| Larry: Jeff..knowing the stadium issue is a long way off for St. Louis, but any talk about retro-fit The Ed with a retractable roof and other improvements; than to build a totally new stadium for the Rams? KC is doing it for the Chiefs and retro fititng The Ed would save a lot of money for land purchase, clearing, total construction etc. They can either play in The Ed during construction, like the Chiefs are doing or perhaps move to Busch for a season or so during the major portion of reconstruction. Your thoughts. Thanks! |
| Jeff Gordon: I'm not sure how much can be done, other than adding windows above the top row of the seats, improving the sound system and video display. That would add some happy years to the lifespan of the place. Some day, though, a new palace will be needed -- perhaps with a retractable roof so fans can have the best of both worlds. |
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| Rick R: Is it true that the Rams have the ninth highest payroll in the NFL? It is another sign of bad management if this is the case.Chip R has to realize there are real management issues with this team and real player talent issues as well. Thanks for any positive comment Jeff. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams have bucked up to keep veterans like Bulger, Jackson, Little and Pace. They have kept their top guys with top dollars. Signing Long wasn't cheap either. So it's a not a lack of financial commitment here. |
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Ken soon to be an ex psl/club seat season ticket holder: Since we no longer have an NFL team in St. Louis but a semi-poor team who do you think would be a good team to start supporting?
Seriously who do you think I should support? I would like an upcomer, a scrappy fighter who has lots of heart and won't give up? A team with lots of young players who will develpop over the next 3-5 years and turn into a super bowl contender? Who do you think? It sure isn't the RAMS!!!!!!!!!!
There just a bunch of losers without heart and without any good coaching. Somebody please put them out of their misery. A mercy killing is called for ASAP.
If Rosenbloom doesn't act this week, I hope he at least sells the team ASAP.
Ken soon to be an ex psl/club seat season ticket holder |
Jeff Gordon: The Chiefs may be just as bad, so that 3 1/2-hour drive wouldn't be worth the trouble.
Chip needs to determine his long-term course of action ASAP. He is an interim owner and that doesn't help. |
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| Kevin Weber: What do you see a new owner keeping the cubs payroll at? Right now they are at around 120 million and are due to go up to about 140 million in just raises due to Zambrano, Ramirez (6 million more), Soriano (3 million more), Lilly (5 million more), Fukudome (5.5 million more) and others. This doesn't even include contracts for Wood or Dempster! |
| Jeff Gordon: If Cuban gets the team, the sky is the limit. He isn't afraid to spend his own money. He is a great businessman, which allows him to treat his team like a hobby. A payroll of $150 million wouldn't be out of line. |
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| Kevin Weber: How does contract insurance work? How much would the club be getting back for Carpenter last year and this year? |
| Jeff Gordon: It varies from player to player. A pitcher with a rich injury history is hard to insure. I don't believe the Rams got much relief. |
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Vanilla P.: Hey Gordo,
I suggested this last year to the Chatmeister and I'll do it again this year. You might as well just get a cardboard, life-size picture of Lombardi, Cowher, or any other fiery coach and stick it on the Rams sidelines. It'd do a heckuva better job than Linehan the Clown. I swear he looks like he's been on a 3-day tequila bender... pale, shaking, and not very sure of himself.
Thanks & keep up the good work
Vanilla P. |
| Jeff Gordon: Right now a three-day bender might sound good for this poor guy. It's not pretty. My radio partner, Jeff Vernetti, saw his wife crying after the game. Not a good scene. Linehan is a good guy, but there is nothing more he can do here. |
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| brendcon: Since we are not going to win anything this year anyway, a statement needs to be sent. Barron, Hill, and Bulger go to the practice squad---what's the difference---let the team know no one is safe. Start changing the attitude today. Move Carriker outside and put Ryan inside, new QB, Manning Jr. instead of Hill, move Witherspoon outside and try Chamberlain inside, Avery returning kicks and more opposite Holt, Barron out and anyone in,----lets see some changes!!!!!! Whether they work or not!!!!! Try something and change attitudes. |
| Jeff Gordon: Move Avery -- yes! Carriker got pretty good reviews for this game, despite all the carnage. Not sure about Chamberlain in the middle, but Pisa was out of position most of the game. Not sure what he is doing to help. |
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Ram Fan In Charlotte NC: Gordo;
As a long time Ram fan (i.e. LA to Anaheim to St. Louis), I have see many ups and downs. I personally would like to see Jay Zygmunt, John Shaw and Scott Linehan fired. I would like to see Marshall Faulk as the new General Manager and Mike Martz as the new coach. I have not decided who should be president. What is your impression of this idea? |
| Jeff Gordon: Martz and Faulk -- that would be entertaining. Not sure either guy is ready for that combo, not sure it would work, but it wouldn't be dull. I talked to Marshall about and he admits he would need a lot of help to learn the details of that job. |
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briansi: Something tells me they want someone or some people out.
To get basically BLOWN-OUT in every game makes you wonder? I mean before you can get your snacks there down 20?
Who knows maybe they have a problem with Bulger?
I've never seen a line that bad, seriously?
Personally I don't have a problem with Marc. I believe if he did have more time he would be much better, obviously. I can't believe the line is that bad?
It's just hard to comprehend a team that basically is never in a game! |
| Jeff Gordon: To be down multiple TDs before the cheese dip cools . . . not good. The game was like a cry for help. |
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| eddie c: I've been a rams fan since 1967 and I don't think there's anything left to say, except "turn out the light's the party's over", as in the words of Don Meredith of MNF from the 70's. Why not start Trent Green? I think their offense's poor play is setting the tone for the bad defensive play. Change is needed and what better shakeup. Bulger is a bust. |
| Jeff Gordon: Marc had a good flurry in the third quarter, but otherwise he was throwing off the back foot too much and missing too many open targets. |
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Rich: Good afternoon Gordo,
Is there any particular reason the Rams coaching staff has an aversion to playing recent draft picks?
I understand why guys like Kennison and Manning Jr have had limited playing time because they are still learning the system.
However, is Wade really that much worse than Hill? And is Goldberg, a tackle by trade, a better option at guard then Greco?
And why can't Leonard, a guy they burned a second round pick on last year, not on the field at least some of the time?
Thanks for allowing suffering Rams fans vent their collective spleens.
Rich |
Jeff Gordon: The Leonard thing is getting embarrassing. Greco was drafted as a tackle, but he is better at guard. Better than Goldberg? Apparently not.
Wade was pretty raw last year, so I don't know if he is the answer or not. |
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| HEG: Gordo the Rams might as well make wholesale changes now; starting with front office, coaching staff, and player changes, ex. replace Bulger; do something anything with Tye Hill; but I don't think the changes will make that much of a difference with this team but maybe it will quiet the critics; Re; the Cardinals I would like to see the Cards attempt to acquire Ramirez at shortstop if they could sign him long term; maybe give up Ankiel and Garcia for him; what is your take on these statements? |
| Jeff Gordon: Ramirez is locked in long-term in Florda, so that's not going to happen. He appears to be one guy that team is building around. |
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Entreri10: Hey jeff,
[sigh] atleast chris long is getting a lot of action...what do you think the chances are of zgymunt getting canned this week |
| Jeff Gordon: Zilch. Seismic change won't happen until after the season, if at all. |
|
Mark in NY: Jeff, no offense to Chip or the family, but what do people expect when an ex-Las Vegas showgirl inherits a football team. She hires some guy to "run the business" but he still lives in LA, he hires some accountant to "manage the salary cap", although he has no football expertise, and together they decide to hire a rookie cupcake for a head coach after getting into so many arguements with the last guy.
There is no incentive there to produce a good football team. Their first line of defense is to say they spend the salary cap every year. Well, kudos to them but isn't this organization guaranteed millions in profits per year from the city, no matter how bad they are? I'm sorry Ram fans, and especially to the St. Louis area fans, for having to deal with THE SAME OLD SORRY ASS RAMS!
My question is will Linehan resign today? Will Haslett get fired this week? Or will Chip wait until the bye week? Thanks for letting me vent. |
| Jeff Gordon: Why wait to the bye week? What is going to change? As for Georgia, she had good days and bad here and in California. She trusted her franchise to guys who aren't football guys. |
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| Tackleberry: Mo's stance toward the Izzy situation is a bit discouraging. The idea of "owing" a veteran is what has got this club in trouble many times before with dead money contracts. A lot like with Edmonds, Rolen, and Eckstein, it is time to move on. The idea that Izzy would be brought back at the risk of A.) Having him receive preferrential treatment over a more deserving younger player B.) Being labeled by the ball club as part of the "answer" to the bullpen woes, these scenarios would seem to block the progress towards youth that this ballclub has been touting now for the past year. Why not just cut ties? |
| Jeff Gordon: Agreed. Izzy was about the sixth-best RH reliever on the team this year. I don't minding bringing him back for minimal investment to compete for a gig. But that's all the loyalty I have. Where was the loyalty to Edmonds? The time was right to turn him loose. |
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| James: Jim, I've heard our veteran LB coach Rick Venturi's name mentioned by several radio show hosts as a good fit for the interim coach, if/when Linehan is released. Have you heard anything about that? Do you know anything about this guy? |
| Jeff Gordon: Well, he has interim coaching experience -- which is rare. Good guy. He has done OK with past disasters. |
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Ray: Jeff,
Thanks for doing this discussion. I've been a Rams for many years and currently live overseas. It's always interesting to read the various questions you get...although lately most of them have been to the same tune of "fire Linehan".
What's the mood like in the front office? Does management know they're treading on very thin ice? What's your prediction for activity this week? Will Scott get the boot or will he make it to Sunday? The Bills seem to be on a roll...any chance for the Rams to start righting the ship and to steal a W this weekend?
Cheers,
Ray |
| Jeff Gordon: The front office is not happy and very concerned about its future. If Rosenbloom sells the team, some of these guys may not be working in football anymore. |
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BrotherBri: "Hello, Mr. Schottenheimer? Chip Rosenbloom here. Yes, I imagine you were expecting I'd call. What? No, no, Linehan isn't gone yet, but let me tell you what I have in mind.
Jay Zygmunt just left my office. He left me with a sheet detailing the cap hits we would take should we trade or cut any of the following: Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Torry Holt, Orlando Pace, Leonard Little, LaRoi Glover, Pisa Tinoisamoa, and Corey Chavous. What? No, the plan isn't to dump all of them ... let me get the story out. I had Zygmunt detail the cap hits after each and every week of the season. Then I invited him to join Mr. Shaw in retirement. Yes. Both are done. Yes. It's official.
Now we get to you. I'd like you to join our organization as President. Yes ... think of it as Chief Football Officer if you'd like. Yes, Devaney would report to you. Well, my hope is that you'd come in, take this week before the bye to evaluate the organization and the talent ... What? Yes, lack of talent, if you must ... and then take absolute charge of turning this thing around. Yes, we hope you will decide how to push the cap pain forward as you trade or cut. Yes, I know trades don't happen often. But the Pats might want a QB after yesterday. Yes, I know you don't get full value back. But when a player has no value left here, and his cap hit down the road kills the rebuild, isn't losing him sooner addition by subtraction? Yes, I think so, too.
Coach? Well, that is the lone catch to taking the job. No, no, I wanted to talk to you first before I call Linehan and Haslett in. I've planned to tell them that if you get to Friday and are ready to let them go, I'll support it. Yes, I doubt that would help Sunday, but aside from canning Zygmunt, what else would? Yes, I agree, but I think it will play better if the decision comes after observation, rather than as a preconception. Yes, that may only be a media concern, but you well know how ridiculous media concerns can poison a team and its fan base.
Speaking of which, I know you'd probably prefer to hire Brian as your head coach, and if you take the job, I'll leave that call to you. But here's a head's up -- as beloved as the baseball Cardinals are here, nepotism charges have followed OF Chris Duncan since the organization drafted him. Yes, he's never gotten a truly fair shake. No, I'm not saying don't hire Brian. What I'm saying is, consider whether hiring Brian would be fair to him ... and whether *that* media story might interfere with what you're trying to do. No, I'm glad to do it.
So, Mr. Schottenheimer, I've enjoyed this chat. I hope you'll consider this proposal and have your agent call us this afternoon to talk money, because turning this mess around would cement you as one of the great football men of the last 50 years. Yes, I think you already are, but with this mess, only a very great could get it done. Yes, I think it makes you a lock for Canton. Yes, I'd very much like to see that too. You're absolutely welcome. Yes, I look forward to your agent's call."
Gordo -- I've read you repeat the mantra that trades just don't happen, but we as a fan base need something ... ANYTHING ... to hope for, even if, like the above, it is entirely irrational. Would you please inform us what the cap hit would be if Holt, Bulger or Pisa were traded -- even if the return is only a seventh rounder? And the cap hit if Glover, J. Hall, D. Hall and Chavous were cut? Thank you for all you do. |
| Jeff Gordon: Maybe the next coach gets more out of all these guys. Discarding players is tricky, due to cap reasons and the lack of replacements. Everybody wants to trade players in the middle of the season, but such trades are very rare and seldom helpful. |
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Hawk in Indiana: Good Afternoon Jeff. With regards to the Cards' '09 crowded outfield of Ankiel, Duncan, Schumaker, Barton, Ludwick, Mather, Rasmus & Stavinoha... (we'll assume Juan Encarnacion is "gone")...
1. In your opinion, which 4 of those listed above are "most" likely (assuming all are healthy & not assuming that a 5th one won't be...) to be on the 2009 opening day roster?
2. Of those (3-4) that you find least likely to be on the opening day roster, which names would you expect to be in Memphis and which ones would you find most likely traded to another organization? (hopefully for bullpen help.)
Thanks for considering these questions. -Hawk- |
| Jeff Gordon: Ankiel, Schumaker, Mather and Ludwick are good bets here. Barton could use time at Memphis. Rasmus probably starts there until he rips up Class AAA pitching for 6 to 8 weeks. Stavinoha is a depth guy. Duncan will have to rehab a rare injury for ballplayers, so he is no guarantee to even play. |
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| joie: I know Tony and Lou are long time child hood friends but that lineup on the field Saturday resembled a "B" split squad Spring training game how sad it was in an important situation involving not only the Cards but Cubs and Brewers that was the best we could muster it would have been more honorable to just forfeit the game and the division to the Cubs instead of that embarassment and now it sounds like Looper is mentally done with us and who could blame him we will lose him and Lohse and pick up some other rag tag pitcher on the cheap who may or may not pitch in 2009 and fill in the infield again with basement bargain throw aways while ownership counts their nickels and dimes |
| Jeff Gordon: They spent $100 million on this team and they could spend a bit more next year. If a lot of those guys get hurt, then the same problems will occur. Injuries hurt this team, not penurious management. |
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ftblfan74: What gets me is the attitude of the team as a whole. NOBODY is getting MAD at anyone. They just hang their heads, shake their heads like they can't believe what is happening. Don't they watch game tapes as part of practices anymore? If they cannot see what they are doing wrong during the game, then they need to get a real job to earn their money, because if I was paying their salaries, I wouldn't be signing the checks!
Watch the tapes! Get MAD! Show us you got a pulse, because you sure aren't showing us you got any heart for this game!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Well, we're seeing more anger -- but not much of it translates into results on the field. |
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ramholio: Gordo...what type of coach would you want for these Rams? A young energetic type guy or the older more disciplined type coach? Offense or defensive minded? Any guys that you would prefer?
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: A strong leader, first and foremost. If he is a defensive coach, then he needs an innovative offensive guy. Or if the head coach is an innovative offensive guy, then the d-coordinator needs to be a hard-core guy. |
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| Note Speak: Whats the chances that Wagner and Polak make the team if Erik Johnson is not seriously injured? Thanks Gordo! |
| Jeff Gordon: Polak and Wagner should make the team regardless, but Erik's injury would it mandatory. |
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sTAN: Jeff,
Wow. Where do you start?
Why wait? What is the point of punishing loyal fans far and near, let alone the players and continue down this draining sewer?
Why not blow it up now and start over? Clean out the front office. Zygmunt should be the first one out the door. What would be the harm in turning it over to Devany, can the coach and bring in Schottenheimer to start the rebuilding process. Or offer up an unspeakable amount of money to Cowher and get him out here to start the process? Something must be done sooner rather than later. These type of changes my not make a difference this season but it does give fans something to hang on to. Hope.
Stan |
| Jeff Gordon: Not sure unspeakable money would be enough for Mr. Bill. |
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Chad: Hey Jeff whats going on. Appreciate the forum to vent.
I love the rams. Without them St louis has no football team. Here we go. Why not clean house now? A trained monkey could come up with the schemes to do what the team is doing right now. Hell fire Linehan and Haslett it couldn't be any worse than it is right now. Go into next week with one coach, who cares if they get killed. There is zero structure anyway. The playbook must be way to complex for this team. Go out with 6 plays on offense and 6 plays on defense so everybody is on the same page. Watch zero tape because that fails to sink in and spend the whole week on tackling and running the ball. There is a solution whether its professional or not. I would like to hear how you feel about these opinions.
Also this may be a question refered to Jeremy but have you heard anything about the blues trying something different with ice at Scotttrade this year |
Jeff Gordon: The at Scottrade is always an issue and the NHL keeps working on that -- because it is a problem at most new arenas. Solutions are hard to come by.
I can't believe the playbook is that complex. Execution is just discipline and caring. |
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ueaces: Hi Gordo,
Like many others, I beleive Dan Uggla would be a great target for the Cardinals to zoom in on this off-season. But he won't come cheap, and the Marlins will want a prospect or two. Do you feel Uggla would be worth getting if it involved a player such as Motte?
Thanks for all the great work you do. |
| Jeff Gordon: It would be worth it, yes. Uggla is a rare power-hitting middle infielder, which is just what the team needs. |
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slapperloon: Hey Gordo,
So glad the NHL season is almost here! I was curious to know if you've heard anything about the status of Lee Stempniak. Obviously, last year he took a pretty significant backward step in his offensive production. Have you heard anything about what he's done over the summer to get back on track for '08-'09? |
| Jeff Gordon: He went back to his training techniques trying to get his old jump back. We'll see if it works, because he and Kariya MUST score 25 to 30 this year. |
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| steve665: Its seems like the Rams play calling is way to predictable.The same old tired plays over and over again!I know the Rams with the players they have,need to be consevative,but is there any way they can open up things with the play calling? |
| Jeff Gordon: There must be a way to do it. Heck, the Dolphins went to a weird offense and got five 5 Tds against the Pats. |
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Tim G: All signs are starting to point towards an Izzy return to the Cardinals in 2009. Larussa and Duncan are in love with him, and he would be a cheap closer option for ownership. PLEASE say it aien't so.
Since sometimes closers come from unlikely places(Joakim Soria and Joe Nathan come to mind) any chance of Josh Kinney joining this list?
Living in Central MO around both Rams and Chiefs fans, I set the over/under on combined wins for both teams at 3. Now I think I was too generous. |
| Jeff Gordon: I would put Izzy behind Perez, McClellan, Motte, Kinney and Springer (if he returns). So where would he get innings? |
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Mike C: Hi Gordo,
It's clear that a complete house cleaning is going to be necessary to turn this franchise around. So, that being the case, I don't envision Haslett or Saunders getting the interim role. I have heard some talk surrounding veteran lb coach Rich Venturi. What do we know about this guy?
Thanks,
Mike |
| Jeff Gordon: As we noted earlier, he has done the interim things before. So that is his primary credential. |
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bill: What if we were to trade Jackson to Detriot for Roy Williams. This would give the Rams two good recievers. They could then sign Alexander and have a much better offenese.
your thoughts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Alexander is done. And Jackson for Williams would be a horrible trade. |
|
| Keith: Gordo.....Can you help me out with the TV schedule for the Blues preseason games? |
| Jeff Gordon: They have 77 regular season games on and NHL Network has some preseason games, but I'm not sure if the Blues are on it. Checked the Blues site and and didn't see anything. |
|
Art: Hey Gordo,
It is clear that we simply do not have the size on both sides of the line to compete with the elite teams of the NFL.
Tinoisomoa needs to wear some forearm padding or gloves as every running back slips through his hands or evades him.
The front office needs to be held accountable and changes need to be made immediately.
Is there any chance of bringing in Vermeil and Faulk to right this sunken ship?
Thanks for your voice Gordo!
Regards,
Art |
| Jeff Gordon: That was my pitch last week, but the Rams didn't act on my advice. |
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| Corey W: Hey Gordo, Do you think that Coach L and Coach Haslett will be fired during the bye week? If so who will fill in? |
| Jeff Gordon: Both could get it, yes. And Saunders and Venturi could fill in on an interim basis. |
|
| jim63129: If I donate my PSL tickets to a charity, can I deduct (face value) what I paid for them or I do I have to deduct (market value) what they are worth? |
| Jeff Gordon: Good question . . . and I'm not an accountant. But at least you're just not burning the paperwork. |
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| john: Rams critics constantly say things like, "these guys are not trying," or "the coaches are not getting the most out of these players." Wouldn't you agree, Gordo, that the poor results are more likely the result of this team simply not having the "complete team" skill set needed to win? Many players are just overmatched, regardless of how hard they are "trying." |
| Jeff Gordon: Most of these same players would be fine in a better situation -- which makes this all the more exasperating. |
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Steve (Roch. NY): Gordo,
Yesterday you said "some of these guys would be just fine elsewhere, in a better environment. Here, they folded. The right change, from the top down, could salvage a lot of these guys."
I believe you are 100% correct, look at who's gone on to other teams and had success - Pickett (stuffing the middle in GB), Chillar (made some nice plays last night), Miller (still a starting tackle), even Furrey led the league in catches two years ago, just to name a few. The Rams execs and/or coaches just don't draft guys for the systems they run and fail to adjust the systems to the personnel they do have.
Hopefully major changes happen soon, this mess has been going on far too long. At least you get paid to watch these guys. |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, let us not forget Hedgecock. Ah, the memories . . . |
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| RamFanInCA: It must be tough to do this at a time like this. Thanks for hanging in there with us and letting us vent! OK...I realize the difficulty associated with a coaching change during the season. BUT...I simply cannot imagine Linehan leading this team into the Ed and overseeing another blowout. From a business standpoint I'll be disappointed if we aren't chatting about a coaching change at 1:01pm today. Can Chip really afford to wait another week? Is there any chance that Linehan survives the season? Will Zygmunt go with Linehan? |
| Jeff Gordon: All good questions, but we'll just have to see . . . |
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ramrage: Hello Jeff,
It really disturbed me when Linehan got the "pass" last season, when injuries were blamed for all those losses. Frankly, he didn't have a stellar season his first year. Now I'm really surprised that he remains head coach after three consecutive blow-outs. Maybe he was a great Offensive Coordinator, but I believe he's been out of his league here from the start. As for Saunders, I still believe he is an offensive genius, and apparently needs more than 3 games to get half this roster up to performance, including a banged-up wide receiving corp and a rusty running back. I hope Rosenblum doesn't wait for the bye to drop Linehan. It's time to say "bye" to him now, and just get this behind us. |
| Jeff Gordon: Can't argue with that. |
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Joshua: This may be a bit conspiracy-theorish on my part, but given the situation with the stadium contract and the new ownership, how possible is it that we could have a Major League-type situation on our hands? This team is garbage, with absolutely no signs that anyone cares, and the league has repeatedly said that they want a team in Los Angeles. Is it possible that Rosenbloom is letting this team tank to destroy fan morale to allow them to move to the West Coast?
At this point, I have to think that this team is actively trying to suck. |
| Jeff Gordon: Nothing good can come from tanking. It costs you a lot of money in the near term and it's hard to make that up in a sale. |
|
| jake ward: if you hire a coach from two ioosing teams[minn mia] what do you expect??? |
| Jeff Gordon: Scott was in some successful situations before, so that's not the issue. The issue is his leadership limit. |
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jwein23: Gordo:
Any guesses on the line combinations for opening night?
And what do you think Chris Porter's chances are of making the team? |
| Jeff Gordon: Andy is opening up with Berglund working with Kariya, which I like. Paul is a playmaker, so he would be a good fit with a large center going down the middle. Watch for that. Porter I like, but let's see how many tough guys the team takes. |
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| Brett: Gordo, do you think the Cards will platoon Izturis and Lopez next season, or get a new SS? Also who closes in 2009? |
| Jeff Gordon: Why bring back Izturis? And why play Lopez at shortstop? |
|
| Chris: Will Shanahan ever realize that the Rangers don't want him? I'm not saying he has to come here, it's just becoming pathetic and sad. |
| Jeff Gordon: There may be a spot for him there if the Sundin thing never happens. Brendan isn't looking for big money. |
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| Ryan: Worst case scenerio, Eric Johnson misses significant time. Who takes his place? Junland, Alex P.? We all know that Wagner should make the squad, which means we'll have Jackman, McKee, Brewer, Wagner...than what? Woywitka, Polak? Gordo, who do you see grabbing the last 2 or 3 D spots? |
| Jeff Gordon: Brewer and Jackman are the cornerstones. McKee would be more important if Johnson is done for a stretch, given his experience. Then Wagner, Polak and Woywitka should be next in line, with guys like Weaver adding depth. Brewer, Wagner and Woywitka would be more important PP guys in Erik's absence. Junland could grow into something quickly, but Alex is a longer shot because of his missed work time. |
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bob_n_weave: Gordo,
For those who think the Rams will suddenly be a good team because Linehan and Haslett get fired I'm telling you now. It's not going to happen. See Special Teams, how many Coaches over last 5 years ? Yeah they still stink.
Newsflash: It's the PLAYERS, but the Coaches did pick them so they dug there own grave.
Question for Jim Haslett: Tye Hill or Jay Cutler ?
Good Luck Chip ! |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, kind of missed on Cutler . . . |
|
| Darrell Ippensen: Since Dick Vermiel doesn't sound like he wants to come back to coaching, who is out there that could fill the void for the rest of this season ? I sure how Marshall Faulk is brought into the scheme somehow and hope his dinner went well with Chip last week. |
| Jeff Gordon: I like Faulk in concert with a veteran guy. |
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| TechnoPhobia: Hi, Jeff. It has been a rough week to be a Cardinal or Rams' fan. Is there any word yet about Chris Carpenter's shoulder pain and weakness? Thanks for the weekly discussions. |
| Jeff Gordon: Nerve problems can tough to diagnose and tougher to treat. Not good. |
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| Big Daddy: I know a complete "management" overhaul is needed, but I believe a strong coach could show some result with our current talent base. With that being said, what about coach Cower? This may not be his first choice, but money talks!!! |
| Jeff Gordon: And so does unsteady ownership. Cowher won't join a bad situation. Why would he? |
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| Jerry Thomas: Do the Rams players now understand how frustrated the dedicated fans are with their performance? |
| Jeff Gordon: Oh I believe so. |
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Bulger4Life: Gordo,
I can't believe that you are sacrificing your time to listen to all us Rams fans repeatedly tell you how bad they are. One quick question: Should the Rams focus more on getting fans in the stands this season or rebuilding the team? Bringing in Dick V. isn't a rebuilding phase, just a pump up for the fans. That is exciting, but not sure if even he can turn it around. Thanks for your time. |
| Jeff Gordon: Dick would have to build a whole organization dedicated to winning. Get the right people in place and turn them lose. |
|
| MARK: THIS HAS TO BE WORST, IF NOT THE WORST I HAVE EVER SEEN. FANS HERE WILL NEVER FALL FOR THIS. I HAVE SEEN SO MANY MISSED TACKLES, I JUST GAVE UP COUNTING. AND THIS FRONT LINE, OF NOT BLOCKING FOR BULGER, IS NOT ACCEPTABLE......IF I WERE THE COACH, THESE PLAYER WOULD JUST HAVE TO SIT. I WOULD PLAY THE YOUNGER PLAYERS, TO PROVE A POINT...WHO'S TO SAY, THEY CAN'T DO ANY WORSE....SEASON IS OVER BEFORE IT STARTED....THIS IS A SHAME.....I AM GLAD I DID NOIT BUY SEASON TICKETS THIS ROUND.... |
| Jeff Gordon: Trouble is, most of the younger players would be in way over the heads, too. |
|
| William: I there an evil attempt to make the team as lousy as possible so that the fans in st louis would wash their hand of them so they could move BACK to Los Angeles with the least amount of resistance in the St Louis area? |
| Jeff Gordon: There is no stadium there and Rosenbloom isn't in love with the LA officials. There is no plot afoot. He will sell the team and he doesn't want to run it into the ground beforehand. |
|
| Ramfrank: JG - A silly question, perhaps, but do we know of Zygmunt's whereabouts or his reactions to the mess that's going on? He and Shaw have been awfully quiet. |
| Jeff Gordon: Jay has been miserable, if it makes you feel any better. He works hard every day. |
|
| jme1978: What time should we expect Scott, Jim, and jay to be fired today? Please tell me this is imminent.... |
| Jeff Gordon: Can't make that process. |
|
cardsnumber7: Gordo,
I liked what I saw from Avery. Do you think he will get more playing time each week?
Thanks
Todd W. |
| Jeff Gordon: Yes. |
|
| john lauder: we will never get anywhere with Bulger we need someone young and new why not try Berlin we need to discover someone like we did with Warner |
| Jeff Gordon: That was a on-in-a-lifetime thing. I like Brock, but I wouldn't skip right past Green. |
|
bpappas: Hey Jeff, I appreciate the articles you've written lately suggesting Bulger needs to step up. I know all of this isn't his fault, but it's getting annoying with the lack of fight he shows when he plays the QB position. I mean when is the last time you saw Bulger fight thru a busted play and make something out of nothing? I mean, really as fans we haven't been treated to anything like that since Captain Kurt. There's no doubt that giving him a big contract is right there with all the other bad decisions this front office has made over the recent years. 3 questions:
1)Will they give Green a chance to lead the team the rest of the way?
2)Of the names you've heard so far as possible coaching candidates, who do you like? Me personally, I like Schottenheimer, especially over Fassel.
3)With a new coach, do you think the QB situation will be addressed during the offseason?
Thanks Jeff |
| Jeff Gordon: We've hit on most of that stuff already. QB gets addressed in the offseason as the team tries to find somebody to groom. |
|
GoodguyInCO: Hey Gordo -
Two serious questions - I'm done ranting for now. First, clearly the offensive line is a weak link. However, even with injuries there is some talent there. Should we be asking if Steve Loney is one of the issues? Mr. Loney seems to be an experienced successful coach, but results aren't fitting that description. Is this blocking problem coaching or playing?
Second, clearly the Rams have a coaching problem at the top. The quotes from the players, including the one from Jackson this week, all are pointing to a lack of leadership. What I can't figure out is how, with fairly well proven out offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator, things are still this bad. Is it the system they are working in? Are things so bad in game preparation that coordinators don't know what to do? |
| Jeff Gordon: It's the whole atmosphere. Loney wouldn't be the first assistant coach to go elsewhere and have immediate success after leaving STL. |
|
| owen: I BELIEVE THAT SOMEBODY NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT IN OUTSIDE OF WHO IS CURRENTLY THERE.MARTY WOULD BE IDEAL AS HEAD COACH WITH SAUNDERS REMAINING AS OFFENSIVE CO-ORDINATOR AND BRING IN A NEW DEFENSIVE CO-ORDINATOR WHO IS CAPABLE OF ASSESSING WHAT WE HAVE,A SCHEME ACCORDINGLY.I THINK CHAVOUS AND GLOVER SHOULD BE BACK UPS LET RYAN START AT TACKLE AND MOVE ATOWGE TO SS AND FIND A FREE SAFETY. HOPE THAT SOMETHING HAPPENS NO LATER THAN THE BYE. THERE ARE STILL GAMES LEFT AND A NEW DIRECTION IS NEEDED GOING INTO NEXT YEAR.WHAT DO YOU THINK |
| Jeff Gordon: Marty and Al worked together quite a bit before, so it's a thought. |
|
| Charlie: I've been hearing rumor of Chip having a press conference this afternoon, whats the word on that? Personally I hope we give Linehan until the bye week and we get rid of Hasslet this afternoon. Its his horrendous defensive play calling that has forced the offense to play from behind consistently. Now if this doesn't yield any improvement Linehan and Zygmunt need to both be shown the door. What are your thoughts on the situation? |
| Jeff Gordon: I can see many scenarios where Jay survives in some fashion. I'm not aware of a different news conference this afternoon . . . yet. |
|
| Kiko: I see a lot of changes coming our way. My question is didn't we draft Brian Lenard to block and open holes for Jackson? Why haven't they used him? If I were Linehan I'd be trying anything at this point, put in the younger guys, try a trick play, something to spark this offense. His days are numbered so why not try something, anything! |
| Jeff Gordon: Trick plays -- how about the inevitable end-around handoff to Hall. That always works. |
|
Tony: Gordo,
Please tell me someone, ANYONE, has been fired! or someone was released, traded, At least throw us a bone, and make it look like someone is trying to do something, anything. 0-16 is a REAL possibility. Living in vegas, I have the fortune or misfortune of being able to see all the Rams games and I have seen them ALL the last 30 years and this is by FAR the worst Rams team I have ever seen, maybe the worst NFL team I have ever seen. They are comparable to the 76' 0-14 Bucs. YIKES!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Ah, the Buccaneers. It can't be that bad, can it? |
|
Will: Jeff,
Until the Rams at least attempt changes I'm done watching them for this season. If they can't or won't make extensive changes in the front office and coaching staff, AT LEAST change the starting lineups, start cutting some players that are clearly not giving their best, start signing practice squad players from other teams. SOMETHING. Trotting out the same junk- and it is truly junk- week after week is just unacceptable. The changes I'm describing may not result in wins, but it would at least show the (remaining) fan base that they're trying. |
| Jeff Gordon: But if you cuts guys and they go on to success elsewhere, like Hedgecock, does that make it better? |
|
| Vince: Hello, Where is the CHANGE ? MUST fire Linehan NOW. This season is over let the New Coach Come IN. The sooner the better. With Bills, Redskins,Cowboys,Pats,Cards,Jets. Those are all loses. Tith this coaching staff and the attitude we'll do what Patriots did last season instead 0-16. I just don't see us winning any games. Seahawks was the esiest opponent we had with their iinjuries and all and WE GOT TORTURED! |
| Jeff Gordon: I thought Miami was a sure win, but look at the Dolphins now. |
|
rwoznock: Hi Gordo,
I have been a Rams fan for 40 years and it troubles me to see them in this condition. My question is with the Rams not getting any better and no one seems to care in the front office, don't you think Linehan would reach out to all the non-starters to try and regain some hope? It seems to me the players he's using on the field don't care if they play or not so why not reach out to the ones on the bench?
Thanks
Ron |
| Jeff Gordon: There is a reason most of them are on the bench. |
|
Kevin: Jeff,
Thanks for the Q & A time! Besides Fuentes, Affeldt and Renteria don't you think the Cards need to add two viable starting pitchers? Burnett, Lowe, Padilla or Buehrle could be ONE of those starters. THEN the second starter could be someone like Lohse, Oliver Perez or ONE of their second tier comrades. With Carp being a question for 2009 and the other guys becoming FA's it is essential to add legit starters...no retreads please! What say you?
Thanks,
Kevin |
| Jeff Gordon: I pretty much agree -- One FA pitcher needs to come, plus some sort of deal ought to land another starter. Can't count on Carpenter. |
|
| Alpha King: Do you think the Rams should draft a QB in the first round? Bulger tooks like dead man walking. |
| Jeff Gordon: Not sure there are a lot of first-round options in '09, so that could be a waste of money. But some sort of young is QB is needed. |
|
| Unn: Does Mike Martz nave a chance to be Rams head coach at any time (now or in the future)? |
| Jeff Gordon: Not unless there is an ownership change. Shaw would block it. |
|
satrap: Jeff, thanks for doing this self-flagellation routine. I have 100 shares of AIG to trade you for your Rams beat. Interested?
As a more serious matter, have you heard from any scouts/experts with their opinion of Steven Jackson? He just seems nothing special; not horrible, not stellar. Simply not up to snuff for his salary/holdout/deemed status as a top flight back. |
| Jeff Gordon: Put him behind a good line and he would shred the league. He needs to just go north and south more and get what he can. If he waits, odds are nothing much will open up. But he is a rare talent. He has great hands and good acceleration for a huge man. |
|
boss bigs: Gordo,
Here are a few rambling questions: Who do you think will even be interested in this job? Is Marshall Faulk a likable candidate? I think Marty Schottenheimer is the best candidate. But why would he take the job? It is unbelievable how far we have fallen. The defense (most notably the secondary) is incapable of stopping anyone. This team has nothing to offer the fans. How many empty seats this week? Would Tye Hill even make another NFL roster? How many points will “Mad Mike” put on the Rams just because he can? |
| Jeff Gordon: Mad Mike can't wait? He is raving about J.T. O'Sullivan, as if he is the Next Warner. Hill might be salvageable, because he IS talented. |
|
Pete: Hey there Gordo,
Why is T. Holt out on single receiver sets? You might think that he posses a bigger threat than Looker. Why do they waite untill the game is out of hand to insert Avery? Looker makes some good grabs but Avery's speed is what this offense needs. What could it hurt, maybe instead of losing by 20-25 we could cut it 10-14. I am sick of watching this slow stuck in the mud offense.
As for the defense words can't some it up. |
| Jeff Gordon: More Avery, I agree. |
|
| satrap: Jeff, we all know Bulger and the general Defense are sucking wind-hard. But what is the feeling about how Pace and Holt are playing? They seem to be far past their prime now too- something a new coach must consider when evaluating the qualities of this job. |
| Jeff Gordon: Pace is fine, although the groin strain he suffered could be an issue. Holt is drawing lots of double coverage for obvious reasons. |
|
Handsome Jimmy: Gordo, all Rams fans that are upset over the lack of a competitive team are doing themselves a great disservice. When life hands you lemons, well make some profitable lemonade.
I have figured a way for the Rams to pay off each and every Sunday, going all the way back to September of last year. Simply bet the under on the Rams. It's better than a sure thing. I also took the Seahawks and laid the 10 points. It's like money in the bank, I'm telling you.
Sure our team stinks and the nation is laughing at us, but at least in my mind, those laughs are highly profitable. All Rams fans should use this horid team as an opportunity to laugh all the way to the bank. |
| Jeff Gordon: Sound investment advice! |
|
Lawarence Marmie: Hey Gordo,
Long time no talk to. Let me ask you a question- what's up with the phantom Tye Hill benching? To me, it seems like this guy is on the field more than any other defensive player- or maybe it just seems that way because whenever he is on the field, that's where offenses are going with the ball. When the Seahawks needed to go pass- they threw out 3 WR sets (despite the decimation by injuries in that dept) just the get the guy on the field so they could throw at him. It's bordering on ridiculous now. I swear they were pulling some of the concession workers out of the stands and suiting them up to watch them catch passes on Hill. Didn't we pick up Ricky Manning Jr for that reason? Is he really worse than Tye "Go Right By" Hill at this point? Why are Haslett and Linehan so intent on proving these players aren't a waste that they are willing to hurt the team repeatedly to prove it?
|
| Jeff Gordon: Talked to Devaney about the Manning and he said Ricky has lost a step and can't play in space. But can he really be worse? |
|
| Rich: Jeff: I was surprised to log online this morning and not see Linehan fired. But really what can be done to help this team? We're 3 games and I feel worse for the fans who bought tickets to these games then anyone else. Linehan, Haslett, and the GM I do NOT feel sorry for, as they've made they're money and I can now take it and run! |
| Jeff Gordon: Anybody who loses their job leaves with lifetime security, so there is that. |
|
| Stan: Why not buy the entire NY Giants franchise, and put the players in Ram's uniforms? |
| Jeff Gordon: Goodell would not stand for that! |
|
Jeff Rabenort: Questions--where do you begin? I feel any changes made, and there are many needed at this point, are going to take time to affect game outcomes. The heads-down pictures of the players say it all right now. I'm a PSL owner from day one, and I'm concerned about fan support for the rest of the year, and the attitude of ownership.
Thus my question, do yo feel we are in a "Major League" situation where ownership has other plans for the team? Is it too early to tell here Chip may take this team, emotionally or physically? To me, the changes needed have to start with him and his attitude and committment to the situation,as this is a franchise issue. We need new front office and management injections. I don't know where to begin with the players. There are no leaders, including Marc Bulger or Torry Holt. Only three games in, and we've written off the year, it seems. I din't like Jim Haslet as the Saint's head coach for the same reasons I liked his hiring here, but holy cow! Is he getting Rams Revenge by keeping the defense in the closet every game?! They have no clue.
Welcome to The Longest Season, Part II. Jeff Rabenort |
| Jeff Gordon: It all starts with ownership. Is Chip committed. If he is, he must make the changes. |
|
| Reading Ram: Ok, the coaches are going to be fired that is a given. I read on another site that if we fire SL now that we are locked into Saunders as an interim. However, if we wait another week we can hire whomever we want. Is this true? If so why? I would not hate Saunders as a HC. However, I think we need some "fresh legs" if you will and new faces to shake these guys up and make things happen. Have any Coaches or replacements for Zyg been interviwewed recently that you know of? Do we have ANY hope of being competitive in 2008?? |
| Jeff Gordon: How does one week change anything? The best candidates might be working for another team, like Ravens D-coordinator Rex Ryan. |
|
| Michael J Ventress: The Rams are having a real bad year so far, YES mabey the worst ever. But they have had two NFC Champ play off games at home, two super bowl games won one and have made it to the play off at other times. that is so much more than some other teams have had in there whole history includeing the one who played here before them. They never played a home play off game in the 30 plus years here & left because we were a lousy foot ball town? Are we still a lousy food ball town? NO we are a great foot ball town. rember what it was like with out a foot ball team. It all can be fixed; all it needs is the right people to lead them. I belive that Georgea was a very special person and her lost has hurt the team deeper than we know. Now it's up her Son & his sister to take charge and make the hard decisons and right the ship and has fans we need to stay the corse and never let another team leve our city. Mjv |
| Jeff Gordon: I think this is a good football town, but its not rabid. Give the fans a chance and they will rally around the team. |
|
| sjax39: This team is abismal and in disarray. Obviously coaching and management changes are a must, but there needs to be some player movement. I now trades are tough in the NFL but we need to get a at least 3 new starters to make this team half decent. We need to aquire a young and talented OL, LB, and a CB. Do you know of anyone that the Rams could look to aquire at those postions? |
| Jeff Gordon: Now? There is nobody available at those spots that would make a difference. The LB trouble is especially acute. |
|
J.R.: Hey Gordo,
I hope Tim Tebow likes navy blue and gold? Or maybe we'll just trade down and hope we still get a shot at Trung Candidate or Tye Hill. |
| Jeff Gordon: Like Tebow's leadership, but I don't know if a spread QB can play in the NFL. |
|
Ryan: How many more games can the Rams do this (get blown out)without changes being made. Aside from the obvious changes, is Dante Hall really the best option for kickoff/punt returns. He hasn't broken a big return in forever.
Your thoughts... |
| Jeff Gordon: I don't see where Hall is helping, I really don't. |
|
| MikeyStl: Is there anything positive about this team?? The Offense is terrible - I have NFL ticket - and I watch other teams making pass plays down field - 20\30 yards. Yesterday was pass to Jackson day. And the Defense? Last in the NFL!! It's time - clean house and build for next year. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams have great kicking, so there's that. |
|
CandyMan: Although it may still be good sports talk show fodder, Rams bashing is growing tiresome. . .
What are the top 3 priorities to get this team competitive again?
Should the Rams also be looking for a QB or is the O-line situation what's contributing to Bulger's poor to mediocre play? |
| Jeff Gordon: This team needs help at OT, LB and CB in addition to the future QB thing. And Little isn't getting younger at DE. |
|
| Fish4671: Jeff, whats it going to take to get this organization turned around? Don't you think it needs a complete front office overhaul? We have no real good football people in the front office!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Put strong new leadership at the top and let the chips fall where they may. |
|
SteveW: Hi Jeff,
Did the Rams let Isaac go just because of age? And then sign a younger guy not as good? (Where have you gone Kurt & Isaac - oh in the same division- smart)
Did the coach do the same thing to Miami as hes has done to st louis? Notice the last year 1-15 Dolphins just stomped New England. Tougher when ya can't cheat I guess.
thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: But the Rams have Drew Bennett still, so you can feel good about that. |
|
| satrap: Jeff, regarding the stadium issue, it's not so much a retractable roof as it is a floor with a trap-door. |
| Jeff Gordon: Rim shot! |
|
| Jack: As I'm sure many people are asking and wondering, what is the latest on Rosenbloom's stance regarding Linehan and Zygmunt after yet another embarassing loss? |
| Jeff Gordon: He is pondering that as you typed that. |
|
| richard rossberg: Life long Rams fan from Montana so I have never cared were the team was from as long as they are my Rams! Well gloom and dispare are back in full force. I remember losing years well as we were called the lambs and such. I just for the life of me can't remember any of those teams being as over matched as this one. My question is with a team this poor why on earth wouldn't Scott try something different? Start Green or even the third stringer for that matter! Play the second stringers across the board! If Scott thinks Hall should still be returning kicks I quess he really should be fired! The players they have let go makes me sick, whos next Tory and Looker? They have skills and seem to care lets get rid of them. |
| Jeff Gordon: I feel your pain. |
|
| razorback: After 3 games who could we get to come in as interim GM and head coach? |
| Jeff Gordon: This early in a season, interim help at the coaching level comes from within. |
|
DJ Axeom: Jeff,
Thanks for all the hockey coverage you and JR provide. I know you're going to be holding back the gates as enraged Rams fans try to bring their burning Linehan effigies in, so let me try to lighten the mood with some hope...
On what line do you see Oshie playing this and with whom? Just lemme know what your guts says (or if you've heard anything...). Same question for Berglund, if you can as well.
Try to keep anything flammable away from the StLToday gates today. Just a tip - thanks for your time.
DJ PuckDropper |
| Jeff Gordon: Oshie might be a third-liner early, since he can skate and hit. Berglund and Kariya are a good fit, since Patrik has the size and Kariya is the playmaker with speed. McDonald, as a passer, would be good with a power guy like Tkachuk or Backes. Perron could play some center, since he is so good with the puck. Stempniak absolutely needs a playmaker, but the Blues need one more at center. |
|
| Elaine: Concerning the Rams, do you think Marc Bulger is safe in his position as our starter? |
| Jeff Gordon: No, at 0-3 he is not safe. |
|
Kenny from LA: Gordo, as you know it's time to rebuild. To do so requires high draft choices and a few great additions. I suggest:
* trade bulger to Minn or Tenn or NE for first and second round plus one big DT
* trade tory (it's his last year anyway with rams)for first and second rounds (do it now while he is still worth the trade to other teams)
* trade cory and glover to anybody who will give us a draft pick
* put igcognito at center and play greco |
Jeff Gordon: Tennessee is happy with Collins.
Minny is happy with Frerotte -- and NE won't trade more than a so-so pick for a QB in midseason. There is no value in making trades in middle of seasons. |
|
Chris: When did Ty Hill become so bad, and does anyone on the Rams know that they should use their arms when tackling?
I am so tired of watching these guy's dance around when they actually make a tackle. They need to look up at the score board and understand that pounding their chest after a tackle when they have already given up 30+ points does not impress anyone.
Thanks for letting me vent. |
| Jeff Gordon: Hill struggled last year, really struggled in the camp and only got worse - his confidence is gone. |
|
| Brian: What kind of relationship does Haslet and Linehan have? I would imagine not such a good one. I heard on tv last night Haslet would like to be fired, but after this awful defensive output in the first 3-games who would ever hire this guy for any kind of coaching position? |
| Jeff Gordon: Haslett's relationship with Scott is not great. But he would land on his post-STL, given his success elsewhere. |
|
| Darren: Do the Rams have a big body to plug up the middle of the D line? Is Clifton Ryan getting much playing time? Is there anyone available that the Rams can get to help out the D line? Carriker needs moved to the end position, Little needs released as he never sees the field anymore and we need bulk on the D line. |
| Jeff Gordon: Release Little because he has a hamstring strain? That is no way to win. |
|
Brian: Maybe the rams should pull a circa 1970 Philadelphia Eagles move and hold open tryouts. Maybe St. Louis has a Vinny Papilla (spelling) that we can root for?
At this point it wouldn't hurt to put some people in off the streets compared to these bums. |
| Jeff Gordon: But this is not a made-for-TV movie. This is real life. |
|
| Mike E.: Jeff - Can you please pass this simple message on to Ram's ownership - Heads must roll, or you won't get any more of our dough! |
| Jeff Gordon: Nice ring to that. |
|
CTRamsFan: Hi Gordo,
Do you think a move to man to man defense in the backfield will help with the secondary? I know they don't have the personel to do that but at least they shouldn't be confused, right? |
| Jeff Gordon: That simplifies it, but man-to-man only works with great pass pressure. |
|
SynergyDMR: Hi Jeff,
Thanks for providing this free venting service. Has anyone on the the Rams coaching staff made clear what OL were not doing their jobs? It seems to me like the holes are not there and the opponents linebackers are having an easy time. Has anyone gotten specific about weak links? |
| Jeff Gordon: They work on this stuff every week. And there has actually some moderate progress. |
|
Brad Frailey: Bulger is shell shocked because of a horrible offensive line, but he is that way because of the play calls and the fact that he cannot scramble.
Our 3rd string QB can scramble.
Change the QB - at this point it can't get any worse.
Fire Linehan. Nice guy but obviously beyond his abilities as a coach.
Work everything from the shotgun.
Take a page out of the Kurt Warner years and go back to short yardage play. With our O-Line we need to operate like a Arena League team. Fast Fast Fast. Since we don't have the size to compete with teams like the Giants.
Then slip in long yardage passes and outside running plays to mix it up.
Defense?? I give up. Blown assignments and tackles.
But I'm not worried about giving up 24 points. The Greatest Show on Turf proved that you can still win giving up points. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd like to see more no-huddle and more quick tempo stuff. It can't hurt. |
|
| Jack: These players just have to go after this year is over, Hill, Hall, Barron, Jackson, Glover, Chavois. We need to get bigger Linebackers, that are faster, strong. Defensive back that can tackle and HIT. I would love to see Mr Shaw and Jay Zygmunt gone too. |
| Jeff Gordon: I never felt great about the LBs overall this year -- and boy was that feeling right. Did Pisa make any plays Sunday? |
|
| UConnJack: Gordo, don't you think Rosenbloom needs to make a change in coach and GM to show the fans that he is committed to improving the team, regardless of whether, in reality, it is even possible. Wouldn't keeping Linehan and Zygmunt on board imply that he does not want to win anything this year? I think the fans deserve change and it would be suspect if Rosenbloom doesn't implement change. There is nothing to lose - it can't get worse. What do you think? |
| Jeff Gordon: This is really Year One of his ownership. He hoped to go at least that long without making a big decision. But this is an emergency. |
|
| Don: Gordo--here is my wish (or dream) Marty Shottenhiemer as HC. His hand-picked DC. Keep Suanders as OC. Marty brings in whoever he needs in the front office and coaching staff. People say that Marty-ball can't win championships--at least he gets his teams to the playoffs. Right now, getting to the playoffs and losing there would be wonderful compared to what looks like an 0-16 season. Your thoughts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Agreed. |
|
| Gary Nguyen: Jeff, the O-line is horrible. What do you think if the Rams draft a Center (Alex Mack of Cal) and build the O-line with a Center, Guard and Tackle in the first three rounds? How about trading Orlando Pace and Alex Barron for some draft picks? |
| Jeff Gordon: Trading Pace and Barron doesn't help, since there are no real replacements. And if you start over on the O-line, you're going nowhere next year too. |
|
| hadl2jackson1973: just lay it on the line.....what should the rams do next to retain any sort of football credibility? thanx |
| Jeff Gordon: Hire a really strong football man as team president. |
|
David: Best guess at a rotation next year?
1) Wainer
2) Carp???
3) Lohse??
4) Loops??
5) FA pickup on the cheap/McClellan/Boggs?? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd take the top three, for starters, then try to deal for a lefty is possible. Fill the fifth spot with a FA, if possible. Pineiro is just insurance now. Boggs might be better in the bullpen. If Kinney holes up, that makes Kyle a better rotation bet. His comeback might change the scenario back to what Duncan had in mind earlier this season. |
|
Brian: It is clear that Shanahan doesn't want to relive the glory days here in St. Louis. As much as many of us would love to have him back he clearly is not hip on the idea.
What about Paul and Gino Cavalini making a comeback with Jeff Brown on standby? |
Jeff Gordon: And Tony Hrkac. Let's not forget him.
|
|
UConnJack: Gordo,
Eva Longoria or Eva Mendes? |
| Jeff Gordon: Longoria. |
|
| SALLIEMAN5: WHAT IS IT REALLY GOING TO TAKE TO DRIVE THE LINNY AND ZIGGY SHOW OUT OF TOWN? DOES CHIP REALLY HAVE B...S TO AX ONE OF HIS MOM'S FAVORITES IN ZIGGY? WHAT CHANCE DO WE HAVE IN SETTING UP A HUNTING TRIP BETWEEN ZIGGY AND CHENEY? |
| Jeff Gordon: Now, now . . . let us not go there. |
|
| Steve: It seems me that all of the NFL offenses are faily predicatable. What would be wrong with a no huddle spread offense as is currently being used by a lot of college teams. Keep the defense off balance and limits all the substitutions on defense. |
| Jeff Gordon: That offense isn't as successful if the other side can counter will a big pass rush backed by strong defensive backs. But Manning did a version of the no-huddle in his best Colts days. |
|
| melons22: The Rams need to fire someone. Who is it going to be? |
| Jeff Gordon: My guy Haslett had to move to the front of the line, no? |
|
| David: When will the rams organization wake up and give the ball to trent green? bulger is done! on a more positive note, went to fanfest yesterday.. I am so ready for blues hockey! I really think they are in store for a good year.. with oshie and berglund being on this team, look out for us in the shootouts! both have "sick" hands! GO BLUES!! |
| Jeff Gordon: But the Blues still need to get Kariya and Stempniak back to their old form or it won't matter. |
|
| thamnosma: Jeff -- I think Bryan Burwell's column summed the situation up perfectly. It will now be a long time before this can become a powerful franchise, but it won't even begin to move in that direction until Shaw/Zygmunt have themselves moved on. Let the true rebuilding begin. The fans will be there if this occurs. |
| Jeff Gordon: The right leadership can turn things quickly. About half these guys are better than you think. Build on them with aggressive free agency and good drafting. It can't happen in a couple years. |
|
| sip: Scott Linehan can't be liking showing up at the podium every week with the crudy results. It's got to be extremely stressful and not good for his health. What's stopping him from walking away from this mess? |
| Jeff Gordon: Nobody wants to be a quitter, but he is too good a guy to suffer like this. It's brutal on his family, too. |
|
| Entreri10: hi again jeff, any word on new potential buyers for the rams? |
| Jeff Gordon: Rush Limbaugh might be the best bet, politics aside. He has capital, rich friends and a love for this state. |
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| Tim: With the success that Kurt Warner is still having with the Arizona Cardinals in throwing 40-50 yard passes to Bolton, wouldn't the St. Louis Rams have been better off keeping Warner and getting rid of Marc Bulger who hasn't lived up to the media hype and team expectations? |
| Jeff Gordon: Sure, but Kurt looked done back then and Bulger was on fire. It tells you not to write off Bulger for good now. |
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| fletch32: The St. Louis Media needs to stop letting John Shaw "off the hook", I don't want to hear this BS like he's been withdrawn form Rams park for a while now. He attributed to getting us in this mess and still holds the title as team president. You & the rest of the STL media need to call him to the carpet! GROW A PAIR! |
| Jeff Gordon: He is pretty much just an adviser to Chip now. He only hung around to help the family. He has wanted out for some time. But, yes, the franchise needs strong leadership at the top. An absentee president combined with an absentee owner is not good. |
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doc: jeff, it appears that scott is in way over his head, but there is nothing to
keep the players from looking into a mirror and saying self you stink!
the ram coaches do not run, tackle, pass or block. they are there to get the best of each out of the players. the rams players have to share some of this heat. thanks for you time. |
| Jeff Gordon: Agreed, but teams tend to rise and fall as a group. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: Steven Jackson made a statement after the debacle yesterday that he had a "Nice Game"- did he play in another one besides the Seahawks thrashing? If so, is there a link to it somewhere, so I can watch him doing something other than dance around and taken down by defensive backs? |
| Jeff Gordon: I found that remark baffling as well. Maybe there is an alternative universe we're not privy to. |
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crk: Gordo ...
I remember the days when Brett Hull was blamed for the Blues not winning a Stanley cup, then I recall you could not win one with Pronger. Looking at the Rams makes me laugh when I think how dumping Mike Martz would solve all the problems.
How is it, just a few short years ago the Rams had too many quality receivers and yet now we have 1? |
| Jeff Gordon: Martz went nuts and got himself fired. He was Keenan-like that way. He grabbed power and made some unfortunate personnel mistakes. I love Mad Mike as a coordinator, but he couldn't stay on as head coach. Maybe he learned from all that. |
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| Darren: Surprised no one is mentioning Martz as the new head coach. He's got a scrub throwing to Bruce and already Bruce has as many, if not more TD's than the entire Rams team. What hot NFL assitants are there right now? What about the Giants or Eagles D coordinators? Bring Faulk back into the fold as President of football operations. The Rams can't have success if the non football people are stepping in and changing draft picks at the last minute which I thought I read they were doing. |
| Jeff Gordon: Do you think Mad Mike is a getting a good chuckle at STL's expense? |
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branimir9000: Gordo-
What's the deal with the Rams ownership sitch? Mortensen at ESPN said today that the team could be sold this month or anytime in the next few, which complicates any changes in the front office or coaching.....so Chip is going to just let the team go?
Any word on who is interested in buying the franchise?
I would add comment on the sorry state of the team and the Head Coach, but I really don't want to make his wife cry anymore. |
| Jeff Gordon: That is correct. Inheriting a team is very costly from the tax standpoint. If Chip lets the team rot, that may indicate he is selling sooner than later. Then he wouldn't feel obligated to make a change. |
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| Bob: I agree with everyone about the need for coaching and front office changes. Would the Rams consider trading veterans that might be better off somewhere else for draft picks? And could San Diego or another team make the picks for the Rams to protect them from themselves? |
| Jeff Gordon: Great concept. You trade us your picks, but you actually select the players for us. Win win! |
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| fan: Come on..you didn't really think we were going to come out of Seattle with a win did you??!! |
| Jeff Gordon: God no. |
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| tjmcdonnell1: Why are the STL Rams like a possum? Because they play dead at home and get killed on the road. |
| Jeff Gordon: Another rim shot. |
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| Tim: Gordo, It appears to me that the St. Louis Rams need a better running back who can dodge and weave through the line and shows more versatility on the playing field than Steve Jackson. Jackson is a one-dimensional running back who barely gets five yards per run when Seattle was getting 10-15 yards per run yesterday. |
| Jeff Gordon: Jackson might have gotten 300 yards from scrimmage if he played for Seattle yesterday. That is how lopsided the play was. |
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Brendan: Jeff,
Missing you at the local taverns lately.
Remember in the Movie Any Given Sunday when Al Pacino calls the same running play they just ran and the offensive coordinator, quarterback and everyone is saying "the same play" completely shocked that anyone would do that. Then ll cool J fumbled. Can you believe after that punt return fumble recovery linehan / Saunders ran a quick pitch left then when it didn't work they lined up and ran a quick pitch right? The defense must have been laughing at us. What a joke.
Brendan |
Jeff Gordon: Doing midday radio at 590 the Fan is better for my health than doing those late-night remotes at sports bars. Are you off injured reserve yet? We'll have to hook up for the Mizzou-Nebraska game.
As for the Rams, yes, they were a joke. And only Seattle laughed Sunday. |
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Brian: Gordo,
What are the chances the Rams make the playoffs? |
| Jeff Gordon: Not good, unless some sort of natural disaster picks off most of the other teams. |
|
| tjmcdonnell1: The STL Rams have a new line of cologne. It's a little different though; you wear it and the other guy scores. |
| Jeff Gordon: He's got a million of them! |
|
Jordan Staat: After yesterday miserable game there should be a housecleaning. Linehan & Haselett + Zigmunt. Let the new coach come in and evaluate this team. To me this isn't a rebuilding team It's the coaching at all levels. Only ones doing any good is the 2 kickers. Special team is bad the O-line is horable.Al Saunders has earned a shot at head coach, let him bring in a staff and work with these guys. Increase the coachs salary by bring and his people. It may never have been done like this before but it is time. But linehan Hassett, and Zigmunt should be gone now. Zigmunt has over ridden coaches and scouts and he's lousy at it.
This team got talent though were weak and recievers now. Jackson should have been traded when he pulled his stunt. Like the anouncer said all game he stops before he hits the hole. You seen what can happen when running back don't stop hit the hole and go.
This team can be turned around but not with this staff,period. We got some good players, we can turn it around but not with the guys in charge, come on Gordo, I'm right |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd keep Jackson and change the staff. WRs might be OK when Burton heals. I like him a lot. |
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Matthew Jerabek: Hey Jeff:
Long time Ram and Card fan now living in South Carolina. Lets face facts, Georgia was a very nice person and should be respected for bring the Rams to St Louis. But, an owner who allowed Rams to year after year be less then a quality team. Look at all those years in LA and now since 2002. Same for Shaw, they allowed this team to be very bad without taking positive action. Jerry Jones would not have allowed this condition to continue year after year. I say start with Shaw and clean house from there because it will not get any better.
Matt |
| Jeff Gordon: No, Georgia was no Jerry Jones. She was way too forgiving of failure. |
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| Darren: What about hiring Obama as the head coach once he loses the election. He's quite the motivating speaker. |
| Jeff Gordon: Give hope a chance. |
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therealdealankiel: Gordo,
What kind of package would it take to get a guy like S. Olsen, I. Snell, P. Maholm, J. Lannan, etc.?
This team needs some depth, preferably LHP, and they obviously won't spend the dollars for a Sabathia or Lowe. Is the value beyond C. Rasmus, or is that all other teams will bite on?
I read the Motte for Uggla comment earlier...could we really pull off a trade centered around some relievers and excess OF's (Schumaker, Mather, Barton) rather than sending our blue chip? |
| Jeff Gordon: There are some deals out there that wouldn't have to include Rasmus. This team has lots of surplus in some areas. A kid like Anderson, who isn't likely to catch here, would have value. |
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| david: your answers are terrible, boring, bland...are you the coach of the Rams? Because you are giving a Monday performance equal to their Sunday. |
Jeff Gordon: Well, we're getting 1,000 versions of the same question. This team needs new leadership at the top. I gave my suggestion earlier, with Dick Vermeil saving the franchise from itself.
Fans want to hire a coach from the outside, a GM from the outside, a president from the outside, trade players for multiple high picks and talent -- it doesn't happen.
Hate to be the bearer of real news, but this isn't fantasy island. |
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CTRamsFan: CTRamsFan: Hi Gordo,
Would you bench Bulger and start Green next week? The offense needs a spark if not a torch! |
| Jeff Gordon: As I've said all along, Green merits a look. Let's not rush to Berlin. |
|
| tjmcdonnell1: Why do Lamb players keep their Wonderlic results on their dash boards? So they can park in the handicap spaces at Lambs Park. |
| Jeff Gordon: He'll be at the Chuckle Hut Tuesday, Laughs 'R Us Thursday night . . . |
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feduptohere: Hi Gordo,
Does the Coaching staff's salaries count toward the salary cap? And if not, I guess they have to honor any remaining time on the current coaches contracts, and take it in the pants?
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Coaches salaries aren't an issue. |
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Scott: Gordo,
What is the deal with Burton, where has he been. He and Avery seem like they ought to get a shot at this point. |
| Jeff Gordon: Burton had knee surgery. He'll be back in a few weeks. |
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| Dreamski: Hey Gordo, somehow, it seems to me to come down to this...this team is such an assortment of uncoordinated parts, it just doesn't matter. Truly, it's start over time. That doesn't mean everyone goes. There is no direction. Zygmunt doesn't know how to evaluate talent, yet he's guided it. The talent seems not to fit the schemes. Linehan is grasping, as is the staff. Cleaning house is needed, but caution - if what follows is slapped together, it won't matter either. The issue is organizational consistency of thought and direction. Let players be successful elsewhere. That doesn't matter if they don't fit the scheme. Talking about this guy or that guy is wasting time or who cares or who doesn't - it's all about direction. When players don't fit, effort won't matter. Create a team.... |
| Jeff Gordon: Agreed. |
|
| Matt: Gordo, who'd be your choice for interim? |
| Jeff Gordon: I've been saying Saunders, but I'd sure like to see more from the offense. |
|
| tjmcdonnell1: The Lambs should have never signed Drew Bennett. What a waste of money. We should have dropped his money on the OL. |
| Jeff Gordon: And kept Bruce, too. |
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| therealdealankiel: How good would Matt Cain look wearing the Birds on the Bat? What would it take to get him? Let me guess, C. Rasmus and B. Anderson? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, that would likely be an asking price. I'm not moving Rasmus, if I'm Mozeliak, until I see what he can really do at this level. He could add a lot of power and speed where Skip is today. |
|
| bob_n_weave: If I was Linehan i'd be informing my Boss that the best thing to do for me and the Team is to fire me. |
| Jeff Gordon: It has to cross his mind. |
|
dougmla: Hey Gordo,
Here's a question for you, I keep hearing some say that no GM or HC is coming in for the Rams until Chip sells the team or the ownership issue is resolved. Where does that stand right now? From what I can tell Chip isn't out there beating the drums looking for a buyer, is he?
And wouldn't it be more prudent for him to keep the team at this point and improve the product? I mean the franchise has to be losing money with the degrading fan base and it's continous losing right?
Also I would think with his dedication to his mom he would want to revitalize this franchise for her, in her memory. |
| Jeff Gordon: Bids have poured in for the team, so he sell quickly if he likes. In this economy, it might not be a bad idea. The value will shrink some if the team keeps losing, but the big hit Chip would take would be in the short-term revenues while he waits. A lot of rich dudes want in on the NFL. |
|
| Lawarence Marmie: Any chance the Rams offense will liven up the game plan with more WR handoffs to Dante Hall or ill-fated fly patterns to Looker? |
Jeff Gordon: Sarcasm! On that note, I retire from the day.
Thanks for all the questions and comments. See you after the next game. |
