JT chat

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_65?Page=3

Hello Jim–do you think the NFL is keeping tabs on the protest in and around St. Louis? Just in case. Thank you.
by BoPat from SoCal 2:02 PM

I would think they are aware of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a little extra security around the stadium on Sunday.
by jthomas 2:02PM

Jim – Did your jaw drop when you realized the Rams were passing on the play that turned out to be the interception? Given the clock, score, etc.?
by McGarrett 2:03PM

Not at all.
by jthomas 2:03PM

My only gripe with the last play call was the empty backfield it was just like Seattle game last year really restricted your options
by Up North 2:08PM

Agreed.
by jthomas 2:08PM

Do you anticipate any extra practice distractions this week due to the goings on in Ferguson?
by Brent 2:08PM

I wouldn’t think so.
by jthomas 2:08PM

Jim, do you think Fisher is reaching the boiling point with officiating? It has been pretty abysmal against them this year. The officiating has been damaging to the Rams on scoring plays, which have ultimately been game changers.
by JR 2:09PM

He looked as frustrated as I’ve seen him, both on the sideline rant over the blocked field goal (the neutral zone infraction) and during his Monday press conference. I don’t know how he keeps his cool.
by jthomas 2:10PM

Any response to some people sharing their opinion in RamsTalk that your “LA Rams fans show up in droves” article was a poke in the eye to STL fans?
by juice13611 2:10PM

A “poke in the eye” in what way?
by jthomas 2:11PM

Is it a possibility that Kroenke sells 50% of his team to AEG to comply with cross ownership rules therefore, allowing the rams to move and potentially selling the rest of the team once the Broncos become available?
by JR 2:11PM

I don’t think he does that beforehand, just hoping that the Broncos come up for sale. They may not.
by jthomas 2:12PM

With the great WR play of Beckham, Benjamin, Evans, etc.. I continue to be baffled by the Rams Drafting ability. Tavon has only 1 TD thus far all others are busts. IS the GM really that bad?
by Pville Steve 2:13PM

With Quick in the mix, I think the Rams are OK. Maybe even better than OK at WR. But your overall point hits home. They certainly seem to have trouble hitting on WRs.
by jthomas 2:14PM

Could you wrap some context around the ominous line you ended your article with (“Only this year, most of the folks waiting in line for autographs didn’t look like sponsors.”)?
by juice13611 2:14PM

Most of the people in line were LA Rams fans.
by jthomas 2:14PM

How close is Fisher to being fined for ripping the refs
by Up North 2:14PM

In my mind, I think he’s been close on several occasions since he’s been here. But he seems to have a great knack for getting oh-so-close to that line but not crossing it.
by jthomas 2:15PM

Odds that the only QBs on the roster are: Bradford, Hill, and Davis?
by Tackleberry 2:16PM

I’m going to say it’s more likely that 2 of the 3 are back than all 3. So I’ll say 33-67 that all 3 are back.
by jthomas 2:17PM

Did you notice the fake crowd noise the Chargers were pumping in? Is that legal to do?
by Moses 2:17PM

I did not. But I think lots of teams do it or have done it in the past. There was a time way back when the Rams were accused of doing so.
by jthomas 2:18PM

Jim–don’t you think opposing teams are yelling to each other “watch for a fake” when the Rams are in punt formation and trailing in the game?
by BoPat from SoCal 2:18PM

I don’t know why you wouldn’t put a corner on Bailey on every Rams punt and just tell him: Don’t worry about blocking Bailey. Just cover him like you would a receiver.
by jthomas 2:19PM

Hi Jim, Is it already decided which division(s) we will face next year ? I am already guessing at least AFC North. Rgds Peter-Denmark
by PeterDK 2:19PM

Rams in fact are playing the AFC North next season, getting Cleveland and Pittsburgh at home and Baltimore and Cincy on the road. They also will play the NFC North, getting Chicago and Detroit at home, and playing at Green Bay and Minnesota.
by jthomas 2:21PM

Jim, can you explain again WHY the Rams didn’t draft Beckham?
by ihtnep 2:21PM

They really liked Aaron Donald.
by jthomas 2:21PM

Don’t you think it’s high time for the NFL to expand replay to review some of the calls that the refs make like block in the back on the punt returns? We get stuck with dumb and dumber every week for refs and the only way to overcome those calls is to review them.
by Zeke 2:22PM

Yeah, I guess the rationale against it is that once you start replay review of penalties, where do you stop? It opens up a huge can of worms.
by jthomas 2:23PM

Jim–I fear San Diego provide a blueprint of how to take our pash rush and defense out of a game. Do you share that fear, or do you think it takes an elite Qb having a great game to do what Rivers did to us?
by jeff 2:23PM

No, I think we saw the blueprint at the start of the season with the way Minnesota and Tampa Bay attacked the Rams with quick passes. Obviously, having a very good QB like Rivers makes it easier to consistently execute that approach. I was a little surprised that the Rams played so much off-coverage on the San Diego WRs, making it easier to complete those underneath passes. They didn’t do that as much vs. Denver.
by jthomas 2:26PM

Since Fisher has been here the defense has been stable, getting better. The offensive side of the ball has been a struggle, both the system and the QB position. Please tell me Fisher sees this (OC) and Snead will go QB and almost 100% offensive side of the ball in the draft? One early mock shows the Rams taking another CB???
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 2:26PM

It’s hard to see the Rams coming out of this year’s draft without a QB in the early rounds as we sit here today.
by jthomas 2:26PM

that was the most hurtful loss of the season for me!!
by eman 2:27PM

Like Tre Mason said: “A stab in the back.”
by jthomas 2:27PM

Hey Jim, It’s too much to hope for but the Rams are better served if they move to the NFC South than move to LA. Dallas could move to the West and Carolina to the East.
by STL45Fan 2:27PM

I don’t think the league would ever move Dallas out West because it wants to maintain those long-standing rivalries with Washington, NY Giants, and Philly. Standings-wise, it would certainly help the Rams this year. They’d be tied for first!
by jthomas 2:29PM

Why did the rams not ask Bradford to restructure his contract beginning of this year? Do you think Bradford will be willing to this coming off season?
by Moe money 2:29PM

I’m not aware that they asked Bradford to restructure his contract before this season. I know they said many times that they’d be interested in talking about an extension. But that was it.
by jthomas 2:30PM

It seemed like the CB were playing pretty deep all game. Those short passes and bubble screens were killing us.
by eman 2:30PM

Yeah, and you know what continues to astound me? Why are other teams able to get blockers out on those bubble screens fairly consistently? But the Rams seem to have a hard time getting their blockers out on such plays.
by jthomas 2:31PM

Wasn’t able to watch the game, sounds like Robinson has a bit of a relapse at tackle against San Diego?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 2:31PM

Yeah, not a good outing. Had a false start, and a couple of other penalties. Had some pass-blocking issues.
by jthomas 2:32PM

Jim, Do you think Rams will bring back Britt? I’m thinking he’s going to want more than a 1 year deal this time.
by jm2006 2:32PM

Yeah, I would think so, too, when it comes to more than a 1-yeare deal. When I wrote about Britt last week, the word I had gotten was that there hadn’t even been any preliminary dialogue. That it was more of a wait-and-see attitude, not only on how Britt finished up the season, but also how their young WRs finished.
by jthomas 2:33PM

Do the Rams play the FA game again? One would have thought that the Jake Long experience would have soured them. Why is this guy even still on the roster? Even when he’s healthy he gets beat consistently.
by Glenn 2:34PM

I think the Rams will be very careful when it comes to free agency, based on what’s happened with players such Finnegan, and to a degree Jake Long and Scott Wells. I do think you’re vastly overplaying J. Long’s struggles, however.
by jthomas 2:35PM

The last few years it was “Get Sam more WEAPONS!” Now that the defense is almost ready to be dominate, the Rams just need above average QB play to compete. Looking around the league I don’t have a problem with bringing SB back with a new contract, but he will still be 1 hit away from being out for the season again. They had a ton of draft picks to bring a good young QB but they didn’t.
by STL45Fan 2:36PM

The defense didn’t dominate on Sunday.
by jthomas 2:36PM

For most of four quarters the Chargers dink and dunk passing game picked the Rams apart with Rams defensive backs playing well off the receivers. Until just prior to the last couple of drives, press coverage was not employed. Can you explain this or is there another way to defend against the quick short outs?
by Glenn 2:36PM

As I mentioned earlier, the off-coverage surprised me. If you come up from behind and just pound the receivers, that can be very effective and intimidating. That approach worked to a degree against Denver, although the Rams played more press-style coverage in that game.
by jthomas 2:37PM

Can our offense run through the Oakland defense? Rams D better play lights out again, they might not get a lot of points from the other side of the ball.
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 2:38PM

Haven’t really studied Oakland yet, but they rank 18th in total defense, 25th in rushing defense, and 12th in passing defense. I guess you’d call that OK overall. They’re pretty futile on the other side of the ball, ranking 32nd _ that’s last, of course _ in total offense.
by jthomas 2:39PM

Jim I am no fan of Shottenheimer. He is as stubborn as his old man. However the play that ended the game was mind blowing? Put the only running back in motion and tip passing play? Givens in the game instead of Bailey? Did he see Bailey’s catch earlier?? Hill is a journeyman, but why put him in a position to fail? Reminded me of the fade by Clemmons at the end of the Seattle game last year. Just plain dumb!
by laramsfan 2:39PM

All Hill has to do is look Cunningham’s way and it’s a TD.
by jthomas 2:40PM

From the previous question, I disagree. They played well enough if not for the stupid penalties and the 2 INTS and fumble return for a TD.
by STL45Fan 2:41PM

The Rams gave up 410 yards to a San Diego team that had averaged about 250 over its past four games. Philip Rivers was in one of the worst 4-game slumps of his career. With the Rams trailing 20-17, San Diego took over at its 7 on the final play of the 3rd quarter. The Chargers proceeded to march 93 yards on 11 plays for a TD. A good defense, much less a “dominant” one, doesn’t allow that to happen.
by jthomas 2:45PM

I think there was more Ram fans at the SD game the Broncos Rams home game.
by Amaya 2:45PM

Yeah, I think you’re right.
by jthomas 2:45PM

Rams Team Defense is 19th overall – right behind Oakland at #18….
by Pville Steve 2:45PM

And your point is. . . .?
by jthomas 2:46PM

Who is our QB next year? Bradford, Davis, Draft Pick, FA? In your own opinion
by Grant 2:46PM

That’s such a tough call. I guess, I’ll go Bradford.
by jthomas 2:47PM

JT – see my previous comment on the absurdity of calling the Rams Defense Dominate – I agree with you…
by Pville Steve 2:47PM

OK, I get it. Point taken.
by jthomas 2:47PM

Are people just trashing Schottie reflexively now, out of habit? Seems he has come up with some really smart game plans this year, and the problem has been with the execution.
by arnezzi 2:47PM

When in doubt blame the coordinator. It’s an age-old tradition for fans and media.
by jthomas 2:48PM

You made my point exactly. He is a journeyman…that is why he didn’t look at Cunnigham. With Bailey in the game, he may have had another option. How about a play action…oh yeah…rb was in motion. Took that option away…
by laramsfan 2:48PM

If he didn’t look at Cunningham, what makes you think he would look at Bailey?
by jthomas 2:49PM

I’m not willing to wait for the Rams to develop a rookie QB, so who do you think will be available in FA?
by Lil moe 2:49PM

I haven’t looked at the free agent list yet. But it’s pretty rare that a QB who can walk and chew gum at the same time would hit the market.
by jthomas 2:50PM

Any idea of what Stan and chargers owner discussed?
by Dan 2:51PM

No. My hearing’s not that good.
by jthomas 2:51PM

Jim: Shotty has been criticized off and on all year for his play calling. Were you surprised that the Rams showed empty backfield on their last offensive play?
by Glenn 2:51PM

Yes. Not a fan at all of that in that situation. Cunningham can get where he needed to get on that play coming out of the backfield.
by jthomas 2:51PM

He did twice on the prior drive…
by laramsfan 2:52PM

Yeah, he also looked Cunningham’s way four times during the game.
by jthomas 2:53PM

Rams still don’t have STAR at WR will they get one in 2015?
by CaliSteve 2:54PM

I’d like to see more of a difference maker at WR, although Quick (when healthy) and Britt have played b better than I expected.
by jthomas 2:54PM

Jim–Rams win if Bradford is the QB?
by BoPat from SoCal 2:56PM

Maybe.
by jthomas 2:56PM

Hi Jim, Thanks for taking the time to meet me and my brother before the brilliant game against Broncos(seems ages ago now ) This “officiating” vs Chargers is really killing me as a fan! I know it is speculation, but dont you think that with a healthy Bradford behind center we would have been 7-4 right now ?
by PeterDK 2:56PM

How are things in Denmark? It was great to meet you and your brother. I do think the Rams might have 2 or 3 more victories with Bradford at QB. But the problem, of course, has been keeping him on the field.
by jthomas 2:57PM

Jeff, do you think that if Kroenke files for relocation, the Rams automatically will have an increase in value, therefore giving him the possibility of selling the team to the AEG group? In addition, with him getting an extension maybe he sells and then attempts to buy the Broncos. What do you think?
by JR 2:57PM

I just don’t think Kroenke is a seller. That has never been his M.O. when it comes to owning sports franchises. As for the other scenario, I don’t think you can sell until you have a really good idea that you can buy the Broncos.
by jthomas 2:59PM

You can hear stories around the league bashing the play of Cutler, Eli Manning, Newton, etc. Plus stories about how the Rams are a QB away from being a contender. Do you think a QB like a Cutler or Eli would make the Rams contenders? Not saying this should/could happen. I’m just curious about your thoughts and people’s expectations for the Rams QB.
by Bob 2:59PM

It’s certainly a quarterback-driven league. Of course, you can be a contender with a dominant defense. But a stud QB makes it a lot easier. I’m not sure if a QB like Cutler or E. Manning makes the Rams a contender though. Especially Cutler.
by jthomas 3:01PM

hey jim tough loss my question to you is tavon Austin having a hard time with the playbook or is schotty ignoring his potential this guy should ouch the ball 10 to 12 times a game hes a highlight reel waiting to happen thought
by bignick 3:01PM

I think Tavon is good this year when it comes to the playbook. They are trying to get the ball to him more.
by jthomas 3:02PM

One thing I can’t get my head around is why Stan Kroenke; (world-class developer and shrewd businessman) would buy a 60 acre plot of land first knowing that he needed the 300 acre plot of land next to it to develop a complex where he controls the parking and the development. Obviously the folks who own the racetrack aren’t going to budge one nickel from their inflated asking price of $500M, knowing they have him in a vulnerable position if that is indeed his plan. Adding $500M, + $1.5B for a stadium, + relocation fee ($800M), + cost of 60 acres and you are close to $3B invested. Even if the value of the Rams would double with the move ($1.9B), that doesn’t sound like a shrewd business move to me.
by MakesMeWonder 3:02PM

Certainly not in the short term.
by jthomas 3:02PM

Jim, I enjoyed your piece on the Dome situation a few days ago. A couple of follow up questions/thoughts: 1) It seems to me there are lot of stadiums in the NFL that are likely a “step down” from the ED in terms of amenities – for example, N. Orleans, San Diego, Miami, Oakland, Buffalo . . .I understand the knocks against the ED, but in your experience is the ED really that bad? 2) I have seen you say your gut is that it is 50/50 whether the Rams stay or leave. What is your gut solely for the 2015 season? 3) Do you think the Rams bring back Britt? He seems to fill a role none of their other WRs bring to the table and still has upside.
by Dirty Pete 3:04PM

1.) I don’t think the Ed is really that bad. It wouldn’t be an issue were it not for the “first-tier” clause. 2.) Solely for 2015? I say 65-35, they’re in St. Louis. 3.) I gave a fully answer on this earlier, but if he continues to play well down the stretch, I would think they’d make an effort to re-sign it.
by jthomas 3:06PM

Is there any way the Rams can escape the QB “trap” of having to hope Bradford can stay healthy next year, with backups like Hill and Davis likely? They may not be able to draft a top-tier QB, and it may be that there aren’t very many anyhow.
by Tom 3:06PM

It’s always tough finding a top-tier QB. I’m not ready to write off the entire 2015 draft class. And sometimes the best ones aren’t the ones that go high in the first round. Drafting still seems like the best option.
by jthomas 3:08PM

Jim, Just FYI, a lot of LA Rams fans at the game told me they read your columns to get their Rams info every day! Thanks again!
by Tom 3:08PM

Yeah, it was strange. When I was roaming the parking lot, several of them recognized me and told me that.
by jthomas 3:09PM

I really hope I see lots of “Shut up LA, you didn’t support the Rams when you had them, so you don’t get them back!” signs on Sunday.
by ihtnep 3:09PM

In the words of Isaac Bruce, the best way to keep the Rams in St. Louis is to show up through thick and thin.
by jthomas 3:10PM

Just a question on the usage of Austin. I like the end arounds and screens (though they’re too frequent, we lost the element of surprise), but would love to see him run some proper routes. Can Tavon run the full route tree? Can he make tough catches? I’d assume yes given his college production, but who knows if Shotty thinks he can now. I’d love to see Austin just run a ‘go’ route and Hill to air it out, he must have the pace to make that worth a look more frequently? I’d assume we’d get lots of DPI penalties given, even if not many catches. What do you think?
by Superjim 3:10PM

Austin isn’t really a great route runner. But I too would like to see more “go” routes. The Rams picked up 30 yards via a pass interference penalty against the Chargers Sunday on a deep route to Austin.
by jthomas 3:12PM

Any word on Bradford’s recovery? Has he spoke to the media since his operation? Do you think the Rams rework the last year of his contract? I think his best chance to start is here. I say draft a qb in the 2nd rd. see how Bradford’s health holds up next year and decide after next season. Your thoughts. .
by JR 3:12PM

Nothing really specific on the recovery, but in general he’s doing well. He hasn’t really had any formal session with the media, just some small talk. I think the Rams would like to rework that last year of his deal. A re-worked Bradford 2015, lowering the cap number plus a high-round draft pick on a QB seems like a good plan to me.
by jthomas 3:15PM

As a Ram fan I have two pet peeves: 1. It seems that the Rams, week to week, get the worse officiating crew in football. This was the fourth game where a bogus call cost the team dearly and could have well influenced the outcome of the game. 2. Does an owner not have a responsibility to his fan base to communicate his stance on the stadium issue? That is, unless his stance is to move the team.
by Glenn 3:15PM

1.) I think the officiating woes aren’t exclusive to Rams games; I think it’s a league-wide issue. 2.) I would say yes, an owner does have a responsibility to engage his fan base. Owning a sports team is a public trust. But it is possible that Kroenke’s stance is what it is because he does want to move the team.
by jthomas 3:17PM

As always, thanks for these chats. They’re becoming therapeutic, now. I haven’t suffered thrills and agony like that since the Rams lost to Tampa in 2000. Wow. I’m wondering if you can reconcile Fisher’s conservative offensive philosophy with his gunslinger special teams philosophy?
by bfulton 3:21PM

Now that you mention it, it is a little strange. But the Rams were throwing deep a lot early in the season, and actually they’ve continued to take deep shots even without Quick in the lineup.
by jthomas 3:22PM

Hi Jim, just a thought on Bradford. Do you think he’d take a 3 year $15 million deal? If so, why not sign him to that, and if he plays well, great, if not I’d draft a QB like garoppolo this year in the second who could play straight away but would benefit from a year on the bench. That way if SB8 plays a full season and well fantastic, he’s a ‘cheap’ option, and if not we have a good young QB ready to step in. What do you think?
by Superjim 3:22PM

Don’t know about that (3 for $15M). Maybe an incentive-laded “prove-it” contract just for 2015 and see what happens.
by jthomas 3:23PM

Has the Rams FO reassessed their scouting because they miss on a lot of high round draft picks, particularly wide receivers. Is their one person who handles each position or is it done by regions or conferences?
by Tackleberry 3:23PM

That’s a good question T-berry. I know of some teams that are position-specific when it comes to assigning scouts. I think the Rams’ scouts are more regionally-focused but have other scouts cross-check players to get another set of eyes on a player.
by jthomas 3:25PM

Hey Jim, with Greg Robison playing his natural LT spot and assuming he keeps improving over the rest of the season Where does that leave Jake Long if they decide to bring him back, who moves where!? Back inside!? One goes to the Right Side!? Thanks
by KJ 3:25PM

What indeed does that do to Jake Long? Can he play guard? Does he go to RT? Reduced contract? Another big offseason question.
by jthomas 3:27PM

Sigh. So we’ve started hearing this again: “The team that nobody wants to play.” God, I hate that. Hello…Nobody wants to be the team that nobody wants to play. We want to be the nobody that still has something to play for…Anyway, should we just call it 7-9 and focus on hockey?
by wiley 3:34PM

I’m not much of a hockey fan. So I’m stuck with football.
by jthomas 3:34PM

If I remember your article timeline correctly, St. Louis makes their stadium pitch to the Rams in January. Rams go year to year on their lease in February and file paperwork with the league to relocate just to keep up with Oakland and San Diego. And then we wait to see what happens in March? Doesn’t that mean the Rams have to bring Fisher, Snead & Co. back for another year because no coach or executive is going to be attracted to an unstable situation like that?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 3:34PM

Under your scenario, yes, I’d think it would make it more difficult to find top-tier candidates if changes were made.
by jthomas 3:36PM

Jim, this roster with Bradford behind center is a 10-6 team, with Rodgers, Brady, Luck, Manning, Brees, Wilson, Big Ben, Flacco, Romo, and even Kaep 12-4. What say you?
by West Coast Ram 3:37PM

Quite possible. But the issue is Bradford staying healthy, don’t you think?
by jthomas 3:38PM

If you had to do it all over again, would you trade up for Tavon Austin?
by Glenn 3:38PM

Hey, I was all in favor of Austin at the time. So I’m not passing judgment at this time, although it hasn’t been what we expected so far.
by jthomas 3:38PM

If Kroenke ultimately buys the Broncos, you would assume he would, at the very least, sell the Rams to a local owner/group, right? Assuming the numbers were close.
by Tackleberry 3:39PM

One would think. But I guess it’s always possible he could sell to someone in LA.
by jthomas 3:39PM

My dad and I are big Rams fans from Connecticut. He is of the belief the Rams have no other option but to keep everything in tact (coaching staff wise), bring back Bradford and draft a QB. His opinion, and he’s swaying me a bit, is that Bradford will now have more than enough time to heal and if he does get hurt again you can fall back on the guy they draft in either the first or second round next year. Your thoughts on that strategy? It’s basically saying the Rams are really a consistent QB away from being a playoff team.
by Jay 3:40PM

I like his thinking.
by jthomas 3:40PM

How do you let the chargers get down the field before halftime and dump in the middle of the field? If I knew that the chargers were looking sideline and to dump in the open middle why wouldn’t Williams know it?
by Ariana 3:40PM

Yeah, it was tough to watch. Overall, thought the coverage approach was too soft on that drive.
by jthomas 3:41PM

Don’t even know what to say anymore!
by eman 3:41PM

This could be the chat-er post of the day!
by jthomas 3:41PM

Fisher seemed very defensive concerning the quality of play against the Chargers. Why do you think he was so protective of the sloppy play? Is he publicly protective and chewing butt in team meetings?
by dm 3:41PM

I agree, there were some strange answers. And he was a little protective of the players, specifically in my mind the defensive play. I’m sure players are getting critiqued _ and in some instances critiqued hard _ in the film room. But I don’t think he’s chewing butt.
by jthomas 3:43PM

Chris Long plays Sunday? Starts or just gets a few snaps on passing downs?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 3:44PM

Yeah, Chris Long plays. I would think he’d be a rotational player this first time out.
by jthomas 3:45PM

Jim, question on Schottenheimer. You seem to like him and often give him the benefit of the doubt. When he was with the Jets, they won despite him with a great defense. Then at the end of his tenure, their offense was terrible. 3 years with the Rams and the Rams offense has never been better than below average. My question is, if the title is offensive coordinator, shouldn’t he be blamed at some point?
by Jay 3:45PM

I’ve been slow to blame him on a blanket basis because of the level of talent on offense. I think the talent has improved, but these last two seasons the Rams haven’t had their starting QB. This year, the Rams have played 8 games with a guy who was their 4th string QB in mid-August. They’re without their top WR and starting LT. So how do you make a blanket judgment under those circumstances? I’m not saying Schotty is the next Don Coryell, Mike Martz, or even Chip Kelly, but it’s almost a knee-jerk and even a lazy thing to just blame the coordinator. whenever something goes wrong. It’s not as if the Jets have prospered since he left, either.
by jthomas 3:50PM

Kyle Orton hung out there for a long time after Sam went down before signing with the Bills. In retrospect, if the Rams had signed him, we’d have 2 more wins?
by Greg, Rams Fan in Maryland 3:51PM

Maybe. I thought he would’ve been a good option after Bradford went down. But he would’ve been expensive for a backup.
by jthomas 3:53PM

Should Fisher/Snead be blamed for leaving this franchise without a QB but all this other talent. It seems like it should be the other way around. Get the QB, then get the talent. They put their faith in a QB and left tackle coming off major knee injuries and the left tackle surrenders the hit that blows out the QBs knee. Should anyone be surprised by that?
by Jay 3:54PM

Yeah, given Bradford’s 2013 injury, I don’t think you can give Fisher/Snead a mulligan on this year’s QB situation. However, no sale, on blaming Jake Long for the latest Bradford knee injury. They addressed offensive tackle by taking Robinson at No. 2 overall. And it wasn’t a hard hit against Bradford. More of a fluke.
by jthomas 3:56PM

does kroenke meet weekly (or otherwise regularly) with his coach/gm and whoever runs the business side, to get questions answered and review what’s going on, the way that robert kraft and shahid khan, among others, do?
by branford76 3:56PM

I’m told he speaks pretty frequently with Fisher. And Demoff (business side). Not sure on Snead.
by jthomas 3:58PM

Sing along with me Jim, “Seven and niii-iiine. Not good. Not bad. Just middling on the borderliii-iine”
by wiley 3:58PM

I’m not much of a singer. But I get your point. We’ve seen this movie before.
by jthomas 3:58PM

Okay, my last shot at Shotty. Every offense he has coached has bee then bottom third in passing yards. That is okay if you have a great running game but every year? Other than his daddy coaching, what qualifications does he have to coach in NFL? No track record in the big time!!!
by laramfan 3:59PM

My question to you: Who has he had at QB?
by jthomas 3:59PM

Things are fine here in Denmark. The weather is also a little bit warmer 🙂 The loss against Chargers still annoys me here many days after. I sincerly hope we soon will have a winning season !
by PeterDK 4:00PM

Keep your fingers crossed.
by jthomas 4:00PM

My daddy always said that if it smells like a skunk, looks like a skunk, and walks like a skunk, you can take it to the bank that it is a skunk. Hence ESK’s threatening body language to move this team. How is all this posturing by Silent Stan a benefit to him? One would think that if the NFL would enforce the provisions necessary for a team to move, that Stan wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. How do you see it?
by Glenn 4:00PM

As long as the stadium initiative by Peacock and Blitz is ongoing, I can’t see how the NFL could say that Kroenke meets the guidelines to relocated.
by jthomas 4:01PM

As always Jim, thanks for the chat time…….quick question, since I just got on and have not read all previous comments, you may have answered it…..you tweeted that you were told by a Rams rep, who probably heard it from a Chargers rep, that they sold 20K tickets to LA Rams fans. Now realistically, Do you believe 20K LA Rams fans were actually there? After all, game attendance was announced at 66K. Obviously, less than that number came through the turnstiles. Do you really believe that ~ 1/3 of QualComm was comprised of Rams fans last Sunday?
by Knux 4:02PM

First off, there were tons of LA Rams fans there. The Rams official I spoke with may have misspoke and meant that 20,000 fans from the LA area had bought tickets to the game.
by jthomas 4:04PM