Frank BB,Ca: Hey Jim,
Dont you think the Rams Players lacked the fire that is required to compete in the NFL? I think Coach Linehan made the wrong decision to not play them in pre season...... You have got to feel the game time hits.... The play callin was terrible, makes you miss Martz, We need to take chances....
Frank BB. Ca |
| Jim Thomas: Watching the SF-Arizona game Monday night, I couldn't help thinking how intense and how energetic the two defenses were. I don't think I saw that from the Rams. I think that goes beyond playing in the preseason. I've been told that to a large degree, players in the locker room during the work week don't spend much time talking about football. To me that's not a good sign. Now, this was before the final cuts, so it might have been because there were 22 guys in the room who wouldn't be there in a few days. And I'm not saying that players such as Bruce, Holt, Bulger, Glover, Little, etc., don't care. But I just wonder some times about the sense of urgency. |
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| Jeff Rabenort: Did anyone watch the Cowboys/Giants game last night? They have tight ends, why can't we? And, training camp is over, you can really tackle now!! |
| Jim Thomas: It seemed kind of silly to dress four TEs and only throw two completions their way (Both at garbage time to McMichael). What's particularly frustrating is that Linehan's M.O. in Miami and Minnesota as offensive coordinator was to throw a lot to the TEs. After Pace got hurt, the Rams had McMichael blocking next to Goldberg on almost every play. I'm not saying it wasn't a good idea to give Goldberg help. But why not have McMichael chip block and then leak out on a pattern from time to time? Doesn't seem that complicated to me? |
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James Arnold: Hey Jim,
I am totally frustrated with Lineham's coaching performance. first off what was this pre-season hype about practicing in the 100 degree heat to prepare for the hot weather in the early away games? then he blames the defense was winded in the second half? Can you explain to me the play-calling? Finally, do you believe lineham's job is on the line? if so, at what point (record) makes it imminent? What is Bill Cowher's availability? his he under contract still with pittsburg? could we go after him seriously this season or off-season?
Thanks in advance for the insight |
| Jim Thomas: The defense was winded because they were on the field for 20 of the 30 minutes in the second half. You can blame the offense, because they went more than 1 1/2 quarters in the second half without a first down. But here's what the defense can do: Get a three-and-out, plain and simple. In just the second year of his contract, Linehan's job isn't on the line. The only thing that might cause John Shaw to re-think that would be something along the lines of 1-15. Or Linehan accusing management of not wanting to win. (No, wait. That would be Mike Martz.) |
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John Thrasher: Dear Jim, You've got a tough job this year trying to put the polish on a rust bucket. It is a good thing the schedulers put Atlanta and Cleveland on the docket this year, or the Rams could be looking at an o-fer season. The injured offensive line already forecasts one of the worst seasons in Ram history, and pre-season foretold that virtually no improvement had been made on the weakest defense in the League. When opening at home the Rams could not beat a weak Carolina team with only one real weapon to defense it means the Linehan experiment is at an end.
This was a bad team last year that finished the season by winning three straight over the worst in the league who all played the Rams without a quarterback. The same team seems to have shown up again this year donning Ram gear, and will be equally invisible on the national football stage as they were a year ago. The only team with a lower profile in the League this year will be the Falcons, who just want this year to be over. My guess is for a two win season this year. What is your guesstimate on how many games the Rams will win? |
| Jim Thomas: Carolina is not a weak team. I don't think they're an NFC title contender. But they're certainly a playoff contender. I know it looks gloomy for the offensive line at the moment. But you know what? The Rams were 5-3 with Pace out of the lineup a year ago; and 3-5 with him in the lineup. It can be done. The Rams did it last year, moving the ball very well most of the final six games without Pace in '06. |
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Curt: Hey Jim,
Maybe, just maybe, its time to move Witherspoon, either to an outside position or to another team for a draft pick. Too, too many overruns on his fills, leaving cutback lanes for the RB's. I watched, intensely, the KC pre-season game while McGarigle played MLB. This kid knows how to fill; inside-out! No cutback lanes there. Maybe its time to try McGarigle and see where that leads. It can't be any worse, can it? |
| Jim Thomas: It wasn't a stellar day for the LBs, but Witherspoon is a good player. He could play better, but he's not the problem on defense. As to what exactly is the problem, I'm not sure yet. And for all the talk about moving him to weakside, what then do you do with Pisa. McGarigle looked good against Kansas City. But he was playing primarily against backups. And yes. . .it can get worse. |
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Kevin: Jim,
Why weren't the tight ends involved in the game plan yesterday? Jim, I have great respect for your reporting. |
| Jim Thomas: A good question. Having McMichael serve as a glorified tackle all day _ a move accentuated by Pace's injury _ was another indicator of the conservative game plan on offense. |
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| John: Do you think the Rams will try to work Chris Draft into the starting linebacker mix? Like maybe putting him in the middle and sliding Witherspoon over to the strong side linebacker? Considering the strength at d-line, is a 3-4 alignment an option? Do they even have the personnel to try and implement a 3-4 defense? |
| Jim Thomas: The Rams don't really have the personnel to play the 3-4. You need OLBs in the 3-4 that weight 250 and can rush the passer. You need a monster in the middle, one of those 350 pounders, and you need bigger ends. I'd like to see Draft in the lineup somewhere, and the logical guy he could replace would be Chillar. Chillar made some nice plays Sunday, including forcing and recovering a fumble. But it looked like he got pinned inside a lot on those running plays that got bounced outside. |
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Gary Howard: Jim,
Isaac Burce took a a really hard blow to the head near the end of Sunday's game, when the game was out of reach.
Bruce seemed ok after the hit but why run a play like that when the game was already lost?
Gary |
| Jim Thomas: I think no matter what the score, you're always trying to win the game. To me, it was more surprising that the Rams took a kneel-down on the final play. Bruce, by the way, told a close friend that he didn't think the hit was illegal. However, since a flag was thrown, I would expect to see the DB get fined by the NFL later in the week. |
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| Jay: Obviously Brown's return will give the secondary a boost, but what can we expect from that D-Line? I just thought it was strange that the Rams were so "locked in" on Hall that they didn't make a legit push for Rice as an alternative. In your opinion will this season end up being more of the same with the front four? |
| Jim Thomas: Hey, we've only seen one chapter of a 16-page book. If the Rams can beat SF this week, they'll be 1-1 _ same as they were last year _ only they will be 1-0 in the division. (Better off than a year ago, when they beat Denver in the opener, but lost to SF the next week.) Saying that, the overall numbers looked the same. The Rams are near the bottom of the league in rushing yards and yards per attempt. Very disappointing, wouldn't you say? You have a whole offseason to make improvements, and the first game out of the game it looks the same. I don't know about Rice. But the Rams could've signed DeWayne White from Tampa in free agency instead of trading for Hall.(He had two forced fumbles for Detroit Sunday I believe). Haslett really liked White. Also, even if the Rams drafted Carriker, I would've loved to have seen the trade for Jenkins come off. I'm in no way giving up on Hall. Without looking at tape (I usually do that Tuesday and Wednesday nights), he looked OK, but had chances to make a couple of nice plays but couldn't finish them off. |
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| Jay: Olsen called a very poor game yesterday. On the drive following their last TD, the Rams are 3rd & 2 and he puts the ball in the air twice in a row? That happened to be one of many "suspect" third down calls on his part. He had a similar habit in '06 Additionally, he completely failed to utilize McMichael (or any of the other 3 TE's this team carries???). Olsen had no real OC track record coming in that I am aware of, he just kind of came along with Linehan. So when is it fair to ask for a change? |
| Jim Thomas: It seemed like the Rams lost a little faith in Jackson after the second fumble. He had only two carries. But last season, Olson was much more committed to running the football than Linehan and the offense was very productive down the stretch, going 4-2. I think it's way too early to think about a change. |
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| Ron Romer Sr.: The Rams released two Offensive tackles at the last cut, you cannot tell me that ONE of them wouldn't have been a better choice than the replacement they sent out for Orlando Pace yesterday... |
| Jim Thomas: If that's the case, then why are neither of them on an active roster. In fact, neither player is even on a practice squad to my knowledge. Goldberg did OK, but remember, he's the No. 4 tackle on the team. Steussie's No. 3. I don't know if you read the "Ask the Scout" story in our special football section Aug. 26. But this veteran NFC scout said (and I paraphrase) "you better keep those two starting tackles healthy." Despite the overall better depth on the o-line, depth at tackle was the biggest concern, and now it's being tested. |
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| Rich Miriani: Is coach Linehan any good or was he just the cheapest guy we could have gotten for the job. It seems to me that this team has not improved much since he has been here. The play calling on both offense and defense is terrible. Same goes for Haslett. |
Jim Thomas: Shaw wanted to go with a younger, "up-and-coming" type coach this time around. All of the three job finalists (Linehan, Rivera, and Cameron) were of the same ilk. Shaw also was very interested in Ken Whisenhunt _ now with Arizona _ at the time, but Pittsburgh was on its March to the Super Bowl and Shaw didn't want to wait.
As for progress, or lack thereof, it looked like Linehan was starting to settle in over the last six games of '06 _ going 4-2. But Carolina sure didn't look like progress _ so I agree there. |
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Tater: Jim,
I'm concerned about future TV black-outs for home games.
I attended the game on Sunday. Reading earlier that the Rams and Edward Jones organizations purchased the "remaining 1,000 or so tickets" was a smoke screen. I would guess that there were well over 5,000 or more empty seats in the stadium before the start of the 2nd half. And, with the inept coaching adjustments, offensive stalls and continued defensive woes I would state that not many will be rushing to purchase the remaining tickets for upcoming home contest.
What are your thoughts on this and are the Execs at Rams Park concerned about this? |
Jim Thomas: If management isn't concerned about the softening fan base, they should be. And once you lose fans it's hard to get them back unless you start winning and winning big. Just ask the Blues.
The Rams did nothing in the preseason to sell tickets _ by their lackluster performance on the field. And they did nothing against Carolina that would lead to a stampede to the ticket office.
As for a possible blackout against SF, there is something in the works to guarantee those tickets, but at this time I can't tell you more. |
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steve: He's too small...he's too old...he can't defend the pass. I've listened to this crap way too often when so called "football experts" describe London Fletcher.
All 'Fletch' does is make everyone around him play inspired football. He's listed at 5' 10...he's more like 5'8 maybe 5'9...but he plays BIG.
London Fletcher was the answer to stopping the run...he was in '99 and he was this year. He was and is an achiever.
GO REDSKINS!!! |
| Jim Thomas: Rams management will tell you, the worst free agency mistake they've made during their time in St. Louis was letting London Fletcher go. But don't blame that on Martz; don't blame it on Zygmunt. Lovie Smith didn't click with Fletcher. And he told Martz that Jamie Duncan would be a better overall player than Fletcher, particularly in coverage. So the Rams signed Duncan, and let Fletcher go to Buffalo. |
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Adam Coleman: So there goes Pace for the season along any hopes you guys had for a division title. Can't wait for my Hawks to come into the "ED" and knock Bulger silly just like they did to Garcia and Cadillac. Oh, and wasn't Jackson supposed to be everyone's MVP pick? 58 yds, 2 fumbles, 0 TD's sounds like a MVP performance to me.
Adam in Seattle. |
| Jim Thomas: Don't write the Rams off just yet. But I've said all along that if Hasselbeck and Alexander returned to form, the Seahawks would be the team to beat in the West and an NFC title contender. We'll see. |
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Mike: Jim,
Does Bulger have the ability to audible at the LOS when he sees a defensive set he doesn't like or does Olsen and Linehan have complete control? It seems to me that Marc would be better off, especially in the Red Zone, if he could call better plays in critical situations. Thanks for your time. |
| Jim Thomas: Bulger has much more freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage than he did under Martz. |
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Murat: Hello;
I was wondering why the play calling was so conservative against the Panthers. With so many weapons at their disposal, Linehan-Olson duo should have been more aggressive. A little bit of Martz flavor was needed. What do you think? |
| Jim Thomas: Agreed. It's one thing to constantly drop back seven steps and throw deep with empty backfields or four-receiver threats. But the Rams in my mind were ultra conservative Sunday, almost as if they were playing not to lose instead of playing to win. There's got to be some middle ground. You've got to take advantage of your playmakers _ Holt, Bruce, Jackson. And you've got to make a concerted effort to get them the ball. I don't think the Rams really did. Contrast that to how the Panthers went to Smith over and over and over again, until he finally produced a big play. |
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| bill hanrahan: Will the Rams move out of the 'edge' any time soon? |
| Jim Thomas: Don't know what you mean by the "edge." |
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| Rams Fan: Why does Greg Olson keep throwing to Holt behind the line of scrimmage on 3rd and long when Holt is not known for his running with the ball. Why did we wait a whole year for the SAME OLD SORRY ASS RAMS ... SAME OLD SORRY ASS RAMS ... SAME OLD SORRY ASS RAMS!!! |
| Jim Thomas: Despite all the great things Holt _ and Bruce _ have done as Rams receivers, they've never really excelled at the type of pass plays you're talking about it. So I don't know why the Rams kept trying them. Maybe because CBs Gamble and Lucas had relatively poor tackling seasons a year ago. But they sure tackled well on Sunday. |
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Les Casden: When are they going to get a coach who does not make excuses and takes the total blame for a terrible effort? This team underachieves all the time and needs a disciplinarian coach similar to Dick Vermeil. I'm tired of waiting for this team to play to their potential. I
believe they are favored to win the division and they look like they are the worst team in the division.
What do you think they should do to improve this team,
especially defensively? Les, Camarillo,Ca. Longtime Ram fan |
Jim Thomas: I think Linehan is fairly accountable, although I realize that after a performance like Sunday's Linehan's even-keeled style doesn't play well. There's next to nothing the Rams can do to improve the team right now _ personnel-wise anyway. I want to see more games before I start making sweeping judgments.
I have to go now. I had a dentist appointment scheduled before these forum chat sessions were set up. So I apologize. I intend to get back on tonight and answer more questions, although it may not be until after 6 p.m. Regards. . . . |
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| Chip: Last year, I don't recall which game but it was late in the game and Kevin Curtis almost got his head knocked off on a deep pass that would not effect the outcome. I saw something similiar with I. Bruce on Sunday. Why risk it when it's over? |
| Jim Thomas: I know what you're thinking. But I think you always play the game like you're trying to score or trying to win. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Isaac had no problem with the play. |
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max: Hi Jim,
The Rams activated 4 TE's last week. Evidently, that wasn't for passing purposes. What is Linehan thinking by having as many TE's as WR's activated for the game? One of the WR's was Dante Hall who was exhausted from kick returns. Another was Dane Looker who is a zero deep threat. And then we had Torry going in and out of the game because he is still nursing his bad knee. Do you think he will reconsider this approach when he stares at Bulger's 3.98 yards/attempt performance? If he doesn't the Niners will be shadowing Jackson all over the field and daring the Rams to throw deep. |
| Jim Thomas: Obviously, something's got to change. But the 49ers have two good corners in the underrated Walt Harris and free-agent pickup Nate Clements. Now Clements can be something of a hot-and-cold performer. I'm sure the Rams are hoping for cold. Also, the Niners will blitz a lot because they really don't have enough juice to get to the passer consistently without blitzing. If you can hold up on the blitz, that creates opportunities for big plays if you get the ball out and hit the receiver. But with a patchwork offensive line in the making for St. Louis on Sunday, I'm betting San Fran brings the house. . .over. . .and over. . . .and over again. |
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Monty: Jim,
any chance that the Rams can pick up a veteran tackle for a future draft choice? For example Max Starks for the Steeler? |
| Jim Thomas: From what I'm told, the club isn't very high on Starks. They did sign Brandon Gorin today. He started 18 games at RT over the 2004 and '05 seasons with New England. But he either was inactive or didn't play in all 16 games for Arizona last season, which makes you wonder since the Cardinals didn't exactly line up with 5 blocks of granite on the o-line a year ago. |
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seminary2@gmail.com: Well Jim, I knew a couple years ago it would come to this. Don't you think the whole town NOW misses the excitement of the Mike Martz Offense?
I sure do. Our new coach looks bland; talks bland, calls bland plays. He is just a BLAND, Beige Person. What is your frank opinion? |
Jim Thomas: Obviously, Mike Martz had issues. Given the in-house feuding either he or Jay Zygmunt had to go. And we all know how that one ended. But he was, and is a great mind offensively, a very creative mind. What's the old saying. . .be careful what you wish for?
But I'm certainly not ready to write of Scott Linehan, particularly after one bad game in '06. Linehan also has a very good offensive resume, perhaps not as sparkling as Martz's in St. Louis, but still very good. That's how he became a head coach, because of his offensive resume. I think Linehan's a good coach, and a good person. The Rams hired Linehan in part because they wanted more of an even-keel approach after all the soap opera stuff under Martz. Let's see what happens. |
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| ramboy 81: I AM A BIG TIME TIME RAMS FAN ,I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS ,WHY DON'T RAMS MOVE CHRIS DRAFT TO THE MLB, AND MOVE SPOON TO THE SLB ,AND TRADE CLAUDE TERRELL TO THE JETS FOR ANDRE DYSON, WE NEED HELP BAD ON D,WHAT DO U THINK ABOUT THOSE MOVE JIM. THANK YOU. RAMBOY 81 |
| Jim Thomas: Ramboy---Draft may have to play weakside this week because of Pisa's ankle injury. I think Spoon would be wasted on the strongside. It's not really a play-making position in the Rams offense. Given the injury situation on the o-line, I think they need all the help they can get. This is a big week for Claude; he can work his way back into the picture _ at least dress _ provided he shows up on time for meetings. |
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grahame bell: Hi Jim,
Isn't it sad that the Rams didn't even entertain the notion of obtaining a run stuffing linebacker like Jeremiah Trotter, instead settling with the current group who are being "taught" how to tackle?
Randy McMichael is the offensive player of the week? Is that a Joke??? |
| Jim Thomas: Right or wrong, I don't think the Rams thought Trotter had much left. As for McMichael, I thought that was a little odd. It was as if the coaching staff almost was trying to appease him for not throwing the ball his way. While trying to reinforce the point that his blocking was important to the team in the Carolina game. |
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| Billy C.: How large an effect do you think the Olando Pace injury will have on the team. Larger problem for passing game or running game? |
| Jim Thomas: No doubt it potentially affects the passing game more. Pace is a good run blocker, but he is best as a pass blocker. But there are still ways to pass the ball and get the ball downfield. Keep in mind, the Rams were 5-3 with Pace out of the lineup last year; and 3-5 with him in the lineup. |
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| Damon: Why didn't the Rams pursue Adalius Thomas or Jeremiah Trotter in the offseason? Will Witherspoon would be so much better on the outside. I can't understand how the SLB doesn't matter in Hasletts system. Also, do you see any realistic way to address the tackle position? Kenyatta Walker? A trade with a lower draft pick for next year? |
Jim Thomas: I would've liked for them to have at least explored Thomas, even if his background is in the 3-4. As for Trotter, as I addressed in an earlier post, my feeling is that the Rams didn't think he had much left. In general, the strongside linebacker has more responsibility taking on tight ends and less freedom to run around and make tackles.
As for offensive tackle, the Rams have signed Brandon Gorin (see earlier post). Kenyatta Walker also visited Tuesday but wasn't signed. I'm sure the rams will keep looking around. |
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| Damon: I have never seen such a basic offense at the NFL level. No reverses, no trick passes, no end arounds, no motion, and no shifts. If we were so concerned with the Panthers pass rush after Pace was injured why didn't we try running some screens to Jackson or some draw plays? It makes no sense! Basically our offense consisted of two plays, a basic handoff to Jackson, or a quick throw out to a WR that went no where. Please tell me this offensive scheme will get A LOT better as the season goes on.. What are your thoughts? |
Jim Thomas: Well, I hope it gets better. You know, when he was at Minnesota, Linehan was kind of known for trick plays. But we haven't seen many of them here. Especially with Marques Hagans as the third QB, I kept expecting to see Hagans come out even for one trick play.
BY THE WAY FOR THE PERSON LAST WEEK WHO ASKED ABOUT THE 3rd QB RULE, HERE'S A SYNOPSIS:
If the designated 3rd QB enters the game before the 4th quarter, the first two QBs CANNOT RETURN to the game. However, if the 3rd QB enters the game in the 4th quarter, the other two QBs can re-enter at any time.
The 3rd QB can only play QB, punter, kicker, or holder. (Don't ask me why on the punter, kicker, holder stuff, but that's the rule.)
However, once the 3rd QB lines up at QB, he can do anything _ run, pass, quick kick, even catch a pass on a trick play.
One last thing, once the 3rd QB comes into the game in the 4th quarter (or overtime)under no circumstances can the No. 3 QB be on the field (in the game)at the same time as the other two qbs. |
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| snowkid: So, where will Terrell fit in this week? |
| Jim Thomas: First off, Terrell needs to show up on time for all meetings. With Incognito almost certainly out and new OT Brandon Gorin not ready to suit up, Terrell almost certainly has to dress. (I'm guessing right now, and this is before the first practice of the week, that Terrell and McCollum dress as backups, Milford Brown continues to start at RG, Barron switches to LT, Goldberg starts at RT. That would make Brown the emergency third tackle if something happens to Barron or Goldberg.) |
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| Ramsfan: Isn't it possible that the Panthers are just really good? They were a superbowl pick before injuries last year. Are they just a year late on the scene? |
| Jim Thomas: Could be. That front four on defense remains one of the league's best. To me, they look like they could be a 10-6 team. I'm not sold on Delhomme. Foster and Williams are good, not great backs. Smith obviously is dynamite. I still think their secondary is a little suspect. |
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Brian: Hi Jim
Will we see more of Randy McMichael this week? I thought we signed him to open up the offense.
Thanks! |
| Jim Thomas: Geez, I hope so. Even though he may have to help out blocking once again this week, as was the case when Pace went down and Goldberg came in against the Panthers. |
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Frank: Where is the defense that everyone talked about....oops our offense disapeared also....
I have been a Rams fan from the 70's..I have never been so disapointed as I was on Sunday..we were terrible...all we were missing was Chuck Knox on the sidelines...
Come on Linehan open the offense up!!!
Frank from Richmond Va. |
| Jim Thomas: What you're saying then, is after six-seven months of offseason, free agency, draft, minicamps, OTAs, training camp, preseason. . . .what we saw on Sunday wasn't exactly worth the wait? That's what's so disappointing. |
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jay: Hey Jim,
If Fakir Brown is innocent of his drug suspension, (he said he simply missed a test)then why did he fail to turn in a written notice to the league office to appeal. Where is the front office in all of this? |
| Jim Thomas: Brown did appeal. It's hard to explain his subsequent comments, I know, but I think he was just saying he would like to meet with Commish Goodell anyway (even though he'd already exhausted the appearls process.) And by the letter of the law in the NFL, if you fail to show up for a drug test, it's the same as failing the drug test. |
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| Tim Gilbreth: What chance does Orlando Pace have of ever being an effective left tackle again? Can he recover from a torn rotator cuff or is his career over? |
| Jim Thomas: Luckily, we're not talking about him having to throw fastballs. Then again, the arms are so very important for blockers, particularly pass blockers _ all the punching off they have to do to fend off pass rushers. And now, he's had a serious injury to both arms. The left triceps injury last year, and now this right shoulder (labrum and rotator cuff). So we'll see. The doctors apparently say this latest injury is correctable. But Pace no longer is a spring chicken. But the middle of next season, he'll be 33. |
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| Kenric Bourne: Hi from a displaced Rams Fan in the DC area. Like many who are writing in today I am to say the least displeased with our teams performance on Sunday. I place the blame on the coaches. The play calling was pathetic to say the least. When the coaches call a lame scared game then the players will play that same lame scared game. The problem is playing football scared just gets people hurt. That being said. Rams fans should remember '99, injuries happen and no one thought when Trent Green went down we were going to a Superbowl. Its week one, its a long season so lets see how the team responds to this adversity. The worst that can happen is we go on a run for the 1st pick in the draft next year which probably will have to be used on a new LT or RT if Alex Barron moves over. If the team starts rolling and steals a game everyone expects them to lose then we could be back on track. If the fans quit on the team our home games will provide no advantage....though if the team plays every home game like Sunday I cannot blame the fans! To throw in a question...can Scott Linehan be any less animated. He needs some fire and maybe the team will show some fire as well. He ain't Tony Dungy! |
Jim Thomas: Linehan has an edge to him, believe me. He's a nice guy. . .with an edge. And I've seen him get on players pretty good, though nothing remotely like how Mike Martz used to verbally roast players.
Last year's Super Bowl featured two "nice guy" coaches in Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. I'm not saying Linehan is in their class _ he still has to prove himself _ but I think last year shows that "nice guys" can finish first. |
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Ramalamadingdong: When do you think Madame Ram's son, Chip, will be ready to take over the reins of this franchise to clean house and send the head bean counter and Ziggy packing and actually get a coaching staff in here to run the team?
Just thought I'd ask.
Thanks. |
| Jim Thomas: Haven't seen much of Chip around here lately. |
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JC: Hi Jim,
Thanks for doing another chat.
Wouldn't it be smart to dump J.D. Washington from the practice squad and use his spot for an OL? |
| Jim Thomas: I was surprised J.D. made the practice squad only because the Rams already have four tailbacks on the roster (Jackson, Leonard, Minor, and Pittman). I thought either Shackleford and Parquet would've been signed to the pracitce squad. |
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keith moudy: Dear Jim:
I have been around football alot longer than
i would like to admit, and for the life of me,
can't quite figure out why the Rams continue
to do this, maybe you could enlighten me
obe won.
why is it that when the Rams are 3rd and
Thirteen, their tendency is to throw a short
4 yard pass, with a corner or safety behind the reciever and a linebacker in hot pursuit,
Do you think it's to give our punter plenty of
"game" experience? |
| Jim Thomas: That's kind of the question of the week around here. Or at least one of the questions. I don't have an answer for you. |
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Art Pineda: I didn't understand the play calling in the second half it seems like we weren't trying to win we were trying not to lose. Why didn't we throw more to the tight ends?
Our defense looks timid why weren't we more aggreesive?
Bulger looked timid was it becuase the offensive line breakdowns? |
Jim Thomas: Rams got a too conservative once Pace left.
McMichael was used more as a blocker to help Goldberg.
After watching the SF-Arizona defenses fly around, I wondered myself why the Rams' defense didn't seem as intense and energetic.
Too me, Bulger didn't look timid. He just looked out of sync, like someone who didn't play a whole lot in the preseason. |
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Kevin: Hi Jim,
I know Carolina has a good defense and coach, but does the Rams offense just look boring to you too??...They don't seem to stretch the field at all anymore. Do you feel the same here?
Thanks |
| Jim Thomas: Yes. . . .and. . . .yes. |
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JD: Hi Jim,
Recently the Rams re-added J.D. Washington to the practice squad. From what little we've seen from him, he doesn't seem anywhere near ready to play in the league (dare I say ever?) so why would the Rams use a practice squad slot for a guy who realistically will never play a real NFL down? Wouldn't it make more sense to keep some of the draft picks we cut instead?
Thanks ! |
| Jim Thomas: As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was surprised that the Rams kept Washington, if for no other reason than they kept four RBs on the 53-man this year. |
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| cburgman: Is Richie Incognito going to be ready to play in the 49er game (hope so!)? |
| Jim Thomas: I would be very surprised if Incognito plays against SF after aggravating the injury. He might be out for a couple of weeks. |
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| William Watkins: With Pace out(possibly forever)and Incognito out for weeks, isn't it time for Ram management to scour every possible avenue to come up with adequate replacements...even the possibility of open tryouts? Regardless of Linehan's spin, this season is in serious jeopardy. I see 5,000-10,000 empty seats in my crystal ball. |
| Jim Thomas: Believe me they are scouring. They signed Brandon Gorin today. Kenyatta Walker also was in for a workout, but they decided on Gorin. Linehan has to spin to a degree. I mean, what do you expect him to say: "Why did I get into coaching? We're going to get our butts kicked from here on out!" But there's no doubts the empty seats will keep increasing if this team doesn't show some kind of spark. |
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glen: Jim
Do you honestly beleive the Rams have done anything to STOP THE RUN?I was watching the 49ers and cardinals last night and I think both of those teams will run for 150 yards against us and they stink.Just seams to me to be THE SAME OLD RAMS. |
| Jim Thomas: Based on one _ and I repeat, only one game _ it's hard to argue with your assessment. |
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| Tom: Unless I have missed something, we have no one on our roster who can protect Bulger's blind side now that we are without both Pace and Steussie. Linnehan has been coy about moving Barron back to his natural position at LT. His reasoning apparently being that it would mean moving two positions. My reaction to this is so what? The chances of us finding a GOOD left tackle at this time of year are slim and none. If we did bring in a guy off the street, we'd still have to get him up to speed in our system. Why not bite the bullet now and get Barron up to snuff at LT? At least Marc could get some sleep at night. I have no idea how good Brown would be at right tackle, but even if he gets beat regularly, Marc could at least see it coming. There is also the possibiliy of trying Cogs at RT (bad timing with his ankle and all), but as Coach likes to say: you want your best 11 on the field. Also we have the most depth at the G position. What is your take on the current O-line situation? Thanks in advance !! |
| Jim Thomas: Tom--I think Linehan is leaning toward switching Barron to LT. He gave a pretty good hint at his Monday press conference when he basically said that protecting a QBs blindside would take precedence over anything else in deciding what to do. But. . .Linehan wants to make sure Barron looks comfortable on the left side. After all this time, Barron finally looks comfortable at right tackle. |
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| Steve: I'm from the old school that believes reality is; You win some and you lose some! What troubles me is the lack of intensity, desire, and fire. The "I may get once, but you won't beat me twice!" type of mentality. I didn't see that. Comments? |
| Jim Thomas: Agreed. Football is a game of emotion and momentum. Controlled emotion and momentum, but emotion and momentum nonetheless. Why? Because it's a violent game and there are only 16 of them. Every win in football is like a 10-game winning streak in football. In no way am I saying that the Rams aren't trying, competing, etc. They are. But I'm just thinking there should be an extra "gear" know what I mean? |
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| Michael Camuso: Jim, why have the Rams totally abandoned the trick plays that Mike Martz used to use like the end around? They have the speed and they do not use it. |
| Jim Thomas: You mean, what Jim Haslett used to call "bull (bleep)" plays when he was with New Orleans. Trick plays will take you only so far. But I'd love to see some sprinkled in once in a while. Have Drew Bennett throw a pass (he was a college QB at UCLA for a while). Design some tricks for Marques Hagans if he's up _ of if it's in the fourth quarter, if he's the third QB again. Linehan's rep at least in Minnesota, was that he did use some trick plays. |
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PhredRam: Hi Jim,
Do you think they'll move Barron to the left or try to find the best fit with what we have or what we can get for the LT position. If we move Barron it will cause more shifting of positions but wouldn't he be the best choice? |
| Jim Thomas: Check some of my previous posts. I think Linehan is leaning towards Barron at LT, but once to make sure he looks comfortable there. |
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Nick: Jim,
Will the Rams go out and trade for an established offensive tackle? Or will they stay with what they have? I don't know how they can risk Bulger's health without Pace and Steussie. |
| Jim Thomas: As you may have heard from now, they did sign Brandon Gorin, the former Patriot. And they'll keep looking. But there's nothing brewing at the moment in terms of trade possibilities. |
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sean: Jim,
Are the Rams entertaining any trade proposals or getting a player off of another team's practice squad to replace Orlando? This seems like the better option, rather than getting Kenyetta Walker or someother cast-off replacement.
Thanks. |
| Jim Thomas: Please see previous posts. |
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| Josh: Does Marc Bulger and the Rams offense know that they aren't ever going to accomplish anything with 10 yard dig routes? Do they not get the point to be a force on offense you have to look deep? Our longest pass was 18 yards! Its sickening and then I watch every other team and they always look deep instead of at 5 - 10 yard dig routes and check downs. |
| Jim Thomas: A happy medium has to be reached between the all-out pedal to the metal Martz method, and the underneath-checkdown style we saw Sunday. You've got to stretch the field, at least every once in a while. We'll see. San Fran has two good corners in Harris and Clements _ it won't be easy. |
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Buzz: Jim,
I see no logical reason why JD Washington is on the Rams practice squad. It must be because he's the son of a famous actor,no? He was not even good enough to play much for his NFL Europa team. My point is that his spot could have been filled by a long-term OT prospect. It wouldn't help us now in terms of a starter, but it could be important depth wise this year. Do I have a point?
Thanks, Buzz |
| Jim Thomas: Yeah, you have a point. See some of my earlier posts. You all know, too, that Georgia does seem to be infatuated with Hollywood glitz, etc. I was surprised that neither Shackleford or Parquet was on the practice squad. |
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| Wil Allanson: Was Marc Bulger's second half lack of performance due to a preceeding vicious sack? |
| Jim Thomas: Not that I'm aware of. But I have yet to look at any game tape. |
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| sean: With Pisa's recent injury, are there any thoughts to moving Draft to MLB and WW to WLB? |
| Jim Thomas: Only if Pisa's out long term. If it's just a week or two _ and I think it's a week at most _ the Rams will have Draft play the weakside. |
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Ed: when are we going to realize it all has to do with the Linebackers. We have not had one since London Fletcher and that has been out downfall? We dont have the guy that is always around the ball like Morgan was for Carolina. IS it the system or the personel? All the tackels were made by the secondary. I am tired of hearing gaps etc. We need some crazy animals that go after the ball like most teams have. Pisa should be thanking his stars for his signing, Chillar would not be starting on any other team and Whitherspoon is NOT a middle linebacker.
Your thoughts. |
| Jim Thomas: I think Pisa and Witherspoon are pretty good, although they hardly distinguished themselves Sunday. I would've loved to have seen a monster in the middle, with Pisa and Spoon both playing outside. I too am tired of hearing about gaps. Maybe the Rams just aren't good enough overall on defense. But I want to see a few more games myself. |
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| Patrick Vincent: Do you think what Mike Martz said a while back was true. That, "John Shaw said that it's not economical to be good every year." |
| Jim Thomas: No, Shaw wants to win. Believe me, he was having a lot more fun back when his team was known as the Greatest Show on Turf. But wanting to win and knowing how to win aren't always the same thing. |
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| Jaime Guzman: Rumors have the Rams looking at Kenyatta Walker and Adam Meadows. What is your take on these players and also since the this could be a career ending injury to Orlando Pace, what options to the Rams have for the future. I think we need a proven Tackle. |
| Jim Thomas: If Pace decides to retire or the injury indeed proves to be career-threatening, I think Barron is the LT of the future. If all of this transpires, drafting another tackle becomes a top priority in the '08 draft. Walker was in for a visit today, but the Rams signed Brandon Gorin instead. There were injury issues, I believe, with Meadows and he wasn't brought in. |
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| Jaime Guzman: What do you think our chances are next week after watching Arizona and San Francisco last night. Their Defenses were great I thought. Alot of intesity. I dont see that in the Rams. |
| Jim Thomas: Yeah, Ditka and the 2 other Mikes kept saying it was an "ugly" game. I thought it was a great game to watch because of all that intensity. I mean those two teams were getting after it. I don't always see this in the Rams. Now, the 'Niners are coming off a short work week and half to travel here. That obviously favors St. Louis. Alex Smith wasn't very impressive to me throwing the ball. The Rams need to contain Gore, and keep from getting mesmerized by all those blitzes from the 49ers' 3-4 front. |
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| hEllard27: The revamped Niner defense seemed to have trouble with the run. A heavy dose of Steven Jackson seems to be the way to go with this one, especially considering the state of the O-line. On defense, the Rams need to get pressure on the young QB and they should have some turnovers at home. I am expecting a win, and I expect the intensity to be high. Are these fair assumptions? Thanks Jim. |
| Jim Thomas: Based on what I saw just from watching the TV, I think a heavy dose of Jackson on offense and a lot of blitzing on Smith are the way to go. But also, the Rams need to be able to keep their wits when the SF defense blitzes, and burn them on some of these blitzes. As for the intensity, I would like to see the team overall play with a greater sense of urgency. |
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Bill C.: Hey Jim,
I understand the Rams won't win every game but to lose the way they did was painful. How about a little passion from the Rams. They got beat in every facet of the game except special teams:). Rams are 0 and 1 and it's Niners week! How about not getting manhandled this week guys. Do something! |
| Jim Thomas: Hear! Hear! Maybe Linehan needs to bring you in to address the team after practice one day. The guys need to wratchet (sp?) it up. |
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Mike: Are there any free agent tackles available?
Who? And are the Rams looking? |
| Jim Thomas: See several posts above. |
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Pete Kindig: When are they going to address the linebacker situation?
Witherspoon is not a middle linebacker and chiller makes a play here or there. Pisa cannot stay healthy for a game.
Also when they went to 4 or 5 wide outs we pulled out a lineman and not a backer made our pashrush nill. Speaking of pashrush how many blitzes did the rams have on sunday? I counted two |
| Jim Thomas: Well, they've addressed the LB situation to the tune of $33 million on Witherspoon, about $25 million on Pisa, and $4.2 million on draft. Chillar is unrestricted after this season and probably won't be re-signed unless he has a big year. I haven't looked at tape year, but I'm positive the Rams had many more than two blitzes on Sunday. |
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Kevin: Hey Jim,
I think we just have to accept the fact that the Rams def is just not that good. With the exception of Carriker and Hall, the personnel hasn't changed and neither has the scheme. |
| Jim Thomas: If the season ended with the Carolina game, that would be my conclusion too. |
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| S. Monkey: Didn't Marc Bulger say in the preseason that you have two opportunities to hit the panic button during a season? I'm cautiously optimistic that we just don't match up that well with Carolina thus the lopsided game (obviously Pace's injury as well), but perhaps a strategy change on defense? Will we utilize a 3-4 this year? |
| Jim Thomas: No doubt Carolina is a tough matchup for the Rams. The Panthers are 4-0 against St. Louis since Fox took over as Carolina coach. Rams really don't have the personnel to run the 3-4 on an every-down basis. |
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Pete Kindig: Hey Jim,
Please talk about the defense scheme on Sunday's game.
I counted 2 blitzes all game how many did you see? Secondly why didnt we go to two linebackers on 3rd and long? |
| Jim Thomas: Again, I haven't looked at tape yet, but I'm sure they blitzed more than twice. I'm not sure what play you're talking about as far as using only 2 LBs on third and long. |
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| Damon: What do you think about moving Pisa to SLB, Witherspoon to WLB, and Draft to MLB? I have no idea why they don't do this. We should have signed Adalius Thomas or Jeremiah Trotter to be out MLB. Oh well, Draft will have to do. |
| Jim Thomas: Thomas isn't really a middle linebacker. The Rams don't think Trotter has much left. I wouldn't mind seeing some combination of Witherspoon, Draft, and Pisa on the field at some point in time. |
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| Kevin: Any chance the Rams get rid of Haslett at the end of the season if this doesn't get better? I'm assuming they would give linehan another season since it's only his second. |
| Jim Thomas: It would have to be a terrible year defensively _ much worse than last year _ for Haslett to go. |
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Damien Domingo: Hey Jim,
I did not get to see the Carolina game so can you tell me if the Rams looked like they had a chance to win had Jackson not fumbled on those back to back possesions? If not, then should I be concerned and start looking for another team to root for instead of wasting my time like I have the past four years? |
| Jim Thomas: Yeah, the Rams were up 13-7 before the first fumble, and trailed only 14-13 before the second. The Rams didn't seem to handle things well in the third quarter when thing started going badly. It's almost as if they lost their cool. |
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Patrick Vincent: Jim, Is there any truth to the statement that Mike Martz made which was that, "John Shaw said it would cost the team too much money to have a winning team every season/win the Super Bowl".
Patrick Vincent (Chesterfield, MO) |
Jim Thomas: Well, there's no way you lose money by going to the Super Bowl every year.
I'm logging off for the night. See you all next week.
P.S. _ My trip to the dentist was kind of like watching the Rams against Carolina _ not much fun. |
