JT chat, 1/5

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_e10008e71045?Page=0

Like the posts here. do you think Drew Brees has any interest in coming here! and do Rams have any interest in bringing him in?
by steve 2:08 PM

I think if you’re the Rams, you look at all possible avenues to improve the team at quarterback. If that means making Brees say “no” to you, so be it. I don’t see any way that Brees would want to come to St. Louis. Usually, star players that are in their final years try to play for Super Bowl contenders. I don’t think any of you would put the Rams in that category. Also, why would he want to play in a conservative run-first offense. Doesn’t make any sense.
by jthomas edited by Mike Smith 2:12 PM

Fogive me for sounding pessimistic, but I see a guy with a boatload of money and a burned bridge to St. Louis behind him. I suspect he will “make it worth Spanos’ while” to get him (or Davis) to join up. He could pay a chunk of the relocation fee for either the Chargers or Raiders and sweeten the pot to have one of them join him in Inglewood. Even if Spanos does not like or trust him, there will be a price to woo him over. Have you heard this scenario?
by JoeG 2:13 PM

A lot of people have talked about that scenario, but I think they all misjudge the nature of the Spanos-Kroenke relationship. I don’t think Spanos likes or trusts Kroenke. We’ll see, maybe something changes there. But I doubt it.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

If we play out Stanley’s scenario….. If the NFL says no to him and makes the cost to high to justify going rogue, how can he come back to this fan base? Pipe dream, I know, but if he ponied up $$$ to add a retractable roof to the new stadium???
by No Fishing 2:15 PM

That would be nice, eh? You could get a Super Bowl here with a retractable roof.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Do I have a shot at Defensive MVP ?
by aaron donald 2:16 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Hi Jim, why is Jeff Fisher have so much job security. San Francisco fired their coach after just 1 year. Is Stan just keeping him around because of the relocation issues and figures till that’s resolved he can’t get anyone else?
by Jeff 2:17 PM

That could be part of it. There’s also that matter of the $7 million Kroenke would owe Fisher if he fired him.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

How did I do with TJ McDonald on IR?
by Maurice Alexander 2:18 PM

Pretty good I thought. I think you have more range than McDonald, although you’re not quite as physical.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

What’s your take on Fisher already naming Keenum starting QB next year? Pretty frustrating if they enter the season with the same 3 QB’s
by Trevor 2:19 PM

Trust me, they are going to check out some options at quarterback.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

Can we revisit Bradford & Foles trade as an epilogue? Both QB’s about even, assuming they made it through 16 games, I didn’t have high expectations that Foles would be much better than Bradford. But hey, we got a 2nd round pick and saved millions on the Bradford contract, so OK. Then we never used the millions to sign anybody who is a pending FA? How were we so wrong in evaluating Foles in training camp extending his contract and then turn 180 and kick him to the curb hard during the season? Who pushed for the Foles extension – Snead??? Can’t believe we went through all of this and are still empty handed at the QB position. Again.
by Uncle Leo 2:20 PM

It certainly looks like a swing and a miss on Foles. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Les Snead who pushed for the extension.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

I was at the game Sunday. I never have been a Greg Williams fan- I think he’s positively overrated. My feelings were confirmed after watching his defense get torched by Blaine Gabbert and the NFL’s 31st ranked offense. Any chance he goes away?
by JeffM 2:21 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

In the final game against SF, I could not tell how they were able to block Zuerlein’s last kick. Was he slow to kick the ball or did someone miss a blocking assignment on the left side?
by JT 2:22 PM

According to Fisher, Demetrius Rhaney messed up a blocking assignment inside, leaving Kendricks in a tough situation on the left side. Kendricks did what you’re supposed to do in that situation _ block the inside guy.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

JT, If Chip Kelly ends up with the Winers, do you still see them trading Kaep ?
by OzyRamsFan 2:23 PM

That’s an interesting scenario. Kelly in San Fran might ant to keep Kaepernick for his read option value.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

I love these chats and your columns. How much can we count on now that the offseason is here? And who do you follow on Twitter for NFL information?
by bfulton 2:25 PM

I’ll be at the NFL owners meetings next week, the Super Bowl next month. We will have follow-up stories all of this week as we wrap up the season, including my season-ending report card, which I believe is scheduled for Sunday. These chats continue on a weekly basis throughout most of the offseason, always on Tuesdays unless there’s a schedule conflict. Now the thing that may change this over the long run, of course, is if the Rams move to LA. As for who I follow, it’s a lot of people. The teams themselves, agents, players, beat writers in various cities, and national writers.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Is Ryan Fitzpatrick a free agent and wouldn’t he be a better QB than Foles/Keenum even with the interceptions he throws?
by RichieI 2:30 PM

Fitzpatrick is a free agent. I though he would’ve been nice to pick up last offseason _ when he also was a free agent. I think the Rams might be in the playoffs this year if they had Fitz.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

If Fisher has a real interest in improving his offense this offseason then i would hope he reaches out to talk with Chris Ault.
by bjf 2:31 PM

I’m sure Fisher will look around and contemplate other possibilities, but I would say he’s leaning pretty strongly for bringing back Boras at this point as OC.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Glad to see Tre Mason get some work before the end of the year. Has he handled backing up Gurley well this season? Is he looking to ask to go to another team next year where he has a chance to start?
by Uncle Leo 2:33 PM

Mason has handled it well. Didn’t complain. Haven’t heard of him pulling a Zac Stacy and seeking a trade. Based on how he performed this year, which wasn’t very well, I don’t think he’d draw much interest from teams looking for a starter.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Hi Jim Happy New Year to you! I was at the game in SF and was treated really well by the local fans. I must confess to a great deal of disappointment in that fake field goal! Come on now! 50 yard pass? Really? Difference in the game?
by Cutman 2:35 PM

Actually, it was a fake punt. Don’t think it had an impact on the game either way.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Are Saffold, Ogletree, Quinn and McDonald on place to be healthy for the start of training camp, next season?
by bfulton 2:36 PM

Yes on all.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

People say I don’t care about winning.. you are wrong. I care about winning when it comes to ME. I will win.. just might not be as you thought. Have you known me to ever lose? I needed STL to get ME in the NFL. You did.. thanks.. but now is time for me make more $$$ and build my legacy.
by Mr. Kronke 2:36 PM

Actually, you did lose when it came to trying to purchase the Dodgers. And you did lose when it came to heading the expansion effort in StL, albeit at the last minute of a tough situation.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Jim–did Greg the Leg have a down year?
by Bopat from SoCal 2:38 PM

Even though at least 2 of the blocks weren’t his fault, and he was sent out there to kick a lot of 50 yards-plus FGs, I think you’d have to say that 20 out of 30 was a down year. For sure.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Jim what’s the difference between the relocation fee and the penalty of going rogue? I doubt it’s enough to keep him in the Lou .
by Cutman 2:39 PM

The penalty for going rogue is not a set amount. As I understand it, it can be the NFL properties money, TV money, and no Super Bowls at your stadium. Those are pretty substantial carrots.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

JT, you know better. I didn’t lose. Not purchasing something is not losing…. did I not still get what I wanted? What makes you think I won’t get what I want now. I have many many $$$$$ and you know what happens when it talks?
by Mr. Kronke 2:41 PM

I don’t believe this is really you, because you’re spelling your name wrong Mr. K-R-O-E-N-K-E.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Miss me?
by Sam B 2:42 PM

OK,, maybe a little. You played pretty well over the second half of the season.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

My mistake. I was hoping for a long field goal . That miss on the fake made for a short field for them and we gave up 3 after that I think.
by Cutman 2:43 PM

Well, you’re right on that. The 49ers took over at their 37 and ended up with a Dawson field goal for their first points of the day. Had the Rams tried a field goal, it would’ve been a 54-yard kick for Zuerlein.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

To make the playoffs, the Rams need to move up to at least 15-18 from 32. I don’t think Boras, who I believe never has held a coordinator position. I Fisher stands pat, the game truly has passed him by.
by JeffM 2:46 PM

Boras did work as a coordinator for a few years in college several years ago at UNLV.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

If the Rams get another QB in the offseason, which of the current three becomes the odd man out? They seem to like Keenum, Foles has that guaranteed money for which they’re on the hook regardless of whether he’s on the team or not and Mannion is one year into a developmental program.
by Ryan 2:47 PM

It would be Foles. The Rams have the cap room to eat that money if they so desire.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Any possibility they just sign back TJ and go into the season with him and Gaines to save money?
by steve r 2:48 PM

Sure, I think that’s a real possibility. Especially since Janoris Jenkins has hinted he may go to the highest bidder.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Are there any players whom you sense want to move to LA?
by c_good 2:49 PM

None that have told me directly. But if you’re single with a fair amount of money, why wouldn’t you want to play in LA? I think some players also look at the empty seats in the dome and think things would be better in LA. And one last thing. The vast majority of players on the roster have been in St. Louis only a year or two. It’s not as if they’ve established roots and longstanding ties to the StL.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Do you see Rams tagging any of there free agents
by Ty 2:52 PM

Probably not.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Online sites show us as being in the top 6 of available cap room? Is this roughly accurate? Also, are Chris Long and Jared Cook the most likely cap casualties if any? Chris Long I think projects as one of if not the highest cap hit next year and his health and performance have been in questions. Stand up guy, but that is a lot of money when we need to retain our secondary.
by Derek 2:52 PM

The on-line sites are showing that $6 million or so based on the 2015 cap. Actually, the Rams will have about $50 million available when they start the 2016 cap, based on players under contract. So if they desire, they can keep Long and keep Cook. The Rams can also rework their contracts if they like. I don’t know what the Rams will do with either player. But their offseason strategy isn’t dependent on doing anything with either.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

I think William hayes played better then long this year, your thoughts..
by ramwrap 2:55 PM

Agreed, Don’t you think that’s why he continued starting throughout the rest of the season after Long returned from injury.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Will I get a chance before they bring someone else in or draft someone?
by Sean Mannion 2:57 PM

Sean: Make your preseason snaps count.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim, if Bradford hits FA would the Rams look at him?
by Don 2:57 PM

No.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Do you watch much pro football outside of your duties for the P-D?
by Patrick Fitzmichael 2:57 PM

Just about every chance I get.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

If you can go back, do you make the Bradford trade again?
by c_good 2:58 PM

I don’t think I would’ve done it in the first place. I think I would’ve signed a veteran to complete against him and drafted a QB.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Who do you see as our biggest FA priorities in house? Trumaine Johnson, Mark Barron and McLoud should all come back on my opinion. The way you talk about our cap room makes me think that should be possible?
by Derek 2:59 PM

It certainly starts in the secondary. You’ve got to have at least one of those 2 corners back. If you don’t re-sign McLeod _ who I don’t think played as well this year as he did in 2014 _ you better have a replacement in mind because I don’t think there’s one on the roster. Barron’s an interesting case, a hybrid safety/linebacker who can be very valuable I think to your defense if you can bring him back. I also think you need to bring at least one of the two backup DEs back _ Hayes or Sims.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Jim, well at least I may be able to wear my old LA Rams gear again.
by Don 3:07 PM

That may very well be the case.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Do you think the NFL owners might take this comment into consideration when deciding who goes to LA? Spanos had many years to make his move, but he waits until the Rams make their move first before he took any action.
by RR 3:08 PM

I’ll just say this. Spanos, and the Spanos family, have been good soldiers for a long time when it comes to the NFL. They have build up a lot of support over the years.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

What is your percentage of the Rams staying? They can’t leave we need them to stay!
by Squinn7 3:10 PM

I’m still at 52-48 Rams stay.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Since all three N.F.L. team are now for sure trying to move to L.A. has you stay/go odds change any?
by bob 3:10 PM

My odds were based in part on the premise that all 3 teams wanted to move to LA.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

What happened to me? I was a projected 1st round pick this upcoming year and now I’m nothing more than a afterthought in St Louis. Should I buy or rent?
by Isaiah Battle 3:11 PM

You knew all along that your first season was going to be a redshirt year.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Jim, how did we get the impression that the NFL would kick in an extra $100M? Do you happen to know whom that came from?
by c_good 3:11 PM

I believe it came from one or more of the members of the LA Opps committee.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

JT, why are your odds not higher? Stan can’t “publicly” buy me!!
by Dean Spanos 3:12 PM

Because if you’ve lived in St. Louis and are aware of Our Town’s history with the NFL _ and I’ve covered a fair amount of it _ then you don’t entirely trust the NFL.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Jim, several months ago, you hinted at something you could not disclose, something involving Oakland perhaps ending up here and other maneuverings. I assume that the ship on that possibility has sailed. If so, are you now in a position to elaborate on what was in the works at the time?
by questioner 3:13 PM

I must be getting old. I can’t remember what specifically you’re talking about. I can think of a couple possibilities, but no, I still wouldn’t feel comfortable disclosing those at this time.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

11 total touchdown passes in 16 games in season four of this staff screams overhaul not tweaks
by bjf 3:15 PM

I hear you _ loud and clear.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Do you know if Spanos and Peacock talk strategy about how to block Stan? Might be good for them to keep an open line.
by c_good 3:15 PM

I couldn’t tell you specifically. But Peacock talks to a lot of owners.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

How does your life change if the Rams leave? Mine changes because the huge Rams Game day parties at my house won’t be the same! Thanks Go STL Rams!??????
by Squinn7 3:16 PM

As for me _ to be determined.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

If the Ram’s move to L.A., what stadium do they play in next year?
by waittilnextyear 3:17 PM

Think it would be the coliseum.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

If the Rams do move to LA, please come with them! I will miss reading your chats!
by Jeff 3:17 PM

Appreciate it.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

there was a lot of hype about Ethan Westbrook coming from Rams park in his rookie season. As he has received more playing time I don’t see him being more than just another guy. Do you see it differently. I also didn’t think Fairley was all that either.
by ramsfan 3:18 PM

I kind of agree with you on Westbrooks, but I think his progress has been slowed to a degree by moving back and forth between tackle and end. I also agree with you on Fairley, although he did play better over the second half of the season.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

If the Rams go O-line either early in the draft or free agency, which position do you think is most important? My opinion is Right Guard. I like Robinson/Saffold on the left side, Barnes did an above avg job at Center, and I think Havenstein has a chance to be the best of the bunch. What is your opinion? Thank you for the time.
by Dan in Lake St. Louis 3:19 PM

After all the draft picks expended on the offensive line this year, I’m not sure that’s a big area of focus this year. I think Jamon Brown has potential at RG; and I don’t think Cody Wichmann was overmatched either.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Would New Orleans trade Breese for Foles just to be rid of his salary and gain a young QB?
by waittilnextyear 3:20 PM

Are you serious?
by jthomas 3:21 PM

#61 (Barnes?) that recovered the two fumbles and saved the game, did he get a game ball?
by Steve 3:21 PM

In Seattle, yes.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Is the Wes Welker experiment over?
by Uncle Leo 3:21 PM

Believe so.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Hi, Jim, Thanks for your chat as always. If I’m being overly cranky about what I writee now, by all means call me out: Even at present, commentators aside, the criticisms of Fisher have been wholly “results-oriented,” about his record. It’s astonishing, however, that he can plead he has a young o-line when he put the team in this position; and when, as part of his hiring–correct me on this, please–he exerts enormous control over personnel, having a young general manager as well. His game-time decisions, his inconsistency in results, his failure to get a working QB for at least a few years, his failure to protect a gimpy Bradford, his inability to create a powerful offense to go with a powerful defense, as if unable to walk and chew gum at the same time, as if one precludes the other; his near-squandering of the Robert Griffin treasure trove of draft picks (the best players of recent years are not from those picks although I’m being ungenerous), and his incapacity to be anything other than massively defensive and stubborn: It feels to me as though this is fantastically indicting of his capacities, and maybe I’m wrong, but more deserving of attention. Call me out if you think I’m being unfair. Thanks.
by A thought or two 3:22 PM

You make many interesting points. And I can’t say I disagree on a lot of what you have said. You would think 4 years would be enough time to get your roster set, particularly with all those draft picks from the RGIII trade and spinoff trades.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Happy New Year Jim! Couldn’t Mo Alexander step in and take MCleods spot?
by NJRamsFan 3:26 PM

Same to you. I don’t think Alexander has the range to play free safety.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Jim, do you think the Rams should trade Long for picks?
by Don 3:27 PM

I’d keep him.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

and with the 15th pick in the 2016 draft the rams select?
by ramwrap 3:27 PM

Way too many variables at this point. Check back with me in late March.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

When players are fined, how does the NFL determine the amount? It seems like the amounts are so odd. Is it a % of their salary?
by Dave 3:28 PM

No, there’s a schedule of fines. I believe the amount varies more on number of offenses. That is, a second offense results in a bigger fine, etc.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

A quick scan of the QB free agents show Fitz and Chase Daniel as the most appealing. Chase has already intrigued me. What do you think of the two and how realistic they are?
by Derek 3:29 PM

I like your thinking. Again, I thought Fitz would’ve been a good pickup last year. Daniel also is very intriguing. The only concern with him is that he hasn’t had much playing time over the years. His last game notwithstanding, I think Fitz played well enough for the Jets that they will try to get him back. And with Marshall and Decker to throw to, why wouldn’t Fitz want to stay there. I do think the Rams will at least explore some bigger fish as well that potentially might be available on the QB market.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Jim – Suppose the NFL Picks the Carson project and Stan decides to go rogue. Where does he play next year? One would think the NFL would frown on any LA-area stadium who would accommodate Stan…
by Simple.10 3:33 PM

Especially since at least one of the Carson teams would have first dibs on the LA Coliseum.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

If the Rams were to leave St. Louis, will you still pay as much attention to the NFL as you do now?
by Patrick Fitzmichael 3:33 PM

Depending on what might be my next beat, probably not.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

with all the young and back-ups playing on the offensive line this year what grade would you give them?
by ramwrap 3:34 PM

You’ll have to wait for that one until our season-ending report card on Sunday.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

I say 3 or 4 games could’ve went our way. Pittsburgh, Vikings, Ravens, and 49ers.
If we split the two, we at least get to a winning season!
Has this been one of the more competitive teams in the JF era?
by Jeff 3:35 PM

Yes to your question, but I think that only makes the final result all the more frustrating. You beat Seattle twice, win in Arizona, but yet can’t beat the Ravens or 49ers.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Biggest surprise this season? Offense, Defense, and Special teams.
by Jeff 3:36 PM

Offense–Gurley played so well so quickly following his Georgia surgery. Defense–Mark Barron becomes teams leading tackler, playing linebacker. Special teams–The emergence of Bradley Marquez.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Do you think the OL will look the same for next season?
by Jeff 3:38 PM

To a large degree, yes.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Not that we have a lot of draft picks to play with but other than Tavon Austin, our average WR corps has got to go. Care to make a case for keeping any of them?
by Uncle Leo 3:38 PM

I’d keep Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, and Bradley Marquez. That means you still need at least two more. You don’t what Stedman Bailey’s status is.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

If Kroenke doesn’t get LA but refuses the STL stadium deal, do you think the league tries to broker a long term deal in STL, or do they allow him to look at other markets? Some in the national media have written about Kroenke going year to year in EJD and waiting for an opportunity to move elsewhere, possibly Toronto.
by Brian 3:40 PM

Don’t think Toronto or London will ever happen. So not sure what Kroenke’s options are if he gets shut out of LA.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Hey Jim – assuming Fisher brings in WR/TE help – either via draft or FA, do you have any faith that his offensive philosophy will be able to maximize their talents?
by Ram_Malavasi 3:41 PM

Very good question. Very good question. But I do think Fisher realizes they need more from the outside WR position _ he said as much Monday.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

We’ve been saying, hearing, and seeing, that this team is not far behind. That being said, wouldn’t you think getting a veteran QB would be better than drafting an unknown?
by Jeff 3:42 PM

Agreed.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Where should the blame fall for the Rams’ continued mediocrity? I was actually offended by how they played on Sunday. Thanks!
by Tom 3:42 PM

It was pretty offensive. I think there’s plenty of blame to go around. Head coach. Personnel department, ownership/management, and yes, the players.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

If the owners vote against the Rams moving and for Oak/SD moving what happens next?
by Ron 3:43 PM

Then it’s up to Stan, who then has several options: 1.) Go rogue. 2.) Go year-to-year at the dome; 3.) Start negotiating w/stadium task force; 4.) Sell the team.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Another great move by Fisher. Give a quarback, coming off an injury and not proving himself an extended contract. For Kroenke (can’t put Mr. there) it’s all about the money. If he does end up in Los Angeles, fans will not support the team if they continue to play the same way.
by Neal 3:45 PM

After the newness wears off in a couple of years, I don’t see much support at all for the Rams in LA given the brand of football we’ve seen in St. Louis over the past decade-plus. Too much to do in Cali. Did you see all the empty seats for the Rams game in San Francisco? This is a 49ers franchise that went to the NFC title game in 2011, ’12, and ’13. And almost won a Super Bowl.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

With Quinn’s back injury this year and Long’s poor luck with injries last couple of years, can they really afford to lose me and William next year? How much do you think we will get Jim?
by Ernie Sims 3:48 PM

Hayes loves playing for Fisher. Don’t know how much he’ll make, but I’d be surprised if he’s not back w/Rams.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

JT, can you rank in priority the D-backfield FAs in resigning. I would say Johnson, Jenks, Barron, McLeod
by OzyRamsFan 3:49 PM

Off the top of my had, I can’t say that I disagree with your ranking.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Ayers had a LA cap on after that great game in Seattle. Coincidence?
by Cutman 3:50 PM

Didn’t he play for UCLA?
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Jim–Rams finished 7-9. Based on the close games this season, Rams should have been 10-6 or 11-5. Your thoughts.
by Bopat from SoCal 3:50 PM

Don’t know about 10-6 or 11-5. But it’s not a difficult jump to 9-7.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Happy New Year Jim!
Case seemed to play a lot better the last 4 games. I believe the O would have been just fine vs. SF if not for the drop by Britt on 3rd down and the deep pass drop by Quick. Really think they need a stud WR for next year. What do you think?
by Jeff 3:51 PM

They definitely need a stud wide receiver.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

It will be interesting to see if Mannion shows progress next year, they say he has the strongest arm on the team
by OzyRamsFan 3:52 PM

I believe Mannion does have the strongest arm of the three.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Wow! Thank God they didn’t have jet lag.
by ramsfan 3:52 PM

Now that’s funny.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

How much more would it have cost the Rams to keep Bradford than they blew on Foles?
by Don 3:53 PM

Now that’s interesting. I’m gonna have to do the math on that one. But not today. Running out of time onn the chat.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Always been curious about the process of asking for and then being granted or denied permission to interview head coaching candidates. For example, say the Rams wanted to interview Adam Gase for a head coaching vacancy and asked the Bears for permission. I guess the Bears can say no, but would they do so without first consulting the potential candidate? Or would they go to Gase and say “Hey, the Rams want to interview you for the head coach position. Do you want to take the interview?” And then if he says no, they deny the Rams permission to talk to him. Is there a set guideline for that sort of thing or would it simply depend on the organization?
by Ryan 3:54 PM

I’ll have to check on this one, but I don’t think you can refuse permission if it’s for a head-coaching vacancy.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Jim, life long Rams fan here since the days of Decon and Merlin its an offensive game now that being said why do the Rams not truly address this year after year?
by Don 3:55 PM

Well, it’s not like they haven’t tried. At QB, they traded for Foles (and Keenum for that matter) and drafted Mannion. They spent big bucks at tight end (Cook, and re-signing Kendricks). Spent big bucks on O-linemen (J. Long, Wells, and re-signing Saffold). They drafted a zillion O-linemen in this past draft. At WR, they’ve drafted ones in the 1st (Austin), 2nd (Quick), 3rd (Bailey), and 4th (Givens). So they’ve addressed it _ but there’s often a big difference between addressing an issue, and actually solving it.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Understandable that there is hope that if SD/OAK and Carson are chosen that Kroenke, with tail between his legs, is ordered back to St. Louis by the NFL. Correct me if I am wrong, but that has never happened before, right? Owners telling one of their own to go back to a market they want to leave. I guess they kind of tried with Al Davis and the Raiders but that didn’t work. Would Kroenke bring Rams back to St. Louis or just tell the moving vans to head south to San Diego?
by Uncle Leo 3:59 PM

The league has prevented Seattle from moving to LA, and New Orleans from moving to San Antonio. As for San Diego, it wouldn’t be nearly as profitable for Kroenke as LA. He’d have to start from the ground floor there in terms of buying land, etc. And why would the league let Kroenke move to San Diego after good soldier Spanos tried for years to make it work there.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Thank you so much for these chats Jim. Retaining Fisher is a mistake. We will have more of the same as we have had the last four years. Fisher may be a nice coach but he is the most overrated coach in the NFL. Still no discipline. Then I read on Team Stream that Fisher is thinking about bringing Keenum back as a starter. That guy don’t have a clue but he is still coaching. Hope the St Louis fans can keep their team.
by Neal 4:02 PM

Actually, you should read the Post-Dispatch on stltoday.com, one of the nation’s top web sites and a newspaper that has won 18 Pulitzer prizes. I know the Rams beat writer pretty well, and he has won local, state, and national awards over the years. If you had, you would’ve read a story in which Fisher said Keenum tops the depth chart entering 2016, but the team will explore its options at that position as well as others.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Jim–how well do the Rams travel? I know they get quite a few fans in SF and AZ and do well in San Diego when they play there.
by Bopat from SoCal 4:06 PM

Nothing even close to resembling the Greatest Show on Turf days.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Jim – not to get too personal – but what happens to you if the Rams re-locate? New beat with the Post, or would you attempt to land a job at a paper in an NFL town?
by paulincomo 4:06 PM

To be determined. Haven’t given it much thought at this point.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

How will this work with the NFL meeting next week? Have heard some say the owners want an outcome negotiated in advance before they vote, so the optics are good. Is it like when a new Pope is elected, people wait outside the hotel and wait for a puff of black smoke when the relocation teams are chosen?
by Uncle Leo 4:08 PM

That’s all well and good, but can they come up with a solution in one week’s time?
by jthomas 4:08 PM

I finally caught Marshall Faulk’s documentary on the NFL Network. It talked about him taking notes in offensive meeting and demanding his teammates be as much a student of the game as him? Does anybody on this offense try to be as much of a student as Faulk was?
by bfulton 4:08 PM

Things improved, I think, with Keenum at QB, but I think there’s a distinct lack of leadership on the offensive side of the ball.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Mannion should have had some play time at the end of the season.
by Don 4:09 PM

Well, not much we can do about that now, is there?
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Hi Jim! What’s your updated odds on the eve of the meetings? Also, if Hairpiece is allowed to move, or goes rogue, will you write a timeline including your confidential sources (without naming them of course)? That would be fascinating. As always, I admire your work tremendously and thank you for keeping all of us fans informed.
by Alton Ken 4:10 PM

Still at 52-48, Rams stay. Thx.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

what about RG111 in blue and gold?
by ramwrap 4:10 PM

Do you think he can perform well enough in the pocket?
by jthomas 4:10 PM

What did you think of the Spanos interview after the announcement? Thanks
by Paul 4:11 PM

1.) I haven’t had time to check it just yet. But I will. 2.) Still waiting for the Stan Kroenke video.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Do you think Longacre and Westbrook could replace Hayes’ and Sims’ production if the Rams lose them in free agency?
by bfulton 4:12 PM

Don’t think so. Especially not at this point in their careers.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Given the benefit of 2 years of hindsight, the fact that the NFL is a pasing league and Sammy Watkins 15 career TDs and Greg Robinson’s multiple penalties for holding and false starts who would you draft using the 2014 number 2 overall draft pick?
by LouieB 4:13 PM

Jake Matthews.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

I only got to listen to the Ram’s game. What dropped pass was Fisher talking about that could have changed the outcome?
by waittilnextyear 4:14 PM

Well, there were several catchable balls that ended up in the turf _ by Quick, by Britt, by Austin.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

If all things are equal, and you can only keep 1 CB, who would you choose? TJ or JJ?
by Jeff 4:14 PM

That’s a tough call. But I think I’d go Trumaine Johnson.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Jim, in your opinion do you think that the Chargers handled their relocation announcement better than the Rams and if the Rams stay how bad could this damage their organization if at all.
by Mike 4:15 PM

Yes on the Chargers vs. Rams “announcements.” Not even close. The Rams unwillingness to engage the fans (or media) on this topic is a disgrace. As for damage to an organization, winning cures a lot of ills.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

What did you think of Malcom Brown in his debut?
by Jeff 4:17 PM

Didn’t do a whole lot after that initial run.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

The Rams have 2 second round picks, the Saints want a 2nd round pick for Payton, Payton and Williams won a Super Bowl together…hmmm.
by Tackleberry 4:17 PM

Rams aren’t looking for a new head coach. Payton is not exactly a friend of Williams after Bountygate. I’d use that second-round pick for Drew Brees though.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Don’t you think we need an experienced and solid WR? (Still in his prime )
by Great Show on Turf 4:19 PM

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

lets assume Rams stay in STL why would any free agent want to sign onto this dog and pony show?
by Duane Barrett 4:20 PM

M-O-N-E-Y.
by jthomas 4:21 PM