JT Chat, 2/2

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_76?Page=4

Jim–Goodell’s comments seemed foreboding. Are you aware of any effort to form a political operation to lobby officials and state lawmakers in favor of the stadium proposal, or to launch a public campaign if it has to come to a vote?
c_good 2:06 PM*

Well, his comments about Stan Kroenke’s involvement in trying to solve the stadium situation certainly were. I don’t know how you can even intimate _ which Goodell did _ that Kroenke has been engaged in the stadium project here at all. In no way do I think Kroenke currently meets the relocation guidelines. Goodell’s comments certainly show there is some wiggle room there as far as he’s concerned which to me is disturbing.
jthomas 2:10 PM*

Jim given the cost of the Inglewood stadium (Stan’s portion at least $750M-1B?), the relocation fee ($1 Billion), and costs to build a new practice facility ($?), isn’t the move going to almost a wash. The increase in team value is only theoretical if Kroenke sells the team. He could stay here for the bargain basement price of 250M. And, if he commits and does a little PR, he could be a beloved owner.
Terry 2:10 PM*

Yeah, I can’t see how the numbers work. (I’m not saying the relocation fee will be $1 billion. That figure is still kind of murky. But I think it’s a fair guess to think it will be at least $500,000 million.) To me all the costs you mention would negate the fact that your franchise in LA would be valued at say $3 billion. But I think this is as much a prestige thing for Stan as a money maker. I think he’d like the idea of walking into the room at league meetings as an owner of a team in the nation’s second-biggest market. I think he likes seeing and being seen with celebrities, and there are certainly more of them in LA than StL. He has a place in Malibu.
jthomas 2:15 PM*

can you please the next time you have an opportunity to interview nfl management such as goodell or grubman ask them who owns the rams right now and what are the percentages owned by members of that ownership structure? if kroenke has or has not completed his purchase from georgia’s kids and/or has sold a portion of the team to another investor or other investors, that will give important additional information about his intentions, since he won’t talk. st louis fans and st louis voters deserve this important information.
branford76 2:16 PM*

He owns, I believe, at least a 70 percent share of the team. That’s controlling interest. And that’s all that matters.
jthomas edited by Mike Smith 2:17 PM*

Would it make sense for the Rams to use their first round pick in April to draft an offensive coordinator?
TurfShowTimes 2:17 PM*

If only it were that easy.
jthomas 2:17 PM*

I brough this up before.. didn’t make the “cut”, so I will try again… We have good young cb’s in my opinion, Janoris has trade value no matter how much we get mad at him .. How about a trade for picks? He will be overpaid soon if not. And How about Tru getting a shot at safety, he is the best ball hawk we have. Best Centerfielder.
Jeff In Utah 2:18 PM*

Rams like Janoris Jenkins. I don’t think they have any interest in trading him. And the Rams have never considered Johnson as a safety prospect.
jthomas 2:19 PM*

from what all the information we have so far what is your prediction of rams moving
Len 2:19 PM*

I’m still at 45-55.
jthomas 2:19 PM*

The news out of San Diego seems worse than the news out of St. Louis. The Chargers don’t seem to be holding words back when they describe their distaste for the government there and their lack of faith in the stadium effort. How much do you think the situation there will factor into the Rams leaving or staying? Is it possible NFL owners will be faced with a choice of which franchise to send to LA in 2016?
RayMorningStar 2:19 PM*

I think that’s certainly a possibility _ that the Chargers, Raiders, and Rams will all want to move there in 2016. That’s why Kroenke has moved so aggressively in setting up the Inglewood stadium plan. He wanted to get at the front of the line. But if the Rams moved to LA, the problems in San Diego and Oakland would still be there. That’s why some in the know have said that a least some in the league ideally would like a “California solution” to LA _ which to me would indicate a preference to have either San Diego or Oakland there. San Diego could be a regional team there, similar to the Patriots in New England. And if Oakland relocates, there’s still a team in the Bay Area (49es) so the market isn’t abandoned.
jthomas 2:24 PM*

Jim, isn’t the St. Louis stadium contingent on Stan contributing $250 million? I don’t see that happening. Without Stan’s support I don’t see how this can get very far.
Harry Dunn 2:24 PM*

That’s how every other owner has gotten a new stadium in the NFL, or in some cases they’ve invested more. Why should Stan be any different. He’s gonna have to spend a lot more than that for a new stadium in LA.. So he would be under a lot of pressure from the league, I’d think, to chip in.
jthomas 2:27 PM*

It was nice to see Bevell and Carroll channeling their inner Shotty! At least they didn’t go empty backfield. LOL
laramsfan 2:27 PM*

What a call that was, eh?
jthomas 2:27 PM*

If the Rams win the Super Bowl next year (Stranger things have happened), does this help/hurt the odds of them remaining in STL?
Tex 2:27 PM*

Well it might help getting the funding approved.
jthomas 2:28 PM*

Still love the chats Jim…Thanks form out west. What’s up with the conspiracy theories? Pete had to make Wilson the star right? Disney contract & all, most watched SB in history? Lynch may make millions of crotch grabbers & skittles eaters out of the nation? Can’t say, ” I only went to Disney World cause I’ll get fined?”
LA CHAMP 2:28 PM*

I’m not a big believer in conspiracy theories. I just think Carroll and Bevell over-through this one. A classic case of getting to cute with a play call.
jthomas 2:30 PM*

Any chance the Rams release Sam Bradford and let the other teams set the market for him?
playaker 2:30 PM*

Nope.
jthomas 2:30 PM*

The last play of the SB was a complete dud, what were they think throwing into traffic, a fad route or rollout maybe, a stunner of a bad call
OzyRamsFan 2:30 PM*

Couldn’t agree more.
jthomas 2:30 PM*

Hi Jim, Why is everyone complaining about that last play call by Seattle? I thought it was a great call!!!!
Brian Schottenheimer 2:31 PM*

C’mon Brian, you know it wasn’t.
jthomas 2:31 PM*

Jim, any word as yet on the Rams OC?
Sam 2:32 PM*

I’d say there’s a 99.5% chance it will be an in-house hire. And I think the heavy favorite to get the promotion is Rob Boras. We may know something by the end of the week.
jthomas 2:33 PM*

Things seem to be progressing on the stadium plan. Instead of giving us odds on whether or not the Rams stay, how about your odds of the stadium actually being built?
KevAndre 2:33 PM*

That’s a tough one. It all depends on the financing. So I’m going to stay with 45-55.
jthomas 2:34 PM*

Any way we can make this a Rams/Raiders chat? Starting to wonder if the odds of the latter being in St. Louis in 2016 are getting closer to the odds of the former.
Rodger 2:34 PM*

A little too early for that.
jthomas 2:35 PM*

Hi Jim
How can Goodell honestly say that Kroenke has been working with St. Louis on the stadium issue?
Every year since he took full ownership he’s done something to alienate the local fan base and let it be known his
Intentions on moving:
1. Stan’s comments that he was committed to keep his teams in Denver, but said nothing about a Rams commitment when he became sole owner.
2. Moving the marquee game of the season (New England) over to London.
3. The 2 billion dollar bid for the Dodgers.
4. After seeing the CVC would spend 100 million dollars for Dome upgrades, he unveils a plan with no dollar amount, tells the CVC to figure it out, then goes to arbitration. Knowing full well that the CVC would reject it based on being 8 times their figure and requiring demolishing the Dome when it is booked years in advance.
5. Buying the property in Inglewood.
6. Releasing 1 image of the Inglewood plan that he says he “WILL” build days before Peacock’s stadium plan is announced.
Has Goodell been informed of these actions over the past 5 years and how can the NFL overlook it and keep any integrity?
My question to you Jim is; what makes you think we still have a 45% chance of keeping the St. Louis Rams?
mike 2:35 PM*

Yeah, he’s not exactly been an ambassador of goodwill as far as St. Louis is concerned. Here’s a few comments on some of the points you’ve made. 1.) He did say prior to being approved as controlling owner that he was a Missouri man and will do everything in his power to keep the Rams here (I’m paraphrasing here.) 2.) Not only New England, remember the original deal was to play a game in London for three consecutive years. 6.) Yeah the pre-emptive strike on the Inglewood plan was a ploy to reinforce the “too little, too late” narrative. And make it look like the St. Louis news was somehow a reaction. . . .Why I put the odds at 45-55 is because I don’t think Kroenke has the votes right now; and I don’t think Peacock & Blitz are giving up any time soon. They are very determined to see this through. And lastly, Kroenke hasn’t come anywhere close to meeting relocation guidelines, IMO.
jthomas 2:43 PM*

Can you name the three most likely players you see getting cut and how much they would give us in cap room?
Derek 2:43 PM*

Why don’t we call it three most likely to get cut OR have their salaries reduced and I’ll give you Wells, J. Long, and Langford. I don’t have the numbers in front of me, so in the interest of keeping the chat moving, I’ll try to get that info for you I the near future.
jthomas 2:44 PM*

Stan was in PX for Super Bowl. What are the chances he met up with Peacock? Maybe chat about politics? The weather?
Mike 2:45 PM*

I know Peacock attended the commissioner’s party Friday. Don’t know if Stan was there. But if he was. . . . ?
jthomas 2:46 PM*

Hey Jim–I might be overly optimistic here, but this draft seems well suited to the Rams’ needs. There are lots of guards whom draftniks like in the Rd2-3 range, plus a couple QBs who could go in that range too. What’s your read on guys like Cann, Erving, Matias, Kouandjio, Tomlinson, and Shaq Mason, and whether the Rams like them? Could Fisher resist taking Scherff if he’s there at 10?
c_good 2:46 PM*

All too early to tell at this point. But I agree w/your point that there are guards (and tackles, if Barksdale departs) available in the rounds you are talking about.
jthomas 2:47 PM*

Hi Jim – with a lack of 1st round QB talent in this draft do you foresee the Rams trading for a QB other than Foles from Philly. Any other QBs on the radar that can compete with Bradford?
Section122RowQ 2:47 PM*

It’s tough sledding in terms of trading for a QB. There’s nothing to the Foles “reports” at this point.
jthomas 2:48 PM*

I went to JMU, Haley was 3 years behind me .. Loved Bettis, Rich Brooks awful offense and blaming Bettis for not running hard was a crime .. only good thing about getting rid of him was the Rams were jerks and it was better for him .. So rooted for Both, but HOW DO THEY GET IN AHEAD of KURT??? Seau check, Brown Check, Shields check. Pace wait check, No Kurt?? NO CHECK
Jeff In Utah 2:49 PM*

The only thing I can tell you is that the committee felt it was time to clear the decks and get in several deserving players that had been waiting for several years to get in. I was more surprised that Pace didn’t get in than Warner. But I must say, I have no problems with the 5 that did get elected. All very deserving. Pace and Warner will get in soon. I don’t think either will have a long wait.
jthomas 2:51 PM*

Permalink
Seeing how critical it is to have a stud quarterback, sometimes I wonder: How many potential studs never got a real chance in the NFL because of limited snaps to show their stuff. Or a pre-anointed QB. Do you think this is an issue?
Fletch 2:52 PM*

I don’t know what to tell you on this one. Maybe there’s a few over the years that have slipped through the cracks. But with most teams brining 4 QBs into training camp, there’s a lot of guys that get looked at.
jthomas 2:54 PM*

Jim, sounds like Randy K and Bernie both have made statements recently to the effect that the STL stadium effort is “further along” than previously thought. Care to elaborate if you know anything?
Chicago_Rams_Fan 2:54 PM*

Well as I reported last night, John Loyd was hired as stadium consultant to oversee design, construction, and cost control. This is a big hire. He has extensive experience w/work in St. Louis (Busch Stadium), Cleveland, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Pittsburgh on his resume. More consultants will be added in the weeks to come. There is work ongoing in terms of the site itself, as well.
jthomas 2:58 PM*

With only one timeout, it seems like the Seahawks needed to pass on 2nd or 3rd down and chose 2nd to maybe surprise the Patriots. I didn;t have any problem with the play call, just the execution. Your thoughts?
Carolina Ram 3:01 PM*

There was 1:06 left to play after the miracle catch by Kearse to the 5 when the Seahawks used their second timeout. That’s more than enough time to run three running plays _ if needed _ with a timeout. After Lynch’s carry to the 1, they let 40 seconds run off the clock before the Wilson INT.
jthomas 3:04 PM*

Can someone explain to me why the NFL would prefer a relocation fee ($250MM – $1B) over an expansion fee ($2B) in LA? Let alone two expansion fees for two expansion teams?
Los 3:04 PM*

For one, who says the expansion fee would be $2 billion? Could be less. Significantly less. And for another, the league isn’t showing any interest in expansion at this time. Myself personally, I’d like to see a 2-team expansion. One to LA and one to London. Maybe not right away but certainly in the next few years.
jthomas 3:06 PM*

jim, how far along are the rams with bradfords contract talks?
ray 3:06 PM*

I don’t think they’re very far along at this point. Still a long way away from start of free agency/trade period March 10.
jthomas 3:07 PM*

I have to think that Kroenke’s real plan has yet to be formed. Being the secretive “big deal” guy he is, I wonder if he’s got the whole thing laid out differently than a simple relocation play. Something like Kroenke selling the St Louis market to an other team, say Jacksonville, he gets the LA market, and somehow in all this he satisfies the cross-ownership stuff. Am I over complicating this?
Dan 3:07 PM*

I think you’re indeed over-complicating this.
jthomas 3:08 PM*

I saw a raking of the 32 nfl teams today which ranked the rams at 23. In view of the fact that the Rams need a stadium in the top 25% of the NFL’s stadiums, doesn’t the Rams organization feel that they should aspire to be in the top 25% of all nfl teams? It seems like the organization is more concerned with MONEY than it is with WINNING. If they won 75% of the time they would have no problem getting football fans and other taxpayers behind a new stadium. The approach he is taking it looks like it’s just a money grab and if that is truly the Rams’s management attitude, then as far as I’m concerned adios to SilentStan and KDemoff too.
RAMSey 3:09 PM*

It does seem to be all about the money.
jthomas 3:09 PM*

Do you see the Rams signing any OL in free agency to take over for Wells, Joseph?
tom 3:09 PM*

I’m sure that will be an approach taken into consideration, especially since the Rams should be in better cap shape this year than in recent offseasons.
jthomas 3:10 PM*

What do you make of an old guard owner like Rooney giving comments that seem to be in favor of St. Louis? In my mind this is going to come to a vote, but I am curious how some smaller market owners or core (see: older) owners may not be in favor of this money grab because of the impact it could have in the future and on the image.
RamsFan62 3:10 PM*

Yeah, I think it’s the old guard, which is kind of dwindling in numbers these days, that would be against a move. And that’s one of the reasons why I don’t think Kroenke has the votes at this point.
jthomas 3:12 PM*

how well would you say Greg Robinson played this year ?
BlueBoyRams 3:12 PM*

Maybe a C-plus, B-minus. But good enough that Fisher said a month ago that he’s the teams starting left tackle for 2015 at this point.
jthomas 3:13 PM*

Good day Jim, Did you have a chance to review the data on the Pats home fumble rate, and what do you think ?
OzyRamsFan 3:13 PM*

No I haven’t. Just too much going on during Super Bowl week. But I’ll try to take a look at it.
jthomas 3:14 PM*

Is there a reason why other people interviewing for the O.C. suddenly pulls their name out of that job? Is it Fisher?
tom 3:14 PM*

I think Hackett wasn’t sure he’d get the OC job, and pulled out to take a sure thing.
jthomas 3:15 PM*

I heard that a football outlet says the rams are 10 players away from a superbowl what do u think
Len 3:15 PM*

I don’t know about 10. I’ll say 6.
jthomas 3:16 PM*

If Bradford comes back, how is he doing in rehab?
tom 3:16 PM*

I don’t have any new news on that. Sorry.
jthomas 3:16 PM*

Jim, thank you very much for insisting on airing your 2 qq’s for the commissioner. You did well, especially teaming up with Sam Farmer! I’ve always wondered of those press conferences, how did you get to go 2nd; wonder how the arrange the order with so many wishing to be heard. Thanks for the effort JT!
mj 3:17 PM*

1.) You’ve got to find the microphone-holders early. 2.) It helps to have an aisle seat.
jthomas 3:18 PM*

how do you feel about the draft being 4 days? I’m upset the nfl trying to stretch it out.
tom 3:18 PM*

Is that for sure? Hey, it’s all about the ratings. If the league could get away with just making one selection a day, they’d do it. That would make it an 8-month draft.
jthomas 3:19 PM*

Heard an interesting perspective that Peacock and Lloyd are likely getting assurances from the NFL to get this built and St. Louis will end up with a team, even if it isn’t the Rams. Otherwise they wouldn’t risk their time and energy on what appears from the outside like a wasted effort if SK wants to move. Do you share this view?
RamsFan62 3:19 PM*

Don’t know about all that. But they have been getting nothing but encouragement from the league, and some advice on how to go about things.
jthomas 3:21 PM*

Give us the biggest hits & miss of this past year’s draft ?
BlueBoyRams 3:21 PM*

For the Rams are for the entire league?
jthomas 3:22 PM*

Were you surprised that Warner and Pace did not get in this year? What’s the chances of next year being a GSOT Hall of Fame year with Holt and Bruce included?
Section122RowQ 3:22 PM*

Yeah a little bit. Especially since the vibe I got was that Pace had a very good chance. As for Bruce and Holt, I think at least one could have a chance to get reach the Final 15.
jthomas 3:24 PM*

the fact that he owns 70 percent is not all that matters. suppose he’s sold 30 percent to rex sinquefield. or andy taylor. or august busch iv. or someone else. interviewing that person would provide important information about the rams future direction. suppose that the sale was made with the understanding that that person will eventually be majority owner and keep the team here. that matters, too. that gives important information about who is likely to be the face of any public vote or public campaign for or against public funding. the current ownership structure is one of the most important questions remaining unanswered in this discussion. rams fans and voters deserve to know.
branford76 3:24 PM*

I don’t thing anything like you’re suggesting has happened.
jthomas 3:25 PM*

With the Rams recent history of trading a pick to move up and take an undersized player, is there a 5’10 Offensive Tackle we should keep our eye on leading up to the draft?
playaker 3:25 PM*

No, but they did a pretty good job on taking an undersized DT at No. 13 overall last season
jthomas 3:26 PM*

Do you know if there’s any type of marketing/media apparatus being used by the Peacock group or the CVC to “sell” the St. Louis story to the national media? Getting the word out about an unengaged owner and a fan base that has stayed committed, might play well to the uninformed national media and put some heat on the league and force (from a PR standpoint) Kronke to engage in St. Louis.
Clyde Duncan 3:27 PM*

The Rams have hired some PR help, but I don’t think their ploy is to go “negative” on Stan.
jthomas 3:28 PM*

I know the Rams are looking to find a QB to compete with Sam Bradford. What do think is more likely that the Rams find that “competitor” in the draft or via free agency or trade? Given the QB’s in the draft and the Rams draft position, I think they should trade or sign a free agent like Mallett or Mark Sanchez.
Joel C 3:29 PM*

Do you really think Sanche or Mallett moves the needle?
jthomas 3:29 PM*

How do you think JJ would react if Stan decided he was moving to Ft. Worth next year? I have a feeling he may have a different stance on owners being free to move wherever they want. Have to believe some owners wonder what kind of slope this could be heading down.
RamsFan62 3:29 PM*

That’s a very good point, and the league feels the same way. That’s why they want Stan Kroenke to follow league guidelines and not go rogue.
jthomas 3:30 PM*

JT, Hope all is well in STL. Was wondering about this thought tossed out. What if Kroenke sells the Rams to a group committed in STL and buys the Raiders (since they really need a stadium badly and cash flow that Kroenke has). Considering Davis needs to sell the team eventually, the NFL gets a team in LA; new stadium in STL, everybody wins. (Except Oakland.)
Nick Rolando 3:30 PM*

A little far-fetched but still interesting
jthomas 3:31 PM*

Give me 3 great value OG’s in college you think can start…I’ll give you 3 OT’s…La’el Collins, Donavan Smith, Ereck Flowers….Thoughts? We should still be able to grab Hundley in the late first….
LA CHAMP 3:31 PM*

Here’s a link to story I wrote a couple weeks ago about linemen at the Senior Bowl.
Rams give offensive linemen extra look : Sports
stltoday.comTeam might need three new starters. No superstars, but plenty of depth among O-line prospects at Senior Bowl.
. . .And so, you’re suggesting a trade down from No. 10 overall for Hundley?
jthomas 3:34 PM*

People keep saying Fisher is going to go with an offensive coordinator that fits his style and there won’t be any drastic changes to the offense no matter who they hire because that’s what Fisher does. …. But if what Fisher does clearly isn’t working, don’t you think he’d want to try something new before he’s looking for a new job? What’s he got to lose? (by say going with a college OC that can bring some creativity to the offense?)
fred 3:35 PM*

I don’t think he’s going to stray from his overall philosophy. He just wants to be able to do it better.
jthomas 3:35 PM*

Hey Jim….I don’t think the Rams move, but I’ll report, I passed Hollywood Park the other day, they’re digging in Inglewood….
LA CHAMP 3:35 PM*

So I’ve heard. But that could be for other aspects of the project.
jthomas 3:36 PM*

Is Greg Robinson a legitament LT ?
BlueBoyRams 3:36 PM*

Yes.
jthomas 3:36 PM*

Do you think the Rams will look into Green-Beckham at #10?
Tackleberry 3:36 PM*

Not at No. 10 overall.
jthomas 3:36 PM*

How quickly till we some moves regarding the contracts of langford and jake long? I can’t see either one being back at their current rates.. Is Iupati a possibility in free agency?
Bob 3:36 PM*

Hard to say on Langford and J. Long. Normally, these things take place before the start of free agency. Sometimes well before. But since I don’t think the Rams will necessarily need to free up any money at the start of free agency/trading period March 10, they may not be in a hurry.
jthomas 3:38 PM*

Any chance you can take down that photo of Shady Brady, it’s hard to stomach
OzyRamsFan 3:38 PM*

Give it a day or two.
jthomas 3:38 PM*

Hey Jim do you think we trade down #10 seems like an awful position for us ?
johnny 3:38 PM*

How can you say that at this point?
jthomas 3:39 PM*

Where do u think Nick Foles is at the beginning of the next nfl season?
Grant 3:39 PM*

Well first things first. The Eagles have to find a new starting QB before they can throw him overboard.
jthomas 3:39 PM*

What is the deal with Stacey? Have you heard anything about Snead looking to trade him this year? Seems we’re heavy in RB position.
Chris 3:40 PM*

Stacy got beat out by Mason and Cunningham. Fisher does like to keep a lot of RBs on his roster, more than most teams. And I don’t think Stacy would bring much in trade value. Saying all that, the Rams do like Trey Watts a lot.
jthomas 3:43 PM*

Not sure a in house OC hire is going to impress the faithful.
OzyRamsFan 3:43 PM*

Agreed. But the Rams are trying to win games, not the press conference.
jthomas 3:43 PM*

I see the oakland thing as more of a problem with the NFL that STL. The raiders still share a stadium with the a’s. Dont think the raiders want share a stadium with the niners and vise-versa. Would think the city would prefer a team that plays 81 times a year to just 8. So any info on whats going on in oakland with the raiders? Thanks
Paul 3:43 PM*

There’s no doubt the situation is more dire in Oakland.
jthomas 3:43 PM*

Seattle is expected to be a good team next year. How do you see the Cardinals and 49ers shaping up next season? Seems like everyone is expecting a drop off in San Francisco after losing Harbaugh. Do you see the NFC West as a stronger or weaker conference than it was this season?
RayMorningStar 3:44 PM*

I think it’s only natural to expect a drop-off from the 49ers next season. They’re much more of an aging roster than Seattle or St. Louis. Not sure about Arizona _ I’ve wrongly written them off before. Arians is one heckuva coach. But you do have to wonder how Carson Palmer will respond to another knee injury, especially at his age.
jthomas 3:46 PM*

Wow, that was a worst case scenario Super Bowl. (Well, I guess the Niners could have been somehow involved…) Anyway, in the bright spot department: Defensive RoY Aaron Donald!!!!
wiley 3:46 PM*

Yes, a great honor for Donald.
jthomas 3:46 PM*

If is to be the STL Raider, the fan base will need to get more tattoo’s and have less teeth
OzyRamsFan 3:46 PM*

That’s harsh.
jthomas 3:47 PM*

What is the knock on Bryce Petty? His numbers and physical dimensions suggest that he could be a very solid pro.
Tackleberry 3:47 PM*

It’s that old can he adjust to a pro-style offense in the pros after being in the spread offense in college. Personally, I’m intrigued by Petty. And from what I know and have heard, he’s a very hard worker, dedicated player, which should help him in learning pro offense.
jthomas 3:48 PM*

Here is what I don’t get about Fisher, his offense has been this teams Achilles heal for 3 years and if they don’t win this year can you really see Stan taking Jeff with him to L.A.? So why not roll the dice, break out of your comfort zone and hire someone who will spice things up?
Tackleberry 3:49 PM*

All valid points. But he is who he is, believes in his approach, and doesn’t think this team is far off.
jthomas 3:49 PM*

I have a real problem believing anything Roger Goodell or the NFL is saying anymore. It feels like these corporate clowns don’t care about the integrity of the game and value the all mighty dollar more than the fans. I have fiends that have completely turned their attention off of the NFL in recent years because of this. I feel like I am close to doing so as well. Do you think Goodell and his cronies have any idea people are getting fed up with him and the way he is ruining the game?
playaker 3:50 PM*

I get everything you’re saying. But as Bernie Miklasz has said on several occasions, sometimes you wonder if this league and Goodell aren’t tone-deaf. The latest example was Goodell turning down a pre-game interview request by rights-holder NBC on Super Bowl Sunday. This coming two days after his State of the NFL press conference in which he said he always tries to make himself available to the media.
jthomas 3:52 PM*

So if the Rams move then the Jacksonville Jaguars move to St. Louis Right??
Chip Clark-Brunelle 3:52 PM*

Once again, I tell you, Jax to St. Louis in the near future isn’t happening. Shad Khan committed to try and make it work in Jacksonville.
jthomas 3:53 PM*

Are Dominic Rhaney, Barrett Jones, Mike Person, etc. the future of our offensive line or will we be committed to using our first round pick on another “high ceiling” potential lineman.
Stratis 3:53 PM*

While the Rams aren’t giving up on the three you mentioned (and BTW, it’s Demetrius Rhaney), the team is looking heavily in the draft at OL prospects. And I’m sure it’s the same way when it comes to free agency.
jthomas 3:56 PM*

Thoughts on Orlando Pace not making the cut?
Gladdy 3:56 PM*

Surprised to a degree. But I’ll be stunned if he doesn’t get in next year. I’m told there was a pretty long discussion in the room on Pace _ something like 40 minutes.
jthomas 3:57 PM*

Could the Rams finally have a feature back in Tre Mason…for 16 games? Or will he quickly fade out like Stacy…and the Rams will have a new RB by week 5 that was inactive for a fourth of the season…??? (Thanks SJ39 for spoiling us…)
SN 3:58 PM*

No, I think they’re very happy with Mason.
jthomas 3:58 PM*

Jim – Do you believe the NFL truly wants two teams in L.A?
InPeacockWeTrust 3:58 PM*

I think ideally, that would be the plan. But as former longtime Raiders exec Amy Trask has pointed out, maybe the league should make sure that one team is supported in that market before they go to two squads.
jthomas 4:00 PM*

Where do you think the competition with Bradford come from a trade, draft or both? Who would you like the Rams to target?
Todd 4:00 PM*

I think more from the draft than trade. I’m still studying the QB prospects, but so far, I kind of like Petty.
jthomas 4:01 PM*

Just looking at resume’s, Cig looks a lot better than Boras in the play calling aspect…What’s Boras really done besides TE’s in the pros?
LA CHAMP 4:01 PM*

He was OC under John Robinson at UNLV for two or three years.
jthomas 4:01 PM*

I watched a pregame piece on SB security and they had a 12 hour no fly zone over the stadium, so do you think they’ll shut down LAX for 12 hours to have the SB at StanWorld?
Captain Over 4:02 PM*

A very interesting question. Which is why Kroenke reportedly has hired an aviation consultant to look into that.
jthomas 4:02 PM*

Do you anticipate the 49er’s signing Iupati to a new contract. I would think he would be a highly sought after free agent.
ramsfan 4:02 PM*

Yeah, but he’s getting up there and has had some injury issues lately.
jthomas 4:03 PM*

Jim, Actual football question. With Jake Long and Scott Wells probable cap casualties wouldn’t it make sense for the Rams to at least attempt to re-sign Joe Barksdale? Almost all of the mock drafts that I have seen have the Rams taking another OT as if his departure is inevitable or he was inadequate on the field this year. I thought he performed well. Given the fact that we just drafted our third OT since 2005 wouldn’t it make sense to keep Barksdale if at all possible and address other needs?
zct933 4:03 PM*

This wasn’t Barksdale’s best season, at least over the second half of the year. But the Rams are attempting to re-sign him.
jthomas 4:04 PM*

GO JAGUARS!!!!!!
Chip Clark 4:04 PM*

Go where? To St. Louis?
jthomas 4:04 PM*

Do you think there is behind the scenes negotiations going on to have an NFL team here when the rams leave. Oakland, San Diego, Expansion team
Bob 4:05 PM*

Don’t think it’s gotten that far at this point.
jthomas 4:05 PM*

If Stan is forced to stay in St. Louis, and the new building is built, do u think he will sell the team. Can’t imagine he will ever be well liked here after everything he put the city through and Stan strikes me as someone who won’t put up with that sort of shot to his hubris.
Frank 4:06 PM*

Well, Stan isn’t here that much anyway. So I don’t think it really matters if he’s well-liked or not. When does he run into fans, or talk to the media here for that matter.
jthomas 4:07 PM*

Are you saying that Wells, J. Long, and Langford are more likely to be cut or have their pay cut than Sam Bradford? You’re suggesting they’re not only going to keep Sam Bradford but they’re going to pay him all 12+ million?
Red Bird 4:07 PM*

I didn’t include Bradford in that answer because I don’t think he’s getting cut. Although a restructured contract (read; pay cut) is the preferred course of action, I think the Rams could keep him at $13 million if they had to.
jthomas 4:08 PM*

Hey Jim what’s the chances on the Rams bringing in a marque center and drafting a guard in the 2 round and dropping down the first round too collect more picks
Hey Jim what’s the chance… 4:08 PM*

Is there a marquee center available in free agency? I believe the Oakland center is up, but I don’t know if you’d consider him marquee.
jthomas 4:09 PM*

Any shot Rams would look at Chase Daniel as starting QB?
Chris 4:09 PM*

He’s still under contract with KC so it’d have to be a trade. And we’re talking about a small sample size with him. I think he’s thrown only 75 regular season passes.
jthomas 4:10 PM*

Jim – How do you see the Kroenke/Peacock chess game playing out in 2015? Do you think that we will have a clearer picture about the future of the franchise by the time training camp opens?
Nick in STL 4:11 PM*

Somewhat. But it could take longer.
jthomas 4:11 PM*

Any progress on resigning Kenny Britt? What is your gut feeling on whether or not SB remains a Ram next year?
DJM34 4:11 PM*

I’ve heard noting new since the Senior Bowl. I think Bradford’s back in StL this year.
jthomas 4:12 PM*

No chance we draft a game changing WR with this display of no names/footlocker employees by the Pats & Hawks huh? DGB is officially off the radar…I like Sammy Coates too…
LA CHAMP 4:13 PM*

Maybe the most non-descript groups of WRs in Super Bowl history.
jthomas 4:13 PM*

Hi Jim. Who is josh Mcdaniel working for since the Rams let him go?
Cutman 4:13 PM*

Surely, you know that one. Back with the Mothership.
jthomas 4:14 PM*

HI, JIM Do we have OC for Rams? if not whats taking so long? Thanks
B.R.KHAN 4:14 PM*

Soon. Very soon.
jthomas 4:14 PM*

Are you drafting Teddy Bridgewater ahead of Donald or anyone else in a draft redo?
ORramfan59 4:14 PM*

Maybe Bridgewater. But Donald was very good, don’t you agree?
jthomas 4:15 PM*

Jim, if I have to experience a second football team leaving, I don’t think I could bring myself to cheer for the Raiders, Jaguars or any other team that wants to extort more of my tax dollars. I quit being a baseball fan over interleague play. I think I could quit watching the NFL too.
ihtnep 4:15 PM*

Obviously your prerogative.
jthomas 4:16 PM*

Will Peacock & Company address the public on updates regarding the stadium?
Mike 4:16 PM*

They’ve been pretty transparent so far. We’re only 2 1/2 weeks removed from the original announcement of the StL stadium plan so I’d think we’d here something from them at some point. They did send out a press release today on the hiring of stadium consultant John Loyd to oversee the St. Louis project.
jthomas 4:19 PM*

I think you or someone on the sports staff there a t the PD could do a great service to us PSL and club seat holders who have stayed with the Rams from the start by researching and writing an article on what responsibility if any the Rams have to pay the PSL holders if they leave St Louis. What do you think?
cjs 4:19 PM*

There will be something on that in the future, exactly when I can’t tell you.
jthomas 4:20 PM*

Personally I could not care less about the HOF, but making someone wait for whatever reason, IMO, is just plain stupid. You were either good enough or you were not. Time should not change that.
Dan 4:20 PM*

Yeah, but a maximum of only five modern-era players can get in each year. That’s why some have to wait.
jthomas 4:21 PM*

Rams.
BlueBoyRams 4:22 PM*

Well, at first blush it’s a very good draft. Donald, Robinson, Mason, and Gaines all had good to very good rookie seasons. Jury still out on Lamarcus Joyner and Maurice Alexander. Rams didn’t get the QB help they needed from 6th-rounder Garrett Gilbert (although Patriots seem to like him). Rams think 7th-rounder Demetrius Rhaney (on IR all year) has a chance.
jthomas 4:27 PM*

Jim, The rams made a counter proposal to updating the dome which included a retractable roof. Wouldn’t it of been more attractable to Rams if a retractable roof was part of the new stadium’s plan?
jm2006 4:27 PM*

The counter-proposal was way short (laughably short) dollar-wise of what would have been considered a serious offer. A retractable roof would have added even more dollars..
jthomas 4:29 PM*

Further to my over-complicating point, how will Kroenke satisfy cross-ownership short of selling either the Rams or the Denver franchises?
Dan 4:29 PM*

You’re right on this. Unless the league bends the rules once again on cross-ownership.
jthomas 4:30 PM*

What kind of number do you think Barksdale will need to resign with the Rams? Put another way, what do you think his market value is? What do average or slightly better RT’s earn?
tom 4:30 PM*

Remember Gosder Cherilus got I believe $7 million a year in Indy. I don’t think the Rams will be bidders if we’re talking $6 million or $7 million range for Barksdale.
jthomas 4:31 PM*

Do NFL coaches help each other out? I would imagine New England contacting the Rams to gain insight on what they did to beat Seattle. Everyone could study tape, just seems that in the crunch time leading up to preparing for the superbowl it would be more efficient to use division opponents as a resource.
Stratis 4:31 PM*

Coaches especially assistants, move around quite a bit. So I wouldn’t be surprised if some of that stuff goes on. In fact, I would expect it.
jthomas 4:33 PM*

Jim thoughts if Manziel became available
CT RAm 4:34 PM*

Thoughts on what? Attending one of his parties? Please.
jthomas 4:35 PM*

Good teams/coaches get new guys on the field quickly. Witness Matthews at Seattle and Butler at NE. Both in the BIG game. I don’t think we do or can. Your view?
RAMBLE 4:35 PM*

Butler hardly played all season. And the only reason he came in later in the game was that Arrington was getting torched. Matthews hadn’t caught a pass all season and had played in only three regular season games before Super Bowl. Wouldn’t call that being fast-tracked.
jthomas 4:37 PM*

Jim, you inspired me: since you have a circa 1985 photo on this site, I used my baby photo for my Linkedin profile!
Bob Lowe 4:37 PM*

Actually, I was much handsomer in 1985.
jthomas 4:38 PM*

jim, i was ready Bernies article about Faulk comments about the team and owner. I laugh at Bernies little rant against faulk…. st louis signed the contract to the dome and have known about the contract and did nothing till the last minute only after the ruling came out that st louis was in the wrong… dang… what a surprise they have to honor there part of the deal… Ive been a ram fan for 45 years and haven’t missed a game on tv since 1997. Hate to see them move but business is business and st louis did business poorly…. thanks for the chats and keeping us up on things.. we all appreciate it
simdoc 4:38 PM*

One, you have to go through the arbitration process. Two, Peacock has been working on this behind the scenes for well over a year. Three, LA has done next to nothing for 20 years to get a stadium. Four, San Diego has been at it for 15 years. I could go on. So you’re telling me St. Louis gets a year, a year and a half to meet Stan Kroenke’s schedule? Not the league’s schedule. But Stan Kroenke’s? Sorry. No sale. Obviously, Faulk’s entitled to his opinion, but he should stick to his area of expertise: the game of football.
jthomas 4:42 PM*

I understand that both and receiver and DB have equal right to the ball but that a DB could not go through a receiver to intercept. Seemed to me that Butler knocked the Seattle receiver out of the way to get to the ball. Why no flag?
Pasbrough 4:42 PM*

He can go through the receiver at the time the ball arrives. Butler’s timing was perfect.
jthomas 4:42 PM*

I enjoyed watching Brady pick apart the Seattle defense. He was effective at getting the ball out quickly, bought time by stepping up in the pocket, and threw the ball with plenty of zip. I hope the Rams (especially Bradford) were watching.
Stratis 4:43 PM*

No doubt. Brady was, however, aided by the fact that Jeremy Lane left early in the game. The Seahawks aren’t as deep in the secondary as they were a year ago _ even with their frontline star power. Brady and the Pats receivers really picked on replacement Tharold Simon.
jthomas 4:44 PM*

It would seem to me if the NFL took exception to SK moving the Rams, that the language coming out of the NFL Office would be a lot stronger. More like they’re resigned to the fact it’s a done deal than anything.
Pasbrough 4:44 PM*

Well, they have said a lot of stuff about the importance of keeping teams in their home market and the importance of following the relocation guidelines. I also think Goodell wasn’t going to call out an owner (Kroenke) in that kind of setting.
jthomas 4:46 PM*

Where would you roughly rank Fisher among HC’s? Top 5? Top 10? Mid pack? Below average? At the end?
RAMBLE 4:46 PM*

Based on what we’ve seen in StL I’d say somewhere in the 12 to 20 range.
jthomas 4:47 PM*