JT chat, 12/23

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_69?Page=2

Hi Jim, is it just me or is anyone else wondering what the Ram’s defense worked on in practice all week? ODB has been the talk of the league for the past 6 weeks and we still had no answer. Looking forward, we could be drafting as high as #8, any chance we try to move up for a QB, mainly Mariotta?
by SteveSPN 2:02 PM

It looked like they gave Beckham Jr. no extra attention as far as I can see. They played very soft coverage most of the day _ with CBs well back from the WRs on most plays. And they had several busted coverages. The communication was awful much of the day.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

Permalink
At what point does the Head Coach start taking responsibility for the myriad of stupid penalty after stupid penalty? While having a young team, using that as an excuse no longer holds water with me. It’s the difference between winning a game or losing a game and we have lost a few due to stupid penalties.
by Michael 2:04 PM

If you read my story today, and here’s the link _
Fisher plays down brawl : Sports
stltoday.comCoach of the NFL’s most-penalized team says he doesn’t expect fines or other discipline for Rams who fought Giants.
_ Fisher said it would take one meeting to fix the penalty problem. (His remarks came after a 21-penalty outing in the 2013 season finale vs. Seattle.) Doesn’t look like anything’s changed.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

Merry Christmas to you Jim, thank you for your insight and columns. Next year with the upgrade needed on the offensive line, (center and guards) we thought that Roger Saffold would do well at guard, your thoughts on his play, with all that do you see him moving back to RT if Barksdale is not retained/
by Bob Hruby 2:08 PM

Same to you Bob. I think Saffold has played well at guard. Maybe not as eye-opening as last year, but still very solid. It’s clear the shoulder has bothered him some this year; he hasn’t been as powerful. Don’t know if Saffold will move back to RT if Barksdale doesn’t return. But I think he’s least effective at RT than he is at guard or LT.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Why does Fisher insist on sticking with Wells and Joseph? Is he blind?
by Tom 2:18 PM

He obviously thinks they give the team the best chance to win, which doesn’t say much for Barnes or Jones.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Merry Christmas Jim and thanks for these weekly sessions. Who is doing the David Peacock interview and when does it run?
by Rams41 2:19 PM

Almost certain it won’t be me, but we have talked about doing something on him.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Jim, Rams chances to pull off a win at Seattle?
by Ramster 2:21 PM

I think they’ll play hard. I think it’ll be a close game. I think Seattle wins.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Who decides which O Lineman play? Fisher ? Schottheimer, or the OL Coach?
Can’t understand why we aren’t trying any new centers or guards.
by Rams41 2:22 PM

Obviously the final decision goes to Fisher.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Seeing the photo to your story, Dear Lord is that Sam Bradford getting involved in the sideline scuffle? Just what we needed, him of all people tempting fate.
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 2:23 PM

That’s funny. No, it’s not. That’s a Giants official. Remember, all the stuff was going on along the New York sideline.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Jim, at what point do the Rams realize that your play is your trash talking not your mouth? This is an institutional problem, and clearly endorsed by Fisher. Seems contrary to midwestern values, and frankly a bit ridiculous. Shut up and let the scoreboard do the talking.
by Brent 2:26 PM

It does seem ridiculous. And immature, like a child throwing a temper tantrum. I thought the Rams were beyond this. It’s amazing to me how the secondary mostly still lets other teams get in their head and throw them off their game.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

What is going on with the Rams’ secondary? It has been bad for a couple of seasons with two different coaches. Is it is talent, scheme, or a combination?
by Dave 2:28 PM

Until Sunday’s debacle I would’ve told you that the secondary was among the most improved units on team. Obviously Sunday’s debacle makes you want to re-think all of that.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

How bad could it get is Seattle? I have no doubt that if they are dominating, Carroll will keep running up the score on Fisher and the Rams
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 2:29 PM

If the Rams come out as flat as they did against the NY Giants, it could be very, very ugly.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Good day Jim and Happy holiday’s to you and all my brother Rams fans.
by OzyRamsFan 2:30 PM

Well put Ozy. Same to you.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

I’m a rams fan from Oakland. Obviously Sam Bradford is a very polarizing figure in stl but being from here people saw Jamarcus Russell who was one of the biggest busts in nfl history. Sam Bradford even when he was healthy didn’t play well do you think Bradford is as bad or worse then Russell?
by Kevin 2:30 PM

C’mon. Really? Sam Bradford was the NFL offensive rookie of the year in 2010. He had a passer rating above 90 when he was injured last year. And he’s never had an Odell Beckham Jr. to throw to.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

the ex ram and mizzou tiger receiver; alexander, is he still unsigned as a free agent for this year…..injuries…. or just his health? always thought the rams would give him a shot. Is he out of football for good?
by blueyedstevie 2:32 PM

It’s his knees. Looks like he’s done.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

I’m assuming you know Bradfords personality over the years. What would you guess his feelings regarding coming back under a new/cheaper contract? I mean he IS getting a lot of money for no prduction past 2 years.
by D_Roks30 2:33 PM

I’d hate to speak for Bradford and his agent on that. I guess it could come down to how much cheaper and how the contract is structured.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

cut wells, long, Langford, restructure Bradford’s contract so his cap hit is 6 ml in 2015 resign Britt and Barksdale over pay for the best center available. first round pick interior lineman, second round pick QB, third round pick safety
by mick 2:34 PM

I’ve heard worst suggestions.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

What a lump of coal the Rams gave to their fans.. really frustrating couple of home games. In particular the sloppy and stupid penalties are really getting old. As the Rams re the most Penalized team, what % of most penalized teams make the post season. I would think not much
by OzyRamsFan 2:35 PM

Actually, Seattle is right up there among most penalized teams. But they have the best defense in the league and Marshawn Lynch.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Hi Jim Happy Holidaze! Last week I asked you which currently active QB in the league you thought could take the Rams to the next level and you said you’d get back to me. Will you get back to me today?
by Ramster 2:36 PM

Well, there are plenty. Don’t you think Brady, Rodgers, Luck, both Mannings, Roethlisberger, Rivers, Romo, Brees Rayn could help. If you’re talking about QBs who may be available through free agency and trade, I’m not sure I see any right now.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

Jim, would it be fairest to say of the last three years that under Fisher the Rams are a better sub-.500 team?
by Tom 2:40 PM

I wouldn’t say that for 2012 or ’13. This year, maybe. Even with either the No. 2 or No. 3 QB playing all year.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Does the refusal to give Barrett Jones a chance to play ahead of Davin Joseph (who is terrible and hopefully has no future with the team) say more about Jones’ ability, the coaching staff’s stubbornness, or both?
by Matt 2:41 PM

Probably both.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Jim, First off Merry Christmas! I know you will probably get a million questions about Barrett Jones, so here is the first one and maybe this will stop further questions. Do you think Barrett Jones can be a starting lineman in the NFL and what do you think is his best position? Thanks!
by Bull 2:42 PM

Merry Christmas to you Bull. Because of injuries, it’s hard to know if Jones can be an NFL starter. He’s barely been on the field. He needs, obviously, to stay healthy. And he needs a great offseason, in terms of adding strength and working on his entire game. But I think center or guard is where he’d fit best.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

The pass rush vanished Sunday, so did this game tell us that the secondary is still not good enough if the QB has time to throw?
by Tom 2:44 PM

Possibly, but I think the issue goes way beyond that. There were just so many busted coverages. And scheme-wise, too much soft coverage.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Apparently the criteria for being thrown out of a NFL game is throwing a punch. Ogletree’s tackle of Beckham was more than unnecessary roughness and IMO warranted an ejection. Beckham kicked at Alex and should have been thrown out as well. Josh Brown’s mule kick(were the Giants watching replays of Johnny Cueto in the Cardinals-Reds fight of a couple of years ago) deserved an ejection also. Were the Rams and Giants taunting each other in the pregame warm ups? The Rams only play the Giants once every three years so where are the grudges coming from?
by Ramsey 2:46 PM

Don’t know if there was any taunting during pregame. It’s not like the teams get very close to each other during pregame for the most part. The Rams certainly were extremely worked up about Beckham Jr., even before the game. And Beckham certainly takes it a couple of steps beyond simply playing with confidence.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Jim – Is Stan really silent? More specifically, when you do interact, is he conversational or does he simply not ever say very much?
by McGarrett 2:48 PM

Let me put it this way: I’ve been trying to get an interview with him for more than two years.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

How much blame goes on the coaches for Sunday’s fiasco? Rams seemed totally unprepared to play football.
by Tom 2:49 PM

When you have a fiasco like we saw Sunday on defense _ 514 yards _ you certainly have to blame coaching as well as the players. Same goes for the team lacking intensity at the start of the game.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Jim, why is Fischer playing Wells. Obviously he’s hurt (numerous bad snaps) but continues to play him. What’s the reasoning? thanks Jim
by ekern55 2:51 PM

Fisher said Monday that Wells is healthy, that he wasn’t in the training room last week. That he thought he was wearing the brace as more of a “security” thing. Fisher said he values Wells’ smarts on the line of scrimmage, and his ability to make the right checks and line calls.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

It seems like Williams’ defense is predicated upon getting pressure by blitzing. the giants seemed well prepared to handle it and had answers in the passing and running game. Does Williams try and adjust by only rushing four and tightening up the coverage by playing press coverage on the outside and keeping the backers and safety’s in coverage? it didnt look like it on sunday.
by nick 2:53 PM

Didn’t look like there were many adjustments made Sunday.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

if Barksdale isnt resigned and no other tackle is in sight wouldnt it make the Rams stronger to put Saffold back at left tackle for pass protect and move Robinson to right tackle where he is stronger on run blocking.
by blueyedstevie 2:54 PM

I guess that’s possible. Robinson has had some glitches on pass-blocking, but I don’t think it’s reached the point where the coaches don’t think he can play there.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

I’m starting to think that the league won’t let Kroenke move as longs as he still owns his Colorado Professional sport franchises. Would you agree that he is going to have to make some movement to sell those teams before the NFL allows him to leave for L.A?Thanks for these chats Jim.
by Vern 2:55 PM

There is a cross-ownership issue, but I don’t think that’s the thing that is necessarily blocking a move.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Jim do you think Fisher was letting the team vent over another losing season in the Giants game or is it time for someone to come in and exercise some discipline on the Rams. If Fisher keeps allowing the team to make the same game altering mistakes over and over again and it’s costing them a win(s) isn’t that the same as condoning losing and doesn’t that attitude have to change or go? Your thoughts.
by Ramster 2:57 PM

I wouldn’t call making fools of yourselves on network television a form of venting. I do think the team was doing better in this area for several weeks. The release of Ray Ray Armstrong prior to the Monday night game vs. San Francisco (Oct. 13) caught players’ attention. But what happened Sunday against the Giants looked like a throwback to the worst of the Fisher Rams teams in terms of lack of discipline..
by jthomas 3:01 PM

It seems clear now that Steadman Bailey is a more reliable receiver than Tavon Austin even though Tavon was drafted first. Tavon made a minimal attempt to catch Hill’s pass to him in the first quarter a pass that was thrown right at Tavon’s numbers. I guess it hit him in a bad place – his hands. Tavon’s best attribute is his speed and it seems like the Rams have spent the entire season how to get the ball in his hands without the success you would think a number 1 draft choice would achieve.
by RichieI 3:01 PM

It looked like the ball came in a little hot and a little high, but you have to make that catch.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Jim, how do you think Robinson is progressing?
by Tom 3:02 PM

He’s had some problems with recognition lately, in terms of outside blitzers, and loops and twists. Especially when it comes to free runners on the outside_ a lot of that has been happening lately. But I can’t tell you if that’s entirely his fault, or if someone should be providing help, or the pass protection design was flawed, or there was simply a communication issue. But I think the Rams still believe he can be an anchor on the left side for years to come.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

prospect do you like for the rams in the next draft…. and merry xmas to all stl post dispatch!!
by alex 3:06 PM

Merry Christmas to you Alex. I can’t tell you the name of that prospect at this point. I just hope he can block or throw passes.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

If that’s true about Barnes and Jones, they were super-wasted picks!!
by Tom 3:07 PM

Barnes was not drafted. But I understand where you’re coming from.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Do you think the Rams will make a run after one of the really good WRs that will be available in free agency?
by Brad 3:08 PM

Let’s first see how many of those WRs actually make it to free agency.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Saw silent Stan was at the game, maybe he made all the players to nervous to perform or maybe he promised them all a beach house in sunny LA if they tanked!
by SteveSPN 3:09 PM

Hah. But Stan’s been at most or all of the home games. Then again, maybe that explains the 3-5 home record this season after going 5-3 in 2013.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

I know that coach Fisher is a Bradford fan but I’m curious to know how the players feel about him as their qb next year.
by nick 3:10 PM

I think Sam is pretty popular with the players. They certainly respect his arm.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Do you think Stan will go for Peacocks plan for a new stadium?
by Robert 3:11 PM

If these plans come to fruition, I don’t think he has a choice.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

JT, let’s say the Rams move to LA in the next few years. Any chance Shad Khan moves the Jags to STL? I know it’s a long and complicated process. Just wondering if you’ve heard anything. Thanks.
by Rocky1515 3:11 PM

Khan is trying very hard to make it work in Jacksonville from what I’m told. If something like that happened with the J-ville franchise it would be years and years down the road.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Wasn’t able to see the game vs. the Giants. Who was Beckham torching most of the game? Let me guess – Jenkins.
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 3:12 PM

Actually, most of his damage came against Trumaine Johnson. The 80-yarder looked like a coverage bust by either Johnson or Joyner.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Jim do you think the Seattle game will end up in a brawl like the Giants game?
by Ramster 3:13 PM

Don’t know about a brawl, but when the Rams and Seahawks meet, there’s always a chance for chippy play.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Merry XMas Jim. Why does it seem Bradford is not remotely involved in offense during game. I never see him calling in plays, interacting with QB or OC. Why not sit in coachs booth or help improve education of offense? Sign of leaving?
by D_Roks30 3:15 PM

No, no, no. He’s on the sidelines. He’s there when needed. He’s made it a point to be around, but he also doesn’t want to be a nuisance or butt in if not needed on game day.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Does it worry you that Nixon said that the potential stadium would be publicly owned? If im not mistaken, in the past it was said Kroenke wants to own the stadium.
by Brad 3:17 PM

I know Kroenke likes to control as many revenue streams as possible, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard it stated that he wants to own the stadium. If he wants to own a stadium, then he’ll have to build it himself.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Do you answer every question that comes over (assuming that there is no bad language) or do you edit out questions that you do not like? I ask this because my questions regarding the Rams potential departure to L.A. never get posted. I am curious if Kroenke’s chances of moving to L.A. are diminished because he has not sold his Colorado teams yet? I would think the league would have a hard time allowing him to move when he has not fulfilled this condition of his majority ownership in the Rams.
by GV 3:19 PM

Because of the volume of questions, I can answer only about one of every 10 questions. So if it’s a question I’ve already answered, a repeat question so to speak, I probably won’t answer it. Speaking of which I just answered the cross-ownership question earlier. Was that you.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

what do you think is the most pressing issue that snead and fisher need to discuss this offseason?
by nick 3:23 PM

1.) Quarterback. 2.) Interior offensive line.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Merry Christmas, Jim to you and your family…Are the Rams seriously considering bringing back Britt? Which of the current team veterans do you see as likely released next year?
by Rams Fan_LV 3:23 PM

So far, I don’t think there’s been much conversation between the Rams and Britt’s agent. That doesn’t meant that can’t change during the offseason. As far as players being released, I don’t think such moves need to be made based solely on creating space. Meaning, the Rams will have decent salary cap move. But I think most of know some of the possibilities either for release or restructure: Langford, Wells, Jake Long. . .maybe Givens
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Do u think fisher is gone if the rams win under 8 games next year?
by ty 3:28 PM

Very good question. We’ll see. I certainly think there will be significantly more pressure to win next season.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Jim, now that this season is another lost cause, any news on a uniform update/change? Sorry, just had to ask.
by Ekern55 3:29 PM

Funny. Sorry, that one’s been off my radar for a while. Will try to check.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Of the 5 positions on the O-line how many need to be re-manned for next season? Also in addition to finding a QB to compete for/train as the starter where else to the Rams need to upgrade including…if you care to be bold…the coaching staff (assuming you think that’s an area needing replacement(s)?
by Brent Wood 3:31 PM

Obviously, you need to consider center and guard. And if Barksdale leaves, add tackle to the list. Elsewhere, Rams need to think about WR if Barksdale leaves. Another linebacker and secondary help are possibilities as well. Fisher is usually very loyal with his assistants. He puts a lot of thought into it, and is very deliberate, about hiring his assistants. Which means he’s usually just as hesitant to part ways. There was a time when I wondered about WR coach (Sherman) and DB coach (Cecil), but the WRs have been noticeably better this year, and until Sunday’s abomination I would’ve said the DBs were much improved.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

What is the specifics on Bradford’s contract for next year? If the Rams ask him to reduce his contract and he refuses, can he simply walk? Can other teams attempt to pick him up at that point? Would the Rams receive any compensation . . . . etc. Thanks Jim
by Gregor 3:37 PM

This is off the top of my head, but it’s a $13 million base and a $16.61 salary cap. So the cap hit if Bradford is released or traded is a modest $3.61. Bradford can’t simply walk if he refuses a pay cut; he’d have to be released by the team. And yes, if he’s released by the team, any team can try to pick him up. There would be no compensation in that case.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

You have to say this about Bradford, given the behavior and crazy talk from many other NFL QB’s this year, despite everything and some of the commentary he must hear even if he tries not to, Bradford has always been a classy guy. His other performance measures might not all be elite but enduring a difficult couple of years and on a historically bad team, he’s never pointed fingers, complained, or behaved badly.
by Greg, Rams fan in Maryland 3:44 PM

Well put, Greg.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

I’ve about had it with Janoris “50/50” Jenkins. Question is have Rams had enough? He seems to be more of a liability than a stellar corner. We need a corner who covers at least 80/20 and doesn’t give up so many big plays.
by CaliSteve 3:45 PM

He is a tease, that’s for sure.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

do you think the rams would give cutler a look if he gets released from the bears?
by nick 3:45 PM

You’d certainly have to discuss it.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

You still at 50/50 a deal gets done for a new stadium and the team stays for good?
by joeram 3:46 PM

Due to the recent develoments, mostly chronicled by Bernie Miklasz, I’m up to 95-5 that the team stays here in 2015 (leaving 5% to chance in case Kroenke goes rogue _ highly doubtful). I’m back up to 55-45 that the team stays here long-term, thanks largely to what Bernie has reported. Isn’t it funny that despite all of the speculative national reports that many in the local media treat as gospel that most of the actual factual reporting has come from the Post-Dispatch via Bernie and the late Bryan Burwell.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Do you see Michael Sam getting another shot in the offseason? Gut feeling: is he out of the league because of football performance, or for another reason?
by c_good 3:52 PM

Maybe I’m naïve, but I do think most of it has to due to performance. Maybe he gets another chance elsewhere in the league in the offseason. Can’t see it happening here.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Happy Festivus! This is a great forum to air my grievances! This team is so Jekyll and Hyde, I guess its better than the previous diarrhea consistence, but c’mon just cover Beckham, the Giants are terrible.
by Len 3:54 PM

Happy Festivus to you Len. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Rams team that displayed such wide variations in play from week to week as these Rams.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Hi Jim, Happy holidays. I’m big Rams fan from Connecticut. Been a fan since about 1988. Anyway, I’m surrounded by mostly Giants and Pats fans. I listen to NY Sports talk radio and have family member who are lifelong Giants fans. They are all honest and will bash their team if need be. But in their eyes the Rams are now a joke. They went from rooting for the Rams because I’m a fan to considering the Rams a bunch of thugs. This game really put a huge damper on the season. This has to go back to the leadership right? The Rams are a talk a lot of junk team that never consistently get it done on the field. And not that Fisher is a trash talker at all but he rarely goes above the minimum in holding players accountable. What a shameful performance as an organization. Your thoughts on the country’s new perception of the Rams?
by jay 3:56 PM

I’ve read a few things on this, but I certainly don’t have a good overview on how the country looks at the Rams. But the late hits by Ogletree and McDonald were awful.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Do you think not keeping Case Keenum on the active roster was a mistake?
by oregonramfan 3:58 PM

Hey best of luck of Keenum, and congrats to him on his performance last Sunday for Houston. But I don’t really have a problem with the Rams putting him on the practice squad.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Even if Bradford comes back with a reduced cap number, the rams must upgrade the backup QB from Hill and Davis? Thanks
by Paul 3:59 PM

And nothing against Hill or Davis, but I think the Rams have to bring somebody in who has the potential to be a long-term starting QB.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Three new stadiums in LA, San Diego, and St Louis. Rams and Chargers stay put, and Raiders go to LA. Everyone wins.
by Alan 4:00 PM

Except the city of Oakland. Plus, I still don’t think the league is going to do the Raiders any favors.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

It is sad to see what has happened to the relationship between the Rams and the media and fans. The headlines say it all. Much like a marrige gone south, there seems to be no respect for this team. The media and locals seem to blame everyone with this team, like they don’t want to win or play good. Looks like this marrige is over. I have been a fan since 1955, I still love to watch these guys and hope they win every week.
by Twogordons@gmail.com 4:02 PM

To a large degree, the Rams have only themselves to blame, what with 11 consecutive non-winning seasons and an owner who refuses to engage the fans in any way. As for the media approach it’s simple, and it’s always been this way. Team plays well, coverage generally is positive. Teams plays badly, coverage generally is negative. The Rams have a won-lost record of 58-118-1 over the last 11 seasons, a winning percentage of .331. Only Oakland is worse over that span in the entire NFL.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

C’mon Jim you only get to pick one QB. Which would it be and why? What about Flacco?
by Ramster 4:12 PM

I like Aaron Rodgers.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Do you believe that Kreonke will give an interview about the stadium situation before everything is finalized? Which could be three years from now.
by BJF 4:13 PM

Doesn’t look like it.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Well Jim, another year has passed and the Rams have had 11 years of bad lay in a row! But considering everything that has happened in the last few weeks, maybe we take sports a little to seriously, after all it is entertainment. Merry Christmas Jim, Happy New Year
by Tim Wood Ches. Va. 4:14 PM

Very nice. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for playing, and we will talk to you all again on Dec. 30.
by jthomas 4:15 PM