JT, Rams chat

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_64?Page=2

Would the Rams be in the hunt if SB had stayed healthy?
by Don 2:04 PM

I think with Sam Bradford and Chris Long healthy, the Rams probably have a couple more victories. But injuries happen.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

Please excuse this past week’s performance. It was an outlier. You can go back to ripping on me again. Thanks.
by Legatron 2:04 PM

Since you’ve only missed 5 FGs in the past two seasons, I don’t think it was an outlier.
by jthomas 2:05 PM

Joe Buck says his NFL sources told him that Stan Kroenke definitely plans to move the team to LA. Does that sound like Stan has tried to negotiate sincerely (or whatever the NFL language is) to keep the team in St. Louis?
by Steve 2:05 PM

If that’s the case, then I agree with Chris Mortensen. I don’t think Kroenke’s Rams have come anywhere close to meeting the standards for moving under the relocation guidelines.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

Is the Franchise QB on the roster?
by Grant 2:08 PM

No. Not unless you think it’s Sam Bradford.
by jthomas 2:08 PM

Hey Jim, I assume the Rams have to win out to have any shot at the playoffs and even then it is an uphill battle, right?
by SteveSPN 2:08 PM

Yeah, at this point it doesn’t look like 9-7 is gonna get it.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

Is Chris Long back this week?
by Grant 2:09 PM

Based on what I saw last week in practice, I would say it’s a longshot that he comes back this week. But we’ll see what happens Wednesday when the practice week begins.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

what do you make of fishers comments about olgetrees conditioning? were some other young or veteran players not ready for the start of the season? seems fisher teams start slow each year and try to dig out of hole
by JDawg 2:10 PM

I was told by a reliable source _ someone who works in the league and deals with the Rams _ early in training camp that Ogletree had showed up overweight to training camp. I ran this by a team official during camp who denied that was the case, so I didn’t write about it at the time. (So I was misled. It happens.) Anyway, Fisher basically confirmed on Monday that that was the case. Not aware of any other Rams showing up out of shape. But you’re right, Fisher’s teams in StL have started out slow. I think all three teams have been 3-5 at midseason.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Which players are likely to be salary cap victims in the offseason in your mind Jim thanks ?
by Kris 2:14 PM

Wondering about J. Long, Langford and Bradford. Possibly Wells, although he’s already taken a pay cut. And in the case of Long, Langford and Bradford, Rams may simply be seeking a restructure to create more cap space.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Have you met Stan Kroenke?
by robert 2:16 PM

I’ve known him since 1993. We have spoken many times _ just not lately.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

what is timeline on B Quicks injury, isnt torn larbum a major injury, we he be ready next season?
by jDawg II 2:17 PM

And there was more damage to Quick’s shoulder than anticipated, once the surgeon got in there. Fisher is saying he should be ready to go by the start of camp, which obviously isn’t ideal.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Hey Jim since the win over the broncos its looking like the Rams wont be able to land 1 of the 2 top rookie QBs. What do you think our best shot at for the QB position in 2015?
by Dwayne 2:19 PM

Awful early for this, but if they don’t get the top two _ I’m assuming you mean Winston and Mariota _ the early sense is they may have to wait until the early second.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Johnny Hekker will be a free agent do you think his price tag will be high for a punter given his success ?
by Kris 2:21 PM

He will be a restricted free agent only. So the Rams could still control his rights by making a tender offer.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Which Rams UFAs should the team be looking to resign?
by jDawg II 2:22 PM

The three major ones are Kenny Britt, Lance Kendricks, and Joe Barksdale. As I wrote last week in my Barksdale story, the Rams have had some dialogue with his agent but nothing substantive at this point. I think that’s basically the situation with Kendricks as well. As for Britt, I think the Rams are in a holding pattern, watching what he does over the rest of the season and how their younger WRs progress.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

prediction for this Sunday’s game Jim?
by ekern55 2:24 PM

I don’t think they have a chance. 🙂
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Are you surprised by Tre Mason’s year?
by Dick 2:25 PM

Not really. I watched the SEC title game against Missouri.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Bradford being a pocket passer and strong armed, do you think he’ll be able to pick up again?
by Don 2:25 PM

I don’t think the arm or the passion for the game is an issue. It’s all about can he stay healthy.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Jim do you think Stacy will be traded in the future
by Mike 2:27 PM

Well, the trading deadline has come and gone for the season, so it would have to happen next March when the new league year begins. But it’s doubtful he’d fetch much.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

zac stacy was a top fantasy pick by a lot of experts so what happened to him to fall off that much?
by jimharthof 2:28 PM

Maybe there’s more to it _ I don’t think so. I think the Rams simply think Mason and Cunningham are better.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Having been quoted by Fisher at the beginning of his press conference, almost famous or in the dog house? If in the dog house, did you find Stacy in there?
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 2:29 PM

I don’t know if you saw the footage, but he was smiling _ even winked at me during one answer. It was all in good fun.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Has the secondary all come together or do you still see them as a weakness?
by JAMES 2:30 PM

I do think they’re playing better. It has been good to have Trumaine Johnson back. But there are still some busted coverages, and in my mind, Jenkins still needs to be more consistent and more disciplined. Fisher said there were actually three blown coverages by the secondary in the game and the Rams got burned on only one vs. Denver.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

How has Barron been playing overall?
by Steve 2:33 PM

He played less vs. Denver, and he’s still somewhat limited in what he can do as he learns the scheme,, but coaches seem very pleased with him.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Maurice Alexander lives!
by c_good 2:34 PM

Yes he does. The “Janitor” made a couple of nice special teams plays vs. the Broncos.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

In your opinion will the rams be looking to spend big money in free agency next season, so far in this regime it’s been failure for the most part ?
by Kris 2:35 PM

They will have decent cap space but I think they will be very careful this year about spending big money on individual free agents, given what’s happened with Finnegan and to lesser degrees J. Long, Wells, and Langford.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

You should ask Fisher this week if the Chargers have a chance, and see how he responds.
by c_good 2:36 PM

Between you and I, I plan on it.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Could young Mr Gaines be the steal of the draft. His play so far is very good, he is still learning so his upside may be high. Do you see it that way?
by Rick 2:37 PM

He certainly looks like a great bargain who can be a solid-or-better corner for years in the league.
by jthomas 2:39 PM

so everybody thinks that the rams future QB is going to be drafted next year who will it be if you had a crystal ball?
by jimharthof 2:40 PM

My crystal ball isn’t working at this time.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

With all this relocating talk, when do you think the offer from Peacock will be put on Kroenke’s desk? I personally see Oakland taking the offer to LA from the NFL and AEG. Wouldn’t be surprised if San Diego joined them. One more thing, Where we’re all the Titas fans last night for the MNF game? just saying
by Raleigh Ram Fan 2:41 PM

During the Nixon press conference, it was stated that there would be a plan of some fashion in 60 days. So we’re talking about maybe mid January.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

How is Westbrook’s doing? Have not heard his name mentioned recently.
by Rick 2:42 PM

Until this past Sunday, when he got in for 10 plays on defense, he had been inactive for several weeks. He has been slowed by a hand injury.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

You think McLeod gets fine for hitting Sanders too hard?
by willeyeam 2:45 PM

I’d be surprised if he didn’t.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Hey Jim, How many sacks do you see Donald getting this year and is he a rookie of the year candidate?
by Mike 2:45 PM

What’s he got, 4 sacks at this point? I would think he’d need to be close to 10 sacks to be a serious defensive rookie of the year candidate. So he’s going to have to pick up the pace.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

During off season can Fisher please talk to rules committee and tell them to quit screwing rams with horrible calls?
by TheFarceAwakens 2:46 PM

As a member of the rules committee, he spends a lot of time with those guys. I’m sure he’ll get several points across.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Do SF and SEA not make the playoffs this year? Is division opening up with next year Pamler rehabbing and SF SEA losing more players?
by TheFarceAwakens 2:48 PM

Could be. Seattle lost a lot of depth over the offseason. And as many of us have suspected, cracks are showing in the 49ers foundation.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Have you heard anything about Kroenke selling the Rams and buying the Broncos so that he can keep his Denver teams?
by keeptheramsinstl 2:48 PM

Yes. And I’m not dismissing that as a possibility.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

With all the arm chair GMs basically cementing Davis in next season, is there anything Hill can do to deserve another look next year?
by willeyeam 2:49 PM

Of course. Keep playing like he did against Denver.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

I’ve watched Mariotta closely throughout his career– his weakness, and I seldom hear this discussed in the media, is his long ball. He’s OK on short-medium passes, but IMO, lacks accuracy over about 25 yds. Perhaps it’s seldom noted because he plays in an offense that features very few long passes.
by grackle 2:50 PM

I’ve heard that his arm strength could be an issue. But I haven’t watched him as much as I’d like to this year.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Is the Kroenke – Denver thing good or bad for STL?
by TomRam 2:51 PM

If you want the Rams to stay in St. Louis, I’d say it would be a good thing.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Am I doing something wrong? I do not see my questions.
by Verminator 2:52 PM

There you go.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

What scares fisher more? losing season or QB controversy?
by TheFarceAwakens 2:52 PM

I think he’d love more than anything to have a winning season.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

is this the last year we see Dunbar in a Rams uniform? He’s just the not the same player we have seen in the past.
by ekern55 2:53 PM

Possible. But he’s been slowed by toe injury, and if it’s turf toe, well, it’s hard to play with that.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

Strange how Robinson decided not to block Ware on that one play, wasn’t it? Looked like a really good game from him, otherwise.
by c_good 2:54 PM

On the play, the Rams checked out of a run into a pass. Robinson missed the check, and basically froze.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

jim – how would you grade Rams draft class at this point in the season?
by Kenny Brittle 2:57 PM

Well, it’s certainly looking a lot better than it did about a month ago. Robinson, Mason, and Gaines playing well. Donald playing very well. I thought Joyner was coming along before his groin injury.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

The post game press conference with Fisher, he seemed to be getting onto you for asking him if the Rams had a chance to beat Denver. Was he also talking to you when he said that you can go home and think of something negative to ask him about?
by Machine 2:59 PM

Yes. I went home and cried most of the night I was so shaken.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Maybe we can have two teams in STL The Jaguars and The Rams and two stadiums and LA can have ZERO just sayin 🙂
by Kris 2:59 PM

Yeah, but which team gets the proposed new stadium, and which one gets the Ed.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

RGIII is struggling and a long way off from success. In exchange, we have quality starters and some roster depth in 6 players: Ogletree, Robinson, Brockers, Jenkins, Stacy and Bailey. That is how teams build a great team for the long haul. Great deal. Agree?
by davidb 3:00 PM

I’m leaning that way.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Hi Jim, Hope all is well in STL. So in your opinion it’s better if Kroenke sells the team? Realistically you think that happens and he goes after the Broncos? I’ve always thought if Peacock come up with the right proposal they don’t move but I guess that’s me.
by Nick Rolando 3:01 PM

All I was saying is that it’s obviously better for St. Louis if he sells the team and takes over in Denver, than if he moves the Rams to LA. I’m not saying it’s realistic. But Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is not in good health. If Bowlen passes away, then Kroenke tries to buy the team, consolidates all his U.S. sports franchises in Denver and no longer has to worry about the cross-ownership rules.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

JT, When can we see Long on the field?
by Cousin Vinny 3:04 PM

Maybe this week. More likely the following week.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Good afternoon Jim. Do you think NFL is at all worried about legal ramifications if they allow Kroenke to move the Rams to LA? Even if there are no legal grounds, would the NFL be concerned about the bad PR.
by Verminator 3:05 PM

I guess it depends on how seriously they take the relocations guidelines. Because if they are truly following the relocation guidelines, at this point Kroenke shouldn’t be allowed to move the team. And Verminator, yes, the league is very concerned about PR.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Has talking to the players about the rumors of the team moving from STL been marked as a forbidden subject by the team or the Post-Dispatch? Not a fan-the-flames article but one about the human side of the players working for an employer with that uncertainty. I am sure given the economy over the past few years, many fans would be able to relate to the story.
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 3:07 PM

Greg, we wrote a story about this a couple of weeks ago. And a few weeks before that we wrote a story talking to several Rams greats (Bruce, Holt, Warner, and Pace.) Here are a couple of links: Current Rams: http://www.stltoday.com . . . .Rams greats:http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/bruce-to-rams-fans-show-up/article_6b24e31f-5d89-56b3-b6c6-672df3fa9bca.html
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Jim, I wonder if the players realize that re-locating to LA would cost them about 30% more to live out there. That hits them in the pocket book.
by Mike 3:12 PM

I think some do.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

I know you’re playing it off a bit, it doesn’t it seem like Fisher was trying to tell you he don’t have to be so negative all the time about the Rams, or hedge your bets in case they lose. It’s okay to be positive and hopeful sometimes, Jim
by Machine 3:13 PM

He. . .was. . .joking.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

JT, I live in the Northeast so i’ve never been to the Ed but what is the atmosphere like on game day? Is the Ed in bad shape? I was lucky to watch the denver game on CBS and I saw alot of denver fans..Is this the norm?
by Cousin Vinny 3:14 PM

It’s a good atmosphere. It is a little disturbing to see so many opposing team jerseys, but that happens more than you would think all around the league due to the secondary ticket market. It would be nice if more outdoor light was in the building. But it’s in pretty good shape. The sightlines are very good. The stadium wouldn’t be an issue were it not for the first-tier language.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Jim-Any interest in me?
by Ben Tate 3:16 PM

Don’t the Rams have enough running backs?
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Jim these chats are great… your sarcasm sometimes makes them epic. Thanks for these!
by Danny 3:17 PM

Oh, it’s sarcasm you want? Then I should let my wife answer these questions.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

Why don’t they ever send Tayvon Austin & Chris Givens on “go” routes? They have both have the speed to burn many cb’s!
by Marcos 3:17 PM

They threw one to Givens in Arizona, and it was badly underthrown. Route running, even if it’s just running deep, isn’t really Austin’s strong suit. But I don’t think it would hurt to try one every now and then.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Jim, Fisher singling you out at the presser was __________
by Len 3:19 PM

Let me think about this for a moment. . . . .I’m gonna go . . . .funny. Yeah, funny. I liked the fact that he referred to me as “Mr.” Jim Thomas. Sign of respect, don’t you think.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Why can’t rams cash in when they get to the red zone, isnt SD horrible in red zone defense?
by JTizzle 3:21 PM

No doubt they need to do better down there. But they were playing the league’s fifth-ranked defense. At least they got points down there. San Diego is tied for 28th in red zone defense, giving up a touchdown on two of every three red zone possessions by the opposition.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

jim – what is Tavon’s “strong suit”? posting pictures of his outfits online?
by JTizzle 3:26 PM

That one’s pretty funny. But I was gonna go with moving in space, elusiveness, that kind of thing.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

I’m not trying to be a jerk here, I’m just saying when you’re talking to a chat room full of Rams fan they should feel like you want the Rams to win as well
by Machine 3:27 PM

I don’t look very good in a cheerleader’s outfit.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

What do you get when you play the Song “Shaun Hill is not our starter” backwards??? You get Kenny Britt back, you get Stedman Bailey back, you get a 100 yard rusher back, you get your O-line back, you get your off. coordinator back……
by JeffInUtah 3:27 PM

It was an impressive afternoon for Hill, for sure.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Thanks for the chat. Always the best Rams coverage anywhere. I’d like to know your typical schedule during football season. It seams you are always submitting a story or doing these chats reviewing game film, etc. Do you ever get any time off to be with the family? PS: If the Rams come to LA I’m sure the LA Times or other local papers could use a great beat reporter.
by ifilrxz 3:28 PM

I get some down time in the late spring early summer.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

its starting to seem to me the rams leaving is a done deal unless the city or the state blows them away big big time ?
by jimharthof 3:29 PM

Again, as long as there’s a viable stadium plan in the works, as there is no, I can’t see them moving.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Looks like Stan Kronke has already made up his mind to move the Rams to LA according to Joe Buck. Would you take his word? If so, what according to you is now realistic chance of St.Louis city keeping Rams long term?
by sKarnam 3:31 PM

I’m at 50-50
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Not that he deserves it but it’s a tradition – Your token weekly can we fire the Schotty the OC comment. Just to keep the streak going ThankYouVeryMuch
by Greg, Rams Fan in MD 3:31 PM

Yeah, even after one of the biggest upsets in “St. Louis” Rams history, I’m surprised we didn’t want anybody fired this week.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

So if you can’t see the Rams moving, are you sure you’re at 50-50?
by Merlin 3:33 PM

Because I’m not one of the voters.
by jthomas 3:33 PM