JT chat

edited–I took out about 25% — mostly repetitive questions/answers

**

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

August 19

http://theramshuddle.com/topic/test/edit/

Hi Jim, I thought Quick looked like a more confident player… have you seen this as well ?
by johnny August 19 at 2:00 PM

Yes, and I think that’s a key element with Quick, getting him to play with confidence. And I think he is.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:01 PM

If we cut a player do we get the chance to place him on the practice squad before another team poaches them? I think Sam is gonna get cut and he has played well enough I know another team will pick him up given the chance.
by Dustin August 19 at 2:01 PM

No. Once a player is cut there is a 24-hour waiver period in which he can be claimed by other teams. Only after a player has gone unclaimed _ or cleared waivers _ can he be signed to a team’s practice squad.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:02 PM

Hi Jim….scary defense on GB’s first drive! Can you give an update of Jake Long and Jenoris’s health? thanks
by Big Wave Dave August 19 at 2:04 PM

I will be very surprised if Jake Long doesn’t play vs. Cleveland. Same with Janoris. Long could’ve played vs. Green Bay, he has looked good throughout camp when it comes to moving around, etc. Jenkins practiced late in the week last week, so barring a setback, he should be good to go.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:05 PM

The backup OT play was not good last week. Think the rams are concerned? Thanks
by Paul August 19 at 2:05 PM

Yeah but in Sean Hooey, you’re talking about the 6th OT. Mike Person is the 5th OT, but has the flexibility to play guard _ and now _ center. (I think Person makes the team.) The team’s third and fourth tackles are their starting guards. Namely Greg Robinson and Rodger Saffold. The problem, I think, is the interior depth of either Robinson or Saffold have to move out to tackle. Behind Davin Joseph, it’s iffy.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:07 PM

Sammy Bradford looked poised and confident I thought…
by Big Wave Dave August 19 at 2:07 PM

Sure did.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:07 PM

Speaking of confidence, whats going on with C. Givens. Hopefully he picks it up in the regular season.
by Ben S. August 19 at 2:07 PM

Yeah, he’s definitely on the second team, after starting basically for his first two seasons. Right now, in no particular order, Britt, Quick, Austin, and Bailey are the top four wide receivers. You can only give extended playing time to so many guys. But I think Givens’ deep speed still brings value, and he could still have a meaningful role with the team.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:09 PM

Tell me about #15…Franklin?
by Big Wave Dave August 19 at 2:09 PM

Very productive in college. Looks like a pretty good route runner. Really liked how he went up and got the ball for that TD vs. New Orleans. Looks like he has pretty good hands from what I can tell. A definite practice squad candidate.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:10 PM

Hi Jim, with Pead out now for the year, do we use what would have been his spot to keep an extra OL, DL or look for another spot? I know we still have all the cut-downs to go but what is your thought on the impact to the final 53 in regards to that spot?
by TD51 August 19 at 2:10 PM

Last year Rams kept 5 RBs. Minus Pead, it looks like 4 (Stacy, Cunningham, Mason, Reynolds) unless Trey Watts goes nuts in these last two contests. But if they keep only 4 RBs, that could give Fisher the luxury to keep 10 D-linemen (keeping both Sam and Westbrooks) or keep C/G Barrett Jones on the 53-man roster even though he’s expected to miss several weeks of the regular season while he rehabs from back surgery.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:13 PM

Jim, Mason looks good but he was awful in blitz pick up. Do you think it will take him a while to earn coaches trust to get playing time?
by jlarson August 19 at 2:13 PM

He sure did. If he doesn’t improve I’m sure the coaches will be hesitant to put him in the game on third down or obvious passing situations. So it would cut down his playing time in that sense.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:14 PM

What is Brockers level of participation in practice and when can we expect him back.
by Ben S. August 19 at 2:15 PM

Brockers hasn’t practiced since suffering the ankle injury in the FanFest practice Aug. 2 in the Dome. But he looks like he is moving very well, and I expect him to practice later this afternoon. If he’s out there today, and I expect him to be out there, I think he plays vs. Cleveland barring a setback.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:16 PM

I think gaines can play FS in a pinch. With that in mind do you think the Rams might only keep 4 safeties so they can keep an additional CB?
by Shedrow August 19 at 2:17 PM

I think they will end up keeping only 4 safeties: McDonald, McLeod, Alexander, and Davis (who rallied vs. Green Bay after a rough outing vs. New Orleans). I think Gaines makes the team as a fifth corner. I think Joyner would be the fifth option at safety right now.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:19 PM

I know the Rams are rightly very high on Hayes and Simms. Either could start on most teams. But if, with the depth on the D line they chose to trade one what would they get? A second or 3rd round draft choice?
by Shedrow August 19 at 2:23 PM

One, I don’t think either gets traded. But I don’t think either player would merit a second_ or third-rounder in return.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:24 PM

While I am commenting on Tavon, I thought it was a bonehead play for him to let the punt drop in front of him rather than fair catch. I watched the Sunday replay and he should have come up and caught it on the fly. Min of 15 yards difference in field position. Most HS players know to do that. Makes me wonder about his football smarts vs just natural elusiveness. Your perspective please. Thanks
by Larry M August 19 at 2:24 PM

That’s one thing that bugs me about Austin as a returner. He doesn’t seem very good at coming up to catch the short punt. Yes, letting the ball bounce and then picking it up wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but that’s also how he scored on that long punt return vs. Indy last season.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:26 PM

Jim – Is Austin the man for all returns or is someone else in the picture for the regular season?
by McGarrett August 19 at 2:26 PM

Pretty sure that Austin will be returning punts only. With Pead out for the year, I’d put my money on Givens opening the year as the kickoff returner.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:27 PM

Jim, Greg “The Leg” Z missed another FG, any concerns? I’m concerned.
by ekern55 August 19 at 2:28 PM

No, not really. He barely missed a 59-yarder, and missed a 55-yarder vs. Green Bay.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:29 PM

Any chance Westbrooks can play LB? He is not huge for DT or DL but has great quickness. No way he stays on practice roster if they put him there
by simdaddy August 19 at 2:31 PM

Not seeing it. But I think you’re right: there’s no way Westbrooks clears waivers.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:32 PM

If Bayer pans out the Rams could have the best set of TE/h-backs in the league.
by Ben S. August 19 at 2:32 PM

Yeah, Bayer has been impressive. He had at least one glitch as a blocker vs. Green Bay, however, and I think it’s still a contest between he and Justice Cunningham for the No. 4 TE.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:33 PM

How has conrath looked so far, any chance he gets cut to make room for westbrook or sam? We have other guys (DEs) that play DT but they seem kind of small for run support? And obviously at this point westbrook beating out same, your thoughts?
by eman August 19 at 2:33 PM

I just can’t see it happening for Conrath this year. The Rams like Carrington, who I think is better in run support.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:34 PM

The Rams interior o-line will be tested this week. Phil Taylor and Jamal Sheard looked menacing lat night especially on that goalline stand.
by Ben S. August 19 at 2:36 PM

Yeah, that defense looked pretty stout all the way around, and the head coach (Pettine) seems like a pretty good defensive mind.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:37 PM

any chance jenoris and others on D will be discussing various family matters with johnny football this week to see if they can evoke a reaction?
by DW August 19 at 2:37 PM

It might be a little less so since it’s preseason, but yeah, I think they will definitely get some friendly banter in with J. Football.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:38 PM

I was surprised we didn’t see Gaines last game.
by Don August 19 at 2:39 PM

Got nicked up last week in practice _ looked like an ankle. I expect back on the practice field this afternoon.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:39 PM

When are the first rround of cuts to 75 scheduled?
by Rodney, ATL August 19 at 2:42 PM

The deadline is Tuesday Aug. 26. But you can make the cuts basically any time after the third preseason game.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:43 PM

I would sit Shaun Hill this week to evaluate the other two. One has to go and there is no clear cut evidence of which one. Your thoughts
by Larry M August 19 at 2:43 PM

I just don’t see it happening for Austin Davis. The Rams like Gilbert. They drafted him _ that counts for something. But Davis and Gilbert could both see plenty of action in Game 4. It doesn’t have to be this week.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:45 PM

Crazy question. What chance in the next 5 years, there is a NFL team in Los Angeles. Could it be the Rams (let’s hope NOT!)?
by Jerry August 19 at 2:45 PM

I’d say 40-60. Yes, it could be the Rams.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:45 PM

Torry Holt was concerned about T. Austin’s “quiet camp”. Do you agree?
by Rams NM August 19 at 2:46 PM

Well, he hasn’t been as impressive on the practice field as Britt, Quick, or Bailey, but he has made his share of plays.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:47 PM

Who do you predict leads the team in receiving yards at season’s end?
by Ramunnition August 19 at 2:47 PM

If he were available for a full 16 games, I’d say Stedman Bailey. But since he’s in drydock for 4 games, I’m going with Jared Cook.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:48 PM

What has to happen on defense and offense for the Rams to make the playoffs this year?
by Jerry August 19 at 2:48 PM

Offense: If J. Long, Scott Wells, R. Saffold, and Bradford play 14 games apiece, the Rams make the playoffs. Also, if #SackCity plays up to its nickname and the secondary is at least decent, Rams make playoffs.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:50 PM

Westbrook>Sam? Does Sam make it to the practice squad or get picked up by another team?
by eman August 19 at 2:50 PM

Based on two games, I’d say if Westbrooks makes it and Sam doesn’t, Sam has played well enough to get pick up by somebody’s practice squad.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:51 PM

JT- Givens on his way out? When rosters get cut-any veterans on Rams radar?
by Cousin Vinny August 19 at 2:52 PM

I think Givens is safe because of his speed. I’m wondering a little bit about Pettis, just because he didn’t play much vs. Green Bay and because Justin Veltung has pretty good punt and kickoff return ability.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:53 PM

Jim – If the Rams were to return to the playoffs and attendance were to rise for a few years, would that make it more difficult for Stan to move the team or would it have no impact?
by McGarrett August 19 at 2:53 PM

I think it would make it more difficult to move.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:53 PM

Are you worried about the awful performance by the run game vs GB?
by Rams NM August 19 at 2:53 PM

A little bit. But I think when all is said and done, they’ll be fine.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:54 PM

Who would you prefer to have on the roster? J Cunningham or Bayer? With how bad cook is at blocking, I’d prefer Cunningham.
by Will Sloss August 19 at 2:54 PM

That is the question: Cunningham’s blocking vs. Bayer’s receiving. I’m still learning towards Bayer.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:55 PM

How important is Brockers to the run defense? It seems when he’s in we have a significantly different run D.
by Colin B August 19 at 2:55 PM

Very important. So is Laurinaitis.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:55 PM

I’m disappointed to hear Barrett Jones will be out for a while. If Wells gets injured, would Davin Joseph be an option at Center? I believe Barnes also did a decent job at center last year. Thanks.
by MarkBlackGold August 19 at 2:55 PM

Tim Barnes is next in line at center. I think Person, assuming he makes the squad, would be the emergency center. Joseph has played right guard his entire career, so I don’t see him switching.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:56 PM

Jim, I thought with Greg Williams as our D coordinator we would’ve seen the last of the corners playing 10 yards off but they where still doing it against the Pack. What gives?
by Mike August 19 at 2:57 PM

We’ll see. The Rams are doing very little in the preseason defensively compared to what they’re doing on the practice field. Someone asked Williams the other day how much of his defensive playbook has he exposed in the preseason. His answer: 22%
by jthomas August 19 at 2:58 PM

To piggyback on the question about Austin’s “quiet camp,” are we seeing vanilla offense–that is, there will be greater scheme variation? To be frank, Schottenheimer just doesn’t inspire much confidence in me, that he knows how to shift his schemes to exploit the abilities of his players (supposedly a strength of Williams). I’d love to be proven wrong.
by Thinking August 19 at 2:58 PM

Similar to the defense, there are a lot of things going on on the practice field on offense that haven’t been shown in games. That’s particularly true with Austin.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:59 PM

Bradford Looked Real Sharp, 34 Tds & 8 Ints Jim ?
by Tommy August 19 at 2:59 PM

I’m gonna say 30 TDs, 10 INTs.
by jthomas August 19 at 2:59 PM

What % of snaps do you think Dunbar will play this year? I think our best line-up is nickel but playing in the nfc west normally requires that extra LB to stop the run and joyner isn’t the biggest guy in the world even though he plays like it.
by Will Sloss August 19 at 2:59 PM

As the strongside ‘backer, that usually means about 35-40% of the snaps. I don’t think it’s gonna be much different this year.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:00 PM

Will Pead be in training camp next year?
by i am groot August 19 at 3:04 PM

He does have another year left on his contract. So I’d say yes.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:04 PM

Kind of like the 33 yard extra point. And you?
by Guy Munsch August 19 at 3:05 PM

Actually, yes.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:05 PM

Close call between Chase Reynolds and Tre Watts at RB. I think Watts has more natural ability
by CaliSteve August 19 at 3:05 PM

Need to see more of Watts. I don’t think Reynolds is going anywhere.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:05 PM

I assume Britt sits this week but he will be ready for week 1?
by eman August 19 at 3:06 PM

Don’t know that yet. Curious to see if he practices today.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:06 PM

TJ Moe a camp causality?
by Bizarro Superman August 19 at 3:11 PM

Afraid so. Hasn’t had many chances.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:11 PM

Jim – Knowing that two preseason games is a very small sample size, what are your thoughts on the secondary. To paraphrase Denny Green, are they who we thought they were?
by McGarrett August 19 at 3:13 PM

Gaines and Greg Reid are showing promise. Still wondering about depth at safety. Joyner had some troubles in coverage vs. Green Bay, but I still think he’ll be fine. McLeod and McDonald are playing pretty well. Haven’t really seen enough of Jenkins and Johnson, particularly in the preseason games.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:16 PM

Jim, how much can we read into the packers first drive and the way they pushed our defense around, should we be worried ?
by OzyRamsFan August 19 at 3:17 PM

A bit disconcerting, but Green Bay is supposed to have it’s best line in several years. Rams were minus two of their top run defenders in Brockers and Laurinaitis, and Rams were extremely vanilla, particularly when Green Bay had its starting offense on the field.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:18 PM

As with all in football it starts upfront on the oline. I saw two guys go down this weekend. Should we be concerned abt out Oline depth now?
by Rodney, ATL August 19 at 3:19 PM

I don’t think Rhaney would’ve made the final 53, but I think he had practice squad potential. The Barrett Jones injury is tough. Because he had put a lot of offseason work into getting stronger and would’ve provided depth at center and guard. Other than Tim Barnes and Davin Joseph (and possibly Person) not sure who makes the team. Haven’t had a look at Brandon Washington at guard due to injury.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:22 PM

Any chance the Rams look to bring back Harvey Dahl to add depth now that Barrett Jones may be out for the year?
by John August 19 at 3:23 PM

That’s a good question. I think Dahl is retiring following hip surgery, but I’ll try to look into again.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:23 PM

Looks like Westbrook made a statement Saturday for the lst DE spot…..thoughts on if he makes it over Sam
by dan in phoenix August 19 at 3:23 PM

I think Sam has played pretty good in the first two games, but Westbrooks has played better.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:24 PM

Sam or Westbrooks? It looks like Westbrooks to me.
by royearl August 19 at 3:24 PM

If I had to pick today, I’d be with you. This is easily the most intriguing battle in camp. The Pead injury, I think, makes it possible that the Rams could keep 10 defensive linemen, thus keeping both Sam and Westbrooks. I think they’ve both shown enough so far to make you think they could make an NFL roster.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:24 PM

Any news on Matt Daniels?
by jlarson August 19 at 3:26 PM

If I told you what his injury was, I’d have to kill you. I think he’ll be back this week.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:27 PM

Hi Jim, it’s tough for any running back to come back from ACL and a year from now Pead will be a highly paid backup rb trying to make that comeback. Does he even make it to training camp?
by Cicero August 19 at 3:27 PM

He’s still under contract in 2015, so why not at least bring him to camp?
by jthomas August 19 at 3:28 PM

All I heard all training camp was that Aaron Donald was unblockable. Looks to me that NO and GB found ways to block him. Did you see anything different or am I being too critical.
by ramsfan August 19 at 3:29 PM

I certainly think he leveled off against Green Bay, but I thought he was effective against New Orleans. Keep in mind, too, he won’t be playing very much on run downs once the regular season starts.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:30 PM

JT, thanks for the chat. I found it interesting that GB blitzed as much as they did compared to the Rams once the starting QBs were out of the game. Will Rams stay vanilla this week or will they work on a little more of the dynamic parts of GW’s defense?
by DW August 19 at 3:35 PM

That’s an interesting observation. I thought both teams were about as vanilla as can be when the starters were in (although Green Bay did run the no-huddle). And both teams dusted off their playbooks a little once the backups took over. But defensively, it did seem that Dom Capers threw a fair amount _ by August standards _ at the Rams in terms of blitzes and heavy fronts. As is typical for the third preseason game, I think we can expect to see a little more of the Wililams defense in Cleveland. But overall, Fisher likes to play it close to the vest scheme-wise this time of year.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:38 PM

neck, shoulder not much difference. who looks smarter now raiders docs or rams docs.
by inquiring mindswant to know August 19 at 3:40 PM

I’m not blaming docs. Rams have excellent docs. But I’ll just say at this point: Advantage, Raiders.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:41 PM

Jim, I’m a little disappointed in both the d and 0-line’s getting pushed around (the 1’s). I know some starters are out, but should I be concerned? Thanks.
by Bull August 19 at 3:43 PM

I’d say the appropriate response at this point of the preseason should be: mild concern.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:44 PM

Jim, I know the team needs to practice KO returns, but with so few returned during the season and the risk of injury, is it really worth bringing them all out during the preseason?
by DW August 19 at 3:44 PM

They want to see the returners return, and the blockers block, as part of the evaluation process. So yes, the coaches really don’t mind if returners bring them back from 7, 8 yards deep. In fact, they want to see it.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:46 PM

Care to predict Stacy rush yardage for the year?
by Ramfan August 19 at 3:46 PM

I’m going to say 850.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:46 PM

Do you think B. Jones will be back to play this season?
by Rams NM August 19 at 3:47 PM

It’s a tough call for the Rams. Do the carry him on the 53? Put him on IR? Or use their lone IR/DR designation on him. From what I’ve heard, I think Fisher was underplaying the severity of the injury _ at least to a degree _ when he called it “minor” back surgery.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:49 PM

Does Pead, while on injured reserve, count against the salary cap?
by Shedrow August 19 at 3:49 PM

Yes.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:50 PM

Jim, opening day starting receivers for the Rams?
by ekern55 August 19 at 3:50 PM

Britt, Quick, and Austin.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:50 PM

Is anyone stronger at run blocking than Greg Robinson? He was pretty nasty when he took a penalty against GB.
by i am groot August 19 at 3:53 PM

He certainly looks the part. I was watching a TV copy of the game and that replay of his block (on the holding penalty) was awesome to watch. Especially the part where he concludes by falling on the blocker.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:54 PM

Britt, Quick and Cook are big with good speed and Austin is just fast. If somehow they each played up to their potential they could really challenge a defense, particularly with the Rams run attack. How big a day dream is this?
by Shedrow August 19 at 3:55 PM

4-for-4 playing up to potential? Pretty big daydream.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:56 PM

In your eyes, out of Reid, McGee, Roberson, and Woodyard who makes the team? Is there a way we can keep them all?
by LA Champ August 19 at 3:57 PM

McGee is in. I think Gaines is in, as well. That means at most one of the three _ Reid, Roberson, and Woodard _ makes the final 53. Right now I’d give slight edge to Reid but it very close.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:58 PM

With Pead done for the year, and probably his career in STL, who do you see being the #1 candidate to return kickoffs?
by Knux August 19 at 3:58 PM

Givens.
by jthomas August 19 at 3:58 PM

Jim,I don’t recall one blitz against the packs 1st offense I expect we will see a few against the Vikings I wouldn’t be to worried about the preseason vanilla defense.Williams will be ready when it counts
by Randy August 19 at 3:59 PM

Well stated, Randy. I did see two pressures against the Packers starters, but they were very basic five-man blitzes.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:00 PM

this Westbrooks looks like the real deal. How did he not get drafted?
by Steven August 19 at 4:01 PM

Believe there were off-field issues on Westbrooks.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:02 PM

The safety (?) out of Utah we drafted, is he doing enough to make the cut?
by Guy Munsch August 19 at 4:02 PM

Alexander out of Utah State? Yes. If nothing else, too much signing bonus tied up in him to cut him this early.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:03 PM

How much longer are we looking at JL55 being on the shelf with his injury? I know he doesn’t necessarily need all the preseason reps but getting in sync with the guys always a good thing. Westbrooks pushing to make the final 53?
by TD51 August 19 at 4:04 PM

Laurinaitis could’ve played last week. I will be surprised if he’s not out there vs. Cleveland.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:04 PM

This idea of a vanilla preseason – Fisher has been coaching forever, Schotty and Williams have years of film out there as coordinators. What secrets do they think they are hiding at this point? Haslett didn’t seem to mind throwing a few coverages and blitz packages at Johnny Football in last night’s game.
by Guy Munsch August 19 at 4:04 PM

Agreed. Most everyone in the league knows what a Jeff Fisher team is like, and how a Williams defense plays. But that’s how Fisher likes to do it in the preseason _ vanilla.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:05 PM

Jim – How long (if ever) for Isaac Bruce in the HOF?
by McGarrett August 19 at 4:05 PM

Isaac is widely respected among the Hall voters I have talked to, but there still is a logjam. Plus 4 Greatest Show Rams are all becoming eligible this year _ Bruce, Holt, Pace, and Warner. Bernie Miklasz does a great job advocating St. Louis players, but they’ll all be competing against each other to a degree. It may take a few years for Isaac.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:07 PM

Jim, enjoy the chats, how many of each position do the Rams usually keep, i.e., how many DE’s, Dt’s, LB’s, etc.
by bigron August 19 at 4:08 PM

QBs 2 or 3; RBs 4 or 5; TEs 4; OL 8 or 9; WRs 5 or 6: DL 8 or 9; LBs 6 or 7; DBs 9 or 10: specialists 3.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:10 PM

I would like to see Mason run behind the Starters. Any chance this week?
by Michael August 19 at 4:10 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas August 19 at 4:11 PM

Jim, more receiving yards this season, Austin or Quick?
by Non-action Jackson39 August 19 at 4:12 PM

I’ll say Austin. (I’m only sipping the Kool-Aid at this point on Quick, not gulping.)
by jthomas August 19 at 4:12 PM