JT chat, 6/18

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_93?Page=6

Jim. Thanks as always. My gut tells me that the Rams are moving. I have no horse in this race (STL, LA) & will root for them if they play on the moon! What does your gut tell you? They stay or go?
by Mike 2:31 PM

Again, I’m still at 43-57 that they stay _ in other words feel it is more likely they will move at this point. But it’s still all about the financing and land acquisition in St. Louis, and whether San Diego can come up with a stadium plan at the last minute.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

JT reports the Rams are talking extension with Foles. The should do the same mid- season with the cornerbacks. You keep the one who signs first given they are both playing well. Gaines playing well would help the negotiations. Your thoughts.
by Ryno 2:33 PM

The Rams want to re-sign Jenkins. Not sure how they feel on Trumaine Johnson at this point.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Does Chris Givens have any shot at making an impact at the WR position this year?
by Roy Green 2:34 PM

I would think so. But he needs to have a great training camp and preseason.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

do the Rams have any interest in signing the pro bowl offensive lineman released by the Eagles
by ramfan 2:34 PM

Only if Evan Mathis’ price comes down. He’s not going to be playing here for $5.5 million. And even if the money was right, he might not want to play here. Most veterans his age want to play somewhere where the teams is a legit contender to go deep into the playoffs. Don’t feel the Rams meet that criteria at this point.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

When is the trial date for CVC vs. StL. I know they have a new judge but not sure when it will happen?
by Steve 2:36 PM

I think the next hearing is June 25.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

This will be a special year for the Rams …..now to answer a question you had a couple weeks ago ..when the rams left for St Louis it didn’t matter cause I’m a rams fan living in the bayarea. …I also liked the raiders a little but when they moved to Oakland that didn’t stop me from being a rams fan I bought up anything I could find stlouis. …so to answer your question a team moves right in to my back yard after the rams left and I still stayed loyal….can’t wait for the rams to leave your baseball town …front runner fan only supported the rams during there good years by suckers2
by California al 2:36 PM

Don’t know exactly what point you’re trying to make.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

JT, I didn’t mean an insult when I asked about reportable news. I know you get information that you are unable to share at this time.
by Axeburger 2:38 PM

I think we’re spending way too much time worrying about what’s “reportable” vs. “off the record” stuff on the Rams.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

I currently reside in the NFL market of a team that, like the Rams, have not had a successful season in quite a while. I hear a lot on local radio/tv how good the players look in the OTAs, and how improved the QB looks, and how this will translate to a better regular season, etc.. As someone who writes about the Rams, how difficult is it to get a good reading on players just based on these kinds of workouts and the past history of the team?
by General Obvious 2:40 PM

Great question. These are the “happy days” of the yearly cycle of reporting on an NFL team. Players are in the best mood they will be all year. No one has blown an assignment, missed a block, missed a tackle, fumbled, been called for a penalty yet. That all starts to change once the preseason games begin _ and makes it easier to get a read on the team and the players.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Can you shed some light on the Fairly weight discussions? You are either over your playing weight and out of shape or under playing weight and to light. It is too late to add ten pounds of muscle at this point. So if he is to gain, not likely to be good weight.
by Ryno 2:42 PM

Fairley has six weeks before the start of training camp. I think that’s enough time to add 10 pounds off “good weight.”
by jthomas 2:43 PM

Any injury updates, quick,pead , Gurley, etc
by Ryno 2:43 PM

Pead, who’s recovering from knee surgery, didn’t practice Tuesday. Quick looks like he’s coming along fine. Gurley was given a day off Tuesday from the side rehab drills he’s been doing. The next marker on Gurley will be whether he’s on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list once training camp starts.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Lets say financing is in place, will we not actually break ground on the stadium until we know we are going to have a team here next year or the year after?
by Dave 2:45 PM

Correct.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Doesn’t Kroenke’s cross ownership situation have to be solved by this month?
by Chico 2:45 PM

Not sure. But we’ve got to be close to that deadline.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Hey Jim–thanks, as always, for the chats. Does the stuff you’ve learned off the record make you more or less optimistic about the NFL being in STL?
by c_good 2:46 PM

I’m not answering any more questions on the subject.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Hi, Jim, Thanks for your chat and your patience. I’d love to see football continue in St. Louis and have thought about what that might look like and had different reactions to the potential outcome should an NFL be in St. Louis when the smoke clears. To be sure any team would be better than none; but I continue to watch Kroenke’s behavior and your observation–or hinting–that he has yet to show the desire to field a champion. “Competitive” seems to be his operative way, which in my more cynical moments, given his recent behavior, makes me think he wants a product that sells, from which he gets jack, but championships are another matter (One would think he’d benefit more i the Rams won a championship.). So here’s my question or request for comment: If on the outside chance we were to have a choice in the matter, would we really prefer the Rams stay, given K’s attitude, or another team with more drive to the owner? (I suspect you’ll find this too hypothetical, but a guy can hope you’ll answer.).
by Um 2:47 PM

The problem here is that getting another team is much more easier said than done.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

What do you make of that assessment? Rams have a lot of trouble vs. the run at times, so maybe there’s something to it re: the LBs, but I thought the DBs played pretty well last year.
by c_good 2:48 PM

Don’t think the Rams are interested in upgrading Ogletree any time soon. Anyone who makes such an assessment doesn’t really know the club. The secondary improved last season, but still gives up too many big plays. I’m really interested in seeing what the LB corps does with the addition of Ayers, and if the Rams’ secondary can continue to show improvement in 2015.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Any specific idea on why Sam left his Montreal team?
by Dave 2:51 PM

Not really.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Why does it make great sense for Foles, hardly a proven commodity, to be given an extension?
by Hopeful Skeptic 2:51 PM

Doesn’t make much sense to me either.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Fantasy casting for the movie about the whole relocation mess. So far I’ve got Steve Buscemi as the great and powerful Enos, Bradley Whitford as Dean Spanos, and a CGI Chris Farley for Mark Davis. Any thoughts about who should play Dave Peacock?
by Thad 2:51 PM

No, but maybe our readers can offer some suggestions.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Jim is it true that fisher went to ohio dug up woodie hayes gave him a new name and installed him as rams OC.
by Philwill1 2:52 PM

Are you suggesting that the Rams are behind the times on offense?
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Just curious, what kind of foods do they have at Rams Park for the players?
by Dave 2:52 PM

I don’t know. It’s been a long time since the media was invited to the lunch room at Rams Park.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

What are you expecting from the August owner’s meeting?
by RamsFansUnited 2:53 PM

Mainly, I think more talk on moving up the relocation timetable.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Who is responsible for scheduling the training camp scrimmage. Friday night at 5:00 pm in St Charles. Saturday or Sunday wasn’t available.
by ramfan 2:53 PM

Probably Fisher on the time. I think past Lindenwood scrimmages have always been on Fridays, and have always been well attended.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

I think Kroenke needs to get out more and talk to his fanbase and cooperate big shots in St. Louis. He’s making me look like a social butterfly.
by Howard Hughes 2:54 PM

Don’t hold your breath.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

The logical side of me tells me that the Rams are gone. The emotional side screams about the unfairness of the cross ownership rules, Kroenke not even coming close on relocation rules etc. What gets me the most is the offer Kroenke made to improve the current dome. We all know that it was a non starter. The CVC could not afford to render the area unusable for 2-3 years while it was being renovated. The arbitrator ruled in favor of Kroenke only because his proposal at least would have gotten the Dome in the top 25%. The arbitrator did not have to rule on the common sense factor of the project. Kroenke from what I have read, has not engaged the CVC or the city of St. Louis since this ruling. It is plan as day to me that Kroenke’s plan from day one was to move the Rams back to L.A. and he duped the other owners into allowing him to buy the team against their own rules. Will there be a time if the NFL allows Kroenke to move the team that legitimate lawsuits could be filed to stop the move? There has to be electronic communications between the NFL and Kroenke regarding the exceptions they allowed him. Would the NFL worry about any of this type of publicity?
by Vern 2:55 PM

Not sure about the lawsuits. Especially if the league ends up approving the move.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Jason bateman with a goatee could play peacock
by stlrams4ever 2:56 PM

OK, there you go. Thanks for playing, stlrams4ever.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Any chance Kroenke sells the team if he’s forced to stay? That seems logical to me, especially if the Broncos opportunity presents itself down the line.
by Ramsfan 2:57 PM

Again, all things are possible, but I don’t see a team sale as probable.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Hello Jim, we’ve had a few conversations over the yrs. Usually about the Rams or your boys & their progress at the Army Academy. I’ve never lived near my beloved Rams since becoming a fan in 1964, so I’ve always had to rely on others for Ram info/opinions. More than 50 yrs, & you my friend are the unchallenged, far & away best & for me, the most entertaining & thorough Ram journalist ever. It seems Rams will be moving & not having you covering them is by far the saddest part for me. I apologize to your other chat members for interrupting the flow, but needed to be sure you knew, before I get too memory deficient to tell you that you leave in your wake, thousands of fans who are beneficiaries of interactions with a shining example of what a fan, writer, father & American should be. Can I prove your a man worthy of respect with little first hand knowledge? No more than I can prove Jesus was a good man.
It was & is great to have you on this big old rock & your sons, officers sworn to die for us on foreign shores if need be. Well done sir, well played. I know you aren’t perfect, but in a country where male examples are increasingly harder to find, you stand out & above. Sorry for the sentimental drivel, but if by no other, you will be missed very much by me. Have a great final Ram season, should this truly be the last year. God bless you & yours, Jim!
Robin Albert Green
by GabrieltoSnow 2:58 PM

You’re scaring me a little here.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

For the movie, I’m thinking Ryan Gossling could play Jim Thomas, the plucky, cub reporter for the local paper that stumbles upon evil Stan Kroenke’s plan to use the distraction of a Rams move to blow up the Arch. He teams up with Bruce Willis to thwart Stan and his evil henchmen.
by General Obvious 3:00 PM

I wouldn’t call him a cub reporter, that’s for sure!
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Hey Jim, I look forward to these chats every week. THANK YOU! I was curious, what is Chris Long’s outlook on this possible LA move? I remember hearing or reading that Howie Long and his wife got tired and fed up with the earthquakes and aftershocks in LA so that is why he moved his family to Virginia after he retired from the NFL. In a nut shell, I understand Howie did not want to raise his family there and for other reason too. I have also heard he and Chris are fond of St. Louis. Curious have you heard much out of Chris?
by STLRamMan 3:00 PM

He really hasn’t broached the subject for a while. I’m sure we’ll check back with him on the topic once training camp begins.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

I hear a lot of debate about if Rams have (or not) a true no. 1 receiver. If Quick is healthy game 1, who has more yards at the end of the year, him or Britt? Who’s our de facto no. 1?
by averagej 3:01 PM

Early on last season, it looked like it was Quick. If he can pick up where he left off before the injury last season, I’d say Quick.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

Do you think that ESK has as much poltical clout among the other owners as Dean Spanos? If (when) it comes down to a direct choice between the two do you see either as having an advantage based on “popularity”?
by Thad 3:02 PM

I do not think ESK has as much “political clout” among owners as Spanos. Although he does have more money. I would say without a doubt, Spanos is more “popular.”
by jthomas 3:03 PM

On a scale of A-F, how would you grade the Rams drafting specific to the extra picks we received for the RGIII trade? I can only give them a C+. I think we blew it. This was almost as bad as the 2002 draft (I think 2002) when we had three first round picks and we missed on all three.
by Vern 3:03 PM

Good question. It’s still a little early to tell. Need another year or two I think to really get a true feel. I wouldn’t say the Rams blew it, but I’m thinking B- at this point. They’ve gotten some solid starters, but so far no stars out of the trade.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Bruce Willis could play the crochety columnist, Joe Strauss. Strauss and Thomas team up to expose the NFL and its hypocrisy. Oh, wait. Everyone already knows the NFL has the scruples of Bernie Madoff.
by Axeburger 3:05 PM

Thanks for playing. . . .
by jthomas 3:05 PM

What do you think of Fisher’s philosopy of running game and defense? That kind of has not worked for us lately, right? Do you see the same type of offense this year as in the past few?
by Dave 3:05 PM

I’m expecting something pretty similar in terms of offensive philosophy. So we’ll see. The running game/defense style certainly works for Seattle and worked for San Fran for a while under Harbaugh. But I wonder if the Rams have enough of a dynamic presence at QB. Can Foles turn seemingly doomed plays into first downs like Wilson or Kaepernick (at his best)?
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Jin how about james spader to play bernie
by Philwill1 3:07 PM

Thanks Philwill1
by jthomas 3:08 PM

What would happen if the NFL picks the Carson site and something falls apart with the riverfront stadium in St Louis after the decision is made?
by Steve A 3:08 PM

Very interesting. Maybe Stan is stuck here in the short term at least if that happens.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

So if ESK gets shut out of LA do you think that he’ll sign on for the new stadium, or would he stay in the dome out of spite and starting looking for another landing spot for the Fightin’ Kroenkes?
by Thad 3:08 PM

I think it’d be pretty short-sighted to turn his back on a new stadium. And despite what some have foolishly suggested, the NFL isn’t headed to London, San Antonio, or Mexico City any time soon.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Any word on a date for the Rams park event for season ticket holders? I attended last year and thought it was a great way to build goodwill with the fan base.
by Ryno 3:10 PM

Not sure what Rams Park attempt you are talking about? Do you mean during training camp?
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Not enough has been made of the slow Starts. If the Rams can get out of the gate in better shape, I think they have a chance to make the playoffs. This group will get better during the season as some of the younger players grasp the new schemes. I think the youngest team in the league thing can no longer be used as an excuse, but a positive.
by Ryno 3:10 PM

I think we’ve all brought up the slow starts.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Hi Jim, what do you propose happens if all three teams can’t get a deal done in their current markets? One would think a vote would still be in place between Carson and Inglewood.
by Lawllaby 3:11 PM

Yes. I can’t see any circumstance where there are 3 teams playing in the LA market.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

It was the event when they should the video footage of the Bradford rehab. I think prior to the start of camp.
by Ryno 3:12 PM

You sure you’re not talking about the pre-draft party? They had that this year.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Bradley Cooper as Peacock. Done.
by c_good 3:13 PM

There you go. . . .
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Any sense of whether the Rams front office is getting worn down from all the LA rumors? Is a talent/brain drain looming?
by Uncle Leo 3:13 PM

Uncle L, they have had a few front office people leave over the past year or so. There is some nervousness about what might happen, and if everyone will be invited to accompany the team to LA.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

All one has to do is follow this link to the Ram’s draft history to see why they have been so awful. 2001-2010 stand out as just horrible drafting.
by Verminator 3:15 PM

There’s no doubt that the past draft history has helped dig this hole.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Has there ever been an attempt made to amend the Ed Jones Dome lease to remove the “top tier” language in exchange for some different financial benefits for the owners?
by General Obvious 3:16 PM

Too late for that my friend.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

As of today, adding no additional players, a prediction of Rams record.
by Ryno 3:16 PM

8-8.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

chargers and raiders to carson .rams stay in stl. sk gets bye on cross ownership to keep him out of court
by myrams 3:17 PM

We’ll see.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Its early, but who do u think the starting C will be opening day? Thanks
by Paul 3:17 PM

I’m gonna say Barret Jones.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

As far as you know, is there any truth to the rumors about Kroenke offering to help either the Chargers or Raiders pay for stadiums in their current markets with the other becoming a tenant in Inglewood? Would the league even allow an arrangement like that?
by Thad 3:18 PM

At face value, doesn’t seem to make sense.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Jim do you do these chats year round? If so, I’m going to ask you to predict the record after Game 4 of preseason.
by Lawllaby 3:18 PM

Pretty much year-round. I’m about to take a 5-week hiatus from late June to end of July. And I predict the won-loss record every year at that time _ game by game _ in our annual Rams preview section.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Regarding the casting, Peacock is played by Ben Affleck and Mark Davis is casted by Lloyd Christmas from Dumb & Dumber. Keep in mind, not Jim Carey… We need to cast the real deal here, IQ and and bowel hair cut and all.
by STLRamMan 3:20 PM

OK
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Would you agree that we have to find a way to get Charlize Theron in this Rams relocation move? You know…just because.
by General Obvious 3:20 PM

I would not complain.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

If you had to guess, what kind of money per year are Foles/Rams looking for in the contract discussions? Even middle of the road Alex Smith is getting $15mil this year and it goes to $17mil next. What would the Rams be offering, $12mil, and what will Foles accept?
by Dan in Denver 3:21 PM

Hard to imagine $12 million per year being acceptable to Foles.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Jim what does the right side of the OL look like?
by Steve 3:22 PM

Brown at RG, Havenstein at RT. Maybe Reynolds at RG if Brown struggles early.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Is our beloved owner having some of Training Camp in SoCal to 1) rub all of the STL fans noses in the perceived inevitability of the situation 2) Get the players (who prob dont need much convincing) on board with LA or 3) to show the world he will whatever he pleases regardless of laws or rules or decency.
by willywawa 3:22 PM

I’m picking 4.) do some advance PR work for the 2016 season in Inglewood.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Nick Foles contract chatter is for real or the Rams are just trying to be polite, support Foles, build his ego a bit, team unity yadda, yadda, yadda? Isn’t the only way they could do a contract this early to have it be full of incentive clauses?
by Uncle Leo 3:24 PM

It’s all very preliminary at this point.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Do you think any of the C contenders could beat out J. Brown to start the season at G, depending on how the competition shakes out at center?
by c_good 3:25 PM

Athletic. Quick feet. Needs to get bigger and stronger. Working against him this year is the fact he’d be working with a QB (Foles) who’s new to the Rams. As for your second question, that’s a possibility.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Why haven’t the Rams (or anyone) made a move to sign Anthony Collins. Seems like at worst he would be a better swing tackle than Reynolds and could possibly force his way into the starting lineup. Since he has not signed yet, we should get him very cheap. What is wrong with him?
by Dan in Denver 3:26 PM

Interesting question. But I think right now they want the youngsters to get all the reps possible and get a read on them.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

When they put on the pads and the young offensive linemen are overwhelmed do the Rams have a plan B or are they just that confident in the players
by ramfan 3:27 PM

Good question. I think they like what they have at this point.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

If San Diego and Oakland end up in LA, since both are in the AFC will a realignment be needed with an NFC West team? If so, which Teams?
by kksrams 3:28 PM

Yes on realignment if for no other reason than FOX would want a share of the LA market (with an NFC team).
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Jim – If the NFL moves up the relocation process, aren’t they guaranteeing some record small crowds for the lame duck team(s)?
by McGarrett 3:29 PM

It probably won’t be moved up that much to impact more than one or two home games. And in the grand scheme that’s no really a significant factor.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Of the three owners is Kroenke the only one who really “wants” to move to LA? I’m sure that Spanos and Davis are willing to move, but do they want it as much as Enos?
by Thad 3:30 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

any thoughts that if Stan gets shut out of LA he could invest more than the $450 mill to make the stadium one that competes for a superbowl? or retractable roof… one could dream
by dan 3:30 PM

That would be some dream.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Hi Jim, two column ideas. 1. Can you compare and contrast the process the caused the Big Red to leave against what we are seeing now? 2. I really really want to make and display a sign expressing my hatred for Kroenke at a Rams game this year, but I don’t want to make it, go downtown, pay $10 to the nice man on the street for a ticket, then be told I can’t bring it in, or have to leave if the good folks at the dome don’t like it. Can you do a column confirming what we can and cannot do with signs this year? Thanks!
by ihtnep 3:31 PM

Thanks for the ideas.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Jim, It seems like the Charger’s announcement could help the Rams as it makes Carson over Inglewood more likely. I am curious why that did not sway you to change your odds. Even slightly? Can we get a 44-56?
by Sam 3:33 PM

Once again: Odds are largely weighted by these 2 factors in St. Louis. 1.) Land assembly. 2.) Financing.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

So if the LA thing doenst work, wouldnt stan prefer to go to london, instead of investing in STL? Thanks
by Paul 3:34 PM

League not ready for London.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Is the 2013 NFL draft one of the worst in recent memory, especially at the top? I wanted to get mad at the Tavon pick, but looking at the rest of the picks, they were all pretty terrible besides Sheldon Richardson at 13
by Dan in Denver 3:34 PM

It’s not looking monumental at this point, that’s for sure.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Do you have faith that if we get the stadium financing set, that we will have a team for sure? Especially with the way the NFL has been encouraging Nixon and Peacock to keep working on the stadium. Why would they do that if they had no plans to stay in St. Louis?
by Kip 3:35 PM

I think the NFL staying in St. Louis becomes more likely, much more likely, if financing is set. But there are no guarantees here.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Special unprecedented meeting on August 11, two reports from LA that Rams announce return in August, Rams head to Oxnard days after the meeting. What percentage chance that it is all but official Rams return to LA come August?
by jim 3:36 PM

1 percent.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

If the NFL picks the California solution to a California problem – Chargers and Raiders to LA/Carson, and St. Louis doesn’t successfully secure land and financing, then what? The Rams stay at the Ed on a year-to-year lease?
by Uncle Leo 3:36 PM

Probably.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

What percentage of snaps do you see TA getting this year? Will we be mostly in 2 TE sets on first and second down?
by Dan in Denver 3:37 PM

Hard to predict.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

So then stan would just stay year to year at the dome until the league is ready?
by Paul 3:37 PM

Perhaps. But if St. Louis gets its stadium act together, he would be under a lot of pressure from the league to stay.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

if you could choose any head coach who is currently not coaching for whatever reason, be it media work, taking a break, just fired and looking but not deciding, etc., to be the rams next coach, who would you choose? forgetting about likelihood of acceptance or even whether the guy is currently interested in returning to coaching, just the number one guy for you for the rams going forward for best results? personally, i would say bill cowher. your choice?
by branford76 3:38 PM

Yeah, Cowher was the first name that came to mind. He has, however, been out of the game for a while.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Jim I’m thinking of coming down to St. Louis for a home game, which one would you attend if you could only attend one this season? I’m from Texas by the way.
by Lawllaby 3:39 PM

I’m sure there will be good seats available for all games. I’d go with the season opener against Seattle. Those games have always been very interesting at the Edward Jones Dome, and we are talking about the defending NFC champs.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Will Peacock get to present in August, or do we have to depend on Kevin “double agent” Demoff?
by Kip 3:41 PM

Not sure yet if there will be presentations.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Referring to these ridiculous new rules regarding the extra point, why hasn’t an easier solution been talked about? Such as, narrowing the goal posts???
by Aaron Johnson 3:41 PM

I think the league has experimented with narrow goal posts in the preseason before.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

How can the league pressure stan to stay in STL if LA falls thru? Thanks
by Paul 3:43 PM

By telling him, when we approved you as controlling owner of the Rams in 2010 it was as controlling owner of the team in the St. Louis market. Not controlling owner of wherever I could get the best deal. That a new stadium in St. Louis will increase your franchise’s value by hundreds of millions of dollars. That you already are making money in St. Louis, that it’s the right thing to do, and that we have financial penalties that will make it tougher for you to move _ penalties that weren’t available before.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

I read Kroenke’s cross-ownership extension ends June 30. If he hasn’t complied by then, what can the league do? If they do nothing, it really hurts the league’s credibility (what little they have left).
by Tom R 3:46 PM

They could simply issue another extension.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

JT…Is there a Culver’s near you…???!!!???
by Gino Marchetti 3:47 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Once Gurley is deemed fully healthy whether it be in week 4 or week 10, how do you think the RB snaps will be divided on a percentage basis?
by Dan in Denver 3:47 PM

First off, he could be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season. I don’t think they’re giving him 30 touches a game right off the bat. I would think they’d have to build up his touches as the season progresses.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

All time ugliest StL Ram uniform? I vote for the gold jerseys and gold pants, but there are many contenders.
by ihtnep 3:49 PM

I’ll go with the blue on blues. As Mike Martz used to say, the Rams look like big grapes in them.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Are you going to have a parade if the Rams go 0-16, but decide to stay in St. Louis?
by ihtnep 3:50 PM

Probably.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

How can we keep only 5 cb’s & 5 db’s with the upcoming contracts expiring? I like Tru but want to keep Roberson, McGee, and the kid outta Ohio State from last year, Bryant…seems like we shold hold onto 11, and cut Reynolds.or another RB
by LA Champ 3:50 PM

Reynolds is a pretty good special teams player. McGee has had trouble staying healthy. Bryant is a blank page due to injury.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Do you think the Peacock group will have the financing in place by the August NFL meeting?
by Kip 3:51 PM

Hard to imagine the lawsuits being resolved by then.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

In that case is Tre Mason only getting a few carries a game or would it be more of a 60/40 split when both are up to speed.
by Dan in Denver 3:52 PM

I’m gonna say more like 70-30.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Can Gurley pass block yet?
by Tom R 3:53 PM

Probably not. At least not to NFL standards. But the guy has yet to practice yet as the NFL level.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Assuming Rams stay and Enos is the owner, and he contributes 30% or so of the stadium financing, do the Rams have to pay rent to play? Does Enos get revenue from concerts, soccer games, etc.?
by Bob in Denver 3:54 PM

That’s all to be decided.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Talented players rise to the top, no matter where they play. But the organization plays a huge part in how much that player succeeds. Hard to imagine Joe Namath would have gone to the HOF if he’d signed with the football Cardinals instead of the Jets. Can you identify a former player or two who YOU thought would have been a Hall-of-Famer if he’d only been in a different organization?
by Andy 3:55 PM

Maybe Archie Manning? And maybe you could even make a case for Steven Jackson.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

So if the Rams go to LA, and Kroenke gets his tripling in value, but the team continues to crank out 6-10 seasons, what happens to their value when they start getting 40K per game, and what does Kroenke do about it?
by ihtnep 3:55 PM

Stan continues to count his money.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

What will be the big differences between Cignetti and Schotty? What have you seen so far that has been different on O from the past 3 years?
by Dan in Denver 3:56 PM

We’ll have to wait until they start playing games to get a true read.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

To me, I think this whole stadium deal is not about Kroenke trying to make money but acquiring the one thing he doesn’t have and that’s power over other billionaires and millionaires. He made his billions before the Rams, and saw Inglewood as an opportunity to take control of the NFL by owning what could be the future home of many Super Bowls, NFL offices, NFL Network, and west coast Hall of Fame. Then Carson arrived out of the blue, along with Carmen Policy being the spokesperson, and Kroenke’s plans seem to be on sandy footing. Carson project is the out the other NFL owners need to prevent Kroenke from obtaining all that power.
by Den 3:57 PM

Den, there’s no denying that a big part of any LA move is a prestige thing for Kroenke.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Any idea if Bud Sasser will get cleared by another doctor to play for another team? Sad to see a Mizzou guy have such luck.
by c_good 3:57 PM

Well, he’s already got the Mayo clinic and a doctor in Dallas saying he’s OK to play. But a doctor from another NFL team? Don’t know about that.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Have you just not heard any rumblings on the Rams intentions as far as signing Tru Johnson or are they less interested with the emergence of Gaines? I like Jenkins for his ball hawking but Tru doesnt gamble and make mistakes like Jenkins
by Willywawa 3:58 PM

I just think they like Jenkins better.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Jim I brought this up last time, but say the Rams move to LA. Eventually that Inglewood stadium will be outdated (keep in mind this is 30-40 years down the road) Stan might not be alive by that time. Does he next of kin attempt public financing? It down not seem like a long term solution in any city that is not willing to cooperate with their teams.
by Lawllaby 3:59 PM

I think Kroenke’s heirs will have plenty of billions to build another stadium by that time.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

If a medium could communicate with Georgia, she would say…………
by ihtnep 4:01 PM

. . . .Keep the Rams in St. Louis!
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Ram Fan since mid 60’s
by craigsports 4:02 PM

He was cut by the Falcons. We’re not talking about Will Shields here.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

I have been a Rams fan for 42 years.i wanted Sam Bradford to succeed but that didn’t happen. To not take a pay cut signalled to me that he was a me guy not a we guy. Do you agree.
by Deeker29 4:03 PM

Disagree strongly. The nature of the pay cut offered by the Rams was so severe that he knew he could more on the open market.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Jim – How do you think the news about the Chargers not supporting a public vote will impact the LA situation, particularly the Rams?
by McGarrett 4:03 PM

Again, anything that favors the Carson plan is good news for the efforts to keep the Rams in St. Louis.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Jim, Do you think Fisher actually will open the season with two rookies and a center who is a virtual rookie on the OL?
by Tom 4:04 PM

It looks more and more possible as each week goes by.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Hi Jim, how do you account for the difference between your avatar and your picture in the live chat banner?
by RamsFansUnited 4:04 PM

About 15-20 years.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Jim will the Rams be looking over the wires for released lineman, and if so how much money do they have to sign them?
by deacondan 4:05 PM

Yes. I think when all the rookie contracts are in the Rams will have about $6 million in cap space.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Any rumblings on vet OL? Why wouldnt it make sense to try to get Long back? His choice or management?
by D_Roks30 4:06 PM

At this point, why would Long take a huge _ and I mean huge pay cut _ to come back to a place where he might not even be promised a starting job. Conversely, if you’re the Rams wouldn’t you be at least a little hesitant to sign and depend on someone with his injury history.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

How realistic is it to have high expectations for the offensive line with all of the inexperience? I’m not saying I didn’t like the draft picks, but I wonder how fast the learning curve will be for these guys, especially after watching Robinson’s ;earning curve last year.
by Michael 4:07 PM

Personally, I have my doubts.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Jim…nfl doesn’t want raiders in so cal…I think kroenke hooks up with spanos in inglewood and both spanos and kroenke kick in to help davis in oakland with half of their relocation fee going to Oakland to buiod a stadium. Take that to the bank.
by so cal native 4:09 PM

If Stan is so willing to help out other cities, why wouldn’t he help out St. Louis?
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Jim- In your opinion, who are the 5 best players on the current Ram’s roster?
by OdessaDJ 4:10 PM

Coming up with 5 is tough because in so many cases were betting on potential with young players. But right now, I’d say Quinn, Donald, Laurinaitis, Long, Saffold. (Honorable mention: Hekker)
by jthomas 4:11 PM

No pads, so no real football. But physically who stands out among the rookies? Any veterans who look in better condition than last season?
by Shedrow 4:11 PM

Don’t know if you’d consider Robinson a “veteran” but he’s certainly in better condition. Hard to tell on rookies, considering 4 are offensive linemen.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Will you be making the trip to Oxnard in August?
by RamsFansUnited 4:12 PM

Believe so.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Ha, Ha, Ha! Understood… don’t worry, now that I’ve unburdened myself of the fear of Rams without JT, I can return to criticizing your Ram views. Besides, they seldom let me out of my restraints in the Looney Bin for Ram fans… you crack me up… I’ll miss THAT too.
by GabrieltoSnow 4:13 PM

Thanks for the kind words.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

As best we know right now, what happens in December (?). That is when teams can officially apply to move to LA or that is when the NFL will announce which teams are moving to LA? How messy does it get if the Chargers, Rams or Raiders are in the play-offs when announcements are made?
by Uncle Leo 4:14 PM

I think that’s when the league will move up the filing date for relocation. Yeah, that would get messy if any of the teams are in the playoffs.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

A great deal is made of the humanitarian efforts by the Rams and the NFL and they should be praised for the efforts, the list is long. How conversely inhumane on the owner to want to leave or the NFL to let the Rams leave knowing how many people they will put out of work. Very few of the office staff, tickets sales, vendors, etc can afford to move to LA to keep the same job. That is the biggest travesty of a potential move. I am pretty sure this is all very insignificant to Stan and the NFL.
by Ryno 4:15 PM

Good points, and I think you’re right.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

I know the NFL feels there is a lot more money to be made in media and broadcasting of the games but has the way this LA situation played out with a sense of desperation in 3 current NFL cities point to a saturation point for how many cities/stadiums/teams can be in the league? Is 32 the limit in the U.S.?
by Uncle Leo 4:16 PM

There seems to be no appetite for expansion in the NFL at this point.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Permalink
Hi Jim, thanks so much for the chats, Any clue on the LB’s we will keep after JL55, Ogletree, Ayers, Bates? I see Jo Lon Dunbar getting cut?
by LA Champ 4:16 PM

Dunbar’s not making a ton of money, so I think he could very well make the final cut. That’s 5 LBs, and if Hager shows promise on special teams, he could be No. 6. (And that’s about all you need in the NFL these days, at least on a 4-3 squad.)
by jthomas 4:18 PM

If the starting OL is as you suspect, is that a recipe for disaster?
by Tom 4:18 PM

Could be.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Did I hear it right, Rams looking at $60 million available for their salary cap next year? Can we get everyone we want signed?
by Uncle Leo 4:19 PM

Yes, the $60 million figure was in my Rams story today. Here’s the link:
Rams want to extend Foles’ contract : Sports
stltoday.comHe heads an unusually long list of starters and key reserves scheduled for free agency after this season.
So yes, it’s possible they could at least get most of the players re-signed.
by jthomas 4:20 PM

Regarding the new extra point rules, have you heard any support for this from fans? I say it falls into that 90% of change that usually sucks when it serves no clear benefit.
by ihtnep 4:20 PM

I haven’t got much feedback from fans on this. I think the league believes it will make the PAT a more exciting play.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

Lets go off the normal road..Any special teamers that don’t make it this year?
by LA Champ 4:21 PM

Sure there’s always that possibility, because normally special teamers aren’t near the top of the depth chart. So it could affect players such as LBs McFadden and Toomer, or safety Cody Davis. I do think RB Reynolds and LB Bates _ who were the top 2 special teamers a year ago _ should be safe.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

I know Bernie does the numbers game but any idea about the number of big plays made by Jenkins vs. the number of big plays given up? Any chance Gaines will start over him? I dont’t understend Fisher’s infatuation with him. Thanks.
by AzRamsFan 4:23 PM

I think it’s very safe to assume Jenkins has given up more big plays than “pick 6s” although I don’t have exact numbers for you. But if Gaines is starting ahead of anyone this season, it figures to be Trumaine Johnson not Jenkins.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

Ok your answer on London could apply to LA as well, but the NFL hasnt told Stan that.
by Paul 4:25 PM

Not really. The league very much wants to be in LA. They’re not sure about LA yet for a variety of reasons.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

I have a feeling Sam Bradford is going to shine in Phi and Foles will just be okay in St. Louis, is my feeling justified?
by Charles French 4:25 PM

First tell me if Bradford will be available for at least 14 games. That’s the big if.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Did you think that the Hekker contract was outrageous? Will the Rams give an equally big contract to Greg the Leg, or will they possibly look for someone else after the season (or just franchise him)?
by Dan in Denver 4:27 PM

No, I think the Hekker contract was pretty much in line for an upper-tier punter. Not sure what Zuerlein will bring, but I think he’s been consistent enough to re-sign.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Jim, I saw a story where the Seahawks will take out an insurance policy on Russell Wilson for this year, in case he would get seriously hurt this year. My question is could this be a way for teams to circumvent the salary cap by starting to take out huge insurance policies on star players (that way if they get hurt they get paid), treating it in the same way you would a big signing bonus? Thanks.
by Bull 4:30 PM

Actually, it’s Wilson taking out the insurance policy. Not the Seahawks.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

So IF (big if), Boudreau pulls off a miracle with the line, Gurley is healthy, and there are no bad surprises elsewhere, how many wins do you forsee?
by ihtnep 4:32 PM

9-7, maybe even 10-6.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

Does Greg Zeurlein still have good job security with the Rams? Was his make percentage within an acceptable range for the team?
by General Obvious 4:33 PM

I would say yes on both counts.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

If you could put 1 non-QB from the Rams’ past on the roster now, who would you want?
by ihtnep 4:34 PM

Isaac Bruce, circa late ’90s. (But I’d certainly “settle” for Torry Holt.)
by jthomas 4:34 PM

JT, Since LA is not a home NFL market, they always get the best Sunday games. Won’t ratings drop if they are forced to watch 2 mediocre teams play?
by Axeburger 4:35 PM

Could be.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

Hey Jim, thanks again for the chat. Why doesn’t anyone report on the decades of poor management by both the football Cardinals and the Rams in STL? I think we get a bad rap.
by Ken 4:36 PM

I think we’ve touched on that topic a time or two over the past 30 years.
by jthomas 4:36 PM

With Kroenke’s willingness to help the Chargers and Raiders find solutions in their home markets, does that smell of desperation to you? If he were secure in his plan to move to LA, he would not be making such a statement don’t you think?
by Brian from Breese 4:37 PM

I don’t think we know for sure if those “reports” are true.
by jthomas 4:37 PM

If this O-line ends up being pretty good this season, do you see the Rams being a very good team overall?
by Lawllaby 4:37 PM

Yes, but I’ll attach one more “if” to that. Namely, Foles must stay healthy.
by jthomas 4:38 PM

Has our MLB ever been in the running for the Pro Bowl?
by Tom 4:38 PM

I think he’s reached alternate status in the past.
by jthomas 4:38 PM

Why do people refer to NFL teams possibly moving as a Californina problem? This isn’t a problem for California, I promise you Gov. Brown will not be at the next NFL meeting, this is an NFL issue and will be decided by the NFL, not Gov. Brown.
by RR 4:38 PM

The phrase “California problem” is used because of the state of the stadiums in Oakland and San Diego. The issue in St. Louis isn’t really about the condition of the Edward Jones Dome, it’s the first-tier clause that gave Kroenke an out on the stadium lease.
by jthomas 4:40 PM

You are a vengeful equipment manager or audio controller that is potentially losing your job with a move to LA….do you intentionally deflate footballs or pump excessive noise into the stadium ?
by NateMarcum 4:40 PM

Funny.
by jthomas 4:41 PM

A couple of months ago Kevin Demoff told KMOX that he anticipates Stan Kroenke getting involved in the discussion to keep the Rams in St. Louis. Have you heard any update on this? Due to my job I rarely get to read your chat live. If the Rams leave I want to thank you for all of your great coverage through the years. This might be the last time that I see the chat live.
by KeeptheRamsinSTL 4:41 PM

By all accounts, Kroenke has yet to be involved in face-to-face discussions on the St. Louis stadium project with Peacock & Blitz or the governor. . . .You know, I’ll be chatting at least throughout the ’15 season, so maybe you’ll get another chance.
by jthomas 4:42 PM

How can fisher say with a straight face the summer practice in California is not related to a move?
by Big Todd 4:43 PM

I think the genesis for these practices came from much, much higher on the organizational depth chart.
by jthomas 4:44 PM

Any idea why there isn’t a fan chat forum on the Rams’ official website? Seems like there could be a potential for interesting conversation there.
by General Obvious 4:44 PM

That’s a question for someone in the Rams’ organization.
by jthomas 4:44 PM

Any chance that Warner’s jersey will be retired before the end of the 2015 season? It should take place in St. Louis and not on the west coast.
by KeeptheRamsinSTL 4:44 PM

Have heard of no plans to retire Warner’s jersey number.
by jthomas 4:46 PM

Ok, worst owner, Bidwill or Kroenke?
by Ken 4:46 PM

Must we? Let’s call it a tie right now.
by jthomas 4:46 PM

Many commentators seem to think Fisher will be ok even if Rams go 6-10 again. If true, tells you more about the owner than the coach, true?
by Tom 4:47 PM

It tells me, Kroenke wants Fisher to guide the Rams through the transition in LA.
by jthomas 4:47 PM

Dream scenario: Rams vs. Chargers or Raiders in the SB. How awkward would THAT be?
by ihtnep 4:48 PM

I’d love it.
by jthomas 4:48 PM

So if Fisher stays with the Rams through a move, then gets fired, how nervous should you be if your favorite team hires him?
by ihtnep 4:50 PM

Nervous about how Fisher would be with the new team? I guess a little.
by jthomas 4:51 PM

Have you ever watched on TV “Donnybrook ” in STL? Every week the panel criticizes the Rams, NFL,the sport of football,…give incorrect info. Sickening, can you say something to the non athlete bandwagoners?
by Big Todd 4:51 PM

Apparently, they’re not football fans.
by jthomas 4:51 PM

No, nervous because every team that hired Fisher would’ve moved with him.
by ihtnep 4:52 PM

OK, I get it. Yeah, maybe a little.
by jthomas 4:52 PM

The last words that Bryan Burwell wrote in the Post were – “What I’m being told is that there is a serious movement locally now to ensure that an impressive NFL stadium will be built in the shadows of the Dome and that city and state officials will not rest until there is a team taking up permanent resident in that new edifice.”
by KeeptheRamsinSTL 4:52 PM

I still think about Bryan almost every day. I miss him dearly.
by jthomas 4:53 PM

Any chance the riverfront stadium could be jazzed up to look more like the new one
s in Atlanta or Minnesota?
by Ken 4:53 PM

Sure, if Stan kicks in a few extra hundreds of millions.
by jthomas 4:53 PM

60 40 Rams stay
by Billy 4:53 PM

An optimist, eh?
by jthomas 4:53 PM