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- Feb 9, 2014
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- Peter
These are excerpts of questions and answers. To read the whole chat click the link.
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http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_70?Page=0
An SI article by Joan Niesen described Snead's approach to building the roster as finding an obsession rather than a balance. In other words, be dominant on defense before anything else. Do you get the sense that will be the theme this offseason via draft and free agency? A couple years ago it was playmakers, last year felt like the running game.
I don't know. I think I'd go heavy on offense (with a limited number of picks). QB, couple of interior offensive linemen. Maybe a WR.
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Is there a spot on defense that can be justifiably upgraded before we concentrate on offense? Shutdown corner like Trae Waynes? Or do they consider Jenkins, Johnson and Gaines good enough?
I'd like to see another corner added to mix. I don't think the Rams feel that way however.
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Not a Bradford hater but since Fisher came here rams are 10-11-1 with Sam Bradford and 10-11 without him. You can make the argument they've played better football without him then with him. Would him being here really make a difference?
I think your math is off. The Rams were 4-5 without Bradford last year and 6-10 without him this year. That adds up to 10-15. And yes, I think the Rams would be better than 10-15 with Bradford.
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I am feeling let down by this season, it is hard not to think the team regressed, Down in almost categories. This team says they are on the brink of success. What do you think ? I think if they fail to have a winning record it is time to move on and I am a Fisher supporter. Fours years is long enough to prove it
I think this was clearly the most talented team that Fisher has had in three years here. I do think they are close to breaking out. But the result was 6-10. And therein lies the disappointment of 2014, even with the quarterback issues. And yes, I do think four years should be enough to prove it.
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Do u think the rams oc will be fired
Been wrong before. But I don't think so.
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Mike Glennon - Tell the Rams to please trade for me!!!
And you would be an upgrade?
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What do you this the solution is to the Rams inconsistency issues... they seemed to play much better against good teams like the Bronces and Seattle and yet laid a big fat egg against Minnesota and NY Giants. And Sceond, why did it seem the Rams were dominated in the second half of evey game... it that poor coaching or poor conditioning or something else?
You would hope some of that would come with experience. And it's getting to the point where many of the young players should now have enough experience to be ready on a game-in, game-out basis. And no what it takes to do so.
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I am with everyone on bringing back Bradford at a discounted price and drafting OL in the first two round and a QB in the third round but given the dispute between Cam Newton and his office in the midseason, is there any chance that the Rams office looks into Newton via trade? Perhaps our first round pick and RB Stacy? Newton is young, he is mobile and has a good arm.
Yeah, I like Newton. I think it would take more than a first-rounder and Stacy. And Newton does have the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs (albeit at 7-8-1). But can't see that happening.
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its time to start to talk about fa/draft.... you think this year snead/fisher put more attention on offense
If you mean in terms of personnel acquisitions, they've paid plenty of attention to offense in free agency and the draft. Greg Robinson, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook, Scott Wells.
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It seems that some players (cough, cough, Janoris Jenkins, cough) repeatedly make the same or similar errors. Is this a case of poor coaching or a player not being coachable?
Myself, I think it's more on the player. I don't think you're coached to leave your assignment, wander elsewhere, with the result being a huge play for the opposition in what was a tie game.
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Jenoris Jenkins has had coverage problems all year - his he has talent - will demoting him get his attention, if so do the Rams trust their current level of DB's enough or would they take use a the first round to find another starter
I think the Rams like who they have. Myself, I'm not sure about corner.
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Another year of mediocrity in the books! Just wondering about free agency before we go draft crazy. Who out of Barksdale, Britt, Kendricks, A Carrington, D Joseph, S Hill (free agents) do you expect back next year? and who out Bradford, Jake Long, K Langford, Scott Wells (mediocre with huge salaries) do you expect back next year?
I'd say the Rams want to keep Barksdale, Britt, and Kendricks, as well.as Hill. That doesn't mean they will all be back. They could get better offers elsewhere.
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I know it's early, but what position do you see the Rams addressing with the #10 overall pick in the draft or can we expect a trade-down to secure more picks? Also, what do you think of Alex Bayer's opportunities to make more of a contribution in 2015, especially if Kendricks leaves as a free agent?
If I had to pick now, I'd say offensive line.
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Jim when do you think we will now about Bradford and his contract for next year. A lot is riding on a reworked contract being hammered out
It's not going to happen overnight. There's no roster bonus or looming deadline, so there's no pressure to get something done quickly. I could see this lingering for a couple of months.
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I really agree with Gordos article stating that it seems Fish does not stress paying attention detail. Do you agree? I am self employed and that is my biggest job task-paying attn to details for success.
Fisher constantly talks about minimizing mistakes, and doing the little things right. Apparently it's not sinking in.
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It is easy to justify the record without a viable starting quarterback. If it weren't for that and a penchant to play stupid at times, this team might well be looking forward to the playoffs. As a seasoned backup, I think Hill made enough bonehead plays that they should look elsewhere for a backup next year. Your take?
I still like Hill as a backup.
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If healthy and it's a big if what kind of qb do you think sam is?
I think a healthy Bradford can be a good to very good QB. Maybe not a franchise QB.
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It was painfully obvious that the offense was severly behind the defense this year. People like Arians did more with less. Is Shottey on hot seat? Fisher seemed agitated in his latest presser.
Don't think Schotty is on the hot seat. For the most part Arizona got off to its hot start with Palmer at QB, they didn't do all that much with Stanton and Lindley at QB, did they?
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Thoughts of replacing Schotty and bringing back Mike Martz?
I can't see Mike Martz coaching here again.
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Jim do you think Austin Davis will be on the roster for 2015
Wouldn't be surprised at all if he came into training camp and the preseason. After that, all bets are off.
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Seems like every game JJ plays soft and gets burned, either being beaten by his man or dropping coverage. I was amazed by the cushion given the Seahawks receivers and if it weren't for a pass rush, they would have been picked apart had Wilson more time. Please tell me that the Rams coaches will fix him over the off season and preseason next year.
Jenkins is playing off coverage because that's where he's assigned to play on that particular play.
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The Rams didn't run well this season. Do you think they never commit to the run because of the O line was not good enough?Last year they run better having Saffold as right guard next to Barksdale and Saffold look better too on the right side. Where do you see Saffold playing next year right or left?
The injury to Jake Long forced the Rams to move Saffold to left guard. (Because veteran Davin Joseph is only a right guard.) I think the Rams would rather have Saffold at right guard.
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How hot do you think Fishers seat will be with another poor start to the season next year? After all this continual bone head plays and same mistakes being made over and over again falls right at the coaches feet along with no real back up plan for a fragile QB
Pretty hot.
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Bradford is brittle, so you are basically on borrowed time and Hill is then the #2. What Fisher is saying to fans is "rather than find a permanent solution I will opt for hoping Bradford stays health or else it is 2014 all over again."
I think you can assume that only if there isn't another QB added to the mix.
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Do the Rams think that Kenny Britt is an important player to bring back at a premium price?
They want him back. But I don't think 48 catches for 748 qualifies for a premium paycheck.
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Does a healthy Bradford turn 2014 Rams from 6-10 to 10-6? They win Dallas, AZ @home, SD and Minn, but @SF was a pretty lucky win, so maybe 9-7 even with a healthy Sam. Is that reason to celebrate?
Possibly. I think they win two to three more for sure. After 11 straight non-losing seasons, yeah I think 9-7 would be reason to celebrate.
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Any chance the Rams would be interested in trading for Jay Cutler? I remember reading that Fisher was high on him when he was coming out of college.
I would think the Rams would at least look into it. As for Fisher's interest in Cutler, that as nearly a decade ago.
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Jim, from your perspective, why is it that the Rams always seemed to have difficulty scoring on offense in the second half? Is there not a trend or am I missing something?
One of the great mysteries of the offense in 2014. Is it a matter of adjustments, or simply a case of the talent level of the opposing team gradually taking over.
---------
Fisher IMO was unwilling to look to the future by not playing Barnes and Jones on the O-line the last two games. Also, looking back, was Hill (no upside) any better than Davis (potential upside)?
Although the turnovers by Hill closed the gap, he still made fewer mistakes than Davis.
----------
Thanks for the response on Martz. What's the issue now between the Rams and Martz? Is the dislike mutual? Do Martz and Kroenke/Demoff don't get along? Just trying to learn more about where the bad blood is.
Well, for one. It was a messy divorce. For another, Martz has proven to be high-maintenance. And lastly, we all know that Martz leans heavily to the pass, which would be a 180-change for Fisher. So I don't necessarily view that as bad blood, just not a good fit.
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Whats with Jenkins? Is there anyway the coaches can teach him to be less aggressive? I really would like to see us pick up a corner in free agency, to sure up that side of the defense.
Still lacks discipline and consistency. I'm sure the coaching staff had hoped that would've changed by now. But it seems his faulty tendencies are as bad as ever.
*******************************************************************
http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_70?Page=0
An SI article by Joan Niesen described Snead's approach to building the roster as finding an obsession rather than a balance. In other words, be dominant on defense before anything else. Do you get the sense that will be the theme this offseason via draft and free agency? A couple years ago it was playmakers, last year felt like the running game.
I don't know. I think I'd go heavy on offense (with a limited number of picks). QB, couple of interior offensive linemen. Maybe a WR.
--------
Is there a spot on defense that can be justifiably upgraded before we concentrate on offense? Shutdown corner like Trae Waynes? Or do they consider Jenkins, Johnson and Gaines good enough?
I'd like to see another corner added to mix. I don't think the Rams feel that way however.
---------
Not a Bradford hater but since Fisher came here rams are 10-11-1 with Sam Bradford and 10-11 without him. You can make the argument they've played better football without him then with him. Would him being here really make a difference?
I think your math is off. The Rams were 4-5 without Bradford last year and 6-10 without him this year. That adds up to 10-15. And yes, I think the Rams would be better than 10-15 with Bradford.
----------
I am feeling let down by this season, it is hard not to think the team regressed, Down in almost categories. This team says they are on the brink of success. What do you think ? I think if they fail to have a winning record it is time to move on and I am a Fisher supporter. Fours years is long enough to prove it
I think this was clearly the most talented team that Fisher has had in three years here. I do think they are close to breaking out. But the result was 6-10. And therein lies the disappointment of 2014, even with the quarterback issues. And yes, I do think four years should be enough to prove it.
------------
Do u think the rams oc will be fired
Been wrong before. But I don't think so.
--------
Mike Glennon - Tell the Rams to please trade for me!!!
And you would be an upgrade?
--------
What do you this the solution is to the Rams inconsistency issues... they seemed to play much better against good teams like the Bronces and Seattle and yet laid a big fat egg against Minnesota and NY Giants. And Sceond, why did it seem the Rams were dominated in the second half of evey game... it that poor coaching or poor conditioning or something else?
You would hope some of that would come with experience. And it's getting to the point where many of the young players should now have enough experience to be ready on a game-in, game-out basis. And no what it takes to do so.
--------
I am with everyone on bringing back Bradford at a discounted price and drafting OL in the first two round and a QB in the third round but given the dispute between Cam Newton and his office in the midseason, is there any chance that the Rams office looks into Newton via trade? Perhaps our first round pick and RB Stacy? Newton is young, he is mobile and has a good arm.
Yeah, I like Newton. I think it would take more than a first-rounder and Stacy. And Newton does have the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs (albeit at 7-8-1). But can't see that happening.
---------
its time to start to talk about fa/draft.... you think this year snead/fisher put more attention on offense
If you mean in terms of personnel acquisitions, they've paid plenty of attention to offense in free agency and the draft. Greg Robinson, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook, Scott Wells.
--------
It seems that some players (cough, cough, Janoris Jenkins, cough) repeatedly make the same or similar errors. Is this a case of poor coaching or a player not being coachable?
Myself, I think it's more on the player. I don't think you're coached to leave your assignment, wander elsewhere, with the result being a huge play for the opposition in what was a tie game.
---------
Jenoris Jenkins has had coverage problems all year - his he has talent - will demoting him get his attention, if so do the Rams trust their current level of DB's enough or would they take use a the first round to find another starter
I think the Rams like who they have. Myself, I'm not sure about corner.
----------
Another year of mediocrity in the books! Just wondering about free agency before we go draft crazy. Who out of Barksdale, Britt, Kendricks, A Carrington, D Joseph, S Hill (free agents) do you expect back next year? and who out Bradford, Jake Long, K Langford, Scott Wells (mediocre with huge salaries) do you expect back next year?
I'd say the Rams want to keep Barksdale, Britt, and Kendricks, as well.as Hill. That doesn't mean they will all be back. They could get better offers elsewhere.
----------
I know it's early, but what position do you see the Rams addressing with the #10 overall pick in the draft or can we expect a trade-down to secure more picks? Also, what do you think of Alex Bayer's opportunities to make more of a contribution in 2015, especially if Kendricks leaves as a free agent?
If I had to pick now, I'd say offensive line.
----------
Jim when do you think we will now about Bradford and his contract for next year. A lot is riding on a reworked contract being hammered out
It's not going to happen overnight. There's no roster bonus or looming deadline, so there's no pressure to get something done quickly. I could see this lingering for a couple of months.
----------
I really agree with Gordos article stating that it seems Fish does not stress paying attention detail. Do you agree? I am self employed and that is my biggest job task-paying attn to details for success.
Fisher constantly talks about minimizing mistakes, and doing the little things right. Apparently it's not sinking in.
---------
It is easy to justify the record without a viable starting quarterback. If it weren't for that and a penchant to play stupid at times, this team might well be looking forward to the playoffs. As a seasoned backup, I think Hill made enough bonehead plays that they should look elsewhere for a backup next year. Your take?
I still like Hill as a backup.
--------
If healthy and it's a big if what kind of qb do you think sam is?
I think a healthy Bradford can be a good to very good QB. Maybe not a franchise QB.
----------
It was painfully obvious that the offense was severly behind the defense this year. People like Arians did more with less. Is Shottey on hot seat? Fisher seemed agitated in his latest presser.
Don't think Schotty is on the hot seat. For the most part Arizona got off to its hot start with Palmer at QB, they didn't do all that much with Stanton and Lindley at QB, did they?
---------
Thoughts of replacing Schotty and bringing back Mike Martz?
I can't see Mike Martz coaching here again.
----------
Jim do you think Austin Davis will be on the roster for 2015
Wouldn't be surprised at all if he came into training camp and the preseason. After that, all bets are off.
---------
Seems like every game JJ plays soft and gets burned, either being beaten by his man or dropping coverage. I was amazed by the cushion given the Seahawks receivers and if it weren't for a pass rush, they would have been picked apart had Wilson more time. Please tell me that the Rams coaches will fix him over the off season and preseason next year.
Jenkins is playing off coverage because that's where he's assigned to play on that particular play.
-----------
The Rams didn't run well this season. Do you think they never commit to the run because of the O line was not good enough?Last year they run better having Saffold as right guard next to Barksdale and Saffold look better too on the right side. Where do you see Saffold playing next year right or left?
The injury to Jake Long forced the Rams to move Saffold to left guard. (Because veteran Davin Joseph is only a right guard.) I think the Rams would rather have Saffold at right guard.
---------
How hot do you think Fishers seat will be with another poor start to the season next year? After all this continual bone head plays and same mistakes being made over and over again falls right at the coaches feet along with no real back up plan for a fragile QB
Pretty hot.
----------
Bradford is brittle, so you are basically on borrowed time and Hill is then the #2. What Fisher is saying to fans is "rather than find a permanent solution I will opt for hoping Bradford stays health or else it is 2014 all over again."
I think you can assume that only if there isn't another QB added to the mix.
-----------
Do the Rams think that Kenny Britt is an important player to bring back at a premium price?
They want him back. But I don't think 48 catches for 748 qualifies for a premium paycheck.
-----------
Does a healthy Bradford turn 2014 Rams from 6-10 to 10-6? They win Dallas, AZ @home, SD and Minn, but @SF was a pretty lucky win, so maybe 9-7 even with a healthy Sam. Is that reason to celebrate?
Possibly. I think they win two to three more for sure. After 11 straight non-losing seasons, yeah I think 9-7 would be reason to celebrate.
----------
Any chance the Rams would be interested in trading for Jay Cutler? I remember reading that Fisher was high on him when he was coming out of college.
I would think the Rams would at least look into it. As for Fisher's interest in Cutler, that as nearly a decade ago.
----------
Jim, from your perspective, why is it that the Rams always seemed to have difficulty scoring on offense in the second half? Is there not a trend or am I missing something?
One of the great mysteries of the offense in 2014. Is it a matter of adjustments, or simply a case of the talent level of the opposing team gradually taking over.
---------
Fisher IMO was unwilling to look to the future by not playing Barnes and Jones on the O-line the last two games. Also, looking back, was Hill (no upside) any better than Davis (potential upside)?
Although the turnovers by Hill closed the gap, he still made fewer mistakes than Davis.
----------
Thanks for the response on Martz. What's the issue now between the Rams and Martz? Is the dislike mutual? Do Martz and Kroenke/Demoff don't get along? Just trying to learn more about where the bad blood is.
Well, for one. It was a messy divorce. For another, Martz has proven to be high-maintenance. And lastly, we all know that Martz leans heavily to the pass, which would be a 180-change for Fisher. So I don't necessarily view that as bad blood, just not a good fit.
----------
Whats with Jenkins? Is there anyway the coaches can teach him to be less aggressive? I really would like to see us pick up a corner in free agency, to sure up that side of the defense.
Still lacks discipline and consistency. I'm sure the coaching staff had hoped that would've changed by now. But it seems his faulty tendencies are as bad as ever.
