Here is the transcript from
Tuesday's "Jim Thomas Live" chat with Rams fans:
I think the Rams
are really going to regret not looking for a legitimate wide
receiver or back up running back when they had the chance. The lack
of impact players on offense is evident.
Jim Thomas: Two games into the
preseason, it's hard to argue with your points.
Hi, Jim!
Two questions:
1.) How much of the success of the Rams' offensive line vs. the Browns do you think was due to basic improvements made by linesmen since the Vikings' game (along with some line continuity during the intervening time) and how much was due to the fact that in the Browns the Rams were playing last year's 31st ranked defense?
Also, some heated discussions have been developed online about -- what else -- Marc Bulger. Do you know whether the Rams front office asked Marc to stay? Or did the front office drag their feet for such a long time -- with Sam Bradford obviously being a person of interest to them -- that Marc could see the proverbial writing on the wall and simply asked for his release?
Thank you.
Two questions:
1.) How much of the success of the Rams' offensive line vs. the Browns do you think was due to basic improvements made by linesmen since the Vikings' game (along with some line continuity during the intervening time) and how much was due to the fact that in the Browns the Rams were playing last year's 31st ranked defense?
Also, some heated discussions have been developed online about -- what else -- Marc Bulger. Do you know whether the Rams front office asked Marc to stay? Or did the front office drag their feet for such a long time -- with Sam Bradford obviously being a person of interest to them -- that Marc could see the proverbial writing on the wall and simply asked for his release?
Thank you.
Jim Thomas: 1.) Sure, it helps to
be playing the 31st ranked defense. But I think the blocking
improved. I think more blockers were held in on pass plays to help
with protection. And there weren't many downfield throws.
2.) Bulger did not fit in the team's plans for 2010.
2.) Bulger did not fit in the team's plans for 2010.
Jim, Thanks for your
time. Do you think that Avery would do better as a slot receiver?
You never hear his name called out for anything anymore. I am
really worried about the offense. It seems as if there are no
downfield plays in the playbook. What is the sense at Ramspark? Do
you think that Cujo makes the team? I like him better than
Gibson.
Jim Thomas: Yes on Avery. Trouble
is, the Rams' best WRs (other than Laurent Robinson) are slot guys
- Danny Amendola and Mardy Gilyard.
Even without what I think we all concur has been a conservative appoach in the passing game, it's hard to throw the ball downfield if you can't protect the quarterback. So I think that's contributed to the preseason approach. As did the driving rainstorm in Cleveland.
As for Cujo, at this point, I say he makes it only if there's an injury to the top four DTs. If the Rams keep an extra d-lineman (meaning nine total) I think Spags' history has been to keep an extra DE.
Even without what I think we all concur has been a conservative appoach in the passing game, it's hard to throw the ball downfield if you can't protect the quarterback. So I think that's contributed to the preseason approach. As did the driving rainstorm in Cleveland.
As for Cujo, at this point, I say he makes it only if there's an injury to the top four DTs. If the Rams keep an extra d-lineman (meaning nine total) I think Spags' history has been to keep an extra DE.
i like the defense this
year, but i think pass rush is going to need to be manufactured by
scheme. i feel like spags wants to do that with the zone dog, but
it only causes slight confusion, but doesnt compensate with enough
pressure.
Jim Thomas: It's hard to see the
Rams getting consistent pressure without extra rushers. Unless,
that is, one of the DEs has a breakout year - be it Long, Hall or
one of the rookies.
Jim:
Although Bradford hasn't been impressive in his first two outings (no surprise and really no negative to him) is he physically that much more impressive than the other quarterbacks the Rams have? I have heard talk about people marveling about the crispness of his passes and so on, but is his arm so much stronger than Feeley, Null or Lewis?
Of course physical gifts mean nothing without composure, game smarts and an o-line that keeps him off his back, but I just wondered if there was an obvious qualitative difference in looking at him over the other QBs the Rams have.
Thanks!
Although Bradford hasn't been impressive in his first two outings (no surprise and really no negative to him) is he physically that much more impressive than the other quarterbacks the Rams have? I have heard talk about people marveling about the crispness of his passes and so on, but is his arm so much stronger than Feeley, Null or Lewis?
Of course physical gifts mean nothing without composure, game smarts and an o-line that keeps him off his back, but I just wondered if there was an obvious qualitative difference in looking at him over the other QBs the Rams have.
Thanks!
Jim Thomas: I'd say Bradford has
a strong arm, but not a cannon. When it comes to heaving a ball as
far as you can downfield, I think I'd even say that Null has a
stronger arm. But Bradford can make so many other throws
accurately, that Null can't. Bradford's overall release and
decision-making - to me - seem quicker than Feeley. And I think
this will only improve on Bradford's end as he gets more
comfortable with the offense and with the speed of the NFL
game.
Hey Jim,
I wanted to get your thoughts on two players that stood out to me against CLE; Marquis Johnson and Dominque Curry.
Curry appeared to make some nice plays on ST, and Johnson appeared to be around the ball a lot. I think his coverage could be better, but he did show he's not afraid to make the tackle.
Where do they fit in with the Rams?
I wanted to get your thoughts on two players that stood out to me against CLE; Marquis Johnson and Dominque Curry.
Curry appeared to make some nice plays on ST, and Johnson appeared to be around the ball a lot. I think his coverage could be better, but he did show he's not afraid to make the tackle.
Where do they fit in with the Rams?
Jim Thomas: Johnson improved
markedly in game two as opposed to the Minnesota game. He looks
like a pretty sure tackler. But he's got a long way to go, and now
he's sidelined with a shoulder injury. He might have a chance for
the No. 6 cornerback spot.
I think Curry looks like a practice squad player. There was a catch he might have made and didn't for what would've been a TD against Cleveland. You've got to make those catches if you want to make the varsity.
I think Curry looks like a practice squad player. There was a catch he might have made and didn't for what would've been a TD against Cleveland. You've got to make those catches if you want to make the varsity.
Hello Jim,
Thanks for the chats. My question regards the receivers. How much of the apparent struggles in the passing game is due to receivers not getting open? Its had to tell on TV if guys are open and the O Line and QB are just not getting enough time or if there is just no one open.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks for the chats. My question regards the receivers. How much of the apparent struggles in the passing game is due to receivers not getting open? Its had to tell on TV if guys are open and the O Line and QB are just not getting enough time or if there is just no one open.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Jim Thomas: Hard to tell so far,
especially given the weather conditions in Cleveland. And against
Minnesota, Bradford simply had no time. But let's face it, has
there been even one Rams receiver who's caught your eye in the
preseason games? Amendola, maybe.
Hey Jim,
I'm not feeling the backup RB position is all that strong right now. I know everyone is saying CO is the backup to SJ, but it doesn't look all that promising. Any chance we see Toston in with the ones?
Or possibly someone from another roster? The Browns appear to be heavily loaded at the RB position (Harrison, Hardesty, Davis, Jennings and Hillis). Anyone there intrigue you?
I'm not feeling the backup RB position is all that strong right now. I know everyone is saying CO is the backup to SJ, but it doesn't look all that promising. Any chance we see Toston in with the ones?
Or possibly someone from another roster? The Browns appear to be heavily loaded at the RB position (Harrison, Hardesty, Davis, Jennings and Hillis). Anyone there intrigue you?
Jim Thomas: I'm still thinking
the No. 2 RB isn't on the roster yet. I don't know where he's
coming from, though.
Jim, what would
you say is the most likely outcome at TE? Who goes and who stays?
Can they keep 4 considering there high involvement in the offense?
Cheers
Jim Thomas: Boy, we've been
discussing this one at the Park. If it's four TEs - I think it's
pretty cut and dried: Bajema, Fells, Hoomanawnui, and Onobun. Fells
helped his cause with the TD catch against Cleveland, but hadn't
been impressive this camp until then. And now he's got a knee
injury, although it doesn't look serious. If it's three TEs, I
think the question becomes do the Rams think they can stash Onobun
on the practice squad? It's a tough call.
Why sign Danario Alexander
now? If they thought he would make the team why not sign him at the
start of camp where the learning curve would have been much easier?
Or are they hoping he will land on the practice squad for a six
weeks or more before activating him?
Jim Thomas: Having just being
cleared at the end of July, the Rams felt Alexander wouldn't have
been able to withstand the rigors of two-a-days had he been signed
right away. They felt he needed a few more weeks to continue his
rehab and get into football shape. He was signed 3 weeks after his
Aug. 2 visit and physical to Rams Park.
Are any of the three
rookie de capable of being a pass rushing threat this season?
Are they confident that they have a third quality ot without using Adam Goldberg there?
Are they confident that they have a third quality ot without using Adam Goldberg there?
Jim Thomas: The quality drops off
noticeably after Saffold, Smith and Goldberg at tackle. If a tackle
gets hurt, I think Goldberg slides out to OT from right guard, and
Hank Fraley comes in off the bench. (To play either center or right
guard. If Fraley's at center, which clearly is his best position,
then Jason Brown plays right guard.)
I like the Alexander
pickup for no other reason that he could, potentially, become a
legit #1 type receiver. Obviously there's plenty of question marks,
but why not take that gamble when your WR corps is so young and
inexperienced. There's no big hurry for him to play either. If he's
not ready, couldn't he be put on IR? If/when he is ready, you could
have something special. Your thoughts?
Jim Thomas: The only problem with
placing Alexander on the IR if he experiences even modest knee
issues is that he wouldn't get to practice for the rest of the
year. But I do agree that a slow, gradual approach with Alexander
could lead to big dividends in a year or so.
With Feeley banged up
could we see Bradford play the whole game on Thursday? Could we see
Gilyard return kickoffs at some point?
Jim Thomas: Don't think so on
Bradford. I'm thinking he plays as long as the starting line does
on Thursday, which could be into the third quarter. Gilyard
returned three kickoffs for 70 yards against Cleveland.
Supposing that the NFL
owners accept Kroenke's ownership bid this week, how long do you
see it taking for fans to start seeing signs of Kroenke making his
presence felt in the running of the club?
Jim Thomas: Great question. Don't
know the answer. I'm not sure how well he knows Spags and Devaney,
or what he thinks of them. But certainly there should be an even
greater sense of urgency with Kroenke in full control. Because I
think it's safe to say he has his own ideas about how to run this
club.
Is it too early to
start the Bill Cower watch? What a difference this team would be
with him standing on the sidelines.
Jim Thomas: Even though he's
going on his fourth season out of football, Cowher will be in great
demand if he decides to come back. I'm sure he'll have better
opportunities than St. Louis.
Have you
been watching L. Grant's play this preseason. This guy is a bona
fide stud linebacker. Who was responsible for obtaining this
guy?
Jim Thomas: Yeah, I wrote a story
about him last week. See our stltoday.com Rams page.
JT,
Any truth to the rumor that Vermeil may join the Rams Front Office?
Also, Any back up RB's on the horizon?
Peace
Any truth to the rumor that Vermeil may join the Rams Front Office?
Also, Any back up RB's on the horizon?
Peace
Jim Thomas: When I talked to
Vermeil earlier in camp, he said he hasn't heard from Kroenke but
would certainly listen. It is a rumor I keep hearing.
As for RBs, stay tuned.
As for RBs, stay tuned.
What are the
chances of D. Alexander getting on the field in the last two
preseason games?
Why don't we see more of Tolston and Darby, especially since Oby is not showing much promise (imo)?
Why doesn't the STL media make more of a stink about what seems to be poor, boring, unimaginative, play calling?
Is there a reason there is no deep passes attempted?
Why don't we see more of Tolston and Darby, especially since Oby is not showing much promise (imo)?
Why doesn't the STL media make more of a stink about what seems to be poor, boring, unimaginative, play calling?
Is there a reason there is no deep passes attempted?
Jim Thomas: I think this week
would be tough, but maybe the following week.
Toston did get 13 carries against Cleveland.
In Week 1, the Rams couldn't pass protect. If you can't protect a QB on a 3-step drop, why do you think a 7-step drop (for a deeper ball would work.) In Week 2, the Rams basically played in a monsoon.
Toston did get 13 carries against Cleveland.
In Week 1, the Rams couldn't pass protect. If you can't protect a QB on a 3-step drop, why do you think a 7-step drop (for a deeper ball would work.) In Week 2, the Rams basically played in a monsoon.
I've noticed that
Smith has had a handful of mental penalties (ex. offsides) so far
this preseason. Do you predict that he will grow out of this and
turn into a solid National Football League tackle? Or are we
looking at another Alex Barron? Also, do you think this OLine is
good enough to keep the Rams competitive?
Thanks Mr. Thomas
Zach from Oakville
Thanks Mr. Thomas
Zach from Oakville
Jim Thomas: I do not think Smith
will be as penalty prone as Barron. I think the Rams are doing
different things with their hard count this year - I think Bradford
has a very good hard count - and the linemen have had a lot of
false starts in practice this year. If the starting five can stay
healthy, I think this will be a functional offensive line. But the
Rams need to make sure they give they young tackles help on the
edge.
Go Oakville Tigers!!!!!
Go Oakville Tigers!!!!!
Jim, Thanks for taking
these questions! 1) I am a big fan of George Selvie - What are your
impressions on him and how soon can we expect him to get back on
the field and 2) I know it is early but can you give us your
thoughts on Danario Alexander (I think IF he can stay healthy he
could be special)?
Jim Thomas: Selvie's not going to
play this week. After that I'm not sure. He hasn't been overly
impressive on the practice field, but then he shows up in games.
(I'm basing this off the Lindenwood scrimmage and the Minnesota
game since he didn't play against Clevleand.) Quick first step.
Good in lateral pursuit. Maybe he's one of these gamers like Grant
Wistrom was _ doesn't show much in practice but shows up in
games.
It's all about the knee on Alexander. If healthy, I think he's a bona fide NFL receiver who has good hands and deceptive speed. He looks like a long strider capable of getting up on DBs quickly. It will take some time even if he's healthy because he needs to learn the offense.
It's all about the knee on Alexander. If healthy, I think he's a bona fide NFL receiver who has good hands and deceptive speed. He looks like a long strider capable of getting up on DBs quickly. It will take some time even if he's healthy because he needs to learn the offense.
hi jim, i must say the
rams drafting bradford has made all the difference for me. i can't
remember being this interested in the preseason since 2003. a few
names i would like you to comment on: josh hull...seems to have his
nose in a lot of tackles when he plays; george selvie...didn't see
much out of him vs browns; and pat shurmur...even the browns'
broadcaster quoted "this playcalling by the rams doesn't make
things easier on the quarterback." it was obvious the rams weren't
going down the field and the browns d-backs knew it and everything
was so crowded 5-8 yards down the field. please tell me this will
change!!!
Jim Thomas: I like Josh Hull a
lot, and believe me, the coaches here do as well. I think he makes
the final 53. Selvie didn't play against the Browns.
Hello Jim, thanks for
doing these chats. I just have couple questions:
1. What is the latest on the Rams' ownership situation?
2. When is the first roster cut down? The rams really need another RB. Who do you think they will target?
3. I have noticed the Rams QBs (especially Bradford) complete more downfield throws during practice/scrimmage than the first two preseason games. Why do you think that is? Our CBs aren't as good as CLE and MIN; or Pat Shurmur call more aggressive plays against our own defense?
4. How did DX look in practice? Any chance he gets a couple plays in the next game against NE?
Thanks for your time.
1. What is the latest on the Rams' ownership situation?
2. When is the first roster cut down? The rams really need another RB. Who do you think they will target?
3. I have noticed the Rams QBs (especially Bradford) complete more downfield throws during practice/scrimmage than the first two preseason games. Why do you think that is? Our CBs aren't as good as CLE and MIN; or Pat Shurmur call more aggressive plays against our own defense?
4. How did DX look in practice? Any chance he gets a couple plays in the next game against NE?
Thanks for your time.
Jim Thomas: 1.) See my blog and
twitter: NFL finance committee has unanimously recommended approval
of Kroenke's bid. A very good sign obviously.
2.) First roster cutdown is Aug. 31, but it's only five players (roster trimmed to 75). So I don't think they'll be much out there on the first cut.
3.) See earlier answers. But in short, there is a pass rush in games. And there was a monsoon in Cleveland.
2.) First roster cutdown is Aug. 31, but it's only five players (roster trimmed to 75). So I don't think they'll be much out there on the first cut.
3.) See earlier answers. But in short, there is a pass rush in games. And there was a monsoon in Cleveland.
JT, will the vote happen
tomorrow on the sale and will the public be told the results?
Thanks
Jim Thomas: Yes, and yes.
Jim, As always thanks
for the chats, they're greatly appreciated and I look forward to
them every week.
If I'm not mistaken wasn't Donnie Avery clocked as the fastest player in the draft when he came out? If that's the case why don't we find ways to utilize that speed and get him the ball more often? I can't remember the last time we've just thrown him the ball on a straight fly pattern or even on a quick slant and let him play "catch me if you can". I really feel he's been under utilized in this offense so far and I hope that will change now that we've got a strong armed gunslinger that can get him the ball deep. What are your thoughts Jim?
Also, I noticed that Mardy Gilyard averaged 16.3 yds per return on three punts against the Browns. Haven't seen the game myself did he come close to busting any of them for a TD and what are your thoughts on the rookie from Cincy?
If I'm not mistaken wasn't Donnie Avery clocked as the fastest player in the draft when he came out? If that's the case why don't we find ways to utilize that speed and get him the ball more often? I can't remember the last time we've just thrown him the ball on a straight fly pattern or even on a quick slant and let him play "catch me if you can". I really feel he's been under utilized in this offense so far and I hope that will change now that we've got a strong armed gunslinger that can get him the ball deep. What are your thoughts Jim?
Also, I noticed that Mardy Gilyard averaged 16.3 yds per return on three punts against the Browns. Haven't seen the game myself did he come close to busting any of them for a TD and what are your thoughts on the rookie from Cincy?
Jim Thomas: Gilyard had a
23-yarder on his first punt return, but I wouldn't say he was close
to breaking that one. I think Gilyard has some camp legs as well _
tired legs _ and might even show more quickness in the
future.
Jim,
How would you fill in these blanks?
1. The most pleasant surprise of camp is _______
2. The one guy I expected to see more out of is ______
3. One player that could be a surprise cut is ______
4. The last WR to make the roster will be ______
Thanks!
How would you fill in these blanks?
1. The most pleasant surprise of camp is _______
2. The one guy I expected to see more out of is ______
3. One player that could be a surprise cut is ______
4. The last WR to make the roster will be ______
Thanks!
Jim Thomas: 1>) Larry
Grant.
2.) Brandon Gibson
3.) Justin King
4.) TBD
2.) Brandon Gibson
3.) Justin King
4.) TBD
What sort of leg
injury does George Selvie have? The injury reports seem rather
vague.
Jim Thomas: Will try to find out.
He's been wearing a boot on the foot. With that I've got to go.
Practice is about to start. Talk to you next week.
