JT chat, 8/23 (selections)

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

[note: this is a selection. For the whole chat go here:] http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_24?Page=0

Still seems like a lot of draft picks to spend on a development project…….
by fred 2:12 PM

JT: I don’t recall reading or hearing much about Goff’s arm strength. I think it’s average at best. It was his quick release, his accuracy, his intelligence, and his toughness that made him desirable. But I will agree with you on this; Goff looks a little overwhelmed at this point.

In my wildest dreams I never thought that throwing 3 TD’s would get me benched for a game.
by Sean M 2:22 PM

JT: That was a little odd, not to see Mannion in at all against Kansas City. But keep in mind, he played more than was planned against Dallas because of Goff’s shoulder issue. Based on that Dallas game, Mannion looks much improved over his rookie season.

A small sample size but it seems that Nick Foles has regained his confidence on the field. Could it be that he lost faith in the Rams’ coaching staff and offensive schemes?
Your thoughts……..
by Bigtuna 2:23 PM

JT: Lots of check-downs, but Foles did look pretty solid for KC on Saturday. Maybe it’s the old change-of-scenery thing. I’m sure there’s a comfort factor as well being back with Andy Reid, the head coach who brought Foles into the league in Philly.

I’ve heard it’s best to take an RB or WR in the first round. I have been told take Gurley. But I don’t know if he will have a great year this season. The Rams OL sucks, but then again he killed it last year. Can Gurley have another solid year with the OL he has? Sorry I know this is a loaded question. Thanks!
by TexasTiger 2:34 PM

JT: Yes, Gurley could be even better this year because he’s fully healthy. Over the long haul, I’d be a little concerned about his durability based on what I’ve seen. But other than Adrian Peterson, who else would you take among NFL running backs? Don’t know if you risk taking rookies Ezekiel Elliott or Derrick Henry that high. Both could be beasts, however. And if you draft Le’Veon Bell, he’s going to be shelved for 3 weeks due to the suspension.

So in a convoluted way, should we be rooting for the Jags to have a few more bad seasons in order to drive down their attendance, ratings, and franchise value? That way, it incentivizes Kahn to look to move the team, hopefully to STL?
by njmizzoufan 2:44 PM

JT: There are at least a couple of owners, I’ve been told, who just don’t think Jacksonville works as an NFL market. So once London goes off the table as an option for Jacksonville, there are some who think Khan could start looking St. Louis’ way. But that could be five, 10 or more years down the road, so I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Why do you think Mike Martz was never given another coaching opportunity after his time with the Rams?
by H Wilmot Merriwether III 2:59 PM

JT: It took a strong personality to deal with Mike. For all his brilliance, he could be hard to work with. When it didn’t work in Chicago with Lovie Smith _ remember it was Mike who gave Lovie his first big break in hiring him as defensive coordinator in 2001 _ you kind of figured it might be hard for Mike to get another job in the league. But when you look at all the other coaches who keep getting recycled in the league, it does make you wonder. The divorce was so messy with Martz and John Shaw and Jay Zygmunt, that I wouldn’t think Shaw would be offering any sterling recommendations if contacted by another team about Martz. It was interesting that just minutes before the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this year in Canton that Martz and Zygmunt did exchange greetings and shake hands.

My question is how much is the Greatest Show on Turf imprinted into the minds of football fans outside of St.Louis? Do they get the same reverence as the ’85 Bears team for example? Are they considered an all-time great NFL team or just another franchise that peaked breifly, shone brightly, then faded back into obscurity?
Thanks for you insight Jim,
Gavin, Newcastle, UK

JT: No, they certainly don’t seem to be held in as high regard as say the ’85 Bears. But the respect is there, and that respect is shown every time a Rams player from that team gets elected to the Hall of Fame. First Faulk, now Pace, and I think Warner has a very good chance this year. Faulk and Warner still have high profiles on the NFL Network. But it’s strange, for example, why there hasn’t been a 30-for-30 type documentary on the Greatest Show. The group certainly had plenty of charisma, and its share of characters.

Ever since Fisher arrived, I have gone into every draft thinking the Rams had 3-5 holes to fill. After the draft I thought they had some players who might fill those holes, knowing that all wouldn’t pan out so there might be a hole or two left to fill next year. Now, I see the 3-5 holes that I am accustomed to seeing before the draft with no first or third next year – they seem further away than ever if Goff doesn’t turn out to be a super-elite QB, and even if he does it looks to me like a long project. Am I off base here?
by George M. 3:15 PM

JT: And thus the issue with Fisher and by extension the front office. Since those initial impressive strides back to respectability in 2012 and ’13, they have been merely treading water. They always seem to have the youngest team in the league, building for the future, but yet the future never comes. And I don’t think you can blame it all on Bradford’s injuries because they’ve had plenty of time to address that position. They still have issues at wide receiver. And while some holes have been filled, others have been created through free agency losses, etc. So no, I don’t think you’re off-base at all.

When I look at Keenum on paper–short stature from college spread offense–he looks like Drew Brees. Obviously, he hasn’t performed like Brees. Do you have any idea what’s holding him back?
by bfulton 3:19 PM

JT: I don’t think Keenum is as accurate as Brees. And although Brees doesn’t have a cannon, Keenum might not have as much arm strength as Brees.

So when do you think that Jared will start a game this year?
by Ken 3:25 PM

JT: OK, I’ll play along. I’ll say Week 5.

Hey Jim, seems to me like Rams have made a habit of trying to be smartest guys in the room at the draft. Whether its Brian Quick, Grob, Tavon and looking like Goff. In each case these players were seen as projects with huge upside. Fact is though in each case there was a more legitimate option who didnt need to develop as much who we passed on. Goff might be exception but sure gave up lots to get him. Would we be worse team with Alshon Jeffries (Quick) , Deondre Hopkins (Austin), Jake Mathews (Robinson) Paxton Lynch ( Goff)
by simdaddy 3:56 PM

JT: I wouldn’t call it a “smartest guy” complex. I think the Rams pay too much attention to workouts and measurables over production and intangibles.