JT Chat, 12/8

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_93b5e5390ba0?Page=0

JT, I want to be the first with the FIRE JEFF FISHER thread!
by Cousin Vinny 2:02PM

You win the prize.
by jthomas 2:02 PM

Hi Jim, Do you see any way at all that the Rams have a high caliber QB under center next year? I’m assuming that QB is not on the roster now.
by Tom 2:02PM

Sure. Obviously, finding one is easier said then done. And obviously there are a lot of things in flux right now as well, such as where the team is playing next year.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

Why not give Mannion at least some reps? They say he’s not ready. Have Foles or Keenum looked “ready” at all this year? What’s the worse that could happen? At least see if he’s worth building on.
by steve r 2:04PM

I understand your desire to see Mannion play. But even if he started Sunday, and he’s not, would 4 games be enough to tell if he’s worth hanging onto? Fisher is still trying to win games _ for obvious reasons. And he’s trying to play the guys that give him the best chance to win.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

To be clear is Cignetti still on the payroll and doing other things or is he fired and yer outta here?
by Terry 2:09PM

He’s still on the payroll _ that’s what happens when coaches get fired. Their contracts get paid off unless they quit. But o, he’s not in the building doing other things.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

Any interest in the Patriots trading for Welker?
by B. Mac 2:11PM

The trading deadline is past for this season. So the Rams would have to release Welker in order for the Patriots to have a chance at him.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

I think that the odds of Fisher being fired are about zero if the Rams stay in STL, and over 50% if they move to LA. Your thoughts please?
by Tom 2:11PM

Why would they change one way or another. You either want him leading your team or your organization _ for whatever reason _ or you don’t.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

The Rams website is showing the game against Detroit as Fan Appreciation Day, which is normally the last game. Are they not expecting people to show up for the Tampa game?
by David 2:12PM

I am unaware that the Detroit game is fan appreciation day. If that’s the case, the Rams haven’t done a very good job of getting the word out.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

To generate some optimism and buzz in their new home, that’s why.
by Tom 2:13PM

But if they stay in St. Louis, just forget about any optimism or buzz.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

If Payton is let go by N.O. do we take a look at him
by mdk 2:14PM

Kroenke does have a track record of hiring experienced coaches.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Why change quarterbacks now Foles was brought in for that purpose. This new OC. What’s the difference between him and the other. Thanks
by Marty 2:15PM

Just like any other position, you change the QB and try something else if you don’t think he’s getting the job done. Pretty basic stuff, don’t you think? As for the difference between Cignetti and Boras, we’ll have to see. Boras has been a very low-profile coach here. But It’s not like there will be a radical change in approach over these last 4 games.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

There are seven million reasons Kroenke won’t fire Fisher for 2016 regardless of where the Rams are playing in 2016 because that’s what Fisher’s salary is
by RAMsey 2:17PM

This could very well be the case.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

What will the NFL do if Kroenke turns down the NCR Stadium? Would they let him go year to year so we go through this “stuf” every year.
by STLRamMan 2:18PM

I think that’s possible.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Miles Austin was let go. Do the rams take a peek.
by Marty 2:19PM

Perhaps, if you’re thinking about next year. But with just 4 weeks left in 2015, it’s not like he’s going to do much good this year. By the time he learns the playbook, the season will be over.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

What do you think the rams target at the draft? O line or a WR?
by Nick 2:20PM

Since the Rams drafted 5 offensive linemen last season (including the supplemental draft) I can’t see them going heavily there, unless there’s a left tackle or center they really like. Fisher doesn’t like drafting WRs high _ Tavon Austin at No. 8 overall notwithstanding. Maybe there’s a QB they like. And what happens if they have major defections in the secondary? They have four starters there scheduled for free agency at the end of this season (that’s if you include Mark Barron, who’s basically playing LB these days.)
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Whenever the Patriots or Cowboys play on TV the TV cameras focus on Robert Kraft of Jerry Jones at least once a game. I assume StanK does not attend Rams home games in St. Louis, but does Stan attend road games like in Minnesota or Baltimore etc.?
by LouieB 2:23PM

Kroenke does in fact attend most of the home games.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Now that the season is a confirmed failure we turn our eyes to the draft. Which D-lineman does Fisher have his eyes on for next year?
by Jake 2:23PM

I don’t think he’s contemplating the draft at this time.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

There’s a lot of noise about moving Robinson to guard. What do you think?
by Tom R 2:24PM

Haven’t heard any noise here at Rams Park.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Just how bad is the Mighty Quinn hurt? First it was reported as knee, then back, then hip, NOW who knows? Any insight on what exactly is going on with him? Backs & hips can kill careers so its got me concerned long term.
by Touareg 2:25PM

I wrote about this some in my story on the declining Rams defense Sunday. The back is the biggest issue, with Quinn and backs aren’t something you get over quickly. I think it’s possible the team shuts him down for the year. http://www.stltoday.com
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Any chance stanley sells the team?
by Cousin Vinny 2:30PM

It would be out of character. He’s never been a seller when it comes to his pro sports franchises.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

When would you consider playing Mannion to see what he has? Also, shouldnt Rhaney have an opportunity at Center?
by D_Roks30 2:31PM

I’m old school on these things. This isn’t August.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Jim Any chance the ghost of Christmas future visits Stan and causes him to re-think his ghastly future legacy?
by Great Deacon’s Ghost 2:32PM

That would be interesting.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

If Fisher is the Rams coach next season will the Rams insist on getting the next Martz as a coordinator the way they did with Vermiel?
by bjf 2:32PM

They should. But again, the owner’s focus is more on Los Angeles, not on what’s happening on the football field.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Were you surprised at how easily the Cardinals moved the ball against the Rams last Sunday? It looked to me like the Rams were just going through the motions and the Cardinals rubbed their faces into the dirt. I can’t see them winning another game this year, can you?
by Jess 2:33PM

Yeah the Cardinals did gain a lot of yards Sunday, the third-highest total gained against the Rams since the team moved to St. Louis in 1995. But I definitely don’t think it was because the team was going through the motions. Despite all those yards it was just 10-3 midway through the third quarter. With any kind of an offense, the Rams might have been able to make a game of it. It is difficult to see the Rams winning another this season.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Any thoughts on free agent qb’s next year? Cutler? Manning?
by Mike 2:36PM

Why would Manning want to play for the Ram? If he’s not in Denver, don’t you think he would want to go to a contender?
by jthomas 2:37 PM

As we near the close of yet another horrendously disappointing season, I fell the team has more questions than answers. Not to be depressing or anything during the holiday season but we have more holes than fortified positions. No one could believe that Fisher is the answer to anything but a trivia question and our owner is a nefarious evil doer.
by Great Deacon’s Ghost 2:37PM

It doesn’t look pretty, can’t argue with that.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Kevin Hogan Stanford, Paxton Lynch Memphis or Cook from Michigan State..who would you like to see the Rams draft IF they take a QB in the 1st -2nd Round?
by CaliSteve 2:38PM

Too early for me on that one. Hogan played better this year, but I like Lynch and Cook better at this point.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Seriously Jim. How would you fix this mess? Thanks for your time.
by Jess 2:39PM

I’m not a big advocate of this normally, but I would say blow it up.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

The Wildcat plays are desperate but fun to watch. Wouldnt it be smarter for Austin to be in the cat instead of TG III?
by D_Roks30 2:40PM

Yeah, that would be interesting. As you know, the Rams have had some plays with Austin in the backfield before (w/a QB), and they’ve been fairly effective.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Do you believe if St. Louis does not approve a stadium by the end of December, the NFL will hand LA to Stan? Will they ignore San Diego?
by Stickman 2:41PM

They might. Or they might delay the thing for a year.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

I know you’re old school and it isn’t August. Last year at this time, you were old school and it wasn’t August, and you were against playing Barrett Jones and Tim Barnes. Instead, we went into 2015 thinking we might have a couple of outstanding offensive linemen there. How’s that working out for us?
by George M. 2:42PM

And so playing Rhaney at center for 4 games at the end of this season will provide a definitive answer on whether he can play in this league? Get real. Just like playing Tim Barnes late in the 2013 season for 4 starts did? This isn’t training camp. It’s the regular season. You play the guys you think give you the best chance to win. If you think Rhaney gives you the best chance, play him. But if you don’t, you don’t play him. Plain and simple.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Delaying an LA decision for a year would be catastrophic to Rams fans and would almost assuredly set back constructing a new stadium after putting St. Louis through grinder. I am assuming the BOA approves finances for the new stadium by months end. Your take?
by Jess 2:45PM

So who else do you play in Week 14 with a fixed roster?
by jthomas 2:46 PM

With Cignetti getting fired and rumors that same could be for Snead at end of year, one would think that Fisher is admitting failure in his decisions and agreeing for change for an extension. Can’t imagine the will have him coach out his last year of contract. Why would any FA sign here beyond over paying them?
by Touareg 2:47PM

So what you’re telling me then is that you see some re-arranging of chairs on the decks of the Titanic?
by jthomas 2:47 PM

What QBs that are out there or may be out there do you think we should take a chance with?
by Joe 2:48PM

The top QBs currently scheduled for free agency: Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kirk Cousins, Brock Osweiler.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

In what priority would you address needs at QB, OL, WR, and TE next offseason and/or in the draft?
by Tom 2:52PM

At this point, I’d say QB first.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Good afternoon Jim. Can you think of one position on offense (other than running back) that does need to be upgraded? I cannot. I think Havenstein is average, but average would indicate the need for upgrade right?
by Donny Downer 2:52PM

It certainly looks like a lot of work needs to be done to fix the offense. More than a cosmetic make over. I don’t think the Rams are simply going to give up on all the young O-linemen they just drafted, so they may not be a huge area of need. But you certainly have to think about QB, WR, and TE.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Question somebody should’ve asked Fisher at the presser: “No doubt whomever put all the rookies on the offensive line, traded for Foles, kept Kennum for Davis, should be fired. Was Cignetti the culprit?”
by Ziggy 2:55PM

I don’t see how you can look at the situation and not see a certain amount of scapegoating.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Jim – How much of the problem on offense involves WRs who can’t get separation? Combine that with inaccurate QBs…
by McGarrett 2:56PM

That’s part of the problem to be sure. So is not coming down with the football on catchable passes.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Foles is slow to react, and inaccurate. His passes have little to no zip. Any chance he’s got an injury or two we don’t know about?
by Tom 2:57PM

I wondered about that earlier in the season. But don’t think it’s the case.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

JT, percentage the rams have a new coach next year.
by Cousin Vinny 2:58PM

At this point, I’ll say 40-60.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

How about Ken Whisenhunt as an offensive coordinator? Didn’t he preside over the Steelers offense when they were run oriented and then was flexible enough to let Kurt Warner go pass happy with the Cardinals? The NFL is loaded with ex head coaches who are now cooridinators. Is there any connection between Fisher and Wiz now?
by George 2:59PM

I guess that’s possible, but Whisenhunt has gotten a reputation of being stubborn and hard to work for _ in both Arizona and Tennessee.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Do you imagine Keenum being any better than Foles? Maybe it’s time to give Mannion all the reps?
by Dave 3:00PM

Based on what we saw of Keenum vs. Baltimore, I would say no. But I think he deserves another chance. Maybe he’ll surprise us vs. Detroit.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Hi Jim, Long time Rams fan here and another tough season to watch. What are the chances of Rams going after top QB in the draft? A bonefide Free Agent? Any chance they would ever look at Bradford again if price is right?
by Art from N.J. 3:01PM

I think they’ve got to look long and hard at a remake at QB. Can’t see the current regime bringing Bradford back.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Hi, Jim. I can’t figure out how Foles got so much worse fro m 2013 to 2014 to 2015. Is it offensive line, pass protection? Receivers? Hit by a bus and forgot how to play quarterback? Can you shed any light on this?
by George M. 3:02PM

There obviously are issues around him _ on the O-line and at WR/TE. But he’s missing badly on a lot of throws, and simply not seeing other open receivers. Those issues have nothing to do with his supporting cast. I think it was a given that there would be something of an adjustment period as Foles learned a new offense and got used to being under center (at least part of the time) again. But nobody saw this coing.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

After Fishers sunday press conference did you get a good sense that he’s lost a lost soul and maybe its time to call it quits? or is he just too arrogant.
by Cousin Vinny 3:05PM

Bewildered by all this? Yes. A lost soul? No.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

How many FA’s on the D are looking for greener pastures at the end of the season?
by Tom 3:06PM

The only one I can speak on is Janoris Jenkins, who told me several weeks back he intended to “bet on himself” and test the market.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Your compadre, Mr. Gordon, wrote today what I was thinking Sunday, that the Rams look like they did under Spagnolo, 4 years, a ton of top draft choices, and no improvement. Given that, how can anyone justify giving Fisher another year?
by George M. 3:07PM

Yeah, it looks pretty much as bad as it ever has. And if that continues over the final four games, I don’t know how you can justify it.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

How much does the Rams inexperienced OL play into their rotten record and shoddy execution?
by Jess 3:08PM

Of course, it’s a factor. And it became a bigger factor with the injuries to Brown and Havenstein, and to a lesser degree Donnal and Williams. But as I’ve mentioned elsewhere here today, there are also dropped passes, bad passes, receivers who aren’t getting open enough, and a QB who’s not always seeing them when they are open. At the end of the day, it’s very hard to win in this league without at least decent QB play.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Anything to the report of the NFL helping Oakland build a new stadium thus keeping the team in Oakland? Does this hurt the STL stadium progress?
by Duane Barrett 3:11PM

From what I can tell, I don’t think there’s much of substance to that report at this point.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

When the head ball coach is out of answers; it presents the question: why is he still the head ball coach? It seems with the defensive personnel on the roster that we should think about letting Fisher go and bring in a solid offensive mind like Hue Jackson to fix the offense and move this bus forward. He has experience as a HC (and endured the turmoil that is the Raiders) and is a good and proven fixer on offense. Thoughts?
by Ramsfan67 3:12PM

Hue Jackson is a pretty good coach.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Is Greg Robinson another number 2 overall pick washout like Jason Smith? It seems like a number 2 pick should not have as many holding penalties as he does. He also has issues with false starts although he is not yet at the Alex Barron level yet. I know Fisher has a run first offense, but in a passing league like the NFL you might think Fisher could see that the elite teams that make the playoffs every year have a cornerstone QB which the Rams thought they had in Sam Bradford, but that fizzled out too.
by RichieI 3:13PM

I’ve said this before on this chat, and I’ll say it again. I’m far from ready to label Greg Robinson a bust at this point.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

JT, I am disappointed Fisher may stay next year as HC of this team. This team needs a new QB, upgrades on some OL positions, find a #1 WR, a slot WR and atleast one TE and possibly a fullback. A new offensive coordinator means new terminology too. For all this to come together in one off season is not likely. And Fisher is not good finding offensice talent either. This means another losing season in 2016 before the defensive talent is wasted. Based on this, doesn’t it makes sense to fire Fisher right away and get a new head coach and retool in 2016? Continuity for the sake of continuity is bad and Fisher should go. Thoughts?
by Mark 3:14PM

You need to talk to Stan Kroenke on this one. . . .And good luck with that. But I agree with your central point, it just doesn’t look like it’s working with Fisher. Can four weeks change that impression? We’re about to find out.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Afternoon Jim, while I am elated to once again get the opportunity to see my beloved RAMS play in the UK next year, I am somewhat disappointed it is yet again a home game which is sacrificed for this pocket lining cause of the NFL. Do you read anything in to this decision? Is Stan appeasing the NFL by doing this to sweeten his relocation cause? Also, of the Rams first 5 picks in the 2016 draft (2 of which are 2nd Rnd’rs) How many of those 5 do you see being Offensive players given our woe’s on that side of the ball. I’ll actually be pretty miffed if we pick any defensive players period.
by English Ram 3:16PM

Not sure what to read into the London decision. Of course, it does seem strange to take away a home game if the Rams indeed were going to be playing in LA next year. As for going offense in the draft, while a agree that the offense needs a major makeover, you have to keep in mind there are a ton of pending free agents on the defensive side of the ball: Hayes, Sims, Barron, McLeod, Jenkins, and Johnson among them. So the equation could change based on who’s back and who goes among that group.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

A question and a comment: how, under any scenario, does Snead stay on if Fisher is fired? Also, we can all feel bad for Cignetti being the fall guy for Fisher/Snead but honestly he never would have been an OC on any other team except for the control monster, Fisher.
by Tackleberry 3:20PM

Yeah, it’s hard to see Snead staying if Fisher goes.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Are the Rams still the youngest team in the NFL this year? It seems like they bragged about this fact in past years, but with the problems with the offensive line this year and the offense in general, somebody might say “hey let’s get some veterans who can guide the rookies to maturity”. The veterans that Fisher has surrounded himself with ie – Jared Cook, Kenny Britt, Nick Foles – seem incapable of doing this.
by FredB 3:22PM

I believe they opened the season as the youngest team in the league once again. They have only three players on the roster age 30 or older: Chris Long, William Hayes, and Wes Welker. And I do agree, there definitely is a leadership void on offense.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Last week I chatted here about the fear of the Cardinals third string RB running for a bunch of yards against us. Time to go buy a lottery ticket. I’ll pick you up one too.
by David 3:25PM

Please do.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

How about the Rams go after Chase Daniel as he is an UFA? Due to Foles contract you have to bring him back. Then we draft another QB. Go into camp next year with Foles Daniel Mannion and draftee. Oh and bring in the best QB coach you can find to get Foles head on straight
by Terry 3:26PM

Daniel would be intriguing, but it’s not like he has gotten a lot of playing time over the years. So he would definitely be a projection-type pickup.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Do you feel the Cignetti move was one of desperation by fisher and snead or do you think stanley put some heat on..
by Cousin Vinny 3:27PM

I wouldn’t rule out any of what you’re saying.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Jerry Jones once said ” you cant imagine the size of the check I would write to get a super bowl championship” Is this the case with SK? Can we actually throw money at the problem. HC, OC, DC?
by Len 3:28PM

I’ve never heard Stan Kroenke say he’s in the football business to win championships. I’ve heard him say on many occasions in the past that he wants to field competitive teams, but I’ve never heard him say it’s all about the championships. Nonetheless, he has spent to the salary cap limit basically every year he’s been controlling owner, and he made Fisher one of the league’s highest-paid coaches.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

When are the alderman scheduled to vote on the stadium?
by Ron 3:31PM

I believe some kind of vote, it could just be a committee vote, could take place Thursday.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Other teams have injuries and still manage to win games (see NE for example), why can’t the Rams?
by Jess 3:32PM

I hear you.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Hi Jim, Thanks for the chats. On other teams you see the players holding each other accountable for missed assignments, dropped passes, penalties (You know the stuff good teams don’t do). What player on the Rams do you see as that person? Because I don’t see a good candidate on this team and these mistakes are all things the Rams do over and over again.
by STLFootball 3:32PM

As I mentioned earlier, I believe there’s a leadership void on offense.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

I am going to the game this Sunday. What shall I expect from the Rams. Do you think they will show up or will calvin johnson have 5 tds?
by zach 3:33PM

Although it hasn’t been the case lately, I hope you see a competitive game. I don’t think Calvin Johnson will have 5 TDs. Maybe 1 or 2.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Gurley getting 9 touches last game? Why does he come out on third downs? Is Cunningham a better receiver than Gurley? I doubt that, but we don’t really know because rarely does Gurley have a pass thrown his way. Why? Or is it solely due to pass-blocking?
by David 3:34PM

I think some of it has to do with pass-blocking. Cunningham is very good at that. But Gurley isn’t bad. Although the score got out of hand in the second half, I am a little surprised that Gurley didn’t get more carries. I’d like to see him thrown to more often as well.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

What’s happened to our D?
by Tom 3:36PM

Here’s a link to a Sunday story I wrote on that topic: http://www.stltoday.com
by jthomas 3:36 PM

fire cignetti? who’s next? the equipment manager? trainer? secretary? firing the offensive coordinator feels a lot spagnuolo-esque, eh?
by steve 3:37PM

If you wanted to make a change at OC, I’m surprised you wait until there are just 4 games remaining to do so.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Hey St. Louis, miss me yet?
by Sam Bradford 3:38PM

Not yet.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Was Austin Davis the best QB the Rams had since Marc Bulger got hit one too many times?
by Jake 3:39PM[/i]

Wouldn’t go that far.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

i’ll try this one again: have you had any communication with dave checketts, former blues owner who tried to bid for the rams in 2010 and who left his position with legends hospitality to pursue investments in team sports? have you had any communications with any other individuals interested in or actively working to put together a group to purchase the rams?
by branford76 3:40PM

No.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

This team is a mess from top to bottom. It is more than likely they are gone from the Lou next year. Given their poor record and the uncompetitive state of this team, how does StanK think he’s going to sell personal seat licenses and season tickets? Even LA fans can’t be that stupid can they?
by Jess 3:42PM

They’ll come out. . . .for a while.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Jim, LouieB had a point about the owners box. Do you know why they don’t ever show Stan “not the man” Kroenke on TV? You see Spanos and Davis with especially with all the talk of relo so why do they not show Stan?
by STLRamMan 3:42PM

Kroenke is an expert at avoiding the media and cameras.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Hey Jim! This year looks a lot like the Big Red’s 1985 implosion to me. So much going wrong, and so much negative news from ownership down to the field. I was thinking it must be hard for you to have to keep reporting this b.s. So thanks for your hard work, and your excellent coverage of what’s going on!
by Alton Ken 3:44PM

Thank you. A train wreck can be entertaining. But it’s gets very old after you’ve chronicled so many.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

In your opinion, what would have been the difference if Fisher had chosen Boras instead of Cignetti as OC?
by Stickman 3:45PM

Hard to say. Maybe we’ll get a little bit of an answer to that over the final 4 games.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Ticket packet does indeed say it’s fan appreciation game against the Lions. I’ve called them twice, and they say the plans are being finalized. What an organization.
by Steve 3:46PM

Wow. That’s good to know. Thx.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Off topic, but miss Bryan Burwell. Meet him while visiting a friend that lived in his neighborhood several times, very classy man. So unfair, way too young
by Touareg 3:47PM

Thanks for those thoughts. It was one year ago Friday that he passed away. He was one of my best friends, a great person, and I miss him.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

CB Cary Williams was released by Seattle. DO we take a look?
by Ramsfan 3:48PM

I would particularly w/the current injury situation at cornerback.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

When Kroenke is at the Dome does he often go into the locker room after the game? I was near the Ram’s locker room after Sunday’s loss and thought I saw Stan and his security entourage exiting the locker room.
by Joe 3:49PM

He usually meets with Fisher after games when he’s there.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

I think Stan has finally defeated me. Passed up free tickets cause I didn’t want to buy an 8 dollar beer from him.
by Tom’s Spirit 3:50PM

If you look at all the empty seats in the dome on Sundays, you’re not alone.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

If BOA pass vote, what percentage you give Rams on staying?
by keith 3:50PM

I will update my odds when (if?) that happens.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

My dad took me to Ram games at the Coliseum back in the ’70’s. I hope to take my grandson to Ram games if they relocate. Question: As a fan, would YOU take your grandson to watch THESE Rams?
by Bopat from SoCal 3:51PM

Gotta say, at this moment in time, they’re tough to watch. Very tough to watch.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Will Johnson play this Sunday?
by Tom 3:52PM

Not sure at this time. Team returns to practice Wednesday. (They’re back on the Tuesday off schedule.)
by jthomas 3:52 PM

4-3 now seems as long ago as the GSOT glory days…maybe this Sunday i’ll just stream games from the 99 season instead of getting myself all worked up over another loss
by SSoto 3:53PM

Pain felt.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Is the defense suffering because of Quinn or something else?
by Gary 3:53PM

That’s a big part of it. Missing Ogletree and Johnson as well. They have played two of the league’s top offenses the past 2 Sundays. And the strain of carrying the offense all season, including being on the field so much more this season, is starting to take a toll.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

I’m not from St Louis, so this is not meant as any kind of criticism of the specific BOA members, but it seems to me that when someone wealthy and powerful (SK) has something to gain from a vote, he/she is able to apply some pretty effective pressure. If the BOA votes against the stadium plan, will the “game” be over?
by bluffberg 3:56PM

Pretty much.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

I’m going to the Lion game, maybe they should have a few trays of anti-depressants for the fans!
by beppo 3:56PM

Now, now. Drugs aren’t good for you.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Forgot about those two as I listen from Atlanta. do you think boras can fix the lack offense?
by Gary 3:57PM

Hard to imagine any radical improvement this late in the season. But Detroit has only a middle-of-the-pack defense _ perhaps yards will be easier to come by this Sunday.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Choose one: P Lynch, J Goff, L Treadwell, L Tunsil, V Hargreaves
by CleveRams 3:58PM

While reserving the right to change my mind between now and the draft _ I’ll say Lynch.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Foles is bailing out of the pocket way too fast, Jim, he never steps up into the pocket….Has anybody else noticed that?
by Dr Doolittle 3:59PM

Yes, we have.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Jim, as beat writer you don’t get to see all 32 teams, but is the best you have seen this year?
by Grouch 3:59PM

The best team I’ve seen in person? Arizona.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Is it true some Rams were talking trash before the Az. game?
by Bopat from SoCal 4:00PM

I’m sure there was before and during. Probably not after.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

Do you think the Rams regret letting Austin Davis go?
by Bopat from SoCal 4:01PM

At this point? Don’t think so.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Once a QB bails like Foles, his confidence is absolutely shot, stick a fork in this dude, Jim, that’s a bad bad trait for a NFL QB
by Grouch 4:01PM

Yeah, it’s a bad trait. And hard to shake. Although it looks like Gabbert has.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

The defense is flat worn out, it is not surprising they have been steamrolled the last 2 weeks, I blame it on the depressing offense. I noticed the Cardinal defenders playing tic-tac-toe on the sideline they were so bored.
by Dr Doolittle 4:02PM

84 plays for Arizona offense. 50 plays for Rams offense. That’s a huge difference.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Any golf clubs in the locker room yet?
by c_good 4:03PM

No. Haven’t seen anyone swing a golf club in the locker room to date. (As was the case with Cam Cleeland man years back.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

I think the Rams will need a new QB next year, is Foles guaranteed a spot because of salary, or can the Rams just the bite the bullet and move on. It is sad to see a QB just bail, roll out to right, and throw is low, high and nowhere near a receiver.
by Gilbert 4:05PM

Sure they can take the salary cap hit on Foles, but that would just leave less money to address needs in other areas.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Since you have a workspace out at Rams park, what items will you be swiping if the team announces their move?
by Dan Kroenke 4:07PM

Hah. Nothing worth “swiping” in the media room.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

What was the Bear Hug between Arians and Fisher the other day after the game, thought these guys hated each other
by Gilbert 4:07PM

Very odd, wasn’t it?
by jthomas 4:08 PM