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Rams chat with Jim Thomas

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

3rd & 7 37yd

Hi Jim, another long off season at Rams park eh? Can't have it any other way right? I'm kind of used to it now. Have a great new year.

by Ekern55 12/30/2014 7:06:52 PM
Another cold winter here in Earth City for sure. We'll see what the offseason brings Happy New Year to you.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:07:44 PM
An SI article by Joan Niesen described Snead's approach to building the roster as finding an obsession rather than a balance. In other words, be dominant on defense before anything else. Do you get the sense that will be the theme this offseason via draft and free agency? A couple years ago it was playmakers, last year felt like the running game.

by Todd 12/30/2014 7:08:02 PM
I don't know. I think I'd go heavy on offense (with a limited number of picks). QB, couple of interior offensive linemen. Maybe a WR.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:08:37 PM
Is there a spot on defense that can be justifiably upgraded before we concentrate on offense? Shutdown corner like Trae Waynes? Or do they consider Jenkins, Johnson and Gaines good enough?

by Derek 12/30/2014 7:08:42 PM
I'd like to see another corner added to mix. I don't think the Rams feel that way however.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:09:28 PM
Jim - Any idea on the timing of the task force update? I've heard January - do you know early, mid or late?

by McGarrett 12/30/2014 7:09:32 PM
I don't have an exact date for you. But I was under the impression that it would be early January, maybe next week.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:10:11 PM
Not a Bradford hater but since Fisher came here rams are 10-11-1 with Sam Bradford and 10-11 without him. You can make the argument they've played better football without him then with him. Would him being here really make a difference?

by Josh 12/30/2014 7:10:17 PM
I think your math is off. The Rams were 4-5 without Bradford last year and 6-10 without him this year. That adds up to 10-15. And yes, I think the Rams would be better than 10-15 with Bradford.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:12:29 PM
Good Day Jim, I am felling let down by this season, it is hard not to think the team regressed, Down in almost categories. This team says they are on the brink of success. What do you think ? I think if they fail to have a winning record it is time to move on and I am a Fisher supporter. Fours years is long enough to prove it

by OzyRamsFan 12/30/2014 7:12:40 PM
I think this was clearly the most talented team that Fisher has had in three years here. I do think they are close to breaking out. But the result was 6-10. And therein lies the disappointment of 2014, even with the quarterback issues. And yes, I do think four years should be enough to prove it.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:14:22 PM
Do u think the rams oc will be fired

by Big Dogg 12/30/2014 7:14:24 PM
Been wrong before. But I don't think so.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:14:37 PM
2015 game one qb? My assumption is Bradford.

by Derek 12/30/2014 7:15:04 PM
That's would be the best bet right now.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:15:20 PM
Hey Jim - I'm curious why the new stadium plan is open air? Most fans I talk to were hoping for a retractable roof. Any reason other than cost?

by Walter 12/30/2014 7:15:43 PM
M-O-N-E-Y. You're talking probably a couple hundred million more.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:16:27 PM
Tell the Rams to please trade for me!!!

by Mike Glennon 12/30/2014 7:16:30 PM
And you would be an upgrade?

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:16:42 PM
Do u think the rams will stay with sam

by Big Dogg 12/30/2014 7:16:47 PM
That's the plan.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:16:56 PM
What do you this the solution is to the Rams inconsistency issues... they seemed to play much better against good teams like the Bronces and Seattle and yet laid a big fat egg against Minnesota and NY Giants. And Sceond, why did it seem the Rams were dominated in the second half of evey game... it that poor coaching or poor conditioning or something else?

by Anson C 12/30/2014 7:17:01 PM
You would hope some of that would come with experience. And it's getting to the point where many of the young players should now have enough experience to be ready on a game-in, game-out basis. And no what it takes to do so.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:18:19 PM
Hi Jim - I am with everyone on bringing back Bradford at a discounted price and drafting OL in the first two round and a QB in the third round but given the dispute between Cam Newton and his office in the midseason, is there any chance that the Rams office looks into Newton via trade? Perhaps our first round pick and RB Stacy? Newton is young, he is mobile and has a good arm. Happy New Year!

by abiRam 12/30/2014 7:18:45 PM
Yeah, I like Newton. I think it would take more than a first-rounder and Stacy. And Newton does have the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs (albeit at 7-8-1). But can't see that happening.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:19:59 PM
Any rumors swirling regarding the potential move or personnel shake ups on the coaching staff?

by Loyal Ram Fan 12/30/2014 7:20:01 PM
Haven't heard anything to that effect.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:20:17 PM
hi jim happy new year... its time to start to talk about fa/draft.... you think this year snead/fisher put more attention on offense

by alex 12/30/2014 7:20:24 PM
If you mean in terms of personnel acquisitions, they've paid plenty of attention to offense in free agency and the draft. Greg Robinson, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook, Scott Wells.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:21:30 PM
JT, It seems that some players (cough, cough, Janoris Jenkins, cough) repeatedly make the same or similar errors. Is this a case of poor coaching or a player not being coachable?

by Amp Lee 12/30/2014 7:21:32 PM
Myself, I think it's more on the player. I don't think you're coached to leave your assignment, wander elsewhere, with the result being a huge play for the opposition in what was a tie game.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:22:30 PM
Jenoris Jenkins has had coverage problems all year - his he has talent - will demoting him get his attention, if so do the Rams trust their current level of DB's enough or would they take use a the first round to find another starter

by Stlfilmmaker 12/30/2014 7:22:40 PM
I think the Rams like who the have. Myself, I'm not sure about corner.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:23:36 PM
speaking of drafts I see the primary needs as DB/QB/OL not in that order but def with the 1st three picks - your thoughts?

by Stlfilmmaker 12/30/2014 7:23:43 PM
Again, don't think the Rams have cornerback rated that highly as a need.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:24:12 PM
Another year of mediocrity in the books! Just wondering about free agency before we go draft crazy. Who out of Barksdale, Britt, Kendricks, A Carrington, D Joseph, S Hill (free agents) do you expect back next year? and who out Bradford, Jake Long, K Langford, Scott Wells (mediocre with huge salaries) do you expect back next year?

by willywawa 12/30/2014 7:24:14 PM
I'd say the Rams want to keep Barksdale, Britt, and Kendricks, as well.as Hill. That doesn't mean they will all be back. They could get better offers elsewhere.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:25:03 PM
I think the Rams will try to bring Bradford back. It's possible the Rams want Langford at a reduced salary since he's no longer a starter. Not sure on Jake Long and Scott Wells.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:26:51 PM
I realize there are no Round 1 likely QB's after the top two. Who do you consider to be the next couple QB's in line and what does their draft spot look like? Is Hundley a 2nd rounder now?

by Derek 12/30/2014 7:27:00 PM
To early for me on that one. Stay tuned.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:27:13 PM
Jim, When will the Rams change their uniforms and when will they move to LA? Just kidding JT, in your opinion do you think the Rams will try to go after free agent Offensive Lineman in the offseason or draft? Also, who do you see as top free agent OL

by Jeff H 12/30/2014 7:27:29 PM
The Rams will certainly look to bolster their O-Line, particularly the interior. Let me get back to you on top free-agent offensive linemen.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:28:11 PM
Hi Jim, I'd say the 3 biggest needs that the Rams have to resolve before next year are 1) qb 2)qb and 3)qb. Not that the rest of the offense is perfect, but I think it's good enough to score some points with a legitimate starter (which a healthy Bradford might be). Thoughts?

by Plutarch 12/30/2014 7:28:14 PM
How about 1.) QB, 2.) QB and 3.) Offensive line.

by jthomas 12/30/2014 7:28:52 PM