Live Chats

STL sports chat with Jeff Gordon

Bring your Cardinals, Rams, Blues and Mizzou questions, and join columnist Jeff Gordon for a live discussion starting at 11 a.m.

by Mike Smithon Nov 9, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Hey Jeff....I'm sure the finishes of Saturday and Sunday's games will take up most of your time today, but I had an "off the path" observation for a while now. Seems like more and more this season, NFL teams that win the opening coin toss are choosing to defer. I used to see that once or twice a year, now it seems like all the teams are doing it, what gives?

by netboy65 11/12/2012 4:21:29 PM
I am puzzled by this, too. I suppose coaches would rather have the ball of coming out of halftime with the choice after digesting the first half of the game and adjusting accordingly. Here is a nice little piece by ESPN's John Clayton on the issue. sports.espn.go.com

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:27:18 PM
How about Scott Hairston for our bench? He hit 20 homers last year in a part time role, and can play all 3 outfield positions as well as a little second. Seems like a good fit to me.

by Justin 11/12/2012 4:33:23 PM
On paper, just what the team needs. His stats: www.baseball-reference.com

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:34:37 PM
What are your thoughts on the new OT rules in the NFL? I personally like the rule that gives both teams a chance to score in OT, however, I think it should be extended that each gets one possession, regardless of if the opening drive results in a TD or not.

by Justin 11/12/2012 4:34:57 PM
I hear you, but I believe we would see more marathon OTs and some wear and tear on players in a 16-game season with a limited roster. This system forces teams to go for a TD to win the game outright . . . which the Rams were about to do before screwing up.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:36:38 PM
Hey Gordo, 1st, I would rather have Quick in the game making the same mistakes as Gibson is still making for the Rams. 2nd, Jenkins or Givens or even Richardson should get turns at kickoff returns. Your thoughts? Thanks.

by STL45Fan 11/12/2012 4:36:53 PM
I don't mind Pead's approach to kickoff returns. Like everybody else, I do mind his ball security. We've seen Jenkins a bit on punts and he takes way too many chances with the all. Richardson would be interesting, as would Givens.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:38:25 PM
Good morning Jeff. I have a Cardinal question for you. While Kozma did a good job as a fill in I'm concerned that once the pitchers figure him out he won't be good enough to be our SS answer long term. I'm a big fan of Andrus and really would like to see him as our SS long term. I'm seeing that position as a glaring need. Your thoughts please.

by Bud 11/12/2012 4:38:29 PM
If the Rangers decide to deal Andrus at some point, of course that would be worth looking at. But Texas may hold out for a top-of-the-rotation pitcher offering immediate help. As for Kozma, no, he is not a strong longer-term candidate. As we always note, his six-year minor league track record suggests a limited offensive upside.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:40:09 PM
Jeff Fisher made Janoris Jenkins and Chris Givens run stairs after missing curfew. Got to love an old school approach. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/12/curfew-violation-ends-with-jenkins-givens-running-stadium-stairs/

by Jeff Gordon via twitter 11/12/2012 4:46:36 PM
Fisher, to SI.com's Peter King: “They weren’t going to play, so they needed a workout. And I guess you can say it was part punitive. We still have to sort some things out about what happened, but hopefully this helps them get the message.”

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:47:22 PM
Hi Jeff, Fisher's timeout with 1:10 left in the 4th quarter was really puzzling, any thoughts on way he called it?

by Maggot99 11/12/2012 4:47:28 PM
The Rams have been horrible in the red zone all season. The Rams had major issues with false start penalties in this game. He wanted to make sure his team took its best shot there. Who could have guessed they would score so easily?

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:48:21 PM
St. Louis gets preliminary games in 2014 NCAA Tourney for Scottrade Center. Another big sports get for the city. Congrats to all involved.

by Jeff Gordon via twitter 11/12/2012 4:51:47 PM
Did you get a chance to watch any of the Billiken's win over VCU to win the A10 championship? McGinty has turned this team completely around.

by Joseph 11/12/2012 4:52:57 PM
Did not see that. But how about a shout out to Kingsley Bryce for his star turn in the event.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:55:46 PM
The Rams should have had that game!!!! It broke my heart watching all of those awesome plays get called back, I think it's a sign of things to come from our offense though. Would you agree?

by Jeremy 11/12/2012 4:55:55 PM
As the Rams get healthier on the offensive line, the Jackson/Richardson combination should do lots of damage. Assuming Givens comes back to active duty looking to make good, Bradford will have a chance to build on his breakthrough Sunday game.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:57:29 PM
Why didn't Fischer call time out before the play clock expired on what could have been the game winning field goal?

by Ortsac 11/12/2012 4:57:35 PM
Excellent question. There is no excuse for such a mistake.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:57:52 PM
Bryce is only a Sophmore too. Strong recruiting has helped too. We'll learn tonight if we'll see the Billikens next Sunday here in town. Will the PD announce the NCAA tournament schedule?

by Joseph 11/12/2012 4:59:40 PM
Stay tuned . . .

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 4:59:59 PM
Hey Gordo, do you think Mo will consider acquiring Alex Gonzalez to play shortstop? He is outstanding defensively and not a bad hitter as well? What would the price be?

by Uncle Leebo 11/12/2012 5:00:07 PM
He could be just the sort of insurance the team needs. Not sure he has much to offer with the bat, but he IS a good glove man if healthy. He made $4.35 million last season as a 35-year-old for Milwaukee. His season-ending injury was a big blow to that team.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:03:33 PM
Something seems to wrong with this team......still a boat load of critical mistakes and now players being de-activated.....who's in charge?

by Skid Row 11/12/2012 5:03:42 PM
Jeff Fisher. He took a hard line on the players for missing curfew. Even made them run steps as punishment. Got to love that.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:04:12 PM
To honor Hockey Hall of Famer Adam Oates, one of the all-time great Blues, let's look back at this best NHL promotional commercial.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:05:45 PM
Jeff--that "dance" the 9'ers do pre-kickoff. Hard to watch. Isn't that against some rule?

by Ernie 11/12/2012 5:05:56 PM
Apparently not.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:06:05 PM
For the record, Derek Dooley is still the football coach at Tennessee. AD Dave Hart hasn't fired him just yet. To the Tennessean: "He told me he had not made a decision. Either the sources were wrong or Dave wasn't being forthright. The hardest thing is with your family. The hardest thing is they're seeing things that are contrary to what their dad tells them."
Um . . . sounds like Dad better level with the kids on how things are going. Family will be moving.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:08:53 PM
What did you think of the fake punt at the end of the first half? Pretty gutsy call considering they were punting from their own endzone, but I loved the look on Harboughs face afterwards. Outside Arizona, I think the Rams are back and I expect them, Seattle, and SF to battle for years to come.

by KC 11/12/2012 5:09:03 PM
Such nerve is why I couldn't give the coaches a "F" for Sunday's non-victory, despite the clock management issues. A lot of good things happened. Too bad some avoidable mishaps undermined a spirited performance.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:09:51 PM
games like yesterdays frustrate me as a fan more than the drubbing they took in London! What is that, 3 or 4 games this year they could have easily won with one less penalty orsome such "shoot your own foot" scenario!

by ramfan 11/12/2012 5:10:02 PM
Team has learned to compete. Now it needs to learn how to actually win games.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:10:33 PM
Bradford’s tendency to crumple into a fetal position before defensive players can sack him reminds me most of Jeff George: Like George Bradford is talented, skittish, lacking the poise to be a leader and afraid to take a hit.

by Red Bird 11/12/2012 5:10:41 PM
Bradford has taken all kinds of shots this season. He has also suffered some costly turnovers by throwing while getting hit. In that spot Sunday, with an unblocked rusher coming right up the middle, he wisely got down and protected the ball.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:11:55 PM
Not buying that excuse. Compare Bradford's cowardly play to the 9er's backup QB who stood tall and made plays over and over again.

by Red Bird 11/12/2012 5:13:44 PM
Bradford played brilliantly. Rallied the team down the field for a late TD pass. Threw an 80-yard bomb to start the OT. Moved the team in position for a game-winning FG OT. Clutch performance vs. the NFL's No. 2 defense on the road.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:14:38 PM
And I saw Braford duck for cover more than once in that game.

by Red Bird 11/12/2012 5:14:46 PM
He suffered two sacks. Did a nice job getting out of trouble in a few spots to get rid of the ball.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:16:04 PM
Congrats to Mizzou (I'm a Tennessee grad.) Listening to Dooley's press conference right now. Great comment about Dad better level with his kids. The biggest problem with DD is not that his is an inept football coach (which he is) but that he (from what has been relayed by various parties) is a real *** to work with and I've heard direct stories about how he treats fans, not very pretty. Anyway, good job Tigers, great 2nd half.

by atlcardfan 11/12/2012 5:16:08 PM
Typical case of a guy in over his head.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:16:34 PM
Hey Gordo, if K-State and Oregon win out is there any way Notre Dame can get into the Championship game as an undefeated team? Synder is some kind of miralce worker.

by Uncle Leebo 11/12/2012 5:16:42 PM
If Notre Dame can drub USC, the Irish have to have a shot, right? I guess it will come down to how impressively each teams win, if they keep winning.

by Jeff Gordon 11/12/2012 5:17:19 PM