JT chat, 8/25

Talk Rams with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Talk_Rams_with_Jim_Thomas?Page=0

On what basis can Fisher claim the offense is “coming?”
by Tom 2:06 PM

Hello again everybody. And to answer your question Tom, I would say from an optimistic basis.
by jthomas 2:06 PM

Hi Jim, What could Fisher/Snead have been thinking, to go with 2 rookies and a virtual rookie on this year’s OL? It’s obvious they are a long way from being ready, if they ever are, considering that two were considered big reaches.
by Tom 2:06 PM

Sure looks that way right now. And it’s certainly a 180 from the past practice of going w/veteran free agents.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

With Gaines gone for the year how important is Joyner to this defense? And how good of a camp is he having.
by Tjust84 2:07 PM

Joyner is very important. Because with Gaines gone, there’s no doubt about it, Joyner is the third corner. Joyner was active against the Titans. He missed one tackle failing to wrap up after contact. And he allowed a first down on a pass on a play where Dorial Green-Beckam went in motion. Joyner followed him, but got caught peeking into the backfield looking for the run, and the result was an easy pitch-and-catch for a first down by Tennessee. But Joyner also made some plays in run support _ despite his lack of size, he’s not shy about contact. And also had a nice pass breakup. He seems to have better awareness this year.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

I like the quote from Fisher saying “you ask the same thing every year” regarding where is the offense every year in pre season. And yet, for the last however many years the offense has NEVER come around. How can he even make that comment like reporters are stupid for asking?
by steve r 2:10 PM

He was just teasing. We took no offense. Yeah we asked that question last year and the Rams went out and put up 6 points in their opener against Minnesota. Of course, that was a day where Shaun Hill was injured and out at halftime and the found themselves down to their then third-stringer in Austin Davis. The Rams managed only 19 points the following week in Tampa, but then had very productive days vs. Philly and Dallas, albeit in losses.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

Jim – Based on practices and the first two games, are any players emerging as potential “surprise” cuts?
by McGarrett 2:13 PM

There’s always one or two every year. Don’t know if I could give you one at this point. I think Givens is safe at No. 5 WR, and based on the way he’s playing this preseason maybe he gets more playing time. I think Isaiah Pead might be safe only because Gurley probably doesn’t play early in the year and Watts will be suspended for four games. There are a lot of bodies at safety, Maybe Cody Davis is on the bubble at there. And at backup QB, it certainly looks like Keenum will get the nod over Austin Davis.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Please rate the Center play against the Titans.
by CT Rams 2:16 PM

I’ve only re-watched the first half. (And that was on a TV copy, not game film.) But I thought Demetrius Rhaney had a tough go. He got rocked back into the backfield on several occasions, and that helped blow up a couple of running plays. I know on one occasion, he missed a loop pickup in pass protection, and that led to a throwaway I believe. The Rams are high on Rhaney; they like his quickness off the ball and his athleticism. But he needs to work on his upper body strength, and that showed against the Titans starters.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Is there a way to emphatically implore Fisher to remove Tavon from the field of play with exception of returns?
by Joe 2:19 PM

Giving up on him are we?
by jthomas 2:20 PM

During the Sunday night telecast of the game, LG, Jamon Brown was called “Pro Bowler” twice. On the basis of ………..? Practice?
by wayunderdog 2:33 PM

I think the announcers were referencing something FIsher told them prior to the game, that Brown has Pro Bowl potential.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Jim, any word on a contract extension for Jenkins? He’s ok but takes too many stupid gambles and he cannot tackle at all. I think I’d wait and see how the season goes..
by JoeRamfan 2:34 PM

Nothing new that I’m aware of. He looked pretty solid from what I could tell against the Titans, but he didn’t get much action his way.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Good Day Jim, Should fans be concerned with more sloppy play in the preseason ?
by OzyRamsFan 2:35 PM

In a word: Yes.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

I’ve followed Malcolm Brown since high School in San Antonio. I think if he gets a shot he will shine. How has he looked in practice, and do you think he has a shot at making this “Back Heavy” team???
by Lee C. 2:35 PM

He’s looked pretty good on the practice field as well. I just can’t see the numbers working for him to make the active roster. But he’s got two more games to state his case.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

I know it’s pre-season, but can we just chalk the last outing up to “staying vanilla” and whatever else or are we going to really struggle on offense?
by Willywawa 2:36 PM

Even if it’s vanilla, you need more than 40 yards in four series with your first-team offense as was the case vs. Tennessee. If it were up to me, I’d play those young linemen a little more in the preseason.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Did you watch any of the Eagles game? Opinion?
by Don 2:37 PM

Didn’t see any of it. Read some stories about the Suggs hit on Bradford. Some Rams people I talked to about it thought it was a legal hit.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

I only watched the first half of the Titans game. Seemed like Trumaine Johnson was lost on a couple of big plays. Not even near covering his man on one pass. What did you see of his play? Thanks.
by Michael 2:38 PM

As Fisher mentioned Monday, he got caught once peeking into the backfield on play-action, which led to a big play by Tennessee. On another, he was playing off-coverage and got beat to the inside by a smaller quicker receiver. (I think it was Wright.) When you’re almost safety-size like Johnson is, you can have trouble with smaller quicker receivers. I think Johnson would be better-served playing more press coverage.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Based on what you’ve seen in preseason, has the meter changed?
by Don 2:42 PM

No, still at 9 victories.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Hi jim, if Gurley plays from the start of the season do you see him going over/under a 1000 yds ?
by johnny 2:42 PM

I don’t expect him to play from the start of the season.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

I thought A. Donald had a solid game against Tennessee, any other positives you took from the game?
by JoeRamfan 2:43 PM

Yeah, thought Greg Robinson was good in pass pro. Jamon Brown was solid. Quinn had some nice moments in run defense. As, I mentioned earlier, Joyner was active.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Is this the right chat? 40 minutes into it and not one Rams relocation question? Amazing.
by Uncle Leo 2:44 PM

Oh they’re they. I just haven’t answered any yet.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

I’d say 35/65 stay/move, you?
by Don 2:45 PM

I’m still at 44/56.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Are the Rams relocating?
by Evil Calvin 2:45 PM

They sure are planning to.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

I can’t say I was all that impressed with Westbrooks inside. His versatility certainly has value for a backup, but he clearly wasn’t starter material.
by CT Rams 2:45 PM

I thought he was OK; better than OK. DT is a new position for him.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

On the Suggs Bradford hit, why would Chip Kelly, expose Bradford to potential hits by running the option? It seems that, the coach should avoid situations that can result in a questionable but legal hit. I blame Chip Kelly.
by Mark S 2:46 PM

Couldn’t agree more. Why would you have a guy w/Bradford’s injury history running the read option.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

So, why hasn’t Tavon Austin been an impact player? Is he a poor route-runner? Does he lack elusiveness? Or is it poor offensive game-planning and an OC that doesn’t know who to use him?
by Andy 2:47 PM

I thought Schottenheimer was the problem, and all of Austin’s problems would be over once the Rams got rid of him.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Good afternoon Jim, “Speedbump” Washington can’t cut it at left guard.Tell me the rams have a backup backup plan for Saffold’s #2. Jones maybe or Wichmann?
by st. annramsfan 2:48 PM

It wasn’t as dramatic as the back-to-back sacks against Oakland, but he had some more rough moments vs. Tennessee. I wonder if one of the runners-up in the center competition could play there. (Barnes or Jones, specifically.) And I wonder if Reynolds can play left guard.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Is Fisher really okay going into the season with this offensive line?
by Axeburger 2:50 PM

That seems to be the plan.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

Help Jim 2 preseason games and confusion on offense and worst of all no excitement, is it time to panic ?
by WorriedFans 2:50 PM

Concern yes, panic no. As Nick Foles says never panic.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

I know there is a lot of angst about the offense vs. the Titans but the defense was just as bad, a lot of arm tackling attempts, poor angles, not much pocket penetration, and I’m talking about the 1’s. I understand schemes are vanilla in preseason but these were football fundamentals we couldn’t execute. Is that on the coaching or players?
by Uncle Leo 2:51 PM

I wouldn’t say bad. Just so-so. Tackling could be better. A couple of coverage breakdowns. I think they’ll get it squared away.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Don’t you think Fisher is a little cavalier in his attitude about the offense? He seems unconcerned and the Ram’s offense has never been good while he has been head coach.
by royearl 2:52 PM

That’s his style.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Who is going to champion getting the new stadium approved in the budget for 2016? Obviously Nixon will have it in there, but how will he get it through a legislature that is increasing antagonistic to the point of threatening a filibuster? Would like more coverage of this.
by Dusty 2:52 PM

I wouldn’t call five or six legislators “increasingly antagonistic.”
by jthomas 2:53 PM

There are only 2 topics worth talking about this season 1) the Rams are leaving 2) the Rams suck and is Fisher too incompetent to know, too delusional to know, or just lying to get den checks?
by Jake 2:53 PM

I think he’s aware of what’s going on.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Hi Jim, not seeing as many LA fans on the talk forums etc, ya think these two pre-season performances have LA fans worried? Seeing the same failings as the previous four years and I’m just not pumped up anymore for this organization.
by Stlgates 2:53 PM

Maybe they’re just getting cocky and feel the move to LA is a done deal.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Jim, if Mr. Stan gets blocked from moving to LA and the Rams get everything in place for the new stadium…is there any situation where Stan would decide to use his own money to put a roof on the stadium? And if the answer is no, why not?
by Matt 2:54 PM

The answer is no, because Stan wants to move to LA and make more money.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

The way this offense is built, we should see production from the tight ends. Is there hope that we will see more consistency? Or will we see one great game, then two games that we don’t hear their names called?
by Axeburger 2:55 PM

The Rams actually have been one of the league’s more productive teams at tight end with Rob Boras. For example, the Rams finished fourth in the league in receptions by the tight end position (97) and sixth in receiving yards by the tight end position (1,047) in 2013. And without a true No. 1 receiver at either TE or WR, I think you’re more likely to see variations from game to game in terms of the leading receiver.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Your best and worst from Sunday’s game?
by David 2:59 PM

Best? Trey Watts. He appears to have vision and instincts in the running game that are better than some backs higher on the depth chart. Worst? Would like to see better run-blocking by the starters.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Is it true that part of Kroenke’s stadium design is based on the NFL ruling that at the new stadium the redzone is only from the 1-yard in so that the Rams might actually have some success in the redzone in the future?
by Tackleberry 3:01 PM

Sarcasm, right?
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Not sure I am seeing the same thing as Fisher is these days. He downplays the performances in the preseason games and keeps returning to how great the team scrimmages were with the Cowboys? Convince me we won’t have another slow start this year through the first 6 weeks.
by Uncle Leo 3:01 PM

At this point, I can’t convince you.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

When players tear their ACL/MCL just from planting and no contact was involved, is that just a freak occurrence or does it say something about the playing surface or even the shoes?
by David 3:02 PM

Yeah, I guess sometimes it’s the surface. I think sometimes it may be wear and tear on a back. And sometimes it’s just large, strong players putting a great amount of stress on ligaments.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

Good afternoon JT, I’m wondering how Ayers has looked in camp?
by JoeRamfan 3:03 PM

I’ve got nothing for you here. I’ll try to watch him more.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

The Rams’ O-line woes were predictable, and folks like me grumbled for years that all the Sam Bradfords, Tavon Austins and Todd Gurleys were useless if opposing defenses can live in your backfield. I need your guidance, JT — since Snisher won’t be held accountable … and you can’t blame the skill players if there’s no time for plays to develop … where is the proper direction for our angst?
by CT Rams 3:04 PM

Well, as much as the Rams would like to get off to a quick start this season, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see that happening on offense this season. The team should be fresher and do at least some degree of game-planning for Indy, so I’m anticipating a better showing Saturday. Come on out, good seats are available. At the moment, it looks more apparent than ever that the defense will have to carry the load in the early season.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

What do you think about using a No 1 pick on a guy with a new ACL? Seems to me he could have been there at a lower pick
by John R 3:07 PM

It was a little bit of a surprise pick in my mind. So it may have been early, but he was going to go somewhere in the first round.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

How is there a competition for the #2 quarterback if Davis only gets one series with the third team. Do they fell they know Davis enough and want to see more of Keenam?
by Bob H 3:08 PM

Sure looks like it’s Keenum’s job.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Jim, What is most concerning to me is the ‘vaunted’ D-line has been manhandled by the other 1’s, I expect that from the O-line (and unfortunately they have not let me down). I know there will be growing pains with the O-line, but is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Do you see anything in Brown that makes Fisher keep saying he will be a Pro Bowler? Thanks.
by Bull 3:09 PM

Bull, always good to hear from you. Brown looks pretty good to me, so far. I wouldn’t say the D-line has been manhandled. But they did have a problem with gap control at times against the Titans.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

I know it’s preseason, but Foles sure isn’t impressing, backups look better. Maybe the Rams jumped to quick extending, agree?
by Don 3:11 PM

True, he has been less than dazzling since those first two throws against Oakland. But we’re talking about just 12 passes total.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Any concerns about both Zeurlein and Hekker showing themselves to be a bit more erratic lately? I think Hekker has shanked 2 punts and Zerulein hasn’t seemed to develop much consistency.
by Knux 3:13 PM

I see what you’re seeing. But we’re just talking about a couple kicks.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Jim, I saw the Oak game in person and watched every snap of the Tenn game and we look bad on both sides of the ball. We look flat, unmotivated and sloppy. I think it is time for JF to move along..
by ART V 3:14 PM

If the same thing takes place in September and October, I think you have a point.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Do you think Austin Davis will make the cut?
by Rams2ESTL 3:14 PM

Have a hard time seeing it happen.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Hey Jim, thanks for the chat as always. Now that the PD has lost 2 columnists, and if the Rams leave town, do you ever see yourself moving into that position?
by Joe G 3:15 PM

Well reinforcements are on the way in the form of The Bens _ Ben Hochman and to a degree Ben Frederickson on line (BenFred will be writing some columns but not all the time, so I’m told). As for myself, I think I could be a football columnist, maybe baseball, basketball in time. But I just don’t know a lot about hockey. I’ve always liked being in the trenches so to speak as a beat writer as well.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Is there really a chance another team would move to St. Louis when the Rams leave?
by Larry 3:18 PM

There really isn’t an obvious candidate at this time.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

IF StanK ever granted you an interview and then limited you to one question, what would you ask him?
by Andy 3:19 PM

How in the world can you say that you met NFL relocation guidelines?
by jthomas 3:20 PM

I get the impression that in addition to the 4 preseason games, the St Louis Ram fans are going to get an additional 16 preseason games. Las Vegas is going to have fun handicapping the Rams games this year.
by ramsfan 3:20 PM

Throwing in the towel already?
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Oh yeah Jim and more thing. Whats all this we want to keep ALL our options open B.S.! Enos and Demoff haven’t looked into any options here. All we get is Demoff stuttering and stammering complete nonsense since Enos can’t talk on his own! Have you heard Demoff give much input lately on St. Louis? I have never seen any company have such a PR nightmare all caused by the owner.
by STLRamMan 3:21 PM

No comment.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

So, who is the “Fall Guy” at the PD when the sportswriters go out on the town?
by Andy 3:21 PM

Those days are long gone for me. I’m about a 2-beer guy these days on the road.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Was your question directed to me or the Rams.
by ramsfan 3:22 PM

Very good. You are light on your feet today ramsfan.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

What are the best 5 jobs in sports, not including owner.
by Larry 3:22 PM

Green Bay executive. Receiver at New England. Any job that paid well in San Diego. Head of ticket sales for the baseball Cardinals. Recruiting coordinator for Kentucky basketball.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Do you ever get the sense Fisher and Snead are playing for 2016?
by c_good 3:26 PM

The only thing that might make me think that is drafting Gurley.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

What does your gut tell you about why the NFL continues to encourage Dave Peacock and the task force in their efforts keep the Rams? Do you really think they will leave STL without a team if the task force has a new stadium plan that is ready to be put in place?
by Kip 3:26 PM

It tells me that the NFL has not given up on St. Louis, at least not at this point.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Think Fisher will give Garrett Reynolds a shot at RT? Seems like he moves well and is strong. Havenstein needs time, by no fault of his own. What’s the depth at LT looking like behind Robinson?
by c_good 3:27 PM

I think Havenstein has been OK at RT. Don’t see the need to make the switch at this point. But Reynolds has some experience at OT. I think if something happens to Robinson, we’d probably see Saffold at LT. If Saffold is unavailable, well. . . . .
by jthomas 3:29 PM

What is your prediction onthe attendance for the Seattle game?
by Kip 3:29 PM

54,000
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Will Saffold’s return and a decision on C make the Rams’ Oline an effective unit?
by Bfulton 3:29 PM

It certainly won’t hurt.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

5 worst sports jobs – Kroenke’s COO, Kroenke’s PR man, Kroenke’s lower-level Rams employees, Kroenke’s speech writer and the guy who cleans Jerry Jones’ glasses
by Alan Grossman 3:30 PM

I don’t quite get the last one, could you elaborate.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

I’ve always enjoyed your just the facts approach to reporting. Still, I suspect you’ve tons of opinions about it all. Looking back over your entire career, what stories should be turned into a book?
by Bfulton 3:30 PM

Mizzou basketball going on probation. The Norman Conquest _ Mizzou’s 77-0 loss to Oklahoma (Brian Bosworth was seen eating a hot dog in the second half over by the Oklahoma stands.) The move of the Rams to St. Louis in 1995. The planned departure of the Rams to LA in 2016. The ’98-99 offseason at Rams Park and the miracle that led to ’99 Super Bowl championship. The Kurt Warner story (OK, there’s already been a book written on that).
by jthomas 3:34 PM

It’s on youtube … jerry jones glass cleaner
by Alan Grossman 3:34 PM

Really.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Is D. Alexander still in the nfl? In a slightly related note, what exactly is Sasser doing for the Rams? Thanks!
by steve r 3:34 PM

I do not believe Danario is in the league at this point. Sasser I think will be working in the team’s community outreach dept., football camps, youth events among other things.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

If you weren’t the beat writer for the Rams, or were a beat writer for another team (e.g., 49ers), what would your opinion be of the job that Fish has done in STL?
by scubado 3:36 PM

Well, my opinion would be the same in either spot. He has done a commendable job getting the team out of that 15-65 mess from 2007-2011, but can’t seem to get the Rams over the hump.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Over the course of your career, have you had the opportunity to meet or interview all of the NFL owners? Who is the most personable?
by Andy 3:37 PM

Of course. Although the interviews have been brief ones. Lots of respect for the Rooney family. Would love to get to know Shahid Khan better _ he seems to have a lot of personality. Jerry Jones would be great copy _ he’s always got something to say. Robert Kraft is pretty personable.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Hey Jim it was cool meeting you at the scrimmage last week. Thanks for introducing Demarco to me. Both of you were great. I’m very concerned about the lack of self control the Rams showed at the scrimmage and in the bad penalties they’ve shown under Fish. You would think a good coach would have that controlled by now. Has he lost respect of the team?
by Cutman 3:40 PM

It was great talking to you as well. The LA Rams fans were great. I’ve always said the fans are just innocent bystanders in all this relocation stuff. For those wondering where CUTMAN gets his online name _ he’s a barber in Southern California. I certainly don’t think Fisher has lost the respect of the team. His teams have always played with an edge. So in a sense, the fights were almost predictable.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being worse case scenario how would you rate the OL so far and what did you expect prior to the preseason? Team over all?
by Cutman 3:42 PM

O-line play so far _ 4. Expected maybe a 5.5. Team overall _ 3. Expected 6.5 to 7.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

When the financing of the Riverfront Stadium is in place, the NFL can’t walk away from St. Louis, right? Expansion, possibly another team moving? Stan buys part of the Raiders and moves them to Inglewood?
by Keith 3:43 PM

Logic says no, if St. Louis has the financing in place. How can league turn its back on a city offering to build an unprecedented second stadium in a quarter of a century? But as my friend and colleague Bernie Miklasz has pointed out, Greed has a great winning percentage in the NFL. League seems to have no appetite for expansion at this point. There doesn’t seem to be a logical move from an existing franchise at this point. If Kroenke bought the Raiders, I’m sure he’d buy the whole thing.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

What happens on September 11th if the Chargers don’t come back to the negotiating table with the city of SD? Will it be over for them? Any sign whatsoever that the city of OAK will even present a viable proposal to Davis or the NFL?
by Knux 3:46 PM

It’s just not gonna happen in Oakland. Hard to see anything happening in San Diego either.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Hoe likely is this? Spanos has the votes to block Kroenke’s move and Kroenke has the votes to block Spanos’ move. They compromise and become the two LA teams allowed to move, leaving the Raiders out. We throw a new styadium with a bunch of PSL money at the Raiders and they move here. ????
by DGT 3:46 PM

Mark Davis has made it pretty clear he doesn’t want to move to St. Louis. Given the history between Spanos and Kroenke I have a hard time seeing them join forces, especially in what would be a landlord-tenant relationship.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

you seem to overlook today that there is a more advanced competitor for the l.a. market, carson/chargers/raiders, which would effectively create a regional southern california market. why should st louis rush into another stadium boondoggle that wastes taxpayers’ money when carson is most likely to get the nod for l.a.?
by branford76 3:49 PM

You seem to be more optimistic on Carson than most.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

the rams are as good as gone – no replacement – attendance should be 0 for their games – St Louis lost 2300 jobs in July – its not a growing healthy town why should any team (football) want to move here
by Scott edited by jthomas 3:50 PM

You are the bluebird of happiness.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Jim, when will the NFL realize they need to shorten the pre-season down to two games. The coaches know who the top 46-47 players are going to make their roster, it’s only the last 5or 6 spots that are up for grabs, sometimes not that many. Too many top line players get hurt playing meaningless games.
by James 3:50 PM

Because they don’t want to lose the money by losing 1/10th of the home gate.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

No way, I disagree. Best job in sports is Kroenke’s Speech Writer. Paid to do absolutely nothing.
by STLRamMan 3:51 PM

OK, I’ll give you that.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

The NFL might not want to expand, but expansion can help to prevent lawsuits and placate members of Congress…is the NFL feeling any pressure to expand?
by Bowie Kuhn 3:51 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

As unpopular as Kronke is..Jerry Jones has a large group of people in Dallas who dislike him..partially because he’s not a Texan and also because of the way he treated Tom Landry…Texans don”t forget..Also, he’s obnoxious. Probably another reason he likes Kronke
by Larry 3:52 PM

And I don’t think Jones has as much influence over NFL owners as many in the media give him credit for.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

I don’t think Stan’s PR man has to work very hard either, since Stan doesn’t seem to care about his PR.
by Bowie Kuhn 3:53 PM

No he doesn’t. It’s all bottom line with ESK.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

I hope the Rams stay. They are basically like bad pizza – bad pizza is better than no pizza at all.
by David 3:53 PM

David, you have captured the essence of the thing. I’ve always maintained that even bad football is better than no football. Trouble is, to use your analogy, we’ve had about 11 straight years of bad pizza around here.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Will this years average attendance play any factor into the leagues decision in relocation?
by Ron 3:55 PM

I don’t think it will play a major factor, but if attendance really plummets I’m sure the league will take notice.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Does anyone think the Ferguson situation plays into the mindset of NFL owners?
by Larry 3:55 PM

In what way?
by jthomas 3:56 PM

asking a team to stay that doesnt want to is like trying to get your wife to stay when her bags are packed and 1 foot out the door
by Scott 3:56 PM

Seems that way.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Going back to last season Zeurline doesn’t look too good. Any concerns?
by Cutman 3:56 PM

He made 80 percent of his FGs last season. I think that’s a pretty acceptable percentage, even by today’s standards.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Could Cody Wichmann provide a spark at LG, if Roger goes down again?
by Matt 3:57 PM

He missed a lot of the OTAs as well. I think he’s too far behind to have any kind of impact this season.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

I see this relocation thing coming down to taking care of Spanos. If Spanos does not want to team with Kroneke and he has the votes to block the move, do you see the NFL letting the Rams move under his objection?
by Garry Crowder 3:58 PM

That’s a great question. I know Spanos does have sentiment on his side.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Jim, the offense aside, the thing that bothers me most about this team in missed tackles. There’s several every game year in and year out. Any ideas why?
by JoeRamfan 3:59 PM

With so little contact on the practice field in training camp and the regular season, tackling has become a lost art throughout the league. But there do seem to be more missed tackles by the Rams this preseason, than other teams.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

What is your realistic prediction for Todd Gurley’s rookie season? It seems like if he is healthy that he has the talent to carry an offense even with our inexperienced/weak offensive line. Do you see Fisher limiting him throughout the course of the year in order to preserve his health?
by ToupeeAficionado 4:00 PM

This is tough to predict, but I think it might be midseason before we see Gurley taking anything resembling a full workload. After seeing what happened with Jake Long and Sam Bradford suffering additional ACL injuries, why wouldn’t the Rams be cautious with Gurley?
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Mannion has looked decent in preseason thus far. He seems to have good size and arm strength. Do you see us keeping him on the roster as the third QB? I’m sure someone would take a waiver claim on him so I doubt we could get him on the practice squad.
by Steve M 4:02 PM

Going into camp, I thought the only thing that might get Mannion cut is if he was disastrous on the field. He’s actually been pretty decent. A third-round pick is valuable real estate. It’s usually someone who you draft because you think they have starter’s potential. Plus, in Mannion’s case, you’re talking about throwing away a $625,000 signing bonus if you cut the guy. I think there’s no way you could smuggle this guy onto the practice squad. I think the Rams keep 3 QBs this year.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Not using a 7th round pick on LSU OL Collins is haunting, Snead missed that one big time. It was worth the risk whatever BS Collins agent might have been saying to teams.
by Uncle Leo 4:05 PM

I’m not saying Collilns is the second coming, but I would’ve used as seventh-rounder.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

How connect to reality is Fisher? Could winning almost as many games as he loses over his career caused him to earn so much money he is no longer rooted in the present?
by Jake 4:06 PM

I think he’s very connected to reality.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Do you think it should be an eye opener to see how badly Fisher’s Rams are against the Titans he was fired from. We’ve taken on a bunch of Fisher’s ex-Titans cast offs which goes to show he’s unwilling or unable to see when change is needed in personal.
by Joe 4:08 PM

When all is said and done, the Rams will have three players on his team who were there with him in Tennessee: Britt, Cook, and Hayes. That’s not a lot.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

How much game film do you review? Do you review opponents’ game film to prep for the Rams game or do you focus on the Rams?
by Axeburger 4:09 PM

I’m not able to do it every week. But most weeks I review Rams game film from the game they just played. I like to watch the TV copy of opponents, but just from their previous game.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

Thanks for confirming what I thought I saw of Rhaney. Next question — how would you say Washington did? Does he have a chance of sticking, or will it end up being Reynolds and the kids?
by CT Rams 4:11 PM

I have Washington on the bubble at his point.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Does Foles have 55% of Bradford’s arm strength? Looks like he struggles to make throws over 25 yards.
by Don 4:11 PM

I don’t think Foles has Bradford’s arm strength, but I think he has more than 55 percent of it.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Thanks for the article on “What To Watch”, and all of your hard work Jim. First team offense looked amateur to me. First team defense looked sloppy. Any hope for this week?
by Alton Ken 4:12 PM

Thx. Again, the team will be fresher, and there will be at least some game-planning against Indy. I’m expecting a better showing.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

Last thing, do you think the rumor that Stan could sell the Rams, has any legs whatsoever. (Assuming he is not blocked from moving to LA)
by Eric Pousosa 4:13 PM

I’m not really the guy to ask about politically issues. I don’t know what to say about this. It sounds to me that he’s a guy who just likes to see his name in the paper or hear himself on the radio. As for Kroenke selling, I think it’s very much a longshot, but I’m ruling out nothing at this point.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Was the coaching staff and team leaders upset at the lack of fighting on Sunday? It didn’t even seem very chippy out there.
by Tim 4:14 PM

They were punched out from Oxnard.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

I know this is probably a question for David Hunn (who is doing a fantastic job covering the political side of the stadium process), but isn’t it odd to you that Senator Rob Schaaf (St. Louis born) is spearheading the effort to thwart the stadium efforts in St. Louis, while Missouri taxpayers are paying for the Chiefs Training facility located in St. Joseph, the town he represents? What do you suppose he’s after?
Gerald Reynolds
by Gerald Reynolds 4:15 PM

Attention.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Please comment on WR potential this year. We will really need someone to step up this year
by Sean 4:15 PM

I think they can be a good group. Need Quick to pick up where he left off last year. And Tavon Austin to be more integrated in the offense. Would like to see Bailey get more chances early, even if it’s as the fourth WR.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Which reciever (s) has Foles become accustomed to being a possible safety valve or “go to guy”? Any chemistry working with anybody? Thanks
by NewOwner4Rams 4:16 PM

That person has appeared to be Jared Cook, but he got only one ball thrown his way Sunday.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

Will the Rams be the youngest team again this year? I know they gained about a year average on defense but looks like the offense replacements are offsetting that.
by JP 4:17 PM

They’ll certainly be among the youngest. They have only three players that are 30 years or older: Chris Long, Will Hayes and Jo-Lonn Dunbar. (And all three are exactly 30.)
by jthomas 4:18 PM