Jim Thomas Live
Rams writer Jim Thomas goes one-on-one with readers at 1 p.m. Tuesday in a live chat.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 01:00 PM CDT
comments & answers
When do you think Clayton will get some real playing time? Week 2? That is my guess. There's no way he can start against Arizona in my opinion, it just isn't long enough to completely memorize a playbook. I think he gets a few looks as a slot receiver on some simple routes.
I like what he brings to the table, he's a physical, aggressive, fast and big receiver who can stretch the field. He doesn't have elite hands but they seem to be good enough to be at least our number 2 if not number 1 WR by the years end. Looking around the net at what Ravens fans are saying, they seem to be sad to see the guy go. I guess we can thank Seattle for him.
I like what he brings to the table, he's a physical, aggressive, fast and big receiver who can stretch the field. He doesn't have elite hands but they seem to be good enough to be at least our number 2 if not number 1 WR by the years end. Looking around the net at what Ravens fans are saying, they seem to be sad to see the guy go. I guess we can thank Seattle for him.
Jim Thomas: I think you're right about him may getting just a few looks on some basic routes Sunday against Arizona. It seems pretty obvious though that the Rams want to get him out there. Obviously it will take a few weeks to really feel comfortable with the playbook, not to mention getting his timing time with Bradford.
Interesting that Vincent Jackson was even considered. Is it because they feel offense is strong enough to use this talent, which is short of the four pillars? Is it because ownership/financial situation has changed to make it possible? Ultimately, why did it not happen for the Rams?
Jim Thomas: I don't think it ever got to the point where the Rams were talking seriously with San Diego about Jackson. I blogged and tweeted something on the subject on Saturday morning because I talked to two agents who said they'd heard the Rams were interested. But I presented the blog/tweet as the Rams "could" or "might" be interested. A little speculative to be sure, which is something I don't like to do. But the sources are guys that are pretty tapped in, so I thought I'd at least get that out there. Anywhere, although it was something talked about internally by the Rams, I don't think it got very far. So I don't think this is necessarily any indication of things being different under the new regime.
Greetings Jim: My questions are about Roger Allen - I thought he was "highly regarded". Why was he cut, and then why not signed to the practice squad? Has he signed with another team? Do you expect him back at all? Thank you for your responses.
Jim Thomas: Remember, he started the season finale at LG only to suffer a knee injury in that game (San Francisco) that required surgery. As a result, he missed a lot of the pre-training camp workouts and was rusty in camp. I think his pass blocking was spotty. I think it came down to him or Drew Miller for a practice squad spot in St. Louis, and the Rams opted for Miller. I'm not aware that Allen has signed with anyone's practice squad.
Hey there,
My girlfriend and I are headed to the Dome this Sunday; I was wondering if they were going to be any pre-game festivities near or around the area. I know there are tailgating locations but we wouldn't know anybody there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I know you probably get this a lot lately but how much of the Offense is going to run through Illini Mike? I know Fells is higher up on the Depth Chart, but was just curious if he will get some passes thrown his way Week 1.
Thanks,
Matt GO RAMS!
My girlfriend and I are headed to the Dome this Sunday; I was wondering if they were going to be any pre-game festivities near or around the area. I know there are tailgating locations but we wouldn't know anybody there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I know you probably get this a lot lately but how much of the Offense is going to run through Illini Mike? I know Fells is higher up on the Depth Chart, but was just curious if he will get some passes thrown his way Week 1.
Thanks,
Matt GO RAMS!
Jim Thomas: I don't know of anything special planned for Sunday, but there are tents on Broadway right across the street from the main dome entrance with music and food and drink. There's always a lot going on on Laclede's Landing on game day as well, which is a short walk from the stadium.
I would think Oh-Oh might get a couple thrown his way.
I would think Oh-Oh might get a couple thrown his way.
I'm stunned that the Rams haven't done anything at the back-up RB position. Are they just confident in the growth of Totson and Darby? Do they think they're extra Dlinemen and WRs are better than any available RB? Are they just waiting on a particular RB to come around?
Jim Thomas: The Rams have been looking, believe me, they have been looking for help at RB. And I think they're a little frustrated that more RBs haven't come loose.
With LB Carpenter cut but only eight offensive linemen, instead of the usual nine, deemed good enough to make the team, do you think the Rams regret the Carpenter-for-OT-Barron trade or was that a case of addition by subtraction?
Jim Thomas: I don't think they miss Barron.
Hi Jim,
It's great to see Ram's Nation with a little excitement. The last three years have been awful and we are really looking forward to seeing this team rebuilt. I'm happy to see the Rams adding some experience at WR. I expected them to pick up some veterans for other positions, expecially the O-Line and add some depth to the team. They seem awfully slow on the trigger, expecially with a lot of RB's getting released last week. Are they confident Tolston can play in the NFL? He looked pretty good the last two exhibition games but... What say you?
It's great to see Ram's Nation with a little excitement. The last three years have been awful and we are really looking forward to seeing this team rebuilt. I'm happy to see the Rams adding some experience at WR. I expected them to pick up some veterans for other positions, expecially the O-Line and add some depth to the team. They seem awfully slow on the trigger, expecially with a lot of RB's getting released last week. Are they confident Tolston can play in the NFL? He looked pretty good the last two exhibition games but... What say you?
Jim Thomas: That's just the thing, there weren't a lot of RBs cut last week, at least less than I think everybody thought. At first I was a little surprised the team passed on Derrick Ward. But the reports out of Tampa weren't very flattering. After a disappointing 2009 season, he missed some of the offseason workouts with the Bucs, and then shows up for camp overweight. Hardly signs of a player looking to revive his career after an off-year.
As for Willie Parker, the Rams had him in in March. If they didn't want him then, why would they want him now? I'm pretty sure the Rams would've made a run at Julius Jones had he been released by Seattle, but as you know he re-signed with the Seahawks.
As for Willie Parker, the Rams had him in in March. If they didn't want him then, why would they want him now? I'm pretty sure the Rams would've made a run at Julius Jones had he been released by Seattle, but as you know he re-signed with the Seahawks.
As of right now our back up RB's are toisten and darby. I read on your answers to ?s you have said you dont believe the back up RB is on the roster yet. Is that still true or have things changed?
Jim Thomas: Well, I really thought there'd be somebody new at backup RB. But it doesn't look like it'll be the case. At least not this week.
Just wondering what happend with Chris Hovan, and what are some free agent options at backup running back?
Jim Thomas: Hovan's been gone for quite some time. He had some back issues. But I think the strong camp of Gibson, and the work of D. Scott made him expendable.
As for RBs on the market, at last check, these guys are out there (some have subsequently been signed to practice squads). J.J. Arrington, Joique Bell, Ladell Betts, DeDe Dorsey, Chris Henry Willie Parker, Chad Simpson, Kolby Smith.
As for RBs on the market, at last check, these guys are out there (some have subsequently been signed to practice squads). J.J. Arrington, Joique Bell, Ladell Betts, DeDe Dorsey, Chris Henry Willie Parker, Chad Simpson, Kolby Smith.
Hi Jim. I enjoy your articles. Keep up the good work. I'm excited about the acquisition of M. Clayton! My question is about Clayton's contract. Is he still on the last year of his rookie contract? Is he just a rental player or did the Rams negotiate a new contract with him before the trade? Thanks for your time Jim.
Jim Thomas: Not on rookie contract. As I mentioned in my Post-Dispatch article, Clayton is playing this year on the one-year tender he signed as a restricted free agent. (He would have been unrestricted this past offseason if not for the capped year.) So he earns $2.277 million this season, and then becomes a free agent after this season.
JT thank you for all you do for us starving Ram fans. Especially those like myself from outside the area that depend on you and NW @ SLRams.com for coverage of our team.
My question is Who do the Rams cut to make room on the 53 for Clayton? Will it be someone who then can be signed to the practice squad?
My question is Who do the Rams cut to make room on the 53 for Clayton? Will it be someone who then can be signed to the practice squad?
Jim Thomas: As I blogged and tweeted earlier today, Keenan Burton was cut to make room for Clayton. Interestingly, Burton was cut instead of undrafted rookie Dominique Curry, who remains on the club.
Hey Jim,
I was wondering how the offensive line looks heading into the opener. I know that a lot has been said about Jason Smith moving to RT with Saffold manning the LT. How have they looked over the past couple of weeks and is Smith's injury behind him?
Much is also said about the Rams receivers, but I'm more worried about the defensive front and linebacking core. Any emerging players (Selvie?) and can you tell if having a year of Shurmer's offense and Flajole's defense under their belts is making an impact going into 2010?
Thanks!
I was wondering how the offensive line looks heading into the opener. I know that a lot has been said about Jason Smith moving to RT with Saffold manning the LT. How have they looked over the past couple of weeks and is Smith's injury behind him?
Much is also said about the Rams receivers, but I'm more worried about the defensive front and linebacking core. Any emerging players (Selvie?) and can you tell if having a year of Shurmer's offense and Flajole's defense under their belts is making an impact going into 2010?
Thanks!
Jim Thomas: Line, obviously, has looked better since the woes of the first preseason game. But the Rams, particularly Bradford, are getting the ball out quick. Smith hasn't missed any practice time with the toe.
I think the LB corps has the potential to be solid. Up front, I think the Rams might be pretty good at tackle. But I'm still wondering where the pass rush is going to come from at DE. As for emerging players, Selvie missed a couple weeks with a leg injury, and is trying to work himself back into the mix.
I think the LB corps has the potential to be solid. Up front, I think the Rams might be pretty good at tackle. But I'm still wondering where the pass rush is going to come from at DE. As for emerging players, Selvie missed a couple weeks with a leg injury, and is trying to work himself back into the mix.
Jim,
This Mark Clayton deal reminds me of the Laurent Robinson trade in many respects. Clayton has had some injury issues that may have held him back; the same is true of Robinson. Clayton fell out of favor with his old team and became expendable; the same was true for Robinson. The main difference is that Clayton has alot more NFL experience than Robinson, something that the Rams were looking for. One other similarity: both minor trades have the potential for significant upside should both guys remain healthy and able to contribute. Would you concur with my evaluation? Thanks.
This Mark Clayton deal reminds me of the Laurent Robinson trade in many respects. Clayton has had some injury issues that may have held him back; the same is true of Robinson. Clayton fell out of favor with his old team and became expendable; the same was true for Robinson. The main difference is that Clayton has alot more NFL experience than Robinson, something that the Rams were looking for. One other similarity: both minor trades have the potential for significant upside should both guys remain healthy and able to contribute. Would you concur with my evaluation? Thanks.
Jim Thomas: Can't argue with any of that. The key, especially for Robinson, is staying on the field.
Hi Jim,
Did Rams trade a starting LT, Barron, for Carpenter, who did not even make the 53 man roster? Lookes like they did. This does not even make sense. Is Devany and Spags that bad at judging players??? Not only that, but Rams now need another OT??? What really happened here?
How is Barron doing at Dallas?
jerry
Did Rams trade a starting LT, Barron, for Carpenter, who did not even make the 53 man roster? Lookes like they did. This does not even make sense. Is Devany and Spags that bad at judging players??? Not only that, but Rams now need another OT??? What really happened here?
How is Barron doing at Dallas?
jerry
Jim Thomas: Not that Barron is wowing 'em in Dallas, but he is still on the team and could be starting the opener because normal starter Marc Colombo is coming off a knee 'scope. The word I got from someone who covers the Cowboys in Dallas is that Barron looked good early in camp working as the backup LT behind starter Doug Free. But he has struggled of late since he was moved to right tackle after Colombo's injury. The overall grade the person I talked to in Dallas gave Barron was a C. (Sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it?)
Hey Jim, kudos to the Rams on the Clayton trade, as long as if its a late round draft choice. Question, do the Rams have the first choice of every player waived? Also, why do you think they had no interest in RB Le Blount released by the Titans and picked up by the Bucs at least for the practice squad? Thanks
Jim Thomas: Until the end of September _ Sept. 28 I believe _ waiver claims are based on the teams' won-lost records of 2009. Since the Rams had the worst record in '09, they get first claim on all waiver wire players _ these are guys with less than 4 years of experience. Guys with 4 or more years in _ vested vets _ hit the street as free agents once they're cut. So the Rams don't have first claim on these vets.
Bucs claimed Blount, meaning he goes to their active roster. So the Rams couldn't have signed him to their practice squad if they wanted. But I don't think the Rams liked Blount, either as a player or as someone who could meet a majority of the 4 Pillars.
Bucs claimed Blount, meaning he goes to their active roster. So the Rams couldn't have signed him to their practice squad if they wanted. But I don't think the Rams liked Blount, either as a player or as someone who could meet a majority of the 4 Pillars.
Jim,
With expectations pretty low, in terms of wins, how will Kroenke go about evaluating this Rams staff and front office?
With expectations pretty low, in terms of wins, how will Kroenke go about evaluating this Rams staff and front office?
Jim Thomas: Good question. I'll try to find out.
Based on what you have seen in camp and pre-season, who on the defensive side of the ball do you see as possibly having a break out year? How have Atogwe and Bartell looked?
Jim Thomas: To be honest, I haven't watched Atogwe all that much. But I think Bartell has played pretty well, and looks more like the Bartell of 2008 than the guy in '09 who struggled and was slowed by a thigh injury. Gibson has looked good. Grant solid. Fred Robbins has looked very good. A little harder to get a read on the defense entering this season because they haven't been on the field much the last two preseason games because the Rams dominated time of possession.
Hi Jim, I was sorry to see that Denario Alexander didn't make the roster but was glad to see he made the practice squad. However, I was thinking that if he regains his health and begins to look like his former self, it may be impossible for the Rams to get him activated onto the Rams roster. What are the basic rules/hurdles for teams to obtain players from their own and other teams practice squads? Thanks for your time.
Jim Thomas: Once a player is on a practice squad, he can be signed to another team's active roster _ including his own _ at any time.
JT,
I missed you at the parade last year. How many wins will it take to host the 2010 version...and is that a prediction or a cop-out? Thanks for the chats.
I missed you at the parade last year. How many wins will it take to host the 2010 version...and is that a prediction or a cop-out? Thanks for the chats.
Jim Thomas: LOL--Last year my Parade Meter was at 6 wins. This year, even with the work of Bradford in the past 2 preseason games, I'm going with my earlier Parade Meter pick (which you must have missed) of five victories. In other words, the Rams should hold a parade (just like winning the Super Bowl) if they win five games.
Kenneth Darby & Keith Totson? The only other competition was Chris Ogbannaya? Were the Rams really even trying to upgrade the backup RB position?
Jim Thomas: Doesn't look that way, does it?
Rams game going to be on TV sunday? Wife is pregnant and due the 13th. She is going to be really ticked if i go to to the game on sunday. Couldnt all you highly paid writers do me a favor and buy up some tickets? We are naming our daughter Avery, sound familiar?
Jim Thomas: I think when all is said and done, the opener will be on TV. And what exactly do you mean by "highly" paid writers. Good luck with that baby. You know, Mardy might have been a good name as well.
The Rams just got a really good guy and a complete and total class act. Baltimore wishes Mark Clayton all the best and we will miss him much in Bmore.
Jim Thomas: Interesting comments. I have heard lots of good things about him as a person.
Just a few questions.
Who ultimately won the starting nickelback job? And in the world did Quincy Butler not make this team?
Mark Clayton, Danny Amendola, Mardy Gilyard seem like pretty strong slot WR types? Is Brandon Gibson in the doghouse so much that he's not even under consideration for replacing Avery on the outside?
Who ultimately won the starting nickelback job? And in the world did Quincy Butler not make this team?
Mark Clayton, Danny Amendola, Mardy Gilyard seem like pretty strong slot WR types? Is Brandon Gibson in the doghouse so much that he's not even under consideration for replacing Avery on the outside?
Jim Thomas: I think it'll be Kevin Dockery, at least at the start of the season. I was surprised on Butler, but I don't think he played all that well int he preseason finale. I think Gibson's ahead of Gilyard at this stage, until Gilyard gets caught up on the playbook.
Jim,
It seems to me that Bradford is making the offensive line better with his quick reads and decision making. I am encouraged, as a long time season ticket holder, with the progress the team has made.
Do you think the Rams will keep four tight ends and use one as an H back or cut one when another running back becomes available?
Thanks
It seems to me that Bradford is making the offensive line better with his quick reads and decision making. I am encouraged, as a long time season ticket holder, with the progress the team has made.
Do you think the Rams will keep four tight ends and use one as an H back or cut one when another running back becomes available?
Thanks
Jim Thomas: Hoomanawanui has been used some at fullback, and hasn't looked bad there. Fells and Bajama have been known to line up there as well. I think they keep 4 TEs, at least for a while.
Hello Jim!
When a player is suddenly sent to a new team, i.e. Mark Clayton as an example, it must be daunting for him at several levels- new teammates, new playbook, new team procedures, etc. What if any help does he get in relocating, temporary housing, and suchlike? Those first few days must be a whirlwind!
On another topic, were you surprised by any of the Rams cuts?
Thanks for all your observations, from a Ram fan since 1951!
When a player is suddenly sent to a new team, i.e. Mark Clayton as an example, it must be daunting for him at several levels- new teammates, new playbook, new team procedures, etc. What if any help does he get in relocating, temporary housing, and suchlike? Those first few days must be a whirlwind!
On another topic, were you surprised by any of the Rams cuts?
Thanks for all your observations, from a Ram fan since 1951!
Jim Thomas: La'Roi Glover, the new head of the Rams' player programs dept., helps Clayton (and any other new players) get settled in.
As for cuts, I was mildly surprised with Quincy Butler, Victor Adeyanju, Roger Allen III, Bobby Carpenter, and today _ with Keenan Burton.
As for cuts, I was mildly surprised with Quincy Butler, Victor Adeyanju, Roger Allen III, Bobby Carpenter, and today _ with Keenan Burton.
Jim,
Does the Mark Clayton deal kill any hopes of the Rams trying for V. Jackson again in a couple weeks?
Thanks,
Bobby Hill
Does the Mark Clayton deal kill any hopes of the Rams trying for V. Jackson again in a couple weeks?
Thanks,
Bobby Hill
Jim Thomas: Based on what I'm hearing, I think you can count on that being the case.
Hello Jim,
Which final cut or cuts surprised you the most?
Which player who made the team was most unexpected?
Thanks
Which final cut or cuts surprised you the most?
Which player who made the team was most unexpected?
Thanks
Jim Thomas: I guess I'd have to say Quincy Butler, because he does seem to have some ball skills and I thought he outplayed Dockery in the preseason.
I'd say safety Dorian Stewart. I don't think he makes the team if Kevin Payne doesn't get hurt. But he did improve as the preseason went on.
I'd say safety Dorian Stewart. I don't think he makes the team if Kevin Payne doesn't get hurt. But he did improve as the preseason went on.
Why does the NFL let players sit out if they don't like their contracts? I am in the military...if I don't like my contract and I don't work I go to jail. This happens year after year and it has become an accepted practice. Is the NFL doing anything about this?
Jim Thomas: Players under contract do get fined if they don't show up for training camp. Players that are not under contract (such as unsigned draft picks) can't practice until they're under contract.
GO ARMY!!!!
GO ARMY!!!!
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the chats. Most prodictions for the Rams are in the 4 - 5 wins range. Please describe what would need to happen for the Rams to finish the season at .500 - 8 and 8.
Thanks.
Thanks for the chats. Most prodictions for the Rams are in the 4 - 5 wins range. Please describe what would need to happen for the Rams to finish the season at .500 - 8 and 8.
Thanks.
Jim Thomas: First and foremost, good health. Particularly in the offensive line and at running back (Steven Jackson). Bradford has to stay relatively upright. Fletcher has to stay healthy at corner, and continue to develop. Someone has to emerge as a pass rusher.
Were you personally interested in any other wide receivers out there, like TJ Housh? What did you think of the Mark Clayton pickup?
Jim Thomas: Not a big fan of Housh as a receiver. I like the Clayton pickup. Even with the 3-game suspension and some off-field problems I would've liked a roll of the dice on V. Jackson.
AJ Feeley is listed as 3rd on the depth chart? what do you make of that?
Jim Thomas: Not sure what depth chart you're looking at. He might have been listed third the past couple of preseason games because of his thumb injury. But the Rams' team press release for the Arizona game, which just came out about a half-hour ago has him listed as No. 2 on the depth chart.
Thanks Jim,
It seems like the media is "bandwagon" central. All we ever read, from nearly every source, is how bad our O-line is. Does anybody ever take a close look? I thought I read somewhere we have the second or third highest paid O-line in the league, and - outside of the Vikings preseason game - we looked good. Saffold, Brown, Bell, Smith, Goldberg? Young, gelling and ready for a breakout year (if they stay healthy).
Agree or disagree?
It seems like the media is "bandwagon" central. All we ever read, from nearly every source, is how bad our O-line is. Does anybody ever take a close look? I thought I read somewhere we have the second or third highest paid O-line in the league, and - outside of the Vikings preseason game - we looked good. Saffold, Brown, Bell, Smith, Goldberg? Young, gelling and ready for a breakout year (if they stay healthy).
Agree or disagree?
Jim Thomas: I don't think anyone has been pounding the o-line lately. At least not at the P-D.
Jim: Apparently to get Mark Clayton the Ravens and the Rams exchanged late round 2011 draft picks. If this is correct, would the Rams get a better pick and Clayton if the Rams have a better 2010 record than the Ravens (although unlikely)?
Jim Thomas: As I blogged and tweeted earlier today, the Rams are sending Baltimore their sixth round pick in 2011; the Ravens are sending the Rams their seventh round pick in 2011. Obviously, the better record the Rams have _ and the worse record the Ravens have _ the less space there will be between the picks.
Hi Jim, as usual, thanks for the chats. What are we getting in Clayton? We knew in Donnie Avery that we had a "speedster" who could stretch the field. We also knew that he a propensity for getting injured. So, what are getting in Clayton? Does he have the top end speed that Donnie had? Is he injury prone? The STLToday article stated that he thrived in timing offenses. Does that mean that he will, for all intents and purposes be a decoy this weekend?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jim Thomas: Clayton isn't as fast as Avery, but is a better route runner. He's had some injury problems, but not to the extent of Avery.
Jim,
What few things will Bradford be trying to pick up through film study before first start? He's never seen them before and every team puts in new things to try to confuse the QB's each week...what are the main goals they will try to get out of film studies? Tendencies with different personnel packages?
Thanks for your time.
What few things will Bradford be trying to pick up through film study before first start? He's never seen them before and every team puts in new things to try to confuse the QB's each week...what are the main goals they will try to get out of film studies? Tendencies with different personnel packages?
Thanks for your time.
Jim Thomas: Obviously, I don't want to speak for Bradford. But I think the main thing will be the pass rush and blitzing tendencies. Obviously, the Cardinals may tweak a few things and have some new personnel (Most notably LB/DE Joey Porter) But their coaches and their system hasn't changed to my knowledge, so last year's game film may be as valuable _ or even more so _ than looking at preseason tape.
Do you think the Rams might already have the best QB in the NFC West? If not, do you think they will by the end of the season?
Jim Thomas: Very interesting question. And I think the fact that the QB situations in SF and Ariz. are still relatively unsettled means the Rams could make a quick advancement in the standings if Bradford comes along and if the front office continues to build a better supporting cast. Let's face it, there are still more than a couple holes on this team. I still have a lot of respect for Hasselbeck in Seattle although it looks like he's nearing the end.
Hey JT,
I was curious, do the players on the practice squad get paid? If so, how much?
I was curious, do the players on the practice squad get paid? If so, how much?
Jim Thomas: They get about $5,000 a week, for the 17 weeks of the regular season. So if they're on the practice squad the entire year, they get about $85,000. For comparison's sake, the minimum wage for a rookie on the 53-man roster is $320,000.
With that I've got to go. Talk to you all next week.
With that I've got to go. Talk to you all next week.
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