JT chat, 12/30 … transcript

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_70?Page=2

Hi Jim, another long off season at Rams park eh? Can’t have it any other way right? I’m kind of used to it now. Have a great new year.
by Ekern55 2:06 PM

Another cold winter here in Earth City for sure. We’ll see what the offseason brings Happy New Year to you.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

An SI article by Joan Niesen described Snead’s approach to building the roster as finding an obsession rather than a balance. In other words, be dominant on defense before anything else. Do you get the sense that will be the theme this offseason via draft and free agency? A couple years ago it was playmakers, last year felt like the running game.
by Todd 2:08 PM

I don’t know. I think I’d go heavy on offense (with a limited number of picks). QB, couple of interior offensive linemen. Maybe a WR.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

Is there a spot on defense that can be justifiably upgraded before we concentrate on offense? Shutdown corner like Trae Waynes? Or do they consider Jenkins, Johnson and Gaines good enough?
by Derek 2:08 PM

I’d like to see another corner added to mix. I don’t think the Rams feel that way however.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

Jim – Any idea on the timing of the task force update? I’ve heard January – do you know early, mid or late?
by McGarrett 2:09 PM

I don’t have an exact date for you. But I was under the impression that it would be early January, maybe next week.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Not a Bradford hater but since Fisher came here rams are 10-11-1 with Sam Bradford and 10-11 without him. You can make the argument they’ve played better football without him then with him. Would him being here really make a difference?
by Josh 2:10 PM

I think your math is off. The Rams were 4-5 without Bradford last year and 6-10 without him this year. That adds up to 10-15. And yes, I think the Rams would be better than 10-15 with Bradford.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

Good Day Jim, I am felling let down by this season, it is hard not to think the team regressed, Down in almost categories. This team says they are on the brink of success. What do you think ? I think if they fail to have a winning record it is time to move on and I am a Fisher supporter. Fours years is long enough to prove it
by OzyRamsFan 2:12 PM

I think this was clearly the most talented team that Fisher has had in three years here. I do think they are close to breaking out. But the result was 6-10. And therein lies the disappointment of 2014, even with the quarterback issues. And yes, I do think four years should be enough to prove it.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Do u think the rams oc will be fired
by Big Dogg 2:14 PM

Been wrong before. But I don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

2015 game one qb? My assumption is Bradford.
by Derek 2:15 PM

That’s would be the best bet right now.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Hey Jim – I’m curious why the new stadium plan is open air? Most fans I talk to were hoping for a retractable roof. Any reason other than cost?
by Walter 2:15 PM

M-O-N-E-Y. You’re talking probably a couple hundred million more.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Tell the Rams to please trade for me!!!
by Mike Glennon 2:16 PM

And you would be an upgrade?
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Do u think the rams will stay with sam
by Big Dogg 2:16 PM

That’s the plan.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

What do you this the solution is to the Rams inconsistency issues… they seemed to play much better against good teams like the Bronces and Seattle and yet laid a big fat egg against Minnesota and NY Giants. And Sceond, why did it seem the Rams were dominated in the second half of evey game… it that poor coaching or poor conditioning or something else?
by Anson C 2:17 PM

You would hope some of that would come with experience. And it’s getting to the point where many of the young players should now have enough experience to be ready on a game-in, game-out basis. And no what it takes to do so.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Hi Jim – I am with everyone on bringing back Bradford at a discounted price and drafting OL in the first two round and a QB in the third round but given the dispute between Cam Newton and his office in the midseason, is there any chance that the Rams office looks into Newton via trade? Perhaps our first round pick and RB Stacy? Newton is young, he is mobile and has a good arm. Happy New Year!
by abiRam 2:18 PM

Yeah, I like Newton. I think it would take more than a first-rounder and Stacy. And Newton does have the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs (albeit at 7-8-1). But can’t see that happening.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Any rumors swirling regarding the potential move or personnel shake ups on the coaching staff?
by Loyal Ram Fan 2:20 PM

Haven’t heard anything to that effect.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

hi jim happy new year… its time to start to talk about fa/draft…. you think this year snead/fisher put more attention on offense
by alex 2:20 PM

If you mean in terms of personnel acquisitions, they’ve paid plenty of attention to offense in free agency and the draft. Greg Robinson, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook, Scott Wells.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

JT, It seems that some players (cough, cough, Janoris Jenkins, cough) repeatedly make the same or similar errors. Is this a case of poor coaching or a player not being coachable?
by Amp Lee 2:21 PM

Myself, I think it’s more on the player. I don’t think you’re coached to leave your assignment, wander elsewhere, with the result being a huge play for the opposition in what was a tie game.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Jenoris Jenkins has had coverage problems all year – his he has talent – will demoting him get his attention, if so do the Rams trust their current level of DB’s enough or would they take use a the first round to find another starter
by Stlfilmmaker 2:22 PM

I think the Rams like who the have. Myself, I’m not sure about corner.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

speaking of drafts I see the primary needs as DB/QB/OL not in that order but def with the 1st three picks – your thoughts?
by Stlfilmmaker 2:23 PM

Again, don’t think the Rams have cornerback rated that highly as a need.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Another year of mediocrity in the books! Just wondering about free agency before we go draft crazy. Who out of Barksdale, Britt, Kendricks, A Carrington, D Joseph, S Hill (free agents) do you expect back next year? and who out Bradford, Jake Long, K Langford, Scott Wells (mediocre with huge salaries) do you expect back next year?
by willywawa 2:24 PM

I’d say the Rams want to keep Barksdale, Britt, and Kendricks, as well.as Hill. That doesn’t mean they will all be back. They could get better offers elsewhere. I think the Rams will try to bring Bradford back. It’s possible the Rams want Langford at a reduced salary since he’s no longer a starter. Not sure on Jake Long and Scott Wells.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

I realize there are no Round 1 likely QB’s after the top two. Who do you consider to be the next couple QB’s in line and what does their draft spot look like? Is Hundley a 2nd rounder now?
by Derek 2:27 PM

To early for me on that one. Stay tuned.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Jim, When will the Rams change their uniforms and when will they move to LA? Just kidding JT, in your opinion do you think the Rams will try to go after free agent Offensive Lineman in the offseason or draft? Also, who do you see as top free agent OL
by Jeff H 2:27 PM

The Rams will certainly look to bolster their O-Line, particularly the interior. Let me get back to you on top free-agent offensive linemen.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

Hi Jim, I’d say the 3 biggest needs that the Rams have to resolve before next year are 1) qb 2)qb and 3)qb. Not that the rest of the offense is perfect, but I think it’s good enough to score some points with a legitimate starter (which a healthy Bradford might be). Thoughts?
by Plutarch 2:28 PM

How about 1.) QB, 2.) QB and 3.) Offensive line.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

I know it’s early, but what position do you see the Rams addressing with the #10 overall pick in the draft or can we expect a trade-down to secure more picks? Also, what do you think of Alex Bayer’s opportunities to make more of a contribution in 2015, especially if Kendricks leaves as a free agent?
by Ohio Rams Fan 2:29 PM

If I had to pick now, I’d say offensive line.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Hi JT-would you consider Chase Daniels if available as a FA? Then draft the best QB possible and use Chase to bridge the gap for 2-3 years? He sure showed poise last Sunday.
by Sd 2:29 PM

He’s under contract w/KC in 2015. And don’t see that changing.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Jim when do you think we will now about Bradford and his contract for next year. A lot is riding on a reworked contract being hammered out
by OzyRamsFan 2:30 PM

It’s not going to happen overnight. There’s no roster bonus or looming deadline, so there’s no pressure to get something done quickly. I could see this lingering for a couple of months.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

With a healthy QB, I think 2015 will be a breakout year for the Rams as we play the AFC North and NFC North plus play Tampa and Washington as the other 2 last place finishers. We have to get good QB play along with solid OL play and Jenkins must step up at CB. There is a lot of talent on this team to keep playing below .500 ball!
by Ohio Rams Fan 2:31 PM

No doubt. Don’t disagree with anything you’re saying here.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

JT-I really agree with Gordos article stating that it seems Fish does not stress paying attention detail. Do you agree? I am self employed and that is my biggest job task-paying attn to details for success.
by Sd 2:32 PM

Fisher constantly talks about minimizing mistakes, and doing the little things right. Apparently it’s not sinking in.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Happy New Year Jim and thanks for the chat. It is easy to justify the record without a viable starting quarterback. If it weren’t for that and a penchant to play stupid at times, this team might well be looking forward to the playoffs. As a seasoned backup, I think Hill made enough bonehead plays that they should look elsewhere for a backup next year. Your take?
by Spatz 2:33 PM

I still like Hill as a backup.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

If healthy and it’s a big if what kind of qb do you think sam is?
by Kevin 2:34 PM

I think a healthy Bradford can be a good to very good QB. Maybe not a franchise QB.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Hey Jim, thanks for the chat! I’m a big fan from Toronto! It was painfully obvious that the offense was severly behind the defense this year. People like Arians did more with less. Is Shottey on hot seat? Fisher seemed agitated in his latest presser.
by Irv 2:35 PM

Don’t think Schotty is on the hot seat. For the most part Arizona got off to its hot start with Palmer at QB, they didn’t do all that much with Stanton and Lindley at QB, did they?
by jthomas 2:36 PM

THE INJURY PRONE BRADY FREE 24 MILL IN SALARY CAP FOR THE PATRIOTS…. YOU THINK THE 3 TIME SB CHAMPION BRADFORD DO THE SAME THING FOR THE RAMS….. WAIT A MINUTE
by alejandro 2:37 PM

You must have missed this. Bradford did a similar re-structure in 2012. No one recommended Bradford for sainthood at the time.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Hello Jim–would Silent Stan consider suing the NFL if he’s not allowed to move his team to L.A. for 2015?
by BoPat from SoCal 2:38 PM

Don’t think that’s in Kroenke’s DNA, especially since he still isn’t compliant with league cross-ownership guidelines.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Thanks for the coverage and Q&As this year Jim. Wondering if you could clear something up-I’ve read that Kroenke gave ownership of his CO sports interests to his son to satisfy the prohibition on cross-city ownership from the league. But reading recently it seems this hasn’t satisfied the league. What really is the situation on his ownership?
by ZP75 2:39 PM

I don’t know the particulars, but he still isn’t in compliance with cross-ownership rules. Just naming your son CO doesn’t mean that you have divested yourself financially from the franchise.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Thanks for the chats Jim. What are the chances that Schotty does not return? I am of the opinion that if we bring Bradford back at a low price, and really fix the OL in FA and the draft, a new OC like Mike Martz would guarantee us 25+ points per game. With this defense, we would be playoff contenders immediately. Thoughts of replacing Schotty and bringing back Mike Martz? Happy 2015!
by abiRam 2:41 PM

Don’t really have any odds on Schotty. We’ll see what Fisher says on the topic today. I can’t see Mike Martz coaching here again.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

No doubt losing Bradford doomed the Rams season but not as much as Silent Stan’s flirtation with moving them back to LA. Provided he is presented with a new stadium option what do you see as the odds he will keep the team in St. Louis. My take is that he loves money more than St. Louis Rams fans. You say…….?
by Spatz 2:43 PM

I don’t think the relocation had any impact on the players’ performance. If the stadium option in St. Louis comes to fruition _ plans, land, financing _ I don’t see how the league would let Stan move.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

1) Do you do these chats year round?
by Jeff in Utah 2:44 PM

Basically. At least until the late spring, early summer hiatus.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Hey Jim! Any big plans for NYE? Do all the Rams beat writers go get smashed?
by Pete 2:45 PM

Not any more. I’ll watch some football.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Same old rams, or should I say young rams ( that is always their crutch ). Wish list for the new year- get rid of JLong, Wells, Schottenheimer, Dunbar, and the Eggo (Janoris Jenkins)
by scram 2:45 PM

The Eggo?
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Hey Jim….. any chance of the Rams moving Alexander back to linebacker? He played there in college until his Senior year….. looks like the Safety position is pretty strong with the acquisition of Barron.
by schaef21 2:46 PM

Haven’t heard that one.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

2) What do you think? Try Trumaine Jonson at Free Safety, best ball hawk worst man cover guy. Trade Janoris he has value.. for a ol player … Joyner and Roberson fight for starting CB on the other side…
by Jeff in Utah 2:46 PM

Haven’t heard that one.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

BTW Happy Holidays final questions – any word on Quick’s recovery timetable? re: Austin’s development as a route runner – what are your thoughts on the coaching staff being able to coach up players
by Stlfilmmaker 2:46 PM

Quick isn’t expected back until training camp. I will have an update on him sometime this week. I think the WR corps overall was noticeably better this year.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Jim do you think Austin Davis will be on the roster for 2015
by Bhensley 2:47 PM

Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he came into training camp and the preseason. After that, all bets are off.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

The Giants beat the Rams head to head, why are they picking in front of us?
by The Greatest Show On Ice 2:48 PM

The tie-breaker for draft position is strength of schedule. The Rams played a stronger schedule than the Giants, because of that the Giants get to pick before the Rams.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Seems like every game JJ plays soft and gets burned, either being beaten by his man or dropping coverage. I was amazed by the cushion given the Seahawks receivers and if it weren’t for a pass rush, they would have been picked apart had Wilson more time. Please tell me that the Rams coaches will fix him over the off season and preseason next year.
by Spatz 2:50 PM

Jenkins is playing off coverage because that’s where he’s assigned to play on that particular play.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Tavon Austin v. Hazier Akim not much difference except where they were drafted. Your thoughts.
by larry m 2:51 PM

Can’t disagree with that at this point.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

The Rams didn’t run well this season. Do you think they never commit to the run because of the O line was not good enough?Last year they run better having Saffold as right guard next to Barksdale and Saffold look better too on the right side. Where do you see Saffold playing next year right or left?
by Felix 2:51 PM

The injury to Jake Long forced the Rams to move Saffold to left guard. (Because veteran Davin Joseph is only a right guard.) I think the Rams would rather have Saffold at right guard.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Jim to further my last question regarding Bradford contract rework. Is it an advantage to the Rams to have it sorted out before the draft ?
by OzyRamsFan 2:54 PM

Certainly. I think it would be to the Rams’ advantage to have it decided by the start of the free agency/trading period in March.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Previously, any idea on the timing of the task force update? What is the task force? Thanks
by larry m 2:55 PM

The task force is Dave Peacock and Bob Blitz. It’s expected in early January.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Garret Gilbert signed to NE Patriots practice squad mid December. Does Belichick see something Rams missed?
by larry m 2:56 PM

Apparently they do.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

There is no better option next year than trust that Sam Bradford is going to stay healty, right?
by Felix 2:57 PM

That’s the way it looks at the moment.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Who is involved when evaluating the coaching staff?
by bjf 2:57 PM

In terms of assistants that’s pretty much Fisher’s deal.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Jim – Do you think that Bradford is willing to come back at a reduced rate?
by abiRam 2:58 PM

I think so.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

How hot do you think Fishers seat will be with another poor start to the season next year? After all this continual bone head plays and same mistakes being made over and over again falls right at the coaches feet along with no real back up plan for a fragile QB
by Up North 2:58 PM

Pretty hot.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Jim, do the Rams win last Sunday in Seattle with a decent QB?
by LaughingLion 2:59 PM

Very possible.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

On the Cunningham fumble. How is it at all fair that is a turnover? The seahawks never got possession. Seems to me it should be down at the spot of the fumbel. I was flabbergasted, not sure I had seen that before.
by brps 2:59 PM

Yeah, it’s a strange rule. But one that happens more often than you’d think.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Bradford is brittle, so you are basically on borrowed time and Hill is then the #2. What Fisher is saying to fans is “rather than find a permanent solution I will opt for hoping Bradford stays health or else it is 2014 all over again.”
by Tackleberry 3:00 PM

I think you can assume that only if there isn’t another QB added to the mix.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

If Fisher goes, who does Stan K turn to for advice on a hire? Is K Demhoff a managment figure vs a football figure – meaning he is a fixture?
by larry m 3:01 PM

Fisher’s not going. Not this season.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Do the Rams think that Kenny Britt is an important player to bring back at a premium price?
by bjf 3:01 PM

They want him back. But I don’t think 48 catches for 748 qualifies for a premium paycheck.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Any idea what ESPN 8 the ocho aired cause of the no Rams parade?
by Boon 3:04 PM

I believe it was Championship Checkers Showdown.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

wish we could get Holt as our wr coach
by Big Dogg 3:04 PM

Don’t think Holt wants to work as a full-time wide receiver corps.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Jim – Follow up question on Fisher’s authority, do you think that with his track record he is someone that should have as much authority in the organization as he has?
by WestCoastRam 3:05 PM

Well, I think he’s the 17th winningest coach in NFL history. He came here with a little bit more of a track record than Steve Spagnuolo or Scott Linehan.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Does a healthy Bradford turn 2014 Rams from 6-10 to 10-6? They win Dallas, AZ @home, SD and Minn, but @SF was a pretty lucky win, so maybe 9-7 even with a healthy Sam. Is that reason to celebrate?
by WestCoastRam 3:08 PM

Possibly. I think they win two to three more for sure. After 11 straight non-losing seasons, yeah I think 9-7 would be reason to celebrate.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Do you think if a stadium proposal is finalized at the rams stay in town that Stan will sell the team? I get the impression from reading several accounts that it’s LA or nothing for him. I’ve often thought that when stan bought the team outright his plan was to move them. Far fetched assumption I’m sure. Thanks jim
by Eastsideandy 3:10 PM

Kroenke has never been a seller when it comes to his franchises. So that would be a first.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Any chance the Rams would be interested in trading for Jay Cutler? I remember reading that Fisher was high on him when he was coming out of college.
by Karl 3:11 PM

I would think the Rams would at least look into it. As for Fisher’s interest in Cutler, that as nearly a decade ago.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Jim, from your perspective, why is it that the Rams always seemed to have difficulty scoring on offense in the second half? Is there not a trend or am I missing something?
by Spatz 3:13 PM

One of the great mysteries of the offense in 2014. Is it a matter of adjustments, or simply a case of the talent level of the opposing team gradually taking over.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Fisher IMO was unwilling to look to the future by not playing Barnes and Jones on the O-line the last two games. Also, looking back, was Hill (no upside) any better than Davis (potential upside)?
by larry m 3:14 PM

Although the turnovers by Hill closed the gap, he still made fewer mistakes than Davis.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Is it true the Rams want Shaun Hill to return question why ? ? ?
by Boohoohoo Rams 3:15 PM

Because there are a lot of bad backup QBs in the league.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

I know he
truly feel if Sam returns he can come back better than ever. Aaron Rodgers sat for 4 years before getting his shot, he learned alot of stuff in meetings and in the film room which Bradford is doing now. Your thoughts?
by mac90 3:16 PM

I don’t doubt the Bradford’s talent. It’s all about the health.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

If Fisher does decide to move on from Brian Schottenheimer, would Mark Trestman be a possibility as a replacement?
by Mike 3:17 PM

That’s an interesting thought. There are plenty of good coordinators around who just aren’t meant to be head coaches. Trestman is a good offensive mind. But would that mean more of a tilt to the passing game? And if so, is that really what Fisher wants?
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Jim – Thanks for the response on Martz. What’s the issue now between the Rams and Martz? Is the dislike mutual? Do Martz and Kroenke/Demoff don’t get along? Just trying to learn more about where the bad blood is. Thanks!
by abiRam 3:19 PM

Well, for one. It was a messy divorce. For another, Martz has proven to be high-maintenance. And lastly, we all know that Martz leans heavily to the pass, which would be a 180-change for Fisher. So I don’t necessarily view that as bad blood, just not a good fit.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

sports illustrated had a mock draft yesterday through the top 10 picks they had J Winston of Florida State at 10 going to the Rams, I myself cannot see him getting past the Jets, but if he was there would you take him.
by mick 3:22 PM

Obviously hesitations because of all the off-field stuff. But there’s no doubt he can play. I’d have to learn a lot more about him.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Mike Smith recently of Atlanta had an impressive run as head coach even with this year’s record. In your opinion would he be a candidate for the Rams head coach next year if/when Fisher goes.
by I Pead clone 3:23 PM

Next year, is a long time away.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Hi Jim, Whats with Jenkins? Is there anyway the coaches can teach him to be less aggressive? I really would like to see us pick up a corner in free agency, to sure up that side of the defense.
by Len 3:23 PM

Still lacks discipline and consistency. I’m sure the coaching staff had hoped that would’ve changed by now. But it seems his faulty tendencies are as bad as ever.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Fisher and Sneads jobs will be on the line this year so I see them going all out in free agency, your thoughts?
by mac90 3:25 PM

Bradford press conference coming up in 5 minutes. Have to leave early this week. Thanks for playing. Until next week.
by jthomas 3:27 PM