Rams Chat With Jim Thomas: 12/2/14

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PT
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These are selected questions and answers. To read the entire chat click the link below.
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http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_66?Page=0

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

No injuries to C. Long/J. Long, Sam and Bailey with no suspension.....record as of now?

I'd say 7-5. Maybe even 8-4.
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Hi Jim, what are the chances that all the teams in the NFC west finish 9-7 and the Rams win the division with the tie-breaker? (OK I know the chances are ZERO but a guy can dream right?) This team finally has talent and is getting better each week!

Not sure if that's even mathematically possible given all the head-to-head matchups that are remaining. Let's see if the Rams can get to six wins first.
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Seems to me the "controversy" about the Rams' 'hands-up' is much ado about not much. "Hands up" has become shorthand for the Ferguson tragedy, and acknowledging it isn't disrespecting the police but showing respect for a life lost and the changes all parts of our community need to make, including the police union.

I agree with your basic point. And I didn't think much of it at the time. Obviously, the police and a lot of other folks feel differently.
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I never hear Brockers name called. Does he make plays. Is he a good player?

He has yet to have that breakout year. He came to camp very trim for a defensive tackle, and I wonder if maybe he wasn't too light. But he has played better lately, and had 8 tackles vs. Oakland and a sack the week before vs. San Diego.
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2010 - St. Louis Rams
RD SEL # PLAYER POSITION SCHOOL
1 1 Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
2 33 Rodger Saffold T Indiana
3 65 Jerome Murphy DB South Florida
4 99 Mardy Gilyard WR Cincinnati
5 132 Michael Hoomanawanui TE Illinois
5 149 Hall Davis DE Louisiana-Lafayette
6 170 Fendi Onobun TE Houston
6 189 Eugene Sims DE West Texas A&M
7 211 Marquis Johnson DB Alabama
7 226 George Selvie DE South Florida
7 254 Josh Hull LB Penn State

I'd say D. Eugene Sims has turned out to be a find for a sixth-rounder. Bradford has a lot of talent but we all know about the injuries. Saffold is a good player. I give him a lot of credit for playing through the shoulder/labrum issues over the past two seasons. Otherwise, not much there.
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Great win Jim what can we expect from the rams next?

I'd say expect the unexpected. This team has been so unpredictable. I don't think there's been a more unpredictable team or season since the team has been in St. Louis.
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Does the promotion of Cunningham as the fifth in order to avoid losing him indicate that the Rams will most likely part ways with Kendricks after the season?

That's an interesting point on Justice Cunningham. I know the Rams like him. He's a good blocker. He certainly has shown that he's as good a receiver as Kendricks.
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Do you think the defense can be as dominant against the Redskins? McCoy has had his moments so far.

Obviously, Washington has more talent on offense than Oakland. Plus it's a road game for StL, although FedEx Field isn't really a huge home-field advantage. So it will be tougher to defend Washington, but we're not talking offensive juggernaut here.
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Seems like every year in Dec/Jan us rams fans are looking back and saying, man, if we just one or two more things go our way, we're in the playoffs. Obviously the biggest piece missing is QB. Do you think Fisher's comments about bringing Sam back are sincere or just what he's saying right now? I certainly don't see any better free agents or rookies that impress.

I think Fisher sincerely respects both Bradford and Bradford's talent. But if Bradford is indeed back, it's hard for me to imagine the Rams going into 2015 without some kind of safety net given the injury history.
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Any comments on the officiating this past Sunday?

Not even the refs could mess this one up. No, I think referee Gene Steratore's crew usually does a pretty good job.
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Who is the rookie MVP? Donald or Mason?

Right now, I'd say Donald, but 4 games left and it looks like Mason is intent on closing fast.
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From media reports, it appears that RGIII is on the way out in Washington. Would the Rams have any interest and if so, wouldn't that be ironic?

It would be ironic, but can't see him landing here.
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There was crazy talk this past off season about Chris Long, his contract hit, do the Rams keep him around, etc. He seems to be the heart & soul of the defense, talent and locker room presence. Would love to see him spend his whole career with the Rams. Agree or nobody is untouchable?

Long is part of the fabric of the defense, and I feel he's very much in the Rams plans. But long-term it's rare that a player goes through his entire career with one club.
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Why did Rams trade a 4/6 picks for barron? Isnt he another SS type? Will Rams play big nickle all season?

They think highly of Barron, and already have found a role for him in as you say, the big nickel. I think he is more of a SS type.
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Im Boycotting the refs for continuously making the hands up gesture

Yeah, they made that gesture a lot of times Sunday.
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Is Mo Alexander the FS defense is missing, does he have hands and speed neede, seems more of Cam Chancellor type than Earl Thomas. those rangy FS are hard to come by, you have to pick them in rds 1-3

He's a bigger body, who's known as a hard-hitter. Safety remains a relatively new position for him. He was a linebacker for much of his college career. I'm not sure if he can play FS.
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JT - which OL on the team are offseason priorities, can any of those guys (Barrett, Washington, etc) play? Havent seen any of them in game action, should team be playing them to find out before offseason?

Rams need help on the interior _ another guard for sure. Perhaps even a guard and a center. And if Barksdale isn't re-signed add tackle to the list..
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what is the status of barret jones all over the nfl they where gushing about what a deal that was for a fourth rounder good blocker smart what happened to him

He's healthy, he's still on the roster. Has been working at tackle these days for the scout team. His back surgery slowed him down in the preseason. I'm not sure if the Rams view him as starting material. It's amazing how many questions are asked about him.
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Is it safe to say Givens is on the way out, quite day when all other WR/TE had targets?

You still need at least 4 wide receivers on game day. I think could be back.
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Has it been tough covering this team the last ten years? I know you have no rooting interest but I bet it'd be nice to cover a winning team every once in a while

No doubt. Everyone enjoys covering a trainwreck every now and then. But year after year gets old.
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Are you a Rams fan or is this simply a job? If not what team do you root for?

You have to be neutral and objective on the job. Although it's usually more pleasant around here when they win. And I do feel for the fans of St. Louis. They've been through a lot. My No. 1 rooting interest is the Black Knights of Army. I watch every game of theirs that I can; even subscribed to a sports tier on my cable so I could get more games on CBS Sports Network. I also follow Mizzou and the Oakville HS Tigers.
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I don't think the Arizona Cardinals will make the playoffs and I also think the Rams will beat them next Thursday night. Agree, disagree?

It's getting interesting with Arizona, isn't it. I do think the Rams have a good chance of beating them on Dec. 11. And with Kansas City, Seattle, and San Francisco also on their remaining schedule, it may be tough to get to 10 wins.
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As a neutral observer, please rate from one to seven, the Rams highest needs in the upcoming draft assuming no career threatening injuries the rest of the way.

Subject to change of course because a lot can change between now and the draft: 1.) QB, 2.) OG, 3.) OT, 4.) FS. 5.) LB, 6.) WR, 7.) CB
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jim whats status on quick?

Underwent shoulder surgery, but not expected to be ready until the start of camp.
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I really like Trumaine's play so far. He made an immediate impact right off the injury and with his size I hope that he turns into the shutdown corner we have been searching for years.

Yeah, he seems more disciplined and consistent so far. He has plenty of potential.
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Hi Jim, thanks for the chats. Everyone was clamoring for Greg Robinson to get meaningful playing time and now that he has, we don't hear much about him other than when he makes a mental mistake and gives up a sack, etc. What are the overall feelings in the building regarding his performance lately? Thanks.

He's playing well. The coaches like what they see. There are things to be worked on, for sure, but it sure looks like he's there to stay at LT.
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Did Britt just cost himself million$ in a new contract? I have no problem with the gesture other than Britt saying he didn't tell Fisher because Fisher was so busy. Sounds like when we're kids and don't ask our parents because we know the answer will be "no". This wouldn't happen to a Belichick team, is there a foundational discipline problem with Fisher's players that they can even think about doing this behind Fisher's back?

I don't think he cost himself millions. I really think it was a spur of the moment thing by the receivers involved. And Britt probably thought the last thing he needed to do was bring this up to the coach a few minutes (a half hour, or whatever it was) before the game. Saying all that, sure, it would've been better had the coach known.
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Has it been 4 or 5 games now that Saffold has gotten injured during the game but not serious enough to miss the next game. Good thing it isn't serious but this just blows my mind.

One of my sons was a high school wrestler, and when you have labrum/shoulder problems, that's what happens.
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What was the penalty against Mason for on the TD did they consider his move a throat slash?

No, he extended his arms outward to form a human T _ he told me it was T as in Tre _ and then fell backward in what they used to call the Nestea plunge.
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Will Wells, D Joseph, and J Long be with the Rams next year?

I'm gonna say at least one of the three won't.
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Now that the defense seems to be getting Williams defense down, do you see this as a top 10, dare I say top 5 defense next year? I know this was against Oakland but for awhile I didn't think they were going to get a first down.

I'll just say top 10 at this point. I think they have that capability, at least with a few relatively minor tweaks.
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Are you worried about Quick at all? Any news? He was poised for a solid year and now his shoulder injury--which sounds like it should be called shoulder ANNIHILATION--will have him out until late summer of next year. Do you think he'll be able to get the work in under whatever QB we have and be ready to go for a good year in 2015?

Only concern is for missed practice time in offseason. He's still young enough and raw enough in his career that he needs all the work he can get.
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Excited to be able to see the Rams in person at FedEx field. Weather calls for a sloppy rainy day on real turf, bad omen for a dome team? It's been so long since the Rams had a trap game to look beyond and am worried they will somehow bungle this game to the Redskins, the team in DC is beyond desperate.

I think Fisher knows how to play in wet weather. I also think every game after a Rams victory could qualify as a trap game, because they haven't won back-to-back yet this season. I know it's early in the week _ the team has yet to practice _ but I just have a sense they will get it done this weekend.
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Jim, I read a ridiculous article on Bleacher Report this morning about 5 changes the Rams have to make: 1. QB; 2. OC; 3. #1 Wideout; 4. More Tavon; 5. Road Wins.

I don't see any of that as necessary, especially a new #1 WR as we have Quick returning and Britt as an option if we want him. Re QB, duhh, but waiting for a draft pick to mature might not coincide with the peak maturity of the rest of the team. And just don't see Fisher dumping Schotty.

I don't know who wrote the story for the Bleacher Report, but it isn't usually the best source of info on such matters.
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In years past, the Rams have used the Draft to restock a talent-vacant roster with depth. This current Rams roster has fewer gaping holes. Does that increase the likelihood of a trade up in the early rounds for a player the Rams covet.

Well, they've already given up a couple of picks for Mark Barron. But I think your basic point is correct. The Rams don't necessarily need, say, 8 draft picks to make the team this year.
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Mark Sanchez, Brian Hoyer, Jake Locker, Christian Ponder, Colt McCoy, Ryan Mallet, are all QBs that have started in the league. Some have been good and looking for a payday while others are looking for a backup job. Do the Rams push to sign one of them as well as a big WR such as Dez Bryant and D Thomas?

None of those QBs do much for me. As for Bryant and Thomas, do you really think the Cowboys and Broncos will just let them walk? Can't see that happening.
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Rams fan, STL native in the DC area. D-Jaxx could be out for the Dead-skins. That means the ancient Santana Moss lines up. Rams young secondary should have a good day. Does LaMarcus Joyner make it back this week?

I think Joyner is close to returning but the Rams seem very happy with Gaines' play in the slot since Joyner's return. Gaines may stay in the nickel back role even when Joyner returns.
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Mason was the top-scoring running back in standard formats in Week 13, and he did it on just 17 touches. As sensational as Mason looked, we need to keep in mind that 1) he was playing the Raiders and 2) 76 percent of his rushing yards came on one carry. If you remove Mason’s 89-yard touchdown run, he managed only 28 yards on 13 rushes—2.2 YPC.

That’s not to say that Mason is in trouble moving forward. He’s a clearly talented running back and the Rams now seem committed to getting him the ball. However, it’s important to not overreact given that Mason, who didn’t crack 4.0 YPC in each of the prior four games, didn’t consistently gash Oakland on the ground.

HMMMMMMM, so if I read you right, you're telling everyone on the Tre Train to please calm down.
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The Rams drafted zac Stacy with a fifth rounder, do you think if the Rams try to trade him that's what they'd get in return?

Maybe a sixth.
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JT - what would be your recommendation at QB for next season - rookie, FA or Bradford/Davis? I would go with bradford/Davis after seeing the difference Palmer made for ARI, veteran QB worth 2-3 wins easily.

Bradford, high draft pick at QB, and either Hill or Davis.
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By my eye, it seems Janoris could be the 3rd best corner on the team at this point behind Trumaine and EJ. Would you or anyone important agree with me?

I'm wondering the same thing myself.
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hypothetical - johnny manziel becomes starting qb for the browns -- do you think the rams would be interested in brian hoyer?

I'd think the Rams would certainly check him out.
 

ChrisW

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I don't know who wrote the story for the Bleacher Report, but it isn't usually the best source of info on such matters.

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RhodyRams

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Im Boycotting the refs for continuously making the hands up gesture

Yeah, they made that gesture a lot of times Sunday.

that is internet gold right there !!!
 

xander47

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Does the promotion of Cunningham as the fifth in order to avoid losing him indicate that the Rams will most likely part ways with Kendricks after the season?

That's an interesting point on Justice Cunningham. I know the Rams like him. He's a good blocker. He certainly has shown that he's as good a receiver as Kendricks.

Wow am I the only one hearing about this now?? This would be pretty big I think. Any one believe Kendricks can be replaced by Cunningham? I know Cunningham has a lot of potential, but there are some plays Kendricks makes like Bradfords preseason TD against the Packers I don't think just another person could make