The Bandit: Jim,
What I saw from the Titan game.
Bulger - still skittish and throwing off his back foot.
Run Defense - horrible.
Team in general - no fire in the belly, no heart.
I know it was only the fist game of pre season, but that was a pitiful performance. Unless something monumental happens to turn this team around, it'a gonna be a long season... |
Jim Thomas: Bulger still skittish: Agreed.
Run defense horrible: Agreed.
Team in general, no fire in belly: Agreed.
Preseason or not, it was a very disturbing game. |
|
| Bill: Hello Jim, I know it's way to early to jump the gun on this team, but doesn't Saturday's performance in the opening quarter just make you feel that this team isn't really going to go anywhere this year? And what's your feeling on Bulger? The guys got no life out there. I really think Green is the better choice to lead this team right now but as for the future? The Rams have a serious QB problem. |
| Jim Thomas: As bad as the first-team offense looked Saturday, it's w-a-y too early to even think about a quarterback change. Please. |
|
| Sean: I really don't understand the hype on Incognito? The posters on the board always want to see him heavily utilized, but is he really worth the hype? |
| Jim Thomas: He sure didn't look like it on the 5-yard line, when he was beaten badly by Tennessee rookie DT Jason Jones on a play that resulted in Leonard being splattered for a 3-yard loss. |
|
| davebird32: I am not a big fan of Rush but I would support him buying the team and making it a winner. What are your thoughts on Rush Limbaugh purchasing the Rams could it happen? I know he is from MO so the team would stay here. |
| Jim Thomas: I don't think anyone around here is taking it seriously. Does Rush really have the $800 million to $900 million necessary to pull this off. |
|
Brad: Jim,
Now that LB Brandon Moore formerly of the 49ers is now available, do the Rams have any interest in signing him? The Titans game exposed the serious lack of depth at LB. It's clear that we need to sign some experienced linebackers to add some depth to defense. Chamberlain and Vobora have the potential to be good players, but will take time to develop. I don't see McGarigle or Magro making the final cut. We need some experienced linebackers now, because if Witherspoon or Pisa go down to injury, the defense is in a world of hurt. |
| Jim Thomas: I mentioned his name yesterday (Monday) to someone with the Rams and got only a lukewarm response. Moore has some size to him and is a pretty good pass rusher. He could provide depth and play that "buck" end position when the Rams go to the three-man front. Based on one preseason game _ and I know it's only one game _ the only one of the four young linebackers (McGarigle, Magro, Chamberlain, Vobora)who looks like they can help this team is Chamberlain. |
|
Ram-Man: Hey Jim,
Linehan is pulling out all of the stops. Any info as to what Vermeil said to the team? Did he bring any 1999 game film with him? Did he hand Scott the "How to win the Super Bowl for Dummies" book? |
| Jim Thomas: I'm sure it was typical DV: Passionate, inspirational, and simply telling these guys that physical toughness and mental toughness have a lot to do with success in the NFL. I do give Linehan credit for brining in DV. He is trying everything he can to change the losing culture around this team. |
|
Brian: How do you see the Rams addressing the RB position going forward?
1. Making a trade for a talented young back who is blocked on another team (ala Ryan Grant last summer).
2. Signing a FA
3. Go with what they have and hope SJ returns soon.
If you go #1 (because it isn't like Pittman or Leonard are proven back-ups), what do you think about these names?
Chris Henry-Tennessee (didn't the Rams like him before the '07 draft?)
Derrick Ward- NYG
Pierre Thomas-NO
Darius Walker-Hou |
Jim Thomas: It appears the Rams are sticking with 3.) Go with what they have and hope SJax returns soon.
None of the names you mentioned does a lot for me. None would come close to doing what Jackson does for the Rams. Henry was brought in for a pre-draft visit by the Rams in '07. But he did have some off-field issues. |
|
ncdc: Hey Jim,
This is a follow-up to last weeks chat as I submitted this just as you were signing off. If you have last weeks question, please use it!
Last week, you mentioned Linehan "must win now" which would somehow justify keeping Dane Looker instead of Derek Stanley. However, Looker offers the Rams one, maybe two, seasons period. Stanley offers 10 years. Additionally, Dante Hall has not finished a full year recently due to injuries and also may not be around after 2008. Derek Stanley has the ability to fulfill both roles (receiver and return man), stay healthy, and be very productive. The Rams got lucky by being able to keep Stanley on the practice squad last year. That won't happen this year. I DO NOT want to see Stanley in a 49er uniform for the next ten years!
And the Rams would chose Looker...why? 'Cuase Linehan has a man crush on him? |
| Jim Thomas: As I mentioned last week, I don't think the Rams want to have three very inexperienced youngsters (Avery, Burton, and Stanley) among their six wide receivers. Stanley has made some good catches in camp, but it's not as if he lit up the Titans on Saturday. Looker made plays. Now, I'm not saying Stanley doesn't have a chance to make something happen in the preseason. But do it. Make some plays. |
|
Cameron: Where is Steven Jackson ?
Nothing else matters in Ramland. He needs to get in camp yesterday...!
We need input on this !! |
| Jim Thomas: Nothing has changed. There has been no dialogue between the parties since July 25. The Rams insist they will not negotiate till Jackson shows up. The Jackson camp says they will not show up until Jackson has a contract. |
|
Chuck McD: Jim,
How come the great teams stay great year in and year out, like N.E. and the Colts and the Rams are like a roller coaster ride? |
| Jim Thomas: Actually, New England and Indy are the two exceptions. For everybody else it is a roller coaster ride. And even Indy _ for all of its success _ has been to only one Super Bowl the past decade. The Rams have been to two. |
|
MichaelP07: Hi Jim,
I really hate being so cynical but after Saturday's game it looks like the same old Rams: Poor fundimentals, poor execution, the offense sucks and the defense sucks more. Is there any reason to believe that this team will be any better than last years disaster? I'm really tired of all the hype and no production. |
| Jim Thomas: Based on what we saw Saturday, I would say no. |
|
| Rams Fan In China (Really!): Ni Hao (Hello) from China! JT, your chat is the only way I can make sense of what's going on with my Rams from halfway around the world. I read it every week. My question is on a story I read regarding the NFL cutting the preseason games from 4 to 3 and adding another regular season game. I don't know if I'm for it or against it. On one hand, since the Rams obviously don't know how to use preseason games effectively to prepare for the regular season, dropping one would probably be a plus. On the other hand, adding another regular season game for this bunch is like punching yourself in the groin as hard as you can 18 times instead of 17. What's your take? |
| Jim Thomas: Because of the threat of increased injury, I'm not sure the NFL Players Association would ever sign off on more regular-season games. (Unless it would also bring with it a significant increase in the salary cap.) But it's clear 4 preseason games aren't needed. I think most teams could get by with 2 preseason games and a scrimmage. |
|
| Bash-On: Adam Goldberg seems to have played fairly well in the Titans game. But the `O'-line as a whole can't grade out as better than a C-, especially when our #1's went against their #1's. Are we just out of sync or are they still trying to learn the blocking schemes that are required by Al Saunders attack? |
| Jim Thomas: Don't know what to tell you here. If you would have seen the blocking in the fully-padded practice against the Titans on Wednesday (the morning session), you would have gone away impressed with the o-line. I don't know what happened in the game. It looked as if the Titans turned up the intensity a notch (as compared to the practices Wednesday and Thursday) and the Rams did not. |
|
djjr11854: Jim,
Thanks again for these chat sessions. It's a great way to keep abreast of the Rams for those of us who are fans from afar.
My question this time is when is management going to get off their duff and sign Jackson to a long term extension? He has proven he is one of the best backs in the league and we definitely need him out there practicing to get ready for the season. |
| Jim Thomas: They are offering him more than $7 million a season, which would put him No. 4 or No. 5 among all NFL backs in terms of pay. They have told him they will continue negotiating if he comes into camp. They do not want to give into a true holdout situation. They do not want holding out to be viewed as an acceptable way to get a new contract. |
|
| steve conti: Will Coach Lenihan last the full season if the rams struggle to win more than 3-4 games?? |
| Jim Thomas: Just knowing how Shaw operates, I doubt very much that he'll make a change in the middle of a season no matter how bad things get. |
|
| Les Dean, Fenton: Mr Thomas, I see alot of the 2007 bad habits in Bulger's game. I just hate to see him throw while backing up. He looks like a 10 year old baseball player stepping in a bucket when he is trying to hit. Brock and Trent seem to step forward on thier throws. How do we get Mark out of that habit or is just too late? Thanx. |
| Jim Thomas: I don't think it's too late to rid himself of a bad habit. He just needs to relax and let his talents come through. But given what's happened to him the past couple of years, can you blame the guy for being a little shellshocked? |
|
| ATL Ramfan: Isn't John Lynch available? Couldn't the Rams secondary use that type of presence in the defensive backfield? |
| Jim Thomas: Lynch is still out there. How much he has left I'm not sure. And I think he's looking for a place he can go in and be a starter. I don't think that's going to happen in St. Louis with Atogwe and Chavous. |
|
bjsgolf: Jim,
How can the Rams justify picking Brian Leonard and Donnie Avery with 2nd round draft picks when they have massive holes at OT, LB, SS and CB? This year, Curtis Lofton, Tyrell Johnson and Tracy Porter were all picked in the 10 slots after the Rams, and last year, Eric Wright, Samson Satele and Gerald Alexander were picked within the 10 slots behind the Rams. I don't think the Rams "get" the draft, these luxury picks are for Super Bowl contenders not teams that have obvious, fundamental flaws. Thanks for letting me vent, but am I wrong? |
| Jim Thomas: Well, Leonard certainly looks like a reach at this point. I'm not sure the Rams know exactly how to use him. As for Avery, given the release of Bruce and the lack of overall speed in the receiver corps, I don't know how you can say he was a luxury pick. Now, I'm not saying he should necessarily have been the WR picked by the Rams in the second round, but they definitely needed a wideout with speed. |
|
| jlaue: who designed the patch remembering georgia? we can't even seem to get that right. one more jim. does panic set in if we see a repeat performance sat? |
Jim Thomas: I like the patch.
As for panic, I'd wait till Week 3 before reaching for the button. |
|
| Newkirk: I am really pulling for "Mr. Irrelevant," David Vobora to make this team. From what I read, his attitude and demeaner are exactly what you want in a special teams guy, and for your linebackers for that matter. Of course, you have to be able to play football... does he have the talent and abilities to make the team and be a contributor? |
| Jim Thomas: I'm doubting it based on what I saw Saturday. |
|
Drew Carini: Jim -
I'd like to know your thoughts on the breakdown on the long running plays against the Rams first string defensive line vs Titans. Were the D lineman completely blown away or was that missed assignments? Should we be concerned about the D line?
ac |
| Jim Thomas: Actually, most of the long runs came against second, third or fourth teamers. But I did see Ryan getting pushed around. Carriker and Long got next to nothing done (Long later was credited with one tackle after the coaches' review of game tape.) On Vince Young's long run, the Rams got next to know inside push, so once he stepped out of the pocket there was no one around to even attempt to tackle him. The d-line has looked good to very good in practice. Somehow that has to transfer over to game day. |
|
Shofar: Mr. Thomas,
A few simple questions that unfortunately probably have no simple answers:
To bringing back Linehan as head coach: Why?
To replacing the front office staff: When?
On the Rams eventually leaving St. Louis: Where?
The Rams performance again the Titans: What?!
On the Rams chances of a winning season this year: How?
Egomaniac of the Year award to JZ or SJ Which? or Both?
There, that should be a good succinct version of most of the other questions that will be asked today. |
Jim Thomas: Very nice. That about covers it all. See you next week. . . .
(Just kidding.) |
|
| Taylor: How do you see this Steven Jackson hold out finishing up and what kind of impact does this have on someone like Jackson who would certainly practice but see limited time in pre-season games? Additionally, how does this sit with the coaching staff and ownership? |
Jim Thomas: As colleague Bryan Burwell put it in his column today, I think the situation has reached critical mass. If Steven Jackson showed up this afternoon for practice, I'm not sure he'd have enough time in to be ready to carry a full load in the regular season. (Fantasy players take note.)
So far, Jay Zygmunt hasn't blinked. Privately, I think the offensive coaches would've liked him in this week. |
|
| louis18: I expect special teams to be better this year, though not at the level they were when Bobby April was here. My question is, can Josh Brown drive the end zone with any regularity on kickoffs? That is a surefire way to reduce the number of big plays against us before the defense even gets on the field. |
| Jim Thomas: Brown certainly has a reputation for high and deep kickoffs. And that as much as anything should help kickoff coverage and improve field position. We'll see. |
|
| NotMyHome: Jim, Being an ECU graduate, how impressed were you with Chris Johnson of the Titans? Man would I love to have that speed on the Rams. Enjoy your daily updates on Sporting News today. |
| Jim Thomas: It would be nice to have someone with Johnson's speed as a complement to Jackson in the backfield. (That's why the Rams would have been very interested in Felix Jones had he slid out of the first round.) Once Johnson cleared the line of scrimmage he was G-O-N-E. Very impressive. Not even Jonathan Wade, who's very fast, could keep up. |
|
| Petey123: What are the positives Linehan shows as head coach of the Rams? What about those improvements he was making in the off season. His guys came out playing exactly as they did last year. You have to question this guys leadership skills. Too bad rams fans have to put up with another year with this guy. |
| Jim Thomas: Whether it's preseason or not. It's still FOOTBALL. Someone has to fire these guys up, whether it's a coach, a player, an inspirational speaker. There was no energy on the sidelines Saturday. Did you see how the Titans came out? Very first play. CB Nick Harper launches himself like a missile into someone (RT Alex Barron) who weighs 100 pounds more than himself. Harper "concussed" himself on the play, but it set the tone for the entire evening. Harper startled Barron, knocked him back into ball carrier Brian Leonard on the play, which resulted in a 2-yard loss. The Titans weren't worried about getting injured, weren't whining about the game being meaningless, they came out to play tackle football. |
|
Adam: Thanks for taking my question Jim
I read the story on Vermeil visiting Rams Camp. Do you feel that this "karma" has indeed inspired the players? |
| Jim Thomas: If it didn't, shame on the players. He's a wonderful person, and a truly great motivator. |
|
leo quijano: Jim,
As ugly as that game was, I believe most fans are waaaayy overreacting. Let's see the first string operate on both sides of the ball before making an evaluation. It only takes one or two individuals doing something wrong for a play on either side of the ball to break down.
My question is: what do the coaches really think about the last pre-season game? Of course they publicly have to calm the fans down and take responsibility for what a fan would say was a debacle. I want to believe that they were not surprised by the outcome. Perhaps they were testing several players and plays as an experiment and cared nothing about gameplanning to win.
On the flip side, I disagree with this approach and it is the most positive explanation I can conjure. In '99, the ball rarely touched the ground on offense and the defense looked well coordinated during pre-season. DV didn't seem worried that other teams would get a jump on his surprise attack because if the Rams executed well, there would be nothing the opposition could do about it. Any indication that Dick suggested Scott stop holding back and just play to win now? Confidence breeds confidence and this team needs a big dose of it. |
Jim Thomas: Like I memtioned on the Bernie and Randy's radio show Monday, I would tell the first string offense: "You do not leave the field until you score a touchdown. I don't care if you're out there until the fourth quarter."
This team desperately needs confidence, and to experience success. |
|
| Dejan Prole: How do the talks between Jackson and Rams come along? When do you expect Atogwe, F Brown, and Will W to start playing? |
| Jim Thomas: Witherspoon is back out on the practice field. I think he might play against San Diego. Also, Atogwe returned to the practice field for the first time since the injury. He did mostly individual drills, but also got in a little "team" work. Barring a setback, my guess is he's ready to go by preseason game No. 3 against Baltimore. |
|
jokerjoe: Jim
at this point do you think the Rams regret not talking a RB in the draft? |
| Jim Thomas: Check back in September on that one. |
|
Sam: Hey Jim
Just wondering what the status was with avery? You think he will be back for the chargers game saturday? What was that mess out there we were calling an offensive line? it was very offensive to watch! pace was getting tore up and i know hes a little rusty but the rest of the guys looked like crap too. there gonna get bulger killed before the season starts if thats all they can do. Even if jackson comes back with that kind of blocking its not gonna matter. |
| Jim Thomas: Avery is back in pads and back on the practice field. He's doing individual drills and some "team" work as well. I'm not sure if he'll be ready for San Diego this Saturday, but he should be fine for Baltimore on Aug. 23. |
|
Mathies(germany): Hey Jim,
why is jay Zygmunt so stupid, i mean he has to talk to steven jackson, he is the franchise!? Jackson must be in camp as soon as possible, its obvious that the rams are nothing without him.
Are there any news on possible backups or upgrades for the corner and safety spot?
thanks |
Jim Thomas: Well, they are offering Jackson about $50 million. I would hardly call that insulting.
I'm expecting a new DB by this afternoon's practice. Look for an update on that from Bill Coats' Around the Horns blog later in the day. |
|
| Mike: Who's side are you on with the Steven Jackson holdout? |
| Jim Thomas: Nobody's. That's not my job. |
|
Dennis: Hey Jim,
Hey hows it going. Just two quick questions. First how do you see Chris Long progressing as a rookie this year? Second, who do you think will be our 3rd string qb at the start of the regular season?
Thanks for your time,
Dennis |
Jim Thomas: Long is struggling. He didn't look good at all in one-on-ones at practice this morning either. But he's too good a player not to snap out of it. He's doing a lot of thinking right now. He looks to me like he's pressing. He just needs to make a play _ any kind of a play _ and maybe he'll relax a bit and just let his talent come to the forefront.
As for No. 3 QB, it looks like Berlin took a decisive lead based on his play against Tennessee. Gradkowski needs to make something happen in the next couple of games. |
|
| Sirshankalot: Jim, has there ever been a more meaningful preseason game, in terms of maintaining or increasing fan interest, than this Saturday's game against SD? If they flounder here, this season could get off on the wrong foot before it ever started. Do you agree? |
| Jim Thomas: You know, as silly as it sounds, I have to agree with you. And I'm not talking about fan support. I mean for the psyche of this team and this coaching staff. They need to have a sense of urgency. |
|
| Mrs. Grassy: Hi JT! Alright so now that training camp is coming to an end, in your opinion, was it actually more productive to hold it out of state than to have it here in St. Louis? And more importantly, is Mrs. Thomas ready to have you home or is she going to miss the quiet house? Personally I've gotten used to having the remote all to myself... |
| Jim Thomas: You'd never know it by what happened in Tennesse, but I think the camp has been more productive here. As for Mrs. Thomas, she actually said recently on the phone that she missed me. I thought I'd never hear that. |
|
tc: Who makes the practice squad?
Do yo usee the Rams picking up players who are cut from other teams? If so, from what positions? |
| Jim Thomas: I'd like to see another game or two before venturing out on this one, and injuries could change things, but right now I'd say: Lance Ball, David Vobora, Willie Williams, Derek Stanley, Dustin Fry, Roy Schuening. I'm not sure if Darius Vinnett is still practice squad eligible since he played in eight games last year. |
|
McSnipes: Hey Jim.
Do you think us Rams fans should start to worry about Jackson not being back in time for the regular season? A lot of fans are saying "don't worry, the Rams will get him signed and he will be back soon" but I have to admit - I'm not so sure. It doesn't seem like Jackson is showing any signs of returning to camp and the guy is greedy so he will hold out as long as possible in order to get his new contract ($$$), in my opinion.
I believe Emmit Smith and Eric Dickerson both missed the first 2 regular season games once due to hold-outs. Do you think we should worry about Jackson doing the same? This offense needs him, no question about it.
Thanks for the info in advance. |
| Jim Thomas: Yes. In my opinion, it's now safe to go there. |
|
Farbod: Why wasn't Ball put in at all to replace Pittman or Leonard? I'm pretty excited to see what this kid will do during actual games since he's had such a solid camp.
Are there any specific DB help the Rams are looking at that you know of? |
| Jim Thomas: I was surprised, too, that Ball didn't get a bigger workload. Unless they're trying to "hide" him so they can get him on the practice squad. |
|
| Petey123: So Rams fans have to watch Linehan coach no matter how bad it gets. Rams fans have supported this team enough and deserve better. |
| Jim Thomas: I certainly wouldn't expect the preseason games to be on TV. I think the NY Giants and Buffalo games are approaching sellout status. |
|
| Rodney: Al Saunders is supposed to be a motivator and this team didn't look motivated Saturday. Isn't it time to start calling out the players? This team does not appear to have any pride, I expected an inspired game Saturday after last season. |
| Jim Thomas: Believe me, players are getting called out in the meeting room and on the practice field. |
|
Florissant Rams Fan: Hi Jim,
How are ticket sales going? From what I hear the Rams are struggling with ticket sales. Sounds like we may be in for some more blackouts. |
| Jim Thomas: Decent but not great. I think the NY Giants and Buffalo games are approaching sellout status. I don't think either home preseason game will be televised. |
|
O.C. RAM FAN 22: Hi Jim,
Why dont the Rams address the weak linebacking situation? |
| Jim Thomas: The depth sure is scary. I'd like to see a veteran backup added to the mix. |
|
O.C. RAM FAN 22: Hey Jim...
Do you think the Rams can step up thier game enough in 1 week to be competitive against a good team like the Chargers?
Thanks! Chuck from the O.C. |
| Jim Thomas: If they don't step up the intensity, the Rams could be even more embarrassed than they were against Tennessee. |
|
| ljones: how does haslett get a pass? aside from his first year in pitt, his defesives have been the pitts? |
Jim Thomas: I think all passes are rescinded this year.
Time to go. Two practices today. I'll try to answer more questions once we get into the regular season mode. See you next Tuesday. |
