JT chat, 9/27 — selections

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_29?Page=2

How does an NFL scouting operation miss so badly on a prospect as the Rams missed on Goff? I mean, maybe he’ll come around, but it’s so obvious other rookie QBs like Wentz and Prescott were NFL-ready. And just as obvious, I guess, that Goff wasn’t.
by Counsel Rudolph 2:00 PM

Well, it’s way too early to say that Goff was a miss. But it obviously isn’t a good look for the Rams to see all of these other rookie quarterbacks off to good starts and Goff can’t get on the field. I’ve heard pros and cons on Goff. From Mike Martz, who told me he was very impressed with Goff’s quick release. . .to someone who was very familiar with what went on at Rams training camp who said Goff lacked leadership skills.
by jthomas 2:05 PM

Jim, I appreciate your honesty, but your article on the Rams winning because of TBs mistakes sound like sour grapes. Will you guys bash the LA Rams forever? I became a STL Ram fan quickly, but you guys are relentless with your grudges. GO RAMS.
by Blocking fullback 2:05 PM

Oh, you mean when I wrote about how the Rams played with resiliency, how the undermanned defensive line came up with a huge play on the scoop and score, how Case Keenum made some clutch throws, Tavon Austin flashing his big-play ability, Greg Zuerlein’s strong field goal kicking on grass so far this season, Robert Quinn having more forced fumbles than anyone in the NFL since 2012/ Man, that’s really some bashing. You’re right. I apologize. And then I point out how there was a busted coverage by Tampa on the Rams’ first TD, how a poorly designed blitz doomed Tampa on Austin’s score, and how crazy-bad the Bucs’ game management was at the end of the game. I admit, making such points constitutes vicious low blows against the Rams.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

I sure hope Pharoah Cooper and Spruce make a difference when they start playing because the other rookies sure don’t look like difference makers. This draft sure looks like a bad one.
by JD Clark 2:16 PM

Cooper and Spruce certainly flashed in the preseason, although it was just the one game for Spruce before his injury. But it may take them a while to get up to NFL regular-season game speed. And if Spruce and Cooper dress, who sits? OK Mike Thomas for one. But after that? Obviously, you don’t sit Britt or Austin. Quick is coming off a game in which he caught a touchdown pass. And Marquez is one of the team’s top special teams players.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

The Rams passing game seemed to turn a corner, last Sunday. Or was it just the Tampa Bay DBs?
by bfulton 2:50 PM

It was good to see Austin make some plays down field. He needs to be more than just a bubble-screen, quick-toss pass catcher to truly be worth the investment. . . .But I wouldn’t call 183 yards passing, plus a pick-6 thrown by Keenum to be turning a corner.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

What happens vs. Arizona?
by Tom 3:05 PM

Who knows? The league is so unpredictable. I would’ve never thought the Rams would score 37 in Tampa (Or anywhere based on what we’d seen in the first 2 weeks.) I would’ve never thought Buffalo smokes Arizona. Or Minnesota wins at Carolina minus Bridgewater and AP. Or Wentz and Philly wins by 31 _ 31? _ vs. Pittsburgh. Logic says the Cardinals bounced back with a vengeance. Then again, the Cardinals don’t seem quite right this year.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Jim, I really like Joyner and Barron playing the hybrid linebacker spots but I can’t see those two holding up physically over the long season. Do you see Josh Forrest playing more to help with that problem?
by JD Clark 3:08 PM

I agree with your assessment. A physical, strong running team would seem to give that hybrid LB alignment big troubles. I thought that might be the case vs. Seattle, but it didn’t happen. Partly because of Russell Wilson’s ankle problems. But yeah, I think in time Forrest would have to contribute more.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

What is Mannion’s long term future with the Rams? He hasn’t gotten much of a chance to play, but he certainly looked pretty promising vs. Dallas.
by Tom 3:25 PM

Well, Dallas was the preseason. And the first game of the preseason. Mannion did look much-improved compared to last year. But the No. 1 overall pick (Goff) is going to get more chances to succeed or fail _ or a better chance _ than the guy you took in the third round. That’s just the way it is. So I think Mannion bides his time. It will probably have to take some combination of poor play and injury for him to get a chance this season
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Are the Vikings really as good as they look so far?
by Steve 3:32 PM

Their defense is, there’s no doubt about that. And they’ve got an excellent coaching staff, headed by Zimmer. Don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before on the chat, but during my mini-training camp tour I ran into a scout that I highly respect _ someone I’ve known a long time. He told me that he thought the Vikings had a lot of talent. And great depth from the top to the bottom of the roster (I believe this was before the Bridgewater injury.)
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Jim – With Goff still having issues with the Playbook, and Keenum being Keenum, what are your thoughts on why they are reluctant to to give Manion a shot?
by Larry Garrison 3:40 PM

It’s pretty simple, really. Fisher really likes Keenum _ for his energy and his leadership skills. And how do you bench a guy who’s 2-1 as a starter? And Goff is the No. 1 overall pick, and a guy you traded a boatload of draft picks to get. They’re going to get the first bites of the apple. And may the second.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

I sense some cap problems coming in a few years for the Rams. It seems that have handed out some large extensions the last couple of years for players that have not necessarily performed up to those figures so far. it is trending that the Rams will have a couple more large extensions to hand out in a few to keep Donald and Gurley. Will this cause the Rams to always have one of the youngest rosters so that they can pay most of their players close to the minimum? If so, they will never be able to compete for trophies in my mind. Your thoughts?
by Todd 3:48 PM

Kevin Demoff and Tony Pastoors do a very good job managing the cap. I think the Rams are in excellent cap shape this coming offseason. Keep in mind, the cap has continued to grow each year, more than anticipated.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Glad they won, but Fisher always seems to pull out enough wins to save his job and I liked Wentz better from the start. Think we made a mistake? I know my Philly friends are happy.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 3:59 PM

Gary, I liked Wentz better coming out as well.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

when will fisher get his extenssion on his contract?
by just duckie 4:00 PM

Somehow, I get the feeling it’s already agreed to and they simply don’t want to announce it.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

What is the issue with Rams’ OL? The run blocking has been poor. Is it individuals or playing as a unit?
by LA T 4:01 PM

I don’t think the run-blocking has been as bad as it’s looked. Teams are loading the box, and until the Rams start completing more downfield passes _ yes, they did get a couple, three vs. Tampa Bay _ that will continue. With the recent limitations on practices time and contact during offseason and training camp practice time, I think it takes a little longer league-wide for running games to get going. For example, there were only 7 individuals who rushed for 100 yards over the first two weeks of the season combined. But in Week 3 alone there were eight 100-yard rushers.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

I thought the Rams make a bad move by letting go Laurinaitis, but so far he hasn’t played very well. Your thoughts?
by Raul 4:08 PM

Just based on what I saw last night vs. Atlanta, he was active early but didn’t look like he was running well.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Over the summer, it came to light that the NFL owners essentially stole a couple hundred million from the players’ union. Is that story dead? That should be a much bigger deal, no?
by JJ 4:09 PM

Yeah, I remember that. Didn’t they have to give the money back? End of story?
by jthomas 4:10 PM

Any thoughts on G Robinson so far this year?
by Tom 4:12 PM

He seems a little bit more consistent, but still having some bad moments. That’s my thumbnail. Still gets caught lunging, gets off-balance, and thus has trouble with speed rushers. Looks like the holding penalties have decreased, so far.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

What has been the general feel around the league about the impact of moving the Extra Point back and the resulting misses?
by Tackleberry 4:16 PM

I think it’s here to stay. It’s put just enough uncertainty into the play to make it interesting. I’m sure the kickers hate it, because it puts that much more strain on them _ physically, but especially mentally.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

Overall, in the history of NFL football in STL, who would you say was the greatest head coach?
by Tom 4:28 PM

I’ve got to rate Vermeil as No. 1 because he won a Super Bowl and united a building (at Rams Park), infusing positive energy into what very much was a negative atmosphere. I think you put Don Coryell and Mike Martz (who idolized Coryell growing up) on the medal stand as well.
by jthomas 4:30 PM