure the impact warranted that). They have a lot of late round gems but no one projects as a superstar that they have drafted in the first 3 rounds.
by Tackleberry 4:27 PM

Aren’t you forgetting Aaron Donald and Greg Robinson? I think they both can be very good.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

What are the odds the Rams file to relocate. Last week you said might be higher than 50%?
by Steve 4:27 PM

I’m still at 50-50, and to clarify, i mean odds that they’ll relocate at some point. As to whether they relocate after this season, I’d say it’s 40-60.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Percentage of how much Fisher actually participates in decision making during a game? Never really see interaction between him and staff like other coaches. I know headphones are on but still see a lot more on other teams.
by Percentage of how much… 4:29 PM

He’ll provide input on certain things. He’ll tell Schotty things like “You’ve got 2 plays” at times on third down (meaning “we’re going for it on 4th down if we don’t make it on this play” but to a large degree he lets his coaches coach.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

I hope you remember the play I meant to ask you this last week. There was a play in which we punted to WA and appeared to down the ball on about the one yard line, but it was very close to a touch back. When they came back from commercial break the ball was on the five and one half line. I know football pretty well, but could not for the life of me figure out how they came up with that spot?
by Rich 4:32 PM

Sorry, I don’t remember the play. I checked the play-by-play sheet and can’t find it there either.
by jthomas 4:32 PM