JT chat, 3/31

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_84?Page=4

Jim, Any rumblings about a late FA signing?
by Hugh 2:07 PM

Last week at the owners meetings, Jeff Fisher said they could bring in a free agent or two this week. I’m unaware of anyone visiting this week.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

so with free agent signings only on def side is there enough in draft to fix offense?
by ramsaregone 2:08 PM

The Rams still have enough salary cap space to add an offensive lineman in free agency.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

Hi Jim, here’s my question from last week that didn’t get picked. I think, and there are rumors floating about, that Chip Kelley traded for Bradford to put together an attractive package to trade down for Marriota. Is it possible that Fisher is doing the same offering a QB that has less of an injury prone record than Bradford?
by Ramster 2:09 PM

Not sure I understand what you’re asking. Do you mean Fisher will now offer Nick Foles as trade bait to move up? If that’s the question, I don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

So what would happen in the situation that the STL stadium deal falls through, but both LA stadiums are able to happen? Surely, they won’t have three teams in LA.
by Brad 2:11 PM

No. But they could have one team in each stadium.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

I remember from the beginning Kroenke was brought in as part owner because he would keep the Rams in St. Louis. If he moves the team from St. Louis is there a plan to sue to keep the Rams name in St. Louis after building a stadium he uses as an excuse after only 20 years?
by Rex 2:12 PM

Unless Kroenke goes rogue, I’m not sure on what grounds you could sue. It’s not like he would break the lease if he follows the league relocation procedure.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

What picks would we have to give up to move up to #2 besides our own #1 this year?
by DAN IN DENVER 2:13 PM

That’s hard to say. Much depends on how much the Rams or other teams would value moving up to No. 2, presumably for Mariota. I think you’d almost certainly have to add the 2016 No. 1 and more.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Any chance of getting an interview with Chip? He seemed to be fooled as well as us with Stan’s “intentions” of keeping the Rams in STL.
by Tom Bateman 2:15 PM

I mentioned this on a chat a couple three weeks ago, but I spoke with Chip Rosenbloom on this a little more than a month ago, but Chip didn’t want to go on the record and I will respect his wishes.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Jim, I don’t understand the crazy draft trade-up talks. Are the Rams really only a player away from the Super Bowl? It seems like the Rams need players at offensive line, qb, linebacker, and receiver.
by Axeburger 2:17 PM

As you state, they’re more than a player away. But you realize a true franchise QB can make up for weaknesses in other areas. I just can’t see the Rams even thinking about trading up unless Mariota falls to that sixth or seventh spot.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

if raiders come to stl will you change your pic to have an eyepatch?
by ramsaregone 2:20 PM

I’d have to run that one past my editors.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

Hey Jim, whats the latest on the task force? Are they close to a financing deal? Or land deal?
by Steven 2:21 PM

I believe they’re working on the land acquisition. Don’t think they’re close to completing the financing. But they’re working on it.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

You may have no idea, but if the Raiders came here, would they possibly change their name? I know the Raiderss name is pretty iconic, but I’d have a hard time cheering for the Raiders.
by Brad 2:22 PM

The Raiders brand is indeed iconic in the NFL. I see no reason why they would want to change their name. If anything, they’d want to keep the tradition alive.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

First time in forever that I didn’t care about free agency, don’t care about the draft and this team owned by a mercenary who already has $5 billion but is thirsty for more
by Dr D 2:29 PM

Actually he’s worth more than $5 billion. But I wonder how many feel the same as you do?
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Watching old LA Raider clips on NFL network this weekend and seeing so so many empty seats! Why does anybody, Korenke, fans, the NFL, think people are gonna pony up for high priced PSLs in LA? They have never proven to support an NFL team have they? Much less 2!
by Terry 2:31 PM

You make a great point. I’m sure a fancy new stadium will draw fans in for a few years, but after that? If the team isn’t winning, what evidence do we have that they will be supported in LA?
by jthomas 2:32 PM

“Jimbo” , most people I know who used to be diehards have pretty much moved on already
by Dr D 2:33 PM

Given up already, eh?
by jthomas 2:33 PM

After being back from the Owner’s Meetings, do you get the sense that right now Kroenke would have the votes to get the Rams relocation passed?
by DAN IN DENVER 2:33 PM

Right now? Don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Jim, If you get multiple duplicate questions from me today, it is because I am getting error messages when sending. Sorry for the duplicates. Will EJ Gaines start this year or be used as rotational depth?
by Hugh 2:34 PM

I covered that to a degree in a story regarding simplifying the defense. Looks like he will compete for a job on the outside _ probably against Trumaine Johnson. http://www.stltoday.com
by jthomas 2:36 PM

I believe it’s high time to change your chat title to RamsChargersRaidersNFL Chat w/ Jim Thomas. Just to cut down on confusion
by MrRick 2:36 PM

Maybe my photo should include an eye-patch and a lightning bolt cut into my hair.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Spent the winter in California. Never saw one RAMS jersey, but lots of Raiders. Hoping we get our stadium plan in place so NFL and Kronke can make a deal that keeps at team in STL.
by Rams41 2:38 PM

Interesting. . . .
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Hi, Jim. Any chance of a major offensive philosophy change?
by Gary 2:38 PM

Nope.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Is Carr the real deal or should we take Mariota at 4?
by DAN IN DENVER 2:38 PM

Stick with Carr.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Did the NFL penalty to the Falcons surprise you? 2 years of fake crowd noise and only $350K and a 2016 5th rounder? Given that Kroeneke might have an empty barn of a stadium at home games this year, for $350K, pump up the volume.
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 2:39 PM

Yeah, I thought both the Falcons and the Browns (text-gate) got off kind of light.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

if stl gets stadium done and rams stay could they possibly have a stupid clause in it about being in top 25% of stadiums
by ramsaregone 2:40 PM

Somehow I don’t think that will happen this time around.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

There seems to be 2 groups of fans here … those who have said the Rams are leaving for the last couple of years and those who thought Stan was a “Missouri” man who would play hardball, but never leave. I think both have lost interest in the team because they feel they have been hoodwinked. Thinking about that, it plays right into Stan’s hand.
by Tom Bateman 2:40 PM

I’m sure it’s difficult for fans not to feel manipulated in all this.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Hi, Jim. If a St. Louis Stadium is built, are we guaranteed a team?
by Gary 2:43 PM

I wouldn’t go as far as say guaranteed. But I think the league would do everything it could to keep the Rams here or have a team here.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Is Joe Barksdale back from his honeymoon? Any news on him re-signing?
by OregonRamFan 2:44 PM

All quiet. Don’t know if he’s back from honeymoon.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Jim, Are the Denver Broncos being sold? If so would the league want ESK to purchase them and leave the Rams to local ownership? He could still make money with his new stadium as the home of the Raiders and Chargers.
by Hugh 2:45 PM

Broncos are not for sale, but the thought is that they could be for sale if owner Pat Bowlen, who is ill, passes away.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

What dollar amount do you see Barksdale getting in his next contract? What about Wisniewski and Blalock? Hard to beleive any of them would top out at over $4 million a year.
by Kevin 2:46 PM

I think Blalock would be under $4 million a year for sure. I can see Barksdale and Wisniewski in that range.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Any developments with wisniewski or blalock for OL
by Any developments with… 2:48 PM

Have been told Blalock is in no hurry to sign. Not sure on Wisniewski.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

What percentage of the Rams players do you think really hope they relocate to LA?
by Ron 2:48 PM

I can’t put a percentage on it, but if you’re young and single and make a lot of money, why wouldn’t you want to work in LA?
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Jim, if eagles try to trade Bradford to Cleveland, can he just retire?
by ramwrap 2:49 PM

Sure.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Any idea what the difference in state income tax is between missouri and california?
by Steverino 2:51 PM

I believe the highest tax income bracket in Missouri is 6 percent; and the highest income tax bracket in California is over 12 percent. So California’s tax is twice as much.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Where I live in the SF Bay Area, a 3 bedroom 2 bath house that’s 50 years old starts at $900,000.00. LA is worse. The special teams players wouldn’t be living too good in LA.
by Tom R 2:53 PM

For what it’s worth. . . .
by jthomas 2:53 PM

I guess you could ask Darryl Henley about the benefits of being young, rich and single in la.
by Tom Bateman 2:54 PM

I believe Mr. Henley is still living in Marion, Ill., these days.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Jim, With this draft being soo deep with quality running backs, do you see the Rams picking one up in the later rounds?
by Hugh 2:54 PM

Fisher makes it sound like the team is set at RB, but he certainly likes collecting them and there certainly are some good ones that might be available late. Can’t rule it out.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Why isn’t Fisher worried about the O-Line as we have 3 openings?
by steve 2:55 PM

He thinks they’ll be filled when all is said and done.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Why is Pead still on the Roster? trade bait?
by steve 2:56 PM

What possibly do you think you could get for Pead?
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Hey Jim, have you heard anything recently on the Task force front? Is a financing or land deal coming?
by Steven 2:56 PM

All quiet.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

What difference does it make, as far as the team leaving or not if the fans pack the dome this year?
by Brad 2:57 PM

The league will take notice. Namely, the 31 owners who eventually will vote on relocation.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim, I realize its only been 4 days since the last chat, but are there any changes in your odds that RAMS stay?
by ram fan in toronto 2:57 PM

No. I’m still at 43-57.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

If Gregory falls to #10 will Fisher be able to resist despite the other more pressing offensive needs?
by Tackleberry 2:58 PM

I’m sure it would be tempting, especially if there are no options there on the offensive line.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Hi, Jim. Any chance Fisher/Snead pulling a Ditka to get one of the top QBS in the draft?
by Gary 2:58 PM

Can’t see it.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Will public financing be subject to a popular vote, Missouri legislature or simply approved by Governor?
by Steverino 3:00 PM

Well, that’s kind of the whole issue right now.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Jim, I, as a fan trust you. That said I don’t trust anything from Rams park. It seems they spew misinformation to their fan base like we aren’t to be trusted. Is this normal NFL protocol or a Ram-thing?
by Hugh 3:00 PM

I guess there’s a certain amount of misinformation put out elsewhere by many NFL clubs. But I know this: The Rams didn’t use to be this way.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

In hindsight do you think the OL didn’t care for the leadership of Bradford? Over the years I witnessed a few occasions where he would get knocked down and no one would help the guy up. Not even after missing blocks and allowing early pressure! He never seemed to have great chemistry with this group.
by Cutman 3:01 PM

I think you’re reading way too much into this. I think Bradford was pretty popular in the locker room.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

How much is it going to cost us tax payers a year to get this stadium built?
by Ron 3:03 PM

If they extend the bonds, you’re talking about $24 million a year for another 30 years. That would be $12 million a year by the state, $6 million a year by St. Louis city and $6 million a year by St. Louis County.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Jim- I don’t get all the Raider talk. If we lose the Rams, I see Spanos coming here rather than playing second fiddle to Silent Stan in Inglewood. Isn’t Spanos pretty angry that Stan has tried to butt in on his turf? The lengthy statement the Chargers put on their website shows the anger and frustration. The statement calls out the Rams for returning to a market they abandoned and the NFL for possibly allowing them to return. What do you think?
by Terry 3:05 PM

I think all things being equal, the Chargers would rather stay in California. They are on much sounder financial footing than the Raiders. So the Raiders may be reduced to taking what they will get.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Jim, Does Pete C help or hurt the great NCAA coach to great NFL coach argument? I suspect he helps it, but that last offensive call in the Super Bowl still makes me shake my head.
by Hugh 3:17 PM

Yeah, that last call was a blunder. But overall I think Pete Carroll helps the argument.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

When will the Missouri House vote on Bonds?
by Steven 3:18 PM

I’m checking on that for you, but don’t have answer just yet.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Do you see any way Case Keenum might have a chance to earn the starting job in the pre-season, even if Foles and Davis and a drafted QB are healthy? I think he’s a decent QB, and am wondering if he’d even get the chance to compete for the STARTING position. Thanks.
by MarkBlackGold 3:19 PM

Foles is the starter and will be the opening day starter.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Do you think Fisher may move up to get Mariota?
by steve 3:19 PM

I think it’s possible, but only if Mariota falls a little.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Since New Orleans is clearing cap room and loading up on picks in this year’s draft, would you consider a deal for Brees to NO (assuming you could clear the cap room) for this year’s #10 (1st Round Pick). If that is not fair trade value, what do you think it would take to get Brees?
by DubG 3:21 PM

Not happening.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

I sense that through the all the machinations, adversity, STL gets it together and provides the commitment necessary to fund, build a stadium. Absent Stan Kroeoenke’s interest/participation, how’s a team most likely to commit so that it actually gets built? Thanks!
by MJ 3:21 PM

Not sure I get your question. Do you mean what happens if St. Louis gets the financing and everything together and Stan says no? That he refuses to make a commitment. If that’s the case, the league certainly wouldn’t let him move to California.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Hi JT: Is there any real possibility of Kroenke buying the Broncos? I ask because, as a Bronco fan, that would be a devastating blow. The common thread for successful teams across sports is good ownership. Kroenke owns four pro franchises, and not has had long term success anywhere. Simply spending money doesn’t make a good owner. He/she has to be involved. The irony for St. Louis fans is that they are hoping to keep a team that really is doomed because of their owner who just doesn’t care that much. Please tell me he has no chance to get the Broncos.
by DCG 3:23 PM

I’d say the whole Denver thing is a longshot for Kroenke.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Why was the start of free agency so extremely active, yet now even though there are some good players left, there seems to be no action?
by Brad 3:24 PM

It happens that way every year. Early spending frenzy, then teams back off and start to zero in on the draft.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Even if the Missouri Legislature votes to approve an extension of the bonds, doesn’t the city and county of St. Louis have to vote on whether or not to extend their portion?
by Kevin 3:24 PM

Not sure on that.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Yes, that was my question. Thanks for answering it despite the confusion. Guess I was getting at whether it’s more likely a team like Raiders were to choose to commit versus the league holding Stan up here to allow for stadium to get built.
by MJ 3:25 PM

Again, I really think the league would hold up Kroenke under the circumstances your describing.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Do you suppose Stan would pay relocation costs for his non-vp employees or fire them and start all over in la?
by Tom Bateman 3:26 PM

I’ve been told that if the team relocates, many employees will have to re-apply for their jobs. Which I think would mean Kroenke would not pay relocation costs.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

According to overthecap.com Chris Long will have a cap# of $14.25mil. Would the Rams keep him at that number, or do you think this will be the last year for Long on the Rams. If it is his last year then, who are the best 4-3 Ends in the draft that we might target?
by DAN IN DENVER 3:28 PM

Yeah, that’s his cap figure for 2016. The team could try to negotiate that down thru an extension because 2016 is the last year of Long’s contract. Or as you suggest, maybe the team would decide to move on. There are plenty of good edge rushers in this year’s draft including Randy Gregory, Shane Ray, Dante Fowler.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

is steve still at PD?
by blueyedsteviee 3:31 PM

You referring to my brother? If so, yes, he’s still there.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

HE JIM, GONNA DETOUR FROM THE PIGSKIN FOR A SEC… WHAT DO YOU GIVE MY SPARTANS CHANCES THIS SATURDAY VS DUKE?
by RODNEY 3:32 PM

Have a lot of respect for Izzo. Interviewed him a time or two way back when at a time I was covering colleges. I never rule out an Izzo team in March. I’d say they certainly have a chance.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

Yes referring to your great pipe smoking brother and has Kroenke actually gone on record with desiring to move… or just others speaking for him… i.e.Demhoff, someone from the team?
by blueyedsteviee 3:33 PM

He doesn’t smoke the pipe any more. Neither Kroenke nor anyone in the organization has gone on record saying the team wants to move, but I know this for a fact. If the league would have allowed teams to file for relocation this year, they Rams would’ve done so.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

What do you make of the NFL Commissioner indicating that the timetable for relocation applications may be moved up?
by Steverino 3:35 PM

I think as much as anything, he’s trying to prod Oakland and San Diego into action. But it’s also not a good thing for St. Louis, even if it’s a moveup of only a month or so.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Jim, With so much talent in the draft and our needs so plentiful, is this a good draft to leverage our tenth pick into additional picks in the early draft? There are many teams looking to move up and flip flop positioning.
by Hugh 3:36 PM

I’m not sure if the Rams actually need extra picks at this point.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

I am in a focus group tomorrow on the rams stadium……no joke…I am a charter PSL owner of 4 seats and also 2 club seats…….what points should I bring up ?
by Farnsworth 3:38 PM

Send me an email to: jthomas@post-dispatch.com and we’ll talk.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

I can’t imagine anyone with the money Kroenke already has who would make himself such an outcast in his own state. Do you think he will ever feel any remorse or is he as greedy as depicted?
by Count Cristo 3:39 PM

He’s all about business.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Jim- I don’t get all the Raider talk. If we lose the Rams, I see Spanos coming here rather than playing second fiddle to Silent Stan in Inglewood. Isn’t Spanos pretty angry that Stan has tried to butt in on his turf? The lengthy statement the Chargers put on their website shows the anger and frustration. The statement calls out the Rams for returning to a market they abandoned and the NFL for possibly allowing them to return. What do you think?
by Terry 3:40 PM

I kind of answered this earlier, I think Spanos would rather stay in California.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

What do you think about Fisher playing rookies to fill maybe
the 2 out of 3 o-line holes?
by steve 3:40 PM

I think we’ll see at least one rookie filling out one of those holes as a starter.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Is Fisher waiting for some O-Line FA prices to go down before signing them?
by steve 3:41 PM

That’s part of it.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Why is Pead still there?
by steve 3:42 PM

Good question. I guess nothing wrong with bringing him to camp.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

How well do you know the Raiders? Will you be putting any effort this year to get to know that roster in the case they are the STL Raiders next year?
by DAN IN DENVER 3:42 PM

Not just yet.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

To sue on the same grounds as Cleveland did when Modell moved to Baltimore thus keeping the Rams name with St. Louis subject to sale if it is wanted badly enough in LA.
by Rex 3:43 PM

How successful would that be given the fact that they were the LA Rams nearly a half-century before they became the St. Louis Rams.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

lets say rams move and raiders come to stl about how far are they from having a winning team
by ramsaregone 3:44 PM

Lots of holes on that roster. They need playmakers in the worst way on offense.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Does the Barnes signing affect any FA plans on the OL?
by DAN IN DENVER 3:44 PM

Maybe at center, but otherwise not.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

So in the past 5 years I have made bets with friends that Bradford would be a bust, Fisher couldn’t cope with the transitions made in play calling, and that the Rams were going to L.A. So anyway, do you have any recommendations for hiring a debt collector?
by Jake 3:45 PM

Funny. You look pretty good right now. But it’s not time to collect just yet.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

We are so close. This will be our year (cause it has to) all we have to upgrade is our coaching, QB, RB, WR, O-line, TE, CBs, and LBs. We probably only need 20-30 huge free agent signings. So close.
by Jake 3:47 PM

Sarcasm, right?
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Thanks for these chats Jim. Chiming in on the draft. Last year fans and experts alike insisted the Rams draft a high round WR. Snisher stayed pat, happy with what they had. QB injured, Quick injured, so there are built in excuses for why no WR had a breakout year. If the Rams were content last year why are so many predicting the Rams use #10 pick on a WR? Not saying Rams couldn’t use one, just that Snisher is stubborn and I wouldn’t see them changing their view from last year and burning the first round pick on a WR.
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 3:48 PM

I’m kinda with you. I think taking a WR at No. 10 overall is kind of a long shot. But what if Amari Cooper was there?
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Any idea on the Raiders uniform color combinations once they relocate to St. Louis? Thought I’d beat the crowd and ask now.
by JR 3:50 PM

You’re just a tad ahead of yourself.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

The mantra around NFL observers seems to be that Robinson “struggled” this year. To my eye (and I re-watched many games focusing only on Robinson) he did very well in almost every one-on-one pass blocking situation, even against elite rushers. The only problems I saw were rookie mistakes related to communication (e.g., double teaming when he should have been picking up a blitzer). What was your assessment of Robinson’s performance?
by Jim in CT 3:50 PM

Don’t know about any mantra, but I kinda saw what you saw. He got confused at times on who to pick up or who to pass off on stunts, loops, etc. Just the kind of things that he might be susceptible to as a rookie from a school that rarely passed the ball.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Jim, on the various Rams chatrooms a lot of fans are saying they’ve lost confidence in Fisher. How do you feel as of now?
by Ichabod 3:53 PM

Not really my job to have confidence or a lack of confidence in the head coach. But this obviously is a big year for him. Wonder if the owner feels like his coach is on the hot seat?
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Hi Jim me and son renewed are season tickets. Was just wondering how season ticket renewals is going. Hate the owner support are rams. Any word from Dave Peacock about new stadium I would think it is minute time.
by Todd Higgins 3:54 PM

Hate the owner, support our Rams. Sound like a team motto in the making!
by jthomas 3:55 PM

but surely raiders would change uniforms if nothing else to get more money from sales
by ramsaregone 3:55 PM

I don’t know. They’re pretty traditional on the uniform front.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

STL River Raiders?
by FANATICAL 3:56 PM

I like it.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

The dome was built because St. Louisans didn’t enjoy freezing in december to watch the NFL. Why would anyone think that has changed?
by bnw 3:56 PM

Actually, the dome was built because that was the only way it could get done _ having it attached to the convention center and available for conventions and big trade shows.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

What we hear now about simplifying the defense, are we to read into this that Fisher believes it is the reason why the defense got off to a slow start last year?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 3:58 PM

I think he feels that may be part of the reason.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Hi Jim. Is Barksdale back from his honeymoon yet? Gosh
by Cutman 3:59 PM

I don’t know. I know he was still honeymooning last week.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

I have heard the word “generational” used to describe extreme upside talent in the NHL. Using that analogy, I don’t see Winston or Mariota as generational and worth selling the farm for. Foles is good enough for now – just need a few OL / DB’s and maybe a power RB. Am I missing something?
by FANATICAL 4:00 PM

Yeah, but wouldn’t you take Mariota if he was there at 10?
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Hi, Jim. I remember when we were passed over for an expansion team. How highly regarded by the NFL is St. Louis?
by Gary 4:01 PM

St. Louis was the frontrunner in expansion, but the bid fell apart late because of a lease squabble between Jerry Clinton and James Busch Orthwein. The league even delayed the awarding of the second expansion franchise for a month, giving St. Louis extra time to get its act together.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Jim, what becomes of Rams Park if they move? If a team relocates here, would they be entitled to that complex, or is that owned by Kroenke as well
by Drewbear 4:04 PM

Kroenke doesn’t own Rams Park. It’s owned, I believe, by the same group that owns the dome.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Is the Rams lease a public document?
by Tackleberry 4:04 PM

Believe so. I’ve got a copy of it in my basement.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

As long as the Rams don’t move to London I’ll be a fan. I wouldn’t be a fan of any pro football team in St. Louis other than the Rams, unless the Cardinals come back from AZ.
by OregonRamFan 4:05 PM

Why then, does a move to London remove your fandom?
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Permalink
Jim, While I plan on attending games this year, I won’t be buying any new Rams jerseys. Do you think the NFL abolished blackouts to allow Ram, Raider and Charger fans to get used to watching their teams on TV?
by Hugh 4:06 PM

I do wonder if the prospect of tens of thousands of empty seats in St. Louis, Oakland, and San Diego had something to do with the no-blackout decision.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Jim thanks for the chats. I’m not at all defending Stan on this but I don’t get the cross ownership rule. What is wrong with owning another sports team in another city? It’s not like he’s owning two NFL teams. Is it because he’s spending a lot of money in Denver and not StLouis? I’m missing the point of the rule.
by Terry 4:08 PM

I think the theory is if you own a baseball, hockey, or basketball team in a town that has an NFL franchise, those sports are competing with the football team for sports dollars in that particular town.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Hello Mr. Thomas, thanks for chats. It has been said on discussion boards that, despite the situation, that Rams Season ticket renewals are strong and sales are solid. Do you know if that is true or not? Thank you.
by Mike 4:10 PM

Don’t know. But I’ll try to check.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

If we fill the Offensive line openings with sufficient starters and kept a healthy Foles, what would you expect our record to be this year?
by Neezie 4:10 PM

I think the team should finish above .500 if that’s the case.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

If the Raiders come, what are the odds of one city having 3 incompetent NFL owners in a single generation. Geez!
by Bob in Denver 4:11 PM

You made me laugh out loud with this one. And imagine what the stadium would look like, with a ring of honor for Cardinals, Rams, and Raiders!
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Both Spanos and Davis are heirs to their football teams, but if I’m reading between the lines correctly, Spanos has earned more respect among other owners than Davis. Why?
by Zooey 4:12 PM

Well, for one, the Chargers have had at least some success recently. Also, one organization had had a history of fighting the league, suing the league, ignoring the league. Guess which one.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

Jim, I still have my 2014 “Rams season ticket holder” sticker on the rear window of my car. Am I announcing to one and all what a sucker I am?
by Flagthrower 4:14 PM

No, just that you’re a fan.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Jim I just don’t get it! I agree with you that poor attendance at the stadium is due to lack of good performance. However if the fan base is so displeased why not just let them go? Why all the fuss? And yes I’m in S Cal.
by Cutman 4:15 PM

Because the only thing worse than bad football is no football.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Hey JT-we are empty nesters and my wife is fanatical about taking vacations at least 4x per year. Yes, we love So Calif so we go there a LOT. Anyway, being a fanatical Rams fan-I insist on not missing out on any Rams games so I get dropped off at Sports bars while she goes off shopping. I am always amazed at how I am the ONLY Rams fans watching the worst TV alone in the bar in the LA area. I don’t buy that there is all that much interest in the Rams in LA-just an observation made for the past few years.
by ScottyD 4:16 PM

Interesting.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Where do you see Barnes best fit ont he OL? Thanks
by Paul 4:17 PM

Center.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

To your knowledge, do any of the folks at One Rams Way read the chats here?
by MJ 4:18 PM

Yes. Kevin Demoff, for one, is a frequent reader.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Maybe we can bring Marty Gilyard to camp, also. Is there something wrong with drafting players from the University of Cincinatti. I’d like to have those wasted picks back.
by ORRamfan 4:19 PM

Point taken.
by jthomas 4:19 PM

Shame the Stallions ownership group couldn’t get their act together during the expansion process. I can’t believe we are all going through this scenario of losing a team again
by JR 4:20 PM

Yeah, I wonder how that would’ve worked out.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

Any chance the NFL is monitoring this chat right now to gauge the public’s interest in the team? Just to be safe: “We love the Rams! We love Stan Kroenke! We have always loved the Rams and Stan Kroenke!”
by Torn Hammy 4:20 PM

Well done.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

Glitch on STL PD side? Depending where you click on a Rams Chat link, it sends you to the Mar. 10 chat, Mar. 27 chat, or if you hunt and poke, this one.
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 4:21 PM

Well, you found us.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

What are the chances of STL hosting a prime time game this year?
by Tom Bateman 4:21 PM

We’ll know soon enough. The schedule should come out in a couple of weeks.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Who returns punts next year?
by Greg in Raleigh 4:22 PM

Tavon Austin.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Heard that Illinois Gov Rauner indicated in O’Fallon today that Illinois might help finance a new stadium on the east side…just BS?
by Steverino 4:25 PM

Hadn’t heard that. But he’s a little late to the ballgame if that’s true.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

Well then, Hi Kevin! Thanks for your honesty and please give Stan our best!
by Tom Bateman 4:26 PM

Greeting from Tom. . . .
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Jimmy T-when would an owners vote occur? Meaning, what has to take place for all the owners to sit down and cast a ballot seeing if the Rams would stay or go?
by JHeat 4:27 PM

First off, league would have to give permission for teams to file for relocation. And then stadium plans would have to go through committees and gain approval. I’m think early 2016 would be quickest vote.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Hey Jim, What’s wrong with the Blues?
by LGB 4:29 PM

Apparently they’re allowing more goals than they’re scoring in some of their recent games. That’s how I look at it, anyway. But we’re all entitled to an opinion.
by jthomas 4:30 PM