JT chat, 12/9

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_67?Page=2

Hi Jim, what’s the general opinion of the NFL knowledgable people you have been talking to regarding the chance the Rams leave for L.A., or anywhere?
by Ramsfan 2:07 PM

Varying opinions. Some that work, or have worked, in the league think that Stan Kroenke will have a hard time mustering up the votes to relocate (Remember, it takes only nine no votes to block the move.) Others feel the Rams do not meet the league guidelines to move. Other feel like the team will move, don’t trust the league to take the relocation guidelines seriously. And that it’s just a matter of time before the team moves.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Fisher is a Cali boy. Do you think Kroneke promised him a Ticket to LA when he signed the coach?
by poopeyerus 2:10 PM

Being from California had nothing to do with Fisher being hired.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

Hi Jim, Trumaine Johnson looks like a monster out there these days. How has he fared matching up against FItz in years gone by?
by poopeyerus 2:11 PM

Johnson is playing well. I can’t recall him going head to head with Fitzgerald that much. Keep in mind, he wasn’t a full-time starter until 2013. Usually the Rams have had Janoris Jenkins shadowing Fitzgerald.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

I am a St. Louis native and Rams fan currently living in New York. I listen to Boomer Esiason’s popular morning radio show. This past week he has spoken three times that the Rams will be moving to LA and it will be announced shortly after the season is over. This is concerning because Boomer is trustworthy. Thoughts?
by Sam 2:12 PM

I have a lot of respect for Esiason. However, I don’t think he’s a relocation expert.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

How do you feel about the rams playoff hope’s???
by Tang 2:13 PM

Too much has to happen. Even with a victory Thursday over Arizona, I think they probably get eliminated over the weekend.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

If another team, say the Raiders moved to LA, would the same desire be there from Kroenke to move? I can not imagine that 1/2 an LA market is really that much more desirable than the STL market, especially considering it would cost probably at least a billion more dollars to do so.
by Brad 2:14 PM

Don’t think the league wants the Raiders in LA. I would think San Diego would be a more likely candidate.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Do you think the rams will be in the playoffs in 2015?
by Grant 2:15 PM

I know things can change in a hurry in the NFL, but based on what we’ve seen for the last month or so, I think they’re a quarterback away from being a serious playoff contender in 2015. (Obviously, they have some other needs but nearly as many as in recent seasons.)
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Jim–condolences on the loss of Burwell. It said a lot that in his last column, he broke the biggest NFL story in St. Louis of the last 10 years (except maybe Kroenke’s maneuvering to buy the team).
by c_good 2:17 PM

Thanks. Much appreciated. I’ve been asked several times on this chat over the past few weeks about why Burwell’s column hadn’t been seen in the paper, or his video blog on line. Burwell wanted to keep his illness quiet, didn’t want to attract attention to himself, And I respected Burwell’s wishes. And as you mentioned, Bryan was quite the journalist and an even better person.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

What about the late Bryan Burwell’s article about a significant step in the RAMS staying in STL? I haven’t been one to panic over this, but what gives?
by Matt 2:21 PM

The work of Peacock and Blitz on the stadium project north of downtown St. Louis is ongoing. They will have a report on late January.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Can Austin return kickoffs? No knock on Cunningham he’s doing ok but seems like that would be a lot of open space to let Austin run wild.
by Cutman 2:22 PM

Austin returned 18 kickoffs as a rookie in 2013, but for only a 21.1-yard average. His quickness and change-of-direction skills lend themselves more to punt returns than kickoffs. Cunningham doesn’t strike you as a home-run hitter but he currently ranks fifth in the league in KOR average at 28.5 yards per return. I don’t think you want to mess with that.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

After Glazer’s report on Sunday are you moving the needle? I think we are below 50-50 at this point. I know you are not a fan of Glazer (from some snarky comments you have made on this chat in the past) but let’s face it the guys is plugged in better than anyone.
by Sam 2:25 PM

I still say 50-50. I don’t know if Glazer really broke any new ground with his report.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

I’m sure someone within the big sports world knows very well what is going to happen. Austin is slowly but surely coming into his own. As are several of the 1 and 2 and 3 year players. This team is on its way and I’m happy to say that I only missed 6 games in the last 16 years to see them grow again
by mike l 2:27 PM

They do appear to be on the cusp.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

I’m excited to see the Rams playing so well, but I don’t like that their pick in the draft is falling with every win. I share your opinion that the Rams are a quarterback away..what are the chances the Rammies trade up in the draft to get Mariota or Winston?
by Chilbo Baggins 2:27 PM

Don’t see a tradeup happening. Maybe if Winston falls because of off-field/character issues, the Rams consider it. Although the Seminoles keep winning, his play has been pretty erratic this season. I think he’s thrown something like 17 INTs this season.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Glancing at different Rams stats and a few things stick out to me. One is that we have allowed 8 touchdowns off turnovers. I believe this is what cost Austin Davis the QB job. Another that sticks out is that we have not allowed a fourth down conversion against us this year, stopping 9 of 9. No real question there just a few things that stick out.
by ky kid 2:29 PM

I believe it’s 7 off turnovers. (Although you could, I guess, count the blocked punt for a TD as a turnover.) But that’s a very high amount.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Why is Tavon not considered a good route runner? Too small and gets pushed around or does not understand where to be on the route tree?
by JB 2:30 PM

I think the first part of your own answer is valid about getting outmuscled on some routes. I think he’s doing better on the route tree, etc., but still needs work.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

Jim, Just got to my computer so apologies if this has been discussed already. I have posted several comments where I expressed doubts about Barksdale’s play, especially against the better defenders he faces. Sunday we saw him get worked over by Kerrigan. I see Barksdale as more of a solid backup than a starter, especially if we want to win championships. And I’d be wary of offering him a big contract for the future. How do you see him now?
by Tom 2:32 PM

He’s not playing as well as he did last year. But I still think he’s a better than average right tackle. There’s no doubt that he’s had some trouble this year with some of the bigger names (Kerrigan/Houston of KC). Perhaps it will effect his market value. I know the Rams still want him back.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Aaron Donald defensive rookie of the year???
by Jerry 2:34 PM

A good showing against a very good Arizona team would give him a great shot, I think. He’s certainly worthy.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

there have been a lot of calls to get a FS in the draft. I think Mcleod is playing some pretty good football. What do you say?
by eman 2:35 PM

I was at or near the head of the pack last offseason saying the Rams needed to upgrade at FS. But McLeod has improved and continues to improve. But the Rams still need depth at that position.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Aside from QB, I see our biggest priorities in the draft or FA is Center and a high caliber Guard for the O-Line. How do you feel? Thanks.
by Tom 2:37 PM

I would certainly say that the interior of the o-line _ center or guard _ would be the top priority behind QB, no doubt about it. We’re not sure if Wells returns at this point _ and he’s played pretty good lately. We’re not sure if Tim Barnes or Barrett Jones are serious possibilities as a replacement. And I would think that Davin Joseph isn’t seen as a long-term solution, especially at age 31.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Wonder if all of these “trade Chris Long” people feel silly after these last couple of games.
by Jimbo 2:41 PM

After these last couple of games? Try after these last four or five seasons?
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Jim–have you started eyeing the draft yet? I know you don’t do that until the season is over, but with the obvious need for a QB since early in the season, I’m wondering if you’ve perhaps taken a peak just at the QB class.
by c_good 2:42 PM

I try to watch as much college football as I can. But no, I haven’t delved much into the draft. There’s too much other stuff going on. Obviously, I’ve looked at some of the QBs as I’ve watched the games.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

JT – what do you feel is best route for Rams at QB next year? FA, Draft or Bradford? Heard rams may be interested in Cam Newton if CAR lets him go…
by HomeBoy 2:43 PM

How about Bradford AND a high draft pick (top 3 rounds)?
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Will 2015 be an all offense draft for the Rams?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 2:44 PM

It should be in terms of QB and interior offensive line.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

What is up with Greg the Leg? Cant make kicks outdoors!
by HomeBoy 2:44 PM

It’s a fairly small sample size of outdoor kicks. Last year, for example, the Rams played only three games outdoors. But it is not an unusual thing for dome kickers to have a little more trouble outdoors.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Will Rams have to close next year at SEA, why do schedule makers and refs hate STL?
by HomeBoy 2:47 PM

I don’t really see it as that big of a deal. The Rams have to play at Seattle some time over the course of the season. Are the Rams really better off if they play at Seattle in Week 1, Week 4, Week 8, Week 12?
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Haven’t seen it asked yet so let me be the first. Barret Jones? Also, is Joyner healthy? Looks like he’s had his position stolen, think he can play FS?
by eman 2:48 PM

Rams are staying with the veteran Scott Wells at center and veteran Davin Joseph at right guard. Don’t know what else to say about Barrett Jones except it might have been different for him had he not missed much of the offseason and preseason again because of back surgery.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

jim don’t you like my question,or am I stating the obvious
by stubob007 2:50 PM

We’re a little pesky today, eh? I’m going through a lot of questions. As many as I can get to. What was your question?
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Will SS Baron be moved to linebacker in the off-season?? What position will the Rams use him at?
by Lovie Smith 2:52 PM

Don’t think so. I think the Rams like him at the size he is; gives Rams the flexibility to use him both in linebacker ways and safety ways.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

For a dome team that has had trouble winning on the road Seattle is a lot better in September than it is in late December!
by Cutman 2:53 PM

So you’re talking about weather, OK. The weather isn’t that severe in late December in Seattle. It’s in the 40s there and rainy a lot.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

What about my joyner question? is Joyner healthy? Looks like he’s had his position stolen, think he can play FS, he played it at FSU?
by eman 2:54 PM

Joyner is healthy. But how do you take E.J. Gaines out of the lineup with the way he’s playing now?
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Do you think Legatron had some contract envy for his partner in crime Johnny Hecker?? He seemed really shaken
by SteveSPN 2:55 PM

That’s interesting. I think it has more to do with the wind, the soft ground, and the high grass. But FYI, by league rule (in the CBA) Rams can’t negotiate yet with Zuerlein because he was drafted and is I believe on a four-year deal. (Just one of those quirks in the deal.) I don’t think they can open negotiations with Greg until January.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Fire Schotty!!! I Just had to do it.
by Cutman 2:58 PM

Many thanks. Now, and only now, does it feel like a regular Tuesday chat.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

prediction for Thurs?
by eman 2:58 PM

Someone earlier asked for my odds on Rams winning Thursday. I say 55-45. Winning out over entire season, I’d say 40-60.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Has anyone asked Sam if he would consider restructuring his contract to stay and help the team? If not, would you?
by Cutman 2:59 PM

Haven’t seen much of Sam lately. But trust me, the topic will come up.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Jim, What do you think the future is for Mo Alexander? maybe line backer with his size.
by PCAZ 3:00 PM

He is still very raw. He was a linebacker in college until, I think, his last season. I wonder if he has enough range to play free safety. He’s playing pretty well on special teams these days.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Jim, I knoe you are 50-50 on the Rams leaving. But what is the percentage they file for relocation in Feb? Based on what we are hearing that seems much higher than 50-50?
by jason 3:01 PM

To soon to say. I think it is more than 50-50, however, on the filing for relocation. at this time. But need some more info.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Will the rams get 15 sacks over the next 3 games to maintain their 50 or more for the season streak. Seems possible with the teams ahead of them and the way they are playing. Odds?
by eman 3:02 PM

I’m gonna say they end up with 45, which is still one heck of a recovery.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Judging from Kroenke’s silence, is it fair to assume he doesn’t want to be in St Louis?
by Robert 3:02 PM

He’s always silent. So I don’t ready too much into it either way.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

Do you think Kroenke even wants to be in St Louis?
by Robert 3:03 PM

With a new stadium in St. Louis he’d have no choice.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

who wins the NFC west – cards or hawks?
by JTs Rulz 3:04 PM

I think the ‘Hawks run them down and win the west.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

You say there is more than 50-50 shot of filing for relocation, but 50-50 of leaving, can you explain?
by Brad 3:04 PM

Just because you file for relocation, doesn’t mean you’ll get the votes. And again, a lot can change between now and mid February.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Any idea which AFC and NFC divisions we play next season. I know it’s early but I’m really hoping for a lighter schedule. Last four years have been one of the toughest spans I’ve seen. Hoping for playoffs in ’15’. Go Rams!
by Cutman 3:05 PM

Rams play the NFC North and AFC North next season. They get Chicago and Detroit at home, and Green Bay and Minnesota on the road in NFC North. They get Pittsburgh and Cleveland at home, and Baltimore and Cincinnati on the road.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Jim, have you heard/seen any of Peacock’s plans by chance? Pretty sure that the proposal will have a stadium in downtown vs. the county? Have you heard if the Rams are in on the plans/design much?
by shawnB 3:07 PM

Haven’t heard or seen any of the plans. Pretty sure the proposal will be for the area just north of downtown. Don’t know if Rams are in on the plans/design (but they have had pretty steady dialogue with Peacock.)
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Fans have been asking for it all year on this particular blog…Tavon Austin was involved in the offense! The results speak for themselves. Do we see a similar effort against Az.?
by DJM34 3:09 PM

In a word: Yes.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Do you think the defensive improvement is the players learning the system? Or the system (Williams) learning the players? I know he’s known for making the best out of what he has.
by No1RamsRan 3:09 PM

Thanks for the question, Mom. I think it’s a little bit of both. For the veterans, it hasn’t been much of an adjustment because this is the same system that the Rams ran under Blake Williams _ Greg’s son. But there was an adjustment for the players who joined the Rams after 2012, and there’s quite of few of them. But there is also something to Williams knowing the strengths and weakness of his players, which took awhile. Especially considering, a lot of veterans were either injured, or coming of injuries during camp and didn’t play much in the preseason.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

You say the Rams have had steady dialogue with Peacock. Good sign?
by jason 3:15 PM

Can’t hurt. I think they like him for what it’s worth.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Going to miss BB’s wit and commentary a great deal. The guy was dead on in his reporting.
by MagicMan27 3:15 PM

Thanks for the kind words. I’m sure Bryan approves of your post.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Is San Fran about to fall apart and become the new bottom in the NFC west. After losing to the raiders and the rumors that harbaugh may be gone, I have a feeling they may be in for some rough seasons ahead.
by Jimbo 3:16 PM

Certainly trending that way. But there’s still a lot of talent on that team.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Do think Zac Stacy will ever go in for 1st or 2nd down?
by Bob 3:17 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Jim, still trying to figure out what the penalty was on Trey Mason against the Raiders, What made it unsportsmanlike ?
by prm 3:17 PM

He was penalized for falling to the ground after the “T” as in Tre gesture. Falling to the ground is against the rules in the NFL in the end zone.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

RE: Fisher’s choice of captains for the coin toss in D.C. – it seems to me that Fisher likes to support his players, and I’m guessing — especially with Bailey’s response — that he did it at least in part to publicly say that he’s pleased with those six players. Possible?
by bluffberg 3:18 PM

All true. But he’s not particularly adverse to jabbing an opponent either. I believe friend and colleague Mike Sando of ESPN reminded us the other day that Fisher introduced his special teams against Buffalo a year after the Music City Miracle against Buffalo.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Jim please inform bluffberg that he is very naive. The 6 captains was a middle finger to Bruce Allen and Daniel Snyder who forced Fisher’s good friend Shanahan to make that trade and then fired him.
by jason 3:21 PM

I’m not disagreeing with you at all, Jason.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Jim I think we pass SF in the west and finish 3rd. You feeling it Jim ?
by Cutman 3:22 PM

Just a little bit.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Jim, do you think Brian Hoyer would be an upgrade over Shaun Hill?
by Brent Staulcup 3:22 PM

Interesting. Not sure. I think the Rams would certainly look at and consider Hoyer if he became available.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Jim, Thanks for the chats. Sorry to here about Burwell, loved reading his articles. He was a huge advocate of St. Louis getting a new stadium for the Rams. Who will carry the torch in this absence?
by RYE 3:23 PM

I’m not sure. But obviously, our columnist Bernie Miklasz and Joe Strauss would like to see a downtown stadium.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

How do you think Snead felt about the choice of captains? It doesn’t exactly incentivize any future potential blockbuster-trade partners.
by c_good 3:24 PM

At least not with Washington, right? But let’s face it. Blockbusters like that don’t come around that often.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Will love when we can stop talking about this but do you see us getting an update from Peacock/Blitz in the near future? Has been very quiet for a while. Do you know anything on the matter? Thanks!
by Joe 3:27 PM

May not get anything until the end of January, when Peacock and Blitz provide update on stadium plans.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Seasons Greetings Jim! RIP BB!!! The Phx Cardinals seem to be the most resilient team in the NFL. That said, I like the way the Rams are playing in the past 4 weeks. With Trumaine back in the lineup for this one, I could see the Rams containing Larry Fitzgerald and shutting down the Phx run game. Sounds like a winning recipe?
by poopeyerus 3:28 PM

Any time you can keep the lid on Fitzgerald it increases your chances of winning. But the Cardinals are a very resilient and tough-minded bunch. They seem to find a lot of ways to win.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Any word on how ticket sales are for the Thursday night game at The Ed? After two dominant wins by the Rams, if ever there was a time for St. Louis fans to make a stand and loudly support their team, this game and NYG game are the time.
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 3:29 PM

Very little movement, I’m told on the ticket sales front in terms of purchases through Rams. (I.e. Rams ticket office, Rams on-line, etc.) Don’t know what might be happening on the secondary market, however. I do agree with your overall point. If there was ever a time to make a statement about fan support, with the entire league watching, it’s Thursday night.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Hi Jim, could Shaun Hill possibly be the starting QB next year? While he has been in the league for several years, he doesn’t have that much mileage on his body. And it seems that we now have a log jam in the secondary where Joyner and Roberson are healthy scratches. Any chance we get a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Janoris?
by SteveSPN 3:33 PM

If Hill returns, can’t see it as the No. 1. Can’t see Jenkins as trade bait. You can never have enough corners in this league, and the Rams were paper thin just a couple of weeks ago. Depth is a good thin.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Hi Jim, my condolences on the loss of Mr. Burwell. Quick question: Have the Rams filled the opening on the practice squad? At last count, they only had nine after the latest roster moves
by Frank Dobozy 3:35 PM

Thank you very much for your condolences. Rams have not filled the 10th spot. They felt there really wasn’t a need to do so given the vey short work week. It’s possible they will fill the spot next week.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Jim, I am a long time reader and I am dissapointed in you, Whil I think you are a talented and fair reporter I think you are letting us down with your coverage of the Rams leaving St. louis. As Jay Glazer, Jason la Canfora, Joe Buck, Boomer Esiason, Mike Florio and others speak of the Rams leaving St. Louis you speak of a 50% chance they stay and how Inglewood is not an ideal site etc….Your readers deserve better, They deserve the truth which is that all indications are we are losing the rams.
by John 3:37 PM

John, no one knows the truth. What is being stated right now is opinion. And you forgot to mention Chris Mortensen, who 1.) Doesn’t think the Rams have the votes to gain relocation; and 2.) Doesn’t think the Rams meet the relocation guidelines. And apparently you don’t believe the late Bryan Burwell or Bernie Miklasz either. Both of whom have had opinions that are different than the names you mention. I have given my opinions, some of which are gleaned from people I talk to, several times on this chat and on the radio. Apparently you don’t believe them or me, yet you treat everything these others say as the gospel. One other thing, and I’ve mentioned this on more than one occasion. I’m not our lead reporter on this. There’s only so many hours in the day. I’m the beat writer for the Post-Dispatch. People still want to know about the team on the field, how the team is going, what’s happening at the games, how’s this guy or that guy playing. You can’t just abandon all that because this stadium/relocation situation may go on for a few years. Our city desk is handling the relocation stuff. But they have been stretched very thin by the Ferguson situation, which I think we’d all agree is more important than whether a football team stays or goes.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

What’s the progress report on Barrett Jones thus far? Is he a strictly a Center or can he play Guard? I understand continuity up front, but wouldn’t he be an upgrade over Joseph? Should they at least see what he has to offer?
by Jesse 3:46 PM

He can play guard, and has been getting time at tackle on the scout team in practice. Jeff Fisher obviously thinks Joseph is his best option at this time. And if that’s the case, and you’re still trying to win games, you don’t put Jones in at this time just to see what he has to offer.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Well, I’ve flip-flopped. Earlier this season, I decided Bradford and Hill both needed to be dumped. Now, with this team showing great prowess on D, along with their success with their depleted WR corps and committee of running backs, I think they can reach divisional championship status with Bradford and Hill on the roster. What do you think?
by ramrage 3:47 PM

Because of Bradford’s injury history, even if he returns, I think they still need another option at QB. And most likely the best option probably would come with a high draft pick.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Has the Defensive front four made it possible for the secondary to perform better, or is it possible that this young secondary is also starting to “get it” with the new system of our DC?
by ramrage 3:49 PM

A little of both. Besides the revved up pass rush, we’re seeing fewer busted coverages, better tackling, and generally tighter coverage on the back end.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

I really like JL55, but does he seem a little slow in run support? I watch him get caught in traffic a lot more than he used to. Maybe it is just the way their run fits are designed. Any insight there?
by Jesse 3:50 PM

An ankle issue has been a factor. Some games it affects him more than others. He had ankle surgery in the offseason, and I believe, aggravated the same foot in camp. Fisher has rested him on Wednesdays the last several weeks to help keep him fresh.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Is Gregg Williams’s defense so complex to understand that it takes 8 weeks to figure out? Th contrast between the defense in the first half of the season with the defense of of the last couple of weeks is incredible. If the defense played consistently from week 1 the Rams would be right in the middle of the playoff hunt. They may get to the 9-7 record predicted for them at the beginning of the season, but not in the way that ws expected, but I guess that’s why Dandy don Meredith’s favorite sying was ” if is and buts were cndy and nuts, oh what a merry Christmas we would have”.
by RichieI 3:53 PM

It has been incredible. But you also have to factor in injuries. Trumaine Johnson’s return _ he’s been back since the second San Francisco game (Nov. 2) has helped settle things down in the secondary. More recently, Chris Long’s return. William Hayes started slowly having multiple offseason surgeries and missing almost all of the offseason and camp practices. And no doubt there was an adjustment process, not only in learning the defense but in Williams getting a handle on his personnel.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

I see the ’85 Bears defense came out of retirement
by Big dave wave 4:17 PM

I think you need to pump the brakes a little. 🙂
by jthomas 4:18 PM