JT chat 1/23

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_74?Page=3
Jim, given that as a bicyclist I squeeze my tires once a week and can easily detect a 5% drop in pressure am I wrong to think that a guy paid millions to squeeze a football a thousand times a week who can’t detect a 16% pressure drop is a bald faced liar?
by Greg Stone 2:14 PM

Quarterbacks are particular about footballs. So yes, it’s seems odd _ and not very believable _ that Brady knows nothing.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Jim….it is 71 here in so cal….dont u think it is great suoer bowl weather?
by alex 2:15 PM

Yeah, but in order to host a Super Bowl, you have to have a team.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Saw that a Rams scout talked to Austin Shepherd at the Senior Bowl, do yoou think he is a name to remember for the later rounds of the draft?
by bdefreitas20390 2:18 PM

It’s certainly a name to keep in mind. But keep in mind, the Rams will talk to plenty of prospects at the Senior Bowl and even more at the Combine.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

You were 45-55 last week Rams stay in STL. Any changes.
by Clyde Duncan 2:19 PM

Still there Clyde at 45-55. Hope you’ve been working on your hands over the years.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

Jim, Getting back to my first post, Karras and Horning where both suspended a year for gambling, Payton and Williams a suspended year for Bountygate. Is cheating during game the same and should get a year off ?
by OzyRamsFan 2:20 PM

This will be very interesting to see what the punishment is if the Pats are indeed found guilty in Deflategate. I can’t give you a prediction. But let’s remember _ the Patriots will be repeat offenders.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Do you have any insight into what Coach Fisher is looking for in an OC?
by SC Ram 2:21 PM

We’re not going to see someone come in and run a spread offense. I’m sure he’s looking for someone who can balance the run and the pass as a starting point.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

I am so tired of hearing how any candidate for Rams OC needs to be someone who can “get Tavon Austin involved.” Maybe Tavon Austin isn’t good at WR, did that occur to anyone? Devin Hester is a HOF returner but has never been a great receiver. Nothing Austin has shown in two seasons suggests he is on the verge of being anything more than a solid returner and an offensive gimmick. Just because the Rams decided to move up and draft Austin #8 overall doesn’t mean his talents will translate at the NFL level.
by Tackleberry 2:23 PM

Some very good points Tackleberry. Hard to argue with any of them.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Hey Jim: what´s the most likely scenario for the Rams at QB for 2015?
by Dave Q 2:24 PM

Bradford is back. Rams draft a QB (before the sixth round). Either HIll or Austin is back.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Thanks again.
by Andrew 2:24 PM

I’m not sure I understand your question. The Packers QB coach Alex Van Pelt, would not be interviewing for a head-coaching job in St. Louis, therefore the Packers are free to deny the Rams permission to talk to him. Which they did. And Van Pelt is under contract with Green Bay. That’s why you have to ask permission. If I’m an assistant coach, I wouldn’t be happy with the way the rule was structured. It used to be different. But the NFL would have to change the rule.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

How is it possible the NFL “is investigating” the deflation issue without talking to Brady? Once the balls are on the field, wouldn’t there be camera footage of the sideline so we can see who did what?
by tom 2:28 PM

They could still talk to Brady at some point. To your other question, I think whatever was done to the footballs, took place inside.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Possible move to LA aside, what would be your main argument for persauding a potential OC if you were Les?
by willEYEam 2:29 PM

Actually, it’s Jeff Fisher that would be doing the interviewing. But I think you would point to a group of young skill position players that should only get better, you tell him he’ll have input on any new QB the team brings in _ so you get in on the ground floor. You point to an emerging defense that should keep you in almost any game. And you tell him you (Fisher) are not a meddler when it comes to the offense and calling plays.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Is there any real chance Mike Martz returns as a coach in the NFL?
by Dave Q 2:33 PM

I really doubt it. And it’s a shame, because he’s very talented.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Do you think Barksdale will be back? I still remember him getting beat like a drum against Washington.
by Marshall 2:34 PM

Yeah, and let’s not forget about Kansas City and Mr. Houston. The Rams want to bring him back, but the price has to be right. It’s certainly not going to happen if someone offers him $6 million a year.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

Will the Rams try and interview Chudzinski when his contracte expires next week? Seems kinda odd that Colts would deny the oppurtunity when his contract is up so soon.
by bdefreitas20390 2:35 PM

It’s obviously a delaying tactic by the Colts. Offensive coordinator jobs are getting filled almost on a daily basis, and there are only a few OC openings in the entire league. They’re hoping that teams will get tired of waiting until after the Super Bowl to interview him, just like teams get tired of waiting for coaches on teams that actually are participating in the Super Bowl. If I were the Rams, and I liked Chudzinski that much, I’d wait.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Of the following trade options, how would you rate the following in their likelihood as potential “challangers” for Sam Bradford next season: Jay Cutler, Chase Daniel, Robert Griffin, Kirt Cousins, Johnny Manziel?
by Rodger 2:39 PM

Can I say none of the above? Maybe Cousins, but it would have to be cheap. With Cutler you inherit a huge contract, and a guy who could be nothing more than a modern day Jeff George. Manziel _ seems to make more headlines off the field. How dedicated is he to the game? RGIII, is he damaged goods, injury-wise? Can he win in the NFL if he’s basically a pocket passer? I’d have questions for him about his dedication to team and to the game. Daniel has thrown only 75 regular-season passes in 6 NFL seasons. Not much of a sample size. And I think you’d inherit a pretty big contract in a trade _ I think his base is something like $5 million in 2015.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Do you think kenny britt is resigned? If so how much and would it stop the rams from drafting another wr?
by dude sj39 2:48 PM

I kind of have a good feeling on this one. Surely Britt _ and his agents _ have to no that this is a great spot for him. If he re-signs, I don’t think the Rams necessarily draft a WR, particularly with their limited number of draft picks.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Did you see the Colts run offense last year? What makes Chudzinski such a hot commodity given Fisher’s fondness of running the ball and the fact we dont have Andrew Luck or TY Hilton on the roster
by 3DW 2:50 PM

That’s a good point. You do wonder if there will be a scheme fit. But I think Chud’s teams at Carolina ran the ball pretty well.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Thanks for the chats! Do you think WR Dorial Green-Beckham is on the Rams radar? I read an article calling for him to be their first pick. I think they should go OL, C, QB,OL or LB before they draft another WR. Your thoughts?
by AzRamsFan 2:50 PM

I’m sure the Rams will look into DGB. But at No. 10 overall? No.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Maybe this has already been answered, but wouldn’t a pro QB know when a ball is not right?
by Don 2:51 PM

Yeah we addressed this earlier _ but you’d think a pro QB would know.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

If Fisher brought in Martz, this city would explode and fans would fill the seats. It would almost be like a movie script.
by Tackleberry 2:52 PM

All for it. Where do a sign up? But you know that’s not going to happen. And I think Martz probably knows that.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

If the Rams are going to draft a QB that is going to be a legitimate option for 2015 (and maybe even a legitimate option beyond 2015), it is sounding more and more like it may have to be Mariota or Winston. Is there a realistic chance they would go big and move up for one of them? Or in drafting a QB, are the Rams looking more at getting a later-round (second round and on) lottery ticket type.
by Rodger 2:53 PM

Well, they’d have to use some future picks to do so. And I think the price, particularly for Mariota, would be expensive. I think second_ or third rounder is more realistic.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

SJ39 a Hall of Famer?
by 3DW 2:54 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Jim, your reply about trading for QB is why the Rams are still on the Bradford bandwagon, the fact is there is no one better out there, to replace him with.
by OzyRamsFan 2:55 PM

It’s always easy to say you need to replace player X, Y, and Z. The hard part is replacing that guy with someone that’s at least as good. And yes, I do think some of that is at play here w/regard to Bradford.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

SJ39 a St Louis sports Hall of Famer? (Do we even have one?)
by ihtnep 2:57 PM

Certainly on SJ39 in the St. Louis sports Hall of Fame. And yes there is one. It’s relatively new.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Thanks again.
by Andrew 3:09 PM

Martz, no. Chudzinski still possible. (But SF still in running and Chud may decide to stay in Indy.) Hackett young a pretty inexperienced. Came under his share of criticism last year in Buffalo. Some thought he was overmatched. Here’s a link to my Senior Bowl/Rams notebook from today. The second item is about Hackett.
Rams checking out East Carolina QB : Sports
stltoday.comRams notes • Shane Carden has drawn comparisons to Jeff Garcia, former four-time Pro Bowler.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Does the team keeps stats on Zeurlein misses on grass compared to turf. I think he is much worse on grass. Its like going to driving range, the mats are a little forgiving but if you chunk the dirt its game over.
by simdaddy 3:10 PM

Well he did kick 4 FGs on grass to beat Tamap Bay 19-17.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

If we stay in house for OC is it fair to say whoever gets the gig was clearly not in the top 3 of guys Fisher wanted? Otherwise they would have been hired by now.
by simdaddy 3:11 PM

Another way of looking at it is that Fisher really likes his in-house guys _ particularly Boras _ and is seeing if any of the outside guys can beat him out.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

as far as the OC goes , was it Schotty who did not like running the no huddle or is it Fisher? Seems to me to not mix it in every so often is missing an opportunity to catch teams by surprise. Especially if Sam is back under center.
by simdaddy 3:12 PM

Fisher, of course.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Jim has anyone reported on the loss tax revenue if the Ram’s move, including state and local income tax paid by the team, players, coaches, etc. loss in sales and amusement tax on tickets, and taxes on parking and concessions? Thinking it might be very close to the $24 million a year coast-to-coast in the bonds.
by Rams Fan on Hold 3:13 PM

Good point. I don’t know if it adds up to $24 million a year. But you’re talking about a $143 million payroll (that’s the projected salary cap) in players alone in 2015. Throw in the coaching staff, trainers, scouts, personnel department, sales, marketing, PR, etc., and you’re probably talking $200 million a year.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Is the updated Jones Dome plan the Rams proposed a few years ago off the table?
by mark 3:15 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

When the Rams finally hire an OC can the new playbook ( if outside guy) go out the next day or do they have to wait for OTAs?
by simdaddy 3:16 PM

Well first off, I’d think the new OC certainly will meet with Fisher and the rest of the offensive staffers to collaborate on a new playbook. Which elements of the old playbook do they want to retain, how much of the new OC’s, etc. I don’t think they can hand legally them out until the offseason program starts in April (which is well before the start of OTAs).
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Good Day JT, I am stunned by the world wide coverage of the Pats cheating, it’s big news even down under. This is the biggest crisis for the NFL in over 50 years. I am in the Troy Aikeman corner, this is far more damaging then Bountygate, they didn’t cheat. Jim do you see the post on the Rams chat regarding the lack of Pats fumbles during NE home games. It’s stunning evidence that some type of cheating is deflation has been going on for 7-8 years. If the NFL fails in proper justice, I see congress buzzing around like a swarm of bees. This is the Rubicon for the NFL. if there is a lack of justice. Congress needs to alter the entire NFL, take management of the League away from the NFL
by OzyRamsFan 3:18 PM

Yeah, I think it led a lot of the national news _ and I underscore “news” _ shows last night. It certainly is a big deal in part because the Super Bowl is upon us and the Patriots obviously are playing in the Super Bowl. And as we know, the league hasn’t exactly handled many of these “crisis” developments with great skill. Part of the Patriots way under Belichick seems to be bending the rules, and in some cases mangling them.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

difference between an underinflated ball and a corked bat? Cheating is cheating , issue is a fine means nothing to a billionaire. Didn’t Sean Payton say he knew nothing about the bounties, he still got whacked for a year. Belichek needs to wear this
by simdaddy 3:22 PM

Belichick and Brady.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Jim, did you see on the Rams talk about the lack of NE home game fumbles, the analysis of when the NE fumble rate changed was very interesting. It shows the Pats have done something to prevent fumbles and reduce fumbling historic low rate.
by OzyRamsFan 3:23 PM

Haven’t seen that, but someone mentioned it earlier on the chat. Very interesting though.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Jim, as of today which candidate do you believe is the most likely replacement for Schotty? Hackett, Chud, the in houses candidates, or a name that has yet to be mentioned by the media?
by Matt 3:24 PM

Couldn’t even hazard a guess on this one, Matt. Sorry.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Obviously Fisher is a defensive coach, which if fine. He has invested heavily in that defense and the second half of the season it really paid dividends. But why does a good defense have to be mutually exclusively with a weak offense? I understand that Fisher does not want a 50 second three-and-out but his “ball control” offensive philosophy isn’t working. If it was working this team could protect 21-point leads at home.
by Tackleberry 3:25 PM

Well, to me the overall point is that for a team that likes to be physical and run the ball, the Rams haven’t done a very good job of it under Fisher here in St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

It seems the Rams need 2 or maybe 3 new bodies on the OL. Do you think the Rams will get 1 or 2 via free agents?
by Marshall 3:26 PM

At least one would make sense. Then again, the Rams’ luck on free-agent o-linemen hasn’t bee very good.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Jim…if u were a member governing body would u subsidize a sports stadium with tax dollars?
by robert 3:26 PM

Remember, you’re asking this of someone who has covered the NFL for a quarter of a century. And loves the game. Yes.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

what the theory behind each team having their own balls anyway? Seems to me like they are asking for trouble. pitchers don’t get their own baseballs. Cant the league just have balls on the ready for both teams?
by simdaddy 3:27 PM

Makes sense to me.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

How much of a team player do you think VanPelt will be after the Packers squashed his chance at becoming an OC. Isn’t it like shooting yourself in the foot denying a person a chance at a promotion.
by Up North 3:28 PM

Yeah, it doesn’t seem like the best way to build team morale on the coaching staff.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

My mind is numb trying to figure out how Kroenke is playing his hand. He’s not in compliance with cross ownership; he’s appeared to butt in line ahead of Spanos and Davis for LA, and in the process, perhaps ticked off many other owners; and Goodell and the shield have been dented up the past 9 months with questions of integrity. How does Kroenke see himself as playing a wise hand – unless there actually is no integrity in this den of thieves?
by Studebaker 3:30 PM

He’s going the Jerry Jones route. Doing what he wants and forcing the league’s hand.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Better chance of happening: a straight out renegotiation with Sam or a cut and re-sign for lower price?
by willEYEam 3:30 PM

If by straight out negotiation, you mean adding years to the contract, I don’t see how the Rams would want to do that considering Bradford’s injury history. To me a paycut in 2015 _ with built-in incentives for Bradford to get the lost money back if he stays healthy and plays well _ is the way to go.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Think Doug Marrone is regretting his decision to use his out clause in Buffalo and end up as an O-Line coach in Jacksonville? Also do you think it taints his ability to get another head coaching position?
by 3DW 3:32 PM

Wonder what the guy was thinking. I don’t think it’s going to help him when he tries to get another head-coaching job.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Hypothetically would you want one year of Bradford for the 2015 Rams or one year of Peyton Manning?
by 3DW 3:34 PM

A year ago, I’d have said Manning in a heartbeat. This year, I think I might say Bradford. Manning looks done.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Jim, are there any similarities in the previous escape by the Cardinals from St. Louis and the current potential move for the Ram? Obviously, the Cardinals didn’t have the current stadium issue. Your thoughts?
by OTRamsfan 3:35 PM

sful in the ’80s, making 3 World Series in a six-season stretch. And yes, Bidwill wasn’t the most popular owner around even before the “new stadium/move the team” stuff materialized.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Jim….Happy New Year! Read another article in the LA Times talking about how St. Louis fans could care less if the Rams left STL. I know that Bernie and other have pointed out the bad rap we have gotten. However, wanted to know how we can go nationally and tell our story that we are big football fans and do care about our team. Thanks!
by Larry 3:40 PM

1.) Show up to the games. 2.) Leave a comment at the end of such stories if you disagree with them. Do the same via e-mail or Twitter if you hear a national pundit say something about St. Louis being a baseball town. 3.) Write, text, e-mail your state congressman/senator on the topic, Mayor Slay, the county executive, etc. The Keep the Rams in St. Louis group got fans so riled up, they must have sent 100 angry messages on Twitter to one state congressman from the area who stated he didn’t care about the keeping the Rams in St. Louis.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Yeah, and the movie script would have us win the Super Bowl, Sam hoisting the Lombardi, and then pack everything up and move to LA
by tom 3:46 PM

Would the parade be in LA.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

If the Rams wanted an extra late round pick would Stacy draw any interest?
by Steve A 3:46 PM

A seventh maybe.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

If Stan announces he’s moving the team even if we have a viable stadium plan and ready to break ground, does STL have any legal recourse? Can we block them from moving using the courts?
by Terry 3:46 PM

Such things have never been successful in the past. The NFL owners could vote to block relocation, but would that stop Kroenke from going rogue and moving anyway?
by jthomas 3:48 PM

Jim, On the stadium issue. The NFL says St. Louis has to build it to keep the Rams. To build it, Peacock says St. Louis needs a commitment from the Rams. What happens next?
by Jim 3:48 PM

The NFL isn’t demanding St. Louis to have the stadium built _ or under construction. What they do want is a stadium plan that included purchased land and financing in place. Neither of that has happened so far.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Hey Mr. Thomas, I keep hearing fans and media saying “if the NFL follows its relocation rules, it will be difficult for the Rams to move anywhere”. What do you think? Do you feel the NFL would actually be willing to hold tight to its own policy? I get the feeling if Kroenke can show he can legitimately solve the league’s Los Angeles conundrum, the majority of owners would be willing to swallow hard, figure a way to get their cut, and let him go. But, then again, perhaps my view of that group of billionaires is a bit heavy on the cynical side.
by John in AK 3:50 PM

Well, that’s the question. Right now, I don’t think Kroenke has the votes.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

If healthy (yea if) how many QB’s have better skills than SB?
by Don 3:50 PM

I think Bradford has the potential to be in the top half of starting QBs, maybe in that 11 to 15 range.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Jim – this might be a stupid questions but I know a lot of people do not want any tax dollars going for a new stadium. Is it because the owner is a billionaire and it is the principle of the thing or because it would take so much out out the taxpayers pocket that they would actually feel it? If it is the later, how much would each taxpayer be responsible for? $10 a month? $100 a month? My argument is that most people will not even realize the burden. We need this stadium if we want NFL football in St. Louis.
by rxa159 3:52 PM

OK, the payment is $24 million a year from city, county, and state combined. There are 6 million people in this state. Let’s assume half of them are working _ or 3 million. If my math is right, that comes out to $8 a year per person. Does that sound right?
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Re: your response to OzyRamsFan, it helps when you take a proactive approach to at least mitigating the damage should your QB by drafting a legit developmental QB. I’ve never heard a team complain because they had too much QB depth. Especially a team that carries 9 TEs.
by Tackleberry 3:54 PM

Which is why the Rams should’ve drafted a quarterback last year before the 6th round.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Do you think that with the time frame and coaches already hired, that Fisher will probably resort to hire from within?
by SC Ram 3:56 PM

Not necessarily.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Jim, in light of the scandals with the Pats, do you think it help improve Mike Martz image ? Less of sour grapes and more I told you so.
by OzyRamsFan 3:56 PM

Maybe a little.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Thanks for taking the time to answer my “QB not in the building” questions. From your answers, it sounds like the Rams are likely going to draft a project and bring in a veteran who is really more of a “backup type.” If that is indeed how things play out, is it safe to say that the brain trust is essentially going with the “roll the dice on Sam’s knee” plan again?
by Rodger 3:57 PM

If that’s the case, as you lay it out, I would say yes.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Any talk about how other coaches/scouts feel about the patriots cheating again?
by Bjh 3:57 PM

There was plenty of small talk at the Senior Bowl about Deflategate, but no one was getting on a soap box one way or another.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Draft strategy: Trade down for extra picks, don’t chase Mariotta or Winston, get some line help, take a qb if he fits, otherwise lean on run game and defense. Remember, Trent Dilfer has one more ring than Marino!
by ihtnep 3:59 PM

I don’t know if you really need extra picks at this point. I think you pursue Mariota or Winston only if it’s a realistic scenario. (Maybe Winston drops some.) But there’s no doubt that you have to shore up the O-line, get the run game more productive, etc.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

What would you put the odds at for the Rams RT in 2015 between Barksdale, Long or somebody else.
by Steve A 4:01 PM

Hard to give odds on this one. Barksdale may be no more than 50-50 because it really doesn’t look like the Rams are willing to overpay for him. If Barksdale goes, I think there’s a good chance J. Long opens the 2015 season at RT. But with Long’s injury, the Rams better have a backup plan.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Why wouldnt the NFL question Kroenke on the fact he is willing to pay for a stadium in L.A., but not put up the money in St. Louis?
by 3DW 4:03 PM

I would think it’s come up.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Any chance Mike Shanahan joins his friend as OC much like Williams did last year?
by Carolina Ram 4:03 PM

You know I’ve thought of that. I think it’s a long shot at best. Mike Shanahan has an ego. Don’t know if he sees himself as a coordinator any more.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

if chase daniel is released (i think kc has a couple cheaper backups) i think he would be a much better option than hill/austin. what are the chances that happens?
by steve r 4:05 PM

Again, the thing that concerns me with Daniel: 75 regular-season passes in six years.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

The Rams defense is trending up. If Bradford stays healthy and the offense can produce, they might have a winning record and maybe make the playoffs. Do you think the fans in St Louis would support the team with sellouts under these conditions or has Kroenke already alienated everyone beyond repair? If we keep supporting a “winning team”, how does Kroenke justify leaving?
by Tom R 4:06 PM

If the team started fast, which it hasn’t in any of the 3 previous seasons under Fisher, I think the fans would come out. And that would make it tougher for him to make a relocation case. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Being in New Jersey I really don’t have a horse in the relocation race and I’ve heard all the whining from both sides. The Rams fans that are out here would like to hear more about the team and players. Please focus more toward this. I live in the shadow of the Eagles. I can tell you these people are delusional. I think the Rams are moving in the right direction.
by jersey rams fan 4:08 PM

Well, you can’t just ignore what’s going on in relocation. But our coverage hasn’t changed in terms of writing on the team and the players. I just returned from the Senior Bowl, where I wrote several stories about prospects, particularly at the QB position. We’ll be at the combine. The Super Bowl. The owners meetings. We’ll have plenty of stuff on the draft and free agency in the weeks and months to come.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Between Deflategate, Pats, Seachickens really not much reason for a Rams Fans to watch the Superbowl. You got a good reason Jim ?
by OzyRamsFan 4:11 PM

C’mon. You really need help on this one? To root against the Patriots, obviously. You can detest the Seahawks some other day.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Hi Jim. I have been a Ram fan since the 70s. Even though i have no connection to LA or St. Louis I hope the Rams stay in St. Louis. I look forward to reading the articles you and Bernie write. I do miss Mr Burwells articles. I hope the new stadium becomes a reality. Would love to make a trip there.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 4:15 PM

Yeah, I miss Bryan’s articles as well. Come on up next season. Have a feeling there’ll be plenty of seats available.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Jim-Warner and Pace in the HOF this year? Would be nice to see them go in together.
by CLE Rams 4:16 PM

I think we’d all like to see that. I think Pace may have a better chance to be a first-ballot guy than Warner.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Jim, Is there anyone at the senior bowl practice that stands out or that you really like?
by PCAZ 4:17 PM

To be honest, there’s no Aaron Donald out there this year.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

I dont know if it was already asked but..the baylor QB in yor article… does you have some insight that Snead can take him in the round 2, since there’s real chance that he would be there?
by Luiz_BR 4:19 PM

I don’t know that Snead/Fisher would take him in the second round. But I do think, from what I know now, that he’ll be there. I’m intrigued by the guy.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

Do you see Belichick making it to the hall of fame, or is his rep to damaged?
by Gary in Pennsylvania 4:20 PM

Still think he gets in the Hall. Maybe the writers “punish” him by not putting him in on the first ballot.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

if kurt warner enter to hall of fame will be as a ram or as cardinal
by alex 4:21 PM

Unlike baseball, that’s not how it works. In football they don’t enter as a Ram or a Cardinal, they just enter as players.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Do you think that does fisher knows that he isn’t doing a good job at making this team a good “physical and run the ball” team?
by Luiz_BR 4:22 PM

Yeah, I think he does.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

If the new stadium gets approved, does Stan HAVE to stay here no matter what?
by ihtnep 4:23 PM

No. But he’ll be under quite a bit of pressure from the rest of the league to stay if that’s the case.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

renewed season tickets yesterday. I hope others do as well. We need to show the NFL that we support Dave Peacock and the players. Saw where Saints owner (87 yrs old) disowned his family. Can you say St Louis Saints.
by ramsfan 4:24 PM

OK. we know they’ll be at least one fan in the stands next year. . . . .
by jthomas 4:25 PM

what does the NFL do with all of the money from fines they impose?
by steve 4:26 PM

Goes to charity.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

If Pats fumble a lot or if Brady is inaccurate people will say it’s because they’re not used to the regulation football. Should be a fun super bowl.
by Terry 4:26 PM

Yeah it should. I thought it was a great matchup before any of this Deflategate.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

i can agree that the deflated footballs didn’t have a great deal of impact on the outcome of the game. but, if the same team has taped a teams walkthrough prior to a super bowl, steals hand signals, and now deflates footballs, the question has to be asked…”what other means of cheating are they doing/have done that hasn’t been discovered yet?”
by steve 4:28 PM

You have succinctly stated the case for the prosecution.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Hypothetically how would you handle deflate gate if Commish?
by Don 4:28 PM

I need more info. But I’m thinking lost draft picks at a minimum. Possible suspensions for the coach and player. (And perhaps a heavier suspension for the ‘Chick because he would be a repeat offender.)
by jthomas 4:30 PM

Given their record, would you vote Brady and/or Hoodie into the HOF? Wouldn’t they fall into the PED era players of baseball?
by Don 4:30 PM

As a follow up, Steve, maybe there should be.
by jthomas 4:34 PM

I have yet to see an open and shut scientific case that the footballs used last Sunday could not have lost 2 PSI, or even if 2 PSI is absolutely exactly how far below 12.5 the balls were. Scientifically, a ball will lose pressure over time if its taken into a colder environment from where it was filled up. I wonder if this our outrage culture run amok. I’d sure like to see a few more facts before I come to a conclusion.
by Lit 4:35 PM

It wasn’t that cold that day.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

I know its January but if you had to decide today, what position do the Rams pick with their first round choice?
by Tex 4:36 PM

Best player available. . .if he’s a quarterback or offensive lineman.
by jthomas 4:36 PM

They enter the HOF as players but do both teams display a Warner Jersey?
by Rickinpa 4:41 PM

There’s a bust on display. No jerseys.
by jthomas 4:42 PM