- Joined
- Feb 9, 2014
- Messages
- 20,922
- Name
- Peter
These are excerpts from the Q&A. To read about the draft, relocation, and stadium issues click the link below.
******************************************************************
http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_86?Page=0
Jim, if you're the decision maker, what would cause you to keep or fire Fisher and/or Snead after this year?
I think you've got to see .500 this year.
----------
Jim, what was the end result of the Rams violating their lease by playing in London? I never heard what, if any, was the resolution.
Well, it ended up being only a one-year deal _ not three games. I think the team freed up some more time on the yearly calendar for the CVC to use for conventions. But I don't recall anything major.
--------
How do you feel the Pro Bowl playing in Brazil? I know its all about the $$$. But as a player, I wouldn't be thrilled about it.
The NFL is obsessed with growing their game and making it international in nature. Some players might like making the trip. Especially if it's played in one of the coastal cities.
---------
Hi Jim, do yuo know why Schotty took a college job of the same role? Seems leaving the NFL to go to College is the wrong direction? It coudn't have been money could it?
We covered this at the time of his departure. The south has always been a pull for him and his family. He interviewed for at least one job in a southern city each offseason that he was with the Rams. Also, his NFL career had stalled, and taking a college job _ even as an OC _ might be a way to revive it and perhaps get a head-coaching job in college.
---------
is the new o.c. developing better packages for Tavon Austin this year? Really didn't like seeing him in the backfield even though he did that in college. He needs to be 1 on 1 in space.
That's the plan according to Fisher and the new O.C. _ Cignetti. We'll see.
--------
I'm a Ram fan from Canada, I come to St. Louis at least once a year to see the Rams - always have a great time in St. Louis. My question is how do you think the Rams feel about the Mark Barron trade now? Happy with him or do you think that they'd rather the 4th and 6th round pick?
I'd say they're happy with Barron, and would like to expand his role in 2015.
---------
Has there been any movement on the part of the Rams to sign some FA OL help? Any news on Barksdale?
All quiet on the FA front. The Rams continue to have dialogue with Barksdale's agent, but as of Monday nothing appeared imminent.
---------
Wisniewski is still available. Any interest there from the Rams?
I think the Rams have maintained a degree of interest.
-------
Any chances Dunbar gets released if he doesnt beat out the free agent ayers?
Possible, but his contract isn't all that expensive, so the Rams certainly could keep both.
---------
Does the latest news about Lawrence Phillips surprise you?
Very sad. I know this sounds like stating the obvious, but I just never thought he was a good person.
----------
What are the prospects of the Rams signing Justin Blaylock?
Blalock is in no hurry to sign, I'm told by his agent, but I still think there's a decent chance he'll end up with the Rams.
---------
Is Brockers on notice with the signing of Nick Fairley?
Let's wait and see if the Rams exercise the fifth-year option on Brockers before we answer that.
-------
What can we do to get Jim Thomas excited about talking about the Rams again?
Winning would be nice, for starters.
---------
What would you say the percentages are of the Rams re-signing Joe Barksdale?
55-45.
----------
what w take for stan to fire fisher?
I'm gonna say 6-10.
---------
jim im a rams fan in philly, and the talk is that foles is nothing better then a back-up in this league, your thoughts.
I think a healthy Bradford is better than Foles. But as to what Foles is, I'm not sure. Too small of a sample size. Is he the 27 TD/2 INT guy of 2013? Or is he the so-so performer of 2014 who missed half the season with injury? Or somewhere in between?
---------
Some of the Rams fans and NFL guru reporters, are saying caution about the Foles and Bradford trade. Saying that Foles is not that good of a Quarterback. I just have a feeling that someone who throws 27 TD's in a season is usually not a backup Quarterback! Your thoughts Jim?
Well, those numbers _ 27 and 2 _ certainly jump out at you. Obviously those aren't the kind of numbers put up by ham & eggers. So you have to factor that in. But were they partially due to the system? And a strong supporting cast?
--------
Soooooo, I should hold off buying my Foles Ram jersey until next season?
No. Get it. Wear it.
---------
So 1 superbowl appearance in 50 years wins out over 2 superbowl appearances in 20 years?
No, half a century wins out over 20 years.
--------
what are you hearing is Barksdale market value, would 3 years and $10million get it done. Signing a possible starter on the line gives them much more flexibility in the draft to go with best player available
Haven't heard. But I'd be surprised if it was more than $4 million per year.
---------
Do you expect Tavon Austin to excel this year with the change of offensive coordinators? I really like to see them being used effectively.
I don't know about "excel," but once again I think a concerted effort will be made to get him more involved.
---------
Why the inactivity with regard to the team's biggest need, offensive line?
As Nelly would say, must be the money.
-------
Has there ever been an NFL team in history as universally hated by all those outside their home market as the New England Patriots?
You know, you may be right. I can't really think of any. I don't even think the Raiders in their heyday. Or even the Cowboys.
---------
Who has more yards this season, Sam or Nick?
Sam
--------
How much cap room do the Rams have left?
$9.8 million according to latest from the NFLPA.
I think if they were going to do anything of a restructuring nature, they would've done so with the $10 million roster bonus due Robert Quinn. (The Rams have already paid that roster bonus to Quinn, so that avenue is no longer available.)
---------
How would you grade Fisher and Snead so far? Draft is way better than Ziggy but the free agent signings is really bad. Hopefully it's better this year.
Well, they did an admirable job getting the team from horrible to nearly-respectable, but can't seem to make that next jump. They've certainly drafted better than they've fared in free agency.
--------
If Philly ends up trading Bradford to Cleveland for a 1st round pick, would you have rather the Rams traded him to Cleveland or are they better off with Foles and the 2nd rounder?
Fisher has said the key to him in the Bradford trade was getting a QB in return (Foles).
---------
Is it really conceivable that our starting OL this season might consist of a couple of rookies and another stopgap FA signing, like Davin Joseph all over again?? With the same results?
Hope not.
---------
Haven't seen any tweets from Chris Long regarding the Bradford trade. Have the players been banned from using twitter.
I believe he had a tweet or two on the topic right after the trade took place.
---------
Overall, pre-draft, how would you rate the Rams off-season performance? The Cignetti hiring was incredibly underwhelming, even if practical, and the they have failed to address their biggest weakness so far (O-Line) while padding their shiny toy defense with depth.
Don't forget the re-signings of Britt and Kendricks. I think they were both good re-signs. But right now? At this moment? With nothing done on the O-line, I'd grade the Rams in the C range on the offseason at this point.
--------
I have heard talk tavon might be on trading block have you heard anything on this?
I think I've seen what you've seen.
---------
Do you think any of the coaches or team execs read these or other fans' chats?
Some do.
---------
Would you regard Barksdale as the long term solution at RT, if he is re-signed?
If by long-term, you mean the next two to three seasons _ yes.
----------
As the team stands right now, do you think they have enough to reach the playoffs? If not, what more will it take?
I do think they can contend for the playoffs in 2015 with a healthy Foles and if they get the O-line straightened out.
--------
While we're talking jerseys, I have huge regret over not purchasing an authentic Steve Walsh #4 jersey on clearance. They had ironically marked it down to $4. Would I have been overcharged?
He had some good moments in college.
---------
Why do you think Fisher hasn't been able to recreate the success he had in Tennessee?
Can I wait till the end of the 2015 season to answer that?
---------
Some major college football conferences have gone from seven man officiating crews to eight man. Do you think that adding an eighth man to the NFL officiating system could help in getting a better officiated NFL game?
Maybe. It is a fast-moving game and an extra set of eyes wouldn't hurt.
--------
Do you know if Vermeil has visited Philips at anytime while he has been incarcerated?
Good memory.
---------
Who would get your vote for must underrated player on the current Rams roster?
I think you'd have to have Kendricks, Harkey, Hayes, Sims in the discussion. But maybe you have to throw out Kendricks given his new contract.
---------
Jim when the schedule is released later this week I sure hope we don't get screwed again by another Cardinal baseball conflict. That's all we need is more empty seats on prime time.
I think we're talking next week for the schedule. The NFL is arrogant enough to do just that.
--------
Do you ever talk football with Bernie?
Often.
---------
in your time covering the Rams in St Louis, who's been the biggest draft bust, and why, and who's been the best draft steal, and why?
I believe Phillips is No.1 on one list and Pace is No. 1 on the other. I'll let you figure out which is which.
--------
Odds Rams end season in Seattle again?
80-20.
-------
Do you think Arizona will be good this year? I could see them being really strong or kind of receding after their flirtation with NFL stardom last year before Palmer got injured.
Yes. I'm a big admirer of Arians and Keim.
--------
We seem to have a log jam in the secondary. In your opinion, who starts at what positions and who rotates in based on varying situations?
I think the Rams will give Joyner another chance in the nickel back role, in competition with Gaines. I think that Gaines and Johnson battle for a corner spot opposite Jenkins.
******************************************************************
http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_86?Page=0
Jim, if you're the decision maker, what would cause you to keep or fire Fisher and/or Snead after this year?
I think you've got to see .500 this year.
----------
Jim, what was the end result of the Rams violating their lease by playing in London? I never heard what, if any, was the resolution.
Well, it ended up being only a one-year deal _ not three games. I think the team freed up some more time on the yearly calendar for the CVC to use for conventions. But I don't recall anything major.
--------
How do you feel the Pro Bowl playing in Brazil? I know its all about the $$$. But as a player, I wouldn't be thrilled about it.
The NFL is obsessed with growing their game and making it international in nature. Some players might like making the trip. Especially if it's played in one of the coastal cities.
---------
Hi Jim, do yuo know why Schotty took a college job of the same role? Seems leaving the NFL to go to College is the wrong direction? It coudn't have been money could it?
We covered this at the time of his departure. The south has always been a pull for him and his family. He interviewed for at least one job in a southern city each offseason that he was with the Rams. Also, his NFL career had stalled, and taking a college job _ even as an OC _ might be a way to revive it and perhaps get a head-coaching job in college.
---------
is the new o.c. developing better packages for Tavon Austin this year? Really didn't like seeing him in the backfield even though he did that in college. He needs to be 1 on 1 in space.
That's the plan according to Fisher and the new O.C. _ Cignetti. We'll see.
--------
I'm a Ram fan from Canada, I come to St. Louis at least once a year to see the Rams - always have a great time in St. Louis. My question is how do you think the Rams feel about the Mark Barron trade now? Happy with him or do you think that they'd rather the 4th and 6th round pick?
I'd say they're happy with Barron, and would like to expand his role in 2015.
---------
Has there been any movement on the part of the Rams to sign some FA OL help? Any news on Barksdale?
All quiet on the FA front. The Rams continue to have dialogue with Barksdale's agent, but as of Monday nothing appeared imminent.
---------
Wisniewski is still available. Any interest there from the Rams?
I think the Rams have maintained a degree of interest.
-------
Any chances Dunbar gets released if he doesnt beat out the free agent ayers?
Possible, but his contract isn't all that expensive, so the Rams certainly could keep both.
---------
Does the latest news about Lawrence Phillips surprise you?
Very sad. I know this sounds like stating the obvious, but I just never thought he was a good person.
----------
What are the prospects of the Rams signing Justin Blaylock?
Blalock is in no hurry to sign, I'm told by his agent, but I still think there's a decent chance he'll end up with the Rams.
---------
Is Brockers on notice with the signing of Nick Fairley?
Let's wait and see if the Rams exercise the fifth-year option on Brockers before we answer that.
-------
What can we do to get Jim Thomas excited about talking about the Rams again?
Winning would be nice, for starters.
---------
What would you say the percentages are of the Rams re-signing Joe Barksdale?
55-45.
----------
what w take for stan to fire fisher?
I'm gonna say 6-10.
---------
jim im a rams fan in philly, and the talk is that foles is nothing better then a back-up in this league, your thoughts.
I think a healthy Bradford is better than Foles. But as to what Foles is, I'm not sure. Too small of a sample size. Is he the 27 TD/2 INT guy of 2013? Or is he the so-so performer of 2014 who missed half the season with injury? Or somewhere in between?
---------
Some of the Rams fans and NFL guru reporters, are saying caution about the Foles and Bradford trade. Saying that Foles is not that good of a Quarterback. I just have a feeling that someone who throws 27 TD's in a season is usually not a backup Quarterback! Your thoughts Jim?
Well, those numbers _ 27 and 2 _ certainly jump out at you. Obviously those aren't the kind of numbers put up by ham & eggers. So you have to factor that in. But were they partially due to the system? And a strong supporting cast?
--------
Soooooo, I should hold off buying my Foles Ram jersey until next season?
No. Get it. Wear it.
---------
So 1 superbowl appearance in 50 years wins out over 2 superbowl appearances in 20 years?
No, half a century wins out over 20 years.
--------
what are you hearing is Barksdale market value, would 3 years and $10million get it done. Signing a possible starter on the line gives them much more flexibility in the draft to go with best player available
Haven't heard. But I'd be surprised if it was more than $4 million per year.
---------
Do you expect Tavon Austin to excel this year with the change of offensive coordinators? I really like to see them being used effectively.
I don't know about "excel," but once again I think a concerted effort will be made to get him more involved.
---------
Why the inactivity with regard to the team's biggest need, offensive line?
As Nelly would say, must be the money.
-------
Has there ever been an NFL team in history as universally hated by all those outside their home market as the New England Patriots?
You know, you may be right. I can't really think of any. I don't even think the Raiders in their heyday. Or even the Cowboys.
---------
Who has more yards this season, Sam or Nick?
Sam
--------
How much cap room do the Rams have left?
$9.8 million according to latest from the NFLPA.
I think if they were going to do anything of a restructuring nature, they would've done so with the $10 million roster bonus due Robert Quinn. (The Rams have already paid that roster bonus to Quinn, so that avenue is no longer available.)
---------
How would you grade Fisher and Snead so far? Draft is way better than Ziggy but the free agent signings is really bad. Hopefully it's better this year.
Well, they did an admirable job getting the team from horrible to nearly-respectable, but can't seem to make that next jump. They've certainly drafted better than they've fared in free agency.
--------
If Philly ends up trading Bradford to Cleveland for a 1st round pick, would you have rather the Rams traded him to Cleveland or are they better off with Foles and the 2nd rounder?
Fisher has said the key to him in the Bradford trade was getting a QB in return (Foles).
---------
Is it really conceivable that our starting OL this season might consist of a couple of rookies and another stopgap FA signing, like Davin Joseph all over again?? With the same results?
Hope not.
---------
Haven't seen any tweets from Chris Long regarding the Bradford trade. Have the players been banned from using twitter.
I believe he had a tweet or two on the topic right after the trade took place.
---------
Overall, pre-draft, how would you rate the Rams off-season performance? The Cignetti hiring was incredibly underwhelming, even if practical, and the they have failed to address their biggest weakness so far (O-Line) while padding their shiny toy defense with depth.
Don't forget the re-signings of Britt and Kendricks. I think they were both good re-signs. But right now? At this moment? With nothing done on the O-line, I'd grade the Rams in the C range on the offseason at this point.
--------
I have heard talk tavon might be on trading block have you heard anything on this?
I think I've seen what you've seen.
---------
Do you think any of the coaches or team execs read these or other fans' chats?
Some do.
---------
Would you regard Barksdale as the long term solution at RT, if he is re-signed?
If by long-term, you mean the next two to three seasons _ yes.
----------
As the team stands right now, do you think they have enough to reach the playoffs? If not, what more will it take?
I do think they can contend for the playoffs in 2015 with a healthy Foles and if they get the O-line straightened out.
--------
While we're talking jerseys, I have huge regret over not purchasing an authentic Steve Walsh #4 jersey on clearance. They had ironically marked it down to $4. Would I have been overcharged?
He had some good moments in college.
---------
Why do you think Fisher hasn't been able to recreate the success he had in Tennessee?
Can I wait till the end of the 2015 season to answer that?
---------
Some major college football conferences have gone from seven man officiating crews to eight man. Do you think that adding an eighth man to the NFL officiating system could help in getting a better officiated NFL game?
Maybe. It is a fast-moving game and an extra set of eyes wouldn't hurt.
--------
Do you know if Vermeil has visited Philips at anytime while he has been incarcerated?
Good memory.
---------
Who would get your vote for must underrated player on the current Rams roster?
I think you'd have to have Kendricks, Harkey, Hayes, Sims in the discussion. But maybe you have to throw out Kendricks given his new contract.
---------
Jim when the schedule is released later this week I sure hope we don't get screwed again by another Cardinal baseball conflict. That's all we need is more empty seats on prime time.
I think we're talking next week for the schedule. The NFL is arrogant enough to do just that.
--------
Do you ever talk football with Bernie?
Often.
---------
in your time covering the Rams in St Louis, who's been the biggest draft bust, and why, and who's been the best draft steal, and why?
I believe Phillips is No.1 on one list and Pace is No. 1 on the other. I'll let you figure out which is which.
--------
Odds Rams end season in Seattle again?
80-20.
-------
Do you think Arizona will be good this year? I could see them being really strong or kind of receding after their flirtation with NFL stardom last year before Palmer got injured.
Yes. I'm a big admirer of Arians and Keim.
--------
We seem to have a log jam in the secondary. In your opinion, who starts at what positions and who rotates in based on varying situations?
I think the Rams will give Joyner another chance in the nickel back role, in competition with Gaines. I think that Gaines and Johnson battle for a corner spot opposite Jenkins.
