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- Feb 9, 2014
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- Peter
These are selected questions and answers only. To read the whole chat click the link below.
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http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_11?Page=0
NFL chat with Jim Thomas
Whenever I watched the Fox pre-game show, I always thought Howie Long pulled his punches regarding the Rams. I always thought the Rams - Fischer, Snead, etc. - benefitted from that relationship. It seems as though he's already speaking a little more freely about Chris' team,career, etc. Do you think the networks will be more critical of the Rams on-the-field performance now?
Well, there was no doubt that Howie pulled for the Rams, for obvious reasons. It makes sense that that will change going forward.
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any more word as deadline approaches for 49ers & Kaepernick?
The 49ers aren't going to give him away, and I think during that early round of shopping him around the market didn't develop as they hoped. So if I had to bet right now, I'd say he stays put.
---------------
I know you think the St. Louis people want Rams coverage, we don't. Take a poll only using local votes and see.
As I've said previously, there are some in St. Louis who do and some who don't. I've heard from several readers who I know are from the St. Louis area, who have told me they still want to read about the team.
-----------
Define several readers? I understand it's personal to you. It's your job. Most I know want nothing to do with them losers.
Here's what I'll say to you: We have cut back on our Rams coverage considerably since the relocation vote. If stories about the Rams offend you, move on to something else.. Simple as that.
------------
has the "Riverfront Stadium" project been completely scrapped now that the Rams skipped town? From the start of the project it seemed as if the task force would pitch the project to another team if the Rams left.
I wouldn't say it's completely scrapped, but there really isn't another team on the horizon that would consider St. Louis as a potential home at this point. I think all of the attention at this point is focused on an MLS team. Again, it's puzzling to me why Mark Davis and the Raiders wouldn't be interested, but he made that pretty clear to me at the owners meetings. Shad Khan of Jacksonville made it pretty clear to me the night of the vote in Houston, as well. There just don't seem to be any options.
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Why did we let Jared Cook go? I used to love yelling at the TV every time he dropped an easy pass!
The Rams decided he wasn't worth $7 million a year. If you still want to yell at Jared Cook on your TV, I guess you can start watching the Packers.
-------------
Is it known what plans Kroenke has for Rams Park land if he does buy it?
Well, it's still eight years down the road. And that's if the lawsuit doesn't go against him. But Kroenke already owns a parcel of land adjacent to Rams Park _ it's a grass field that was used for parking in training camp. There's be enough room for a Wal-Mart supercenter..
--------------
Do you see the Rams starting a rookie safety or signing a FA at some point
I was told they had expressed interest in Cincy's Reggie Nelson pretty early in free agency. But Nelson must be asking for a lot of money because it''s been quiet on him league-wide.
-----------
Anyone in FA left to consider/ Are the front office interested/talking to FA any more and if so who?
Not in terms of impact players, or even solid starters. Plus, the Rams are down to $12.8 million in cap room. I would think for the most part, like the rest the league, they're turning their attention to the draft.
-----------
In your dealings with the players, what % would you say value money over winning when looking to sign a free agent contract?
I don't have a hard-and-fast percentage, but money usually wins out. With parity the way it is in the NFL and quick turnarounds happening everywhere (except the Rams, Browns, Jaguars, Raiders) most players feel they can help turn around a team no matter where they go. I do find that for veteran players switching teams, particularly veteran players who have been with the Rams, going to a playoff contender takes on more importance.
-----------
As it stands right now the Rams are short one tight end. Is there anyone buried way down on the depth chart that you see them promoting or could they possibly start the season with what they have now in Lance Kendricks and Corey Harley?
The Rams have only 3 TEs on the roster right now: Kendricks, Harkey, and Justice Cunningham. Harkey is really more of a fullback than a tight end in terms of how he's used. Cunningham is a blocking specialist who has been off and on the practice squad and active roster with the Rams since late in the 2013 season. This is a big need.
-----------
People have been putting down Case but put on the Tampa tape and watch him against Famous Jameis. I think Case can play. What say you?
Yes, that was clearly his best game, but he threw only 17 times in that contest, and for a modest 234 yards. In three of his other four starts, he threw for fewer than 140 yards. So I think it remains to be seen if Keenum can be an effective 16-game starter.
--------
Greg Robinson can't pass block and he gets a few holding penalties every game. Will the Rams look at tackles and move him inside?
I know they're looking at some tackles in the draft, but I think they're plan still is to have Greg Robinson at left tackle.
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The Rams 2012 draft class was Michael Brockers, Brian Quick, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead, Trumaine Johnson, Chris Givens, Rok Watkins, Greg Zuerlein, Aaron Brown, and Daryl Richardson. Care to rate that draft class? I think only Brockers and Johnson are still with the Rams, with Zuerlein to be determined.
Quick is still there as well. I'd give it a C plus at this point.
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Do the coaches upstairs get to see replays even if a play is not challenged? Why are owners against allowing any play to be challenged but limit number of challenges?
Yes, I believe coaches have access both to the in-house feed and the television feed. The league is obsessed with _ among other things _ game length. And that means keeping games at as close to 3 hours as possible. Having more challenges and more plays subject to instant replay mean longer games.
-----------
Jim, Thanks for the chats. As someone who survived the Big Red leaving and now the Rams, I appreciate your "life will go on attitude". Silly question, it sounds like you've been one of the last to leave the Earth City facility, did they give you a key and ask you to turn out the lights when you left, or how did that work? Thanks.
Hey, I know it hurts. And in this instance, I don't think St Louis deserved it. I feel terrible for the fans here. And yes, I was one of the last ones out at Rams Park. I thought it was important to be there till the bitter end. I can't remember if I turned the lights out or not.
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If you were running the Rams, which would you rather have, La'el Collins on your team or a two year delay in appearing on Hard Knocks? Each one would cost you a 7th round draft choice. I would prefer Collins, probably why I'm not running the Rams. You are also invited to comment. Snark is acceptable.
Never understood why the Rams didn't take a flyer on Collins for a 7th-rounder.
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I am not normally a conspiracy theorist, but the story about the Rams drafting Michael Sam as favor to the NFL makes a lot of sense. Kroenke and others were deep into planning the move by that time. They were doing everything they could to curry favor with the league. If the NFL asks you to do it a solid with a late-round pick, why would you say no? I also don't think it's a coincidence the Rams are taking part in "Hard Knocks" this year and agreed to play a regular season game in China.
These things were all worked as part of the plan to move, in my opinion. Your thoughts? One other thing: I heard several St. Louis media members in the past -- not you, of course -- talk about how they felt "sorry" for Demoff because he had to take all the slings and arrows for Kroenke. Shows how out of touch much of the St. Louis media was during this process. Now, they're ripping him, but it's late and talk is cheap.
I'm not much on conspiracy theories either, and although I would put nothing past the Rams, I don't think there was a Michael Sam/Hard Knocks tradeoff.
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Have the Rams told Savard & Farr if they'll be a part of the announcing team this season or have they officially cut ties with them? If they won't be back, have the Rams announced who will be taking their place?
That's a good question. I would guess the Rams will go for a fresh start in LA in this area.
-------------
Since you say free agency is over for all practical purposes, would you say that the Rams are a stronger team than they were a couple of months ago or a weaker team? In my opinion, they are significantly weaker. I know that the draft is yet to come, but last time I checked other teams get to draft also, so the idea that the Rams could gain significant ground on other teams through the draft seems to be whistling in the dark.
The Rams _ I repeat _ the Rams, think dumping Long, Laurinaitis will result in addition by subtraction. Retaining players was important this year, and getting Hayes, Barron, Harkey, Sims, and Johnson back was important. But they still need a quarterback, they still need an outside wide receiver, they now need a free safety, they need depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.
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I don't get a lot of the seemingly vindictive news & opinion articles coming out of SL concerning the Rams. Every player that has signed with a new team is somehow portrayed as blunder for the Rams. I don't get it. If you rooted for the team in the past, why change now. The players had nothing to do with the move, and in the end all we're really doing is cheering for the uniforms.
I don't quite see it that way. For example, how was McLeod, who was undrafted, seen as a blunder for the Rams? But I think you can understand why fans here in St. Louis might still be upset about the team _ and anything that has to do with the team _ following the relocation to Los Angeles.
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what do you think the long-term future of the NFL is if the concussion fiasco is even worse than it appears to be now?
People keep watching the games. And as long as that's the case, it won't matter.
------------
One play that I kept looking for but never saw was a pitch to Tavon Austin where he then throws the ball dowfield. But there was never even a pump fake to keep the defense honest. Did you ever see the Rams practice that play with him or Todd Gurley? They can't throw any worse than Nick Foles.
Yes, they practiced that play with some degree of regularity. Tavon doesn't have much of an arm.
------------
Mannion was drafted in the third round. Is a backup qb worth a third round pick? If not, did they whiff on Mannion?
Way too early to say if Rams whiffed on Mannion. But I agree, if you take a player in the third round, regardless of position, you do so with the expectation that he will be a starter.
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Have you ever had an Offensive Coordinator show you how he designs a play? I'd be curious to know the thought process behind a play's creation.
Well, to a degree, Mike Martz did so back in the day. That was about 2003 I believe.
----------
Chances Case finishes the season as starting QB?
40-60.
-----------
Have the Rams moved completely out of Rams Park yet? Have they found a permenant practice location in LA seems like it would be hard for players to buy a house until they know where they will be practicing?
All of the people are out of the building. And I would say at least 90 percent of the stuff. As for a permanent practice facility, the team is still looking but I believe they want to make it in the Thousand Oaks area. I think the best thing for players to do for the next couple of years is rent.
-----------
I was surprised to read an article about John Shaw working out of a little office in L.A. with one secretary all these years after stepping down as President of the Rams. Being a lawyer, what behind the scenes work do you think that he played in creating the original loophole clauses to get out of St. Louis and to move back to L.A.? Or what role does he still have in the organization.
Yeah, the Rams have kept a small office on Pico Blvd. since the move. We've mentioned it in the past in print although not recently. John had a big role in the first-tier clause _ there's no doubt. He has no role with the Rams anymore. Had a falling out of sorts with Kroenke a few years back. He had been working with Spanos and the Chargers on basically a consultant's basis recently.
-------------
Who, in your opinion is the best GM as far as drafting talent?
Obviously it's hard to argue with Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore, and over a pretty long period of time. And I really like Steve Keim in Arizona.
***************************************************************************************
http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_11?Page=0
NFL chat with Jim Thomas
Whenever I watched the Fox pre-game show, I always thought Howie Long pulled his punches regarding the Rams. I always thought the Rams - Fischer, Snead, etc. - benefitted from that relationship. It seems as though he's already speaking a little more freely about Chris' team,career, etc. Do you think the networks will be more critical of the Rams on-the-field performance now?
Well, there was no doubt that Howie pulled for the Rams, for obvious reasons. It makes sense that that will change going forward.
---------------
any more word as deadline approaches for 49ers & Kaepernick?
The 49ers aren't going to give him away, and I think during that early round of shopping him around the market didn't develop as they hoped. So if I had to bet right now, I'd say he stays put.
---------------
I know you think the St. Louis people want Rams coverage, we don't. Take a poll only using local votes and see.
As I've said previously, there are some in St. Louis who do and some who don't. I've heard from several readers who I know are from the St. Louis area, who have told me they still want to read about the team.
-----------
Define several readers? I understand it's personal to you. It's your job. Most I know want nothing to do with them losers.
Here's what I'll say to you: We have cut back on our Rams coverage considerably since the relocation vote. If stories about the Rams offend you, move on to something else.. Simple as that.
------------
has the "Riverfront Stadium" project been completely scrapped now that the Rams skipped town? From the start of the project it seemed as if the task force would pitch the project to another team if the Rams left.
I wouldn't say it's completely scrapped, but there really isn't another team on the horizon that would consider St. Louis as a potential home at this point. I think all of the attention at this point is focused on an MLS team. Again, it's puzzling to me why Mark Davis and the Raiders wouldn't be interested, but he made that pretty clear to me at the owners meetings. Shad Khan of Jacksonville made it pretty clear to me the night of the vote in Houston, as well. There just don't seem to be any options.
----------
Why did we let Jared Cook go? I used to love yelling at the TV every time he dropped an easy pass!
The Rams decided he wasn't worth $7 million a year. If you still want to yell at Jared Cook on your TV, I guess you can start watching the Packers.
-------------
Is it known what plans Kroenke has for Rams Park land if he does buy it?
Well, it's still eight years down the road. And that's if the lawsuit doesn't go against him. But Kroenke already owns a parcel of land adjacent to Rams Park _ it's a grass field that was used for parking in training camp. There's be enough room for a Wal-Mart supercenter..
--------------
Do you see the Rams starting a rookie safety or signing a FA at some point
I was told they had expressed interest in Cincy's Reggie Nelson pretty early in free agency. But Nelson must be asking for a lot of money because it''s been quiet on him league-wide.
-----------
Anyone in FA left to consider/ Are the front office interested/talking to FA any more and if so who?
Not in terms of impact players, or even solid starters. Plus, the Rams are down to $12.8 million in cap room. I would think for the most part, like the rest the league, they're turning their attention to the draft.
-----------
In your dealings with the players, what % would you say value money over winning when looking to sign a free agent contract?
I don't have a hard-and-fast percentage, but money usually wins out. With parity the way it is in the NFL and quick turnarounds happening everywhere (except the Rams, Browns, Jaguars, Raiders) most players feel they can help turn around a team no matter where they go. I do find that for veteran players switching teams, particularly veteran players who have been with the Rams, going to a playoff contender takes on more importance.
-----------
As it stands right now the Rams are short one tight end. Is there anyone buried way down on the depth chart that you see them promoting or could they possibly start the season with what they have now in Lance Kendricks and Corey Harley?
The Rams have only 3 TEs on the roster right now: Kendricks, Harkey, and Justice Cunningham. Harkey is really more of a fullback than a tight end in terms of how he's used. Cunningham is a blocking specialist who has been off and on the practice squad and active roster with the Rams since late in the 2013 season. This is a big need.
-----------
People have been putting down Case but put on the Tampa tape and watch him against Famous Jameis. I think Case can play. What say you?
Yes, that was clearly his best game, but he threw only 17 times in that contest, and for a modest 234 yards. In three of his other four starts, he threw for fewer than 140 yards. So I think it remains to be seen if Keenum can be an effective 16-game starter.
--------
Greg Robinson can't pass block and he gets a few holding penalties every game. Will the Rams look at tackles and move him inside?
I know they're looking at some tackles in the draft, but I think they're plan still is to have Greg Robinson at left tackle.
---------
The Rams 2012 draft class was Michael Brockers, Brian Quick, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead, Trumaine Johnson, Chris Givens, Rok Watkins, Greg Zuerlein, Aaron Brown, and Daryl Richardson. Care to rate that draft class? I think only Brockers and Johnson are still with the Rams, with Zuerlein to be determined.
Quick is still there as well. I'd give it a C plus at this point.
------
Do the coaches upstairs get to see replays even if a play is not challenged? Why are owners against allowing any play to be challenged but limit number of challenges?
Yes, I believe coaches have access both to the in-house feed and the television feed. The league is obsessed with _ among other things _ game length. And that means keeping games at as close to 3 hours as possible. Having more challenges and more plays subject to instant replay mean longer games.
-----------
Jim, Thanks for the chats. As someone who survived the Big Red leaving and now the Rams, I appreciate your "life will go on attitude". Silly question, it sounds like you've been one of the last to leave the Earth City facility, did they give you a key and ask you to turn out the lights when you left, or how did that work? Thanks.
Hey, I know it hurts. And in this instance, I don't think St Louis deserved it. I feel terrible for the fans here. And yes, I was one of the last ones out at Rams Park. I thought it was important to be there till the bitter end. I can't remember if I turned the lights out or not.
----------
If you were running the Rams, which would you rather have, La'el Collins on your team or a two year delay in appearing on Hard Knocks? Each one would cost you a 7th round draft choice. I would prefer Collins, probably why I'm not running the Rams. You are also invited to comment. Snark is acceptable.
Never understood why the Rams didn't take a flyer on Collins for a 7th-rounder.
---------
I am not normally a conspiracy theorist, but the story about the Rams drafting Michael Sam as favor to the NFL makes a lot of sense. Kroenke and others were deep into planning the move by that time. They were doing everything they could to curry favor with the league. If the NFL asks you to do it a solid with a late-round pick, why would you say no? I also don't think it's a coincidence the Rams are taking part in "Hard Knocks" this year and agreed to play a regular season game in China.
These things were all worked as part of the plan to move, in my opinion. Your thoughts? One other thing: I heard several St. Louis media members in the past -- not you, of course -- talk about how they felt "sorry" for Demoff because he had to take all the slings and arrows for Kroenke. Shows how out of touch much of the St. Louis media was during this process. Now, they're ripping him, but it's late and talk is cheap.
I'm not much on conspiracy theories either, and although I would put nothing past the Rams, I don't think there was a Michael Sam/Hard Knocks tradeoff.
----------
Have the Rams told Savard & Farr if they'll be a part of the announcing team this season or have they officially cut ties with them? If they won't be back, have the Rams announced who will be taking their place?
That's a good question. I would guess the Rams will go for a fresh start in LA in this area.
-------------
Since you say free agency is over for all practical purposes, would you say that the Rams are a stronger team than they were a couple of months ago or a weaker team? In my opinion, they are significantly weaker. I know that the draft is yet to come, but last time I checked other teams get to draft also, so the idea that the Rams could gain significant ground on other teams through the draft seems to be whistling in the dark.
The Rams _ I repeat _ the Rams, think dumping Long, Laurinaitis will result in addition by subtraction. Retaining players was important this year, and getting Hayes, Barron, Harkey, Sims, and Johnson back was important. But they still need a quarterback, they still need an outside wide receiver, they now need a free safety, they need depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.
----------
I don't get a lot of the seemingly vindictive news & opinion articles coming out of SL concerning the Rams. Every player that has signed with a new team is somehow portrayed as blunder for the Rams. I don't get it. If you rooted for the team in the past, why change now. The players had nothing to do with the move, and in the end all we're really doing is cheering for the uniforms.
I don't quite see it that way. For example, how was McLeod, who was undrafted, seen as a blunder for the Rams? But I think you can understand why fans here in St. Louis might still be upset about the team _ and anything that has to do with the team _ following the relocation to Los Angeles.
-------------
what do you think the long-term future of the NFL is if the concussion fiasco is even worse than it appears to be now?
People keep watching the games. And as long as that's the case, it won't matter.
------------
One play that I kept looking for but never saw was a pitch to Tavon Austin where he then throws the ball dowfield. But there was never even a pump fake to keep the defense honest. Did you ever see the Rams practice that play with him or Todd Gurley? They can't throw any worse than Nick Foles.
Yes, they practiced that play with some degree of regularity. Tavon doesn't have much of an arm.
------------
Mannion was drafted in the third round. Is a backup qb worth a third round pick? If not, did they whiff on Mannion?
Way too early to say if Rams whiffed on Mannion. But I agree, if you take a player in the third round, regardless of position, you do so with the expectation that he will be a starter.
------------
Have you ever had an Offensive Coordinator show you how he designs a play? I'd be curious to know the thought process behind a play's creation.
Well, to a degree, Mike Martz did so back in the day. That was about 2003 I believe.
----------
Chances Case finishes the season as starting QB?
40-60.
-----------
Have the Rams moved completely out of Rams Park yet? Have they found a permenant practice location in LA seems like it would be hard for players to buy a house until they know where they will be practicing?
All of the people are out of the building. And I would say at least 90 percent of the stuff. As for a permanent practice facility, the team is still looking but I believe they want to make it in the Thousand Oaks area. I think the best thing for players to do for the next couple of years is rent.
-----------
I was surprised to read an article about John Shaw working out of a little office in L.A. with one secretary all these years after stepping down as President of the Rams. Being a lawyer, what behind the scenes work do you think that he played in creating the original loophole clauses to get out of St. Louis and to move back to L.A.? Or what role does he still have in the organization.
Yeah, the Rams have kept a small office on Pico Blvd. since the move. We've mentioned it in the past in print although not recently. John had a big role in the first-tier clause _ there's no doubt. He has no role with the Rams anymore. Had a falling out of sorts with Kroenke a few years back. He had been working with Spanos and the Chargers on basically a consultant's basis recently.
-------------
Who, in your opinion is the best GM as far as drafting talent?
Obviously it's hard to argue with Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore, and over a pretty long period of time. And I really like Steve Keim in Arizona.
