Live Chats

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

Submit your Rams and NFL questions and comments NOW; talk to Post-Dispatch football writer Jim Thomas starting at 1 p.m.

by Mike Smithon Dec 6, 2012 at 5:00 PM

Jim, do you think the OT rules should be changed for the regular season? I would like to see the NFL implement OT rules similar to college football. That way you always have a winner and a loser.

by Bopat from SoCal 12/11/2012 7:20:22 PM
No, I like the NFL rules like they are.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:21:05 PM
Why don't the Rams run more screen passes?

by Dan 12/11/2012 7:21:21 PM
Maybe they should try more screens, but they haven't much success when they've tried.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:22:06 PM
I really don’t like seeing Amendola on the sidelines but I really think it has helped Bradford with his development. The fact that he doesn’t have that crutch has pressed him to spread the ball around a lot more. Your thoughts?

by eman78 12/11/2012 7:22:19 PM
If there is a silver linining to Amendola being out, it's that Bradford has gained confidence in some of his other receivers, most notably Chris Givens. And the interesting thing about what's happened lately is that the Rams are starting to win games without Amendola in the game.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:23:56 PM
Jim. Do you think this defense is better than the greatest show years?

by Southern ram fan 12/11/2012 7:23:59 PM
No, not yet. I know the Greatest Show teams _ I'm speaking specifically about the '99 and '01 Super Bowl teams _ were used to playing with a lead. Even so, they were tough against the run and could really get after the passer. The '99 Rams were 6th in total defense, 1st in run defense, 4th in scoring defense and scored 8 defensive TDs. The '01 Rams were 3rd in total defense, 3rd in run defense, 7th in scoring defense, and scored five defense TDs.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:40:21 PM
Good afternoon JT. Any chance we see the Rams wearing the old Cleveland Rams black and red unis' as a throwback?

by buckc 12/11/2012 7:40:25 PM
Funny you should mention that. I brought up that very subject to Kevin Demoff last season and he said he liked the look of those uniforms. But there are currently no plans to go to any new throwbacks at this point.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:41:43 PM
will the rams make the playoffs

by Corey 12/11/2012 7:42:03 PM
RIght now, I'd say it's only about 25 % chance that they get in. It's not just the fact that they must win-out, but they also need a little help.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:42:45 PM
While making the playoffs would be great (if they ran the table on the next three games), but it's not a stretch to say they wouldn't get too far if they did make it. Would it be better, as a fan, to see them make the playoffs and pick in the mid to late 20's next April or see them have two picks in the mid teens instead knowing that they'll (probably) get a more impactful player in those slots?

by sentientsix 12/11/2012 7:43:08 PM
Regardless of the circumstances, I don't think you ever trade playoff appearances for spots in the draft order.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:43:57 PM
Jim, witnessed the game in person and wow what a tale of two halves out in Buffalo, Bradford just seems to be a different QB in the 4th quarter can you make any rhyme or reason out of that? Also are you moving your win total now?

by AZRamFan 12/11/2012 7:44:15 PM
It is hard to explain. Watching the first half in Buffalo and the first half of the San Francisco game two Sundays ago, I didn't think the Rams were going to score a point. And your right, Bradford has had pretty good fourth quarters much of the season. As far back as the opener in Detroit, Bradford led them to what looked like a game-winning field goal. And in the San Francisco tie it looked like he led the offense to a game-winning TD. But the defense couldn't hold either of those leads. This is a better coaching staff than we've had around here recently, so I think there are adjustments being made along the way that haven't necessarily been made in the past. And I think this young team _ not just Bradford and the offense, is learning how to close out games.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:49:10 PM
Jim- What do you think of Shottys play calling so far this season?

by kpatel 12/11/2012 7:49:41 PM
Not bad at all. There have been a few red zone series _ especially those inside the 10 _ where I think they should've stuck with the run more. But overall I think he's done a good job considering what he's working with.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:51:42 PM
After the Rams only scoreing 17,16, and 15 points in their last three wins, I don't see the Rams winning any more unless the Offense Picks it up. what do you think!?

by LARamFan 12/11/2012 7:51:44 PM
There's no doubt the offense needs to pick it up. They can't keep living off their defense. Sooner or later it will catch up with them, although Minnesota hasn't exactly been running up points lately.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:53:48 PM
Jim - I've heard several explanations, but I still can't make sense of deferring the ball when you win the toss to start the game. By any measure, you are probably giving your opponent an extra possession, and increasing the odds that you'll be playing from behind. Has Fisher said, or have can you explain why he keeps deferring possession when winning the toss?

by Robert in Wildwood 12/11/2012 7:54:05 PM
I'll try to remember to ask him about it this week.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:54:21 PM
Hi Jim, How 'bout that play by B. Richardson on the interception. If he doesnt draw that penalty the tempo and probably the outcome of the game could have been different.

by lefton 12/11/2012 7:54:29 PM
Like I said in my game story, if he doesn't win an Academy Award for best tumble in a supporting role, he should at least get a nomination.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:55:09 PM
Any updates on Amendola? Offense is much more dangerous with him in there and big game with Vikings looms.

by AZRamFan 12/11/2012 7:55:42 PM
Amendola is close, and Fisher sounded more optimistic on Monday that Amendola might be able to play vs. Minnesota. It's a four-to-six week injury, and this Sunday will mark four weeks. We'll see.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:57:21 PM
Assuming that the Rams re-sign Amendola to keep him in the slot and start Givens on the outside next year, what direction do you see the Rams going on the other side at WR? Sign a veteran FA (Jennings, Bowe, Wallace), draft one in the 1st round (Allen, Woods), or stick with the Brian Quick development project?

by Reggie 12/11/2012 7:57:51 PM
I don't see the Rams going big on free agency for a wide receiver. Myself, I'd like to see them draft one somewhere in the early rounds. They're not down on Quick at all.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 7:58:51 PM
I live in Colorado and I know a lot of Broncos fans so when, in a grand display of preseason bravado, I proclaimed the Rams would lead the league in sacks one of those Bronco fans took offense and proposed a wager as to who would have the most sacks for the season, Rams or Broncos. Naturally I accepted as turning it down would be an indication of doubt. Now, with 3 games left in the season, the Rams and Broncos are tied at 39 sacks apiece. We’re not talking a huge amount of money here but it is the holidays and the economy is still tight so I’m kind of hoping to win this bet and I’d appreciate it if you passed this along to the guys in the locker room and tell them The Midnighter is counting on them to make this happen. I really appreciate your help on this.

by Midnighter67 12/11/2012 7:59:45 PM
I'll try to pass it along.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:00:12 PM
At this point, whom would you name the Rams rookie of the year?

by 4thandJuan 12/11/2012 8:00:15 PM
Great question. Right now, it's a tight race between Greg Zuerlein, Janoris Jenkins, and Chris Givens _ although Michael Brockers is coming on strong late. If I had to pick one right now, I think I'd go Givens.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:02:31 PM
Mr. Thomas, I'm bummed. It seems like every week there is a new Donny Avery highlight.

by Dick Bass 12/11/2012 8:02:51 PM
Yeah, Avery's had a pretty good year (52 for 706, 3 TDs). Cutting him at the start of 2011 was all on Josh McDaniels. He said Avery could only catcth the ball when he was open; that he couldn't catch the contested balls or out-of-frame catches. A healty every would sure look nice lined up next to Chris Givens.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:19:34 PM
Avery highlights? I'm more bummed about all the highlights of Danario. At least we have Steve Smith though. Boy wouldn't a receiving crew of Amendola, Avery, Givens, Alexander, Quick, and either Pettis or Gibson look good right now?

by Doug 12/11/2012 8:20:02 PM
Good for Danario. It's quite a story. I still can't blame Fisher for cutting him. He basically was injured all of training camp and the preseason.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:24:17 PM
I have seen a lot of stories recently about the Rams lack of a speedy, deep threat,
receiver. Story is getting as boring as it is frustrating. We need to spend some of that cap space on someone like Dwayne Bowe, and move on from there. They haven't hit on an elite receiver in the draft since Torry Holt. Use the draft to fix the o-line and continue to build a long term winner. Thoughts?

by Chicago Ram 12/11/2012 8:24:31 PM
With the contract extensions for Long and Laurinaitis, most of all that cap space for 2013 is gone. I think when all is said and done the Rams will have about $10 million of cap space at the start of the offseason.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:25:53 PM
Other than WR and the safeties, what do you think will be the next big area of concern to strengthen in the offseason?

by sentientsix 12/11/2012 8:25:57 PM
Offensive line (particularly tackle), outside linebacker, and running back and cornerback will need help if Jackson and Fletcher are gone.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:27:10 PM
Offer a 2nd round pick to Arizona straight up for Fitzgerald. Would they take it?

by Skip 12/11/2012 8:27:19 PM
I'd give a second for Fitzgerald in a minute. Not sure about the cardinals though.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:27:48 PM
Football games are either entertaining for high scores or closeness of games. The Rams sure have liked to have close games this year. Care to hazard a guess on the final score of MN game? I'm sure it will be low scoring, given each teams defenses, 13-10 or something like that. With a Greg the leg last minute field goal.

by STLFootball 12/11/2012 8:31:01 PM
Yeah, this may be one of those games where first team to 17 wins.

by jthomas 12/11/2012 8:31:25 PM
Could you see the Rams drafting Lattimore in the mid to late rounds and allow him to heal and be mentored by Jackson until he's ready to play?

by john michaels 12/11/2012 8:31:33 PM