DBQIA: The recent article on centers said nothing about Dustin Fry. How is he doing? Does he have a chance to make the team?
Jeff Gordon: He is on the outside looking in, given the depth the team has up front. If both offensive line draft picks make the team -- and I would bet on that right now -- then those kids and the remaining veterans would beat out Fry. The Rams have a lot of versatile lineman in camp. Fry would have to project similar versatility to win a spot.
Dustin is still trying to work his way back from a tough '07 training camp. Right now he is just a depth guy
============
Ken: Gordo it is obvious a new football stadium must be built to keep the RAMS in town. The dome is already dated and it can not be renovated. If keeping the Rams in St.Louis means the new stadiume will be in Illinois, then I am all for it. If Misouri, city and county are unwilling to pay for it then let Illinois do it. Let's just hope they will.
Jeff Gordon: Illinois is not a ridiculous suggestion, if a massive amount of tailgating space could be cleared. Park that thing on the riverfront, educate fans on how to use all the relevant bridges . . . I could see it.
As for The Ed, it could be improved significantly. Better sound, better video boards, some natural light -- it can certainly be upgraded to buy another seven, eight years.
Beyond that, the new stadium becomes a big issue. The next owner will certainly demand one.
============
Tim: Whats up with Jason Taylor trading in the cleats for tap shoes and refusing to go to workouts?
Jeff Gordon: Taylor sees show business in his future. He is also tired of losing. And is leery of having Parcells as his ultimate boss. Bailing on the Dolphins is the easy way out for him.
==========
Tim: Whatever happned to Romberg? I hear he was this superstar in Miami but now hes only been a starter for one season and he hasnt done much in the nfl. Where did things go wrong
Jeff Gordon: Initially, size was an issue. He got stronger for the Rams, but then injuries slowed him down. He is a pretty solid NFL center, but not quite a building block. Hence the competition.
==========
COGzilla: With the signing of Greco and Scnueling(?), has a wake up call been sent to Incognito???? Use your tremendous skills and stay healthy or we have two young guys to step in next year when your contract expires?
Can you tell me when we either are out from under Chavous' contract, or when we can dump him cheaply?Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: Incognito is a force of nature at guard. He needs to calm down and stay healthy, but he is more likely to be a solution this year than a problem.
===========
Tackleberry: Why should fans believe in Linehan this year? Not Saunders, not Haslett and not the players, but why should we believe in Scott Linehan?
Jeff Gordon: Fans should take a believe-it-when-you-see-it approach. Scott is a great guy, a good football man and a hard worker, but he still has everything to prove as a head coach.
==========
PolderBear: Gordo,
As always, great that you're here.
Okay, I’d like to, as quickly as I can, give my interpretation of the potential Rams move/stadium issue, and please tell me if you think my thinking is off base here.
First off, let’s assume that the Rams are here, for sure, for the next half-dozen years or so. In the interim, there are a few franchises (Saints, Jags, Chargers, Raiders, Bills? Maybe Vikes?) who have a much shorter timeframe in their current stadium situations and have made it known, explicitly or implicitly, that they would be eager to move to greener (LA?) pastures if a new local stadium deal can’t be set up. The point being, by the time the Rams’ contract is up, if a move is going to take place in the league, it will have already taken place by one or two of these franchises.
But, really, it isn’t going to be more than a couple. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the Chargers move north to LA and, maybe, the Bills end up moving to Toronto. What else is there? The new Rams ownership group can come in and complain about the stadium not being in the upper tier of facilities, but how much of a trump card do they really have in terms of moving?
Where would they go, realistically? When you think about demographics/metro-size plus existing/possible stadiums plus the closeness of another franchise…well, I’m looking at a map, and I just don’t see where somebody could take the Rams and really have a better deal. Portland (small city; Seattle territory)? Vegas (like the NFL is going to clean up its image sticking a franchise there)? San Antonio (stadium in place, but is it better than the Ed, and are the Boys and Texans going to allow that)? Salt Lake City (calling Dave Checketts!)? Albuquerque? Birmingham? San Diego, if the Chargers move (and old stadium is still in place)?
Would we be the candidate to go to say, Monterey, if the NFL expands to Mexico? None of these seem particularly plausible (seeing too that the other franchises potentially on the move may feel their situations are more dire if they haven’t got them resolved by 2014). It just seems that a move would be for moving sake (and, at best, short term benefits), and I can’t believe most owners would be that stupid…but, of course, ego and stupidity are always the NFL trump cards, no?
I think the perspective from ownership, long term, can’t be “keeping the stadium in the upper 25%”. That’s ridiculous, and is unrealistic. The key is to not have the place become a dump (hello Oakland! hello Buffalo!) and fall into the bottom tier of facilities. Regardless of where people come down on the “building a new stadium” issue, I think most fans are in favor of keeping the facilities upgraded and “decent”. I’m being simplistic here, but if the Ed can be spruced up occasionally, with a better in-house environment and on-field product, the fans will continue to come, the ownership will continue to make money, and they’ll just be one big group hug for everyone involved.
And that was your uplifting message for today. Back to my Kool-Aid shots,
PolderBear
Jeff Gordon: Wow . . . you have really thought that out! In the STL, it all starts with the next owner. If that person or group has local ties, great. If not . . . it could get rough.
============
Robert: Gordo -
What's Brett Romberg missing? He won numerous awards while playing for a major college, but he wasn't drafted. He signed with four(?) different NFL teams, but never made the starting lineup. He finally started with a team desperate for O-lineman, but couldn't solidify the starting spot. then, after capably(?) starting in more than a dozen games for them, they offer him no more than a minimal one-year contract, and he accepts (so NO team would offer him a multi-year).
I think the last point is the most damning, as the Rams don't seem to care if he's not on the roster in 2009, and maybe not by week one in '08. So what's he missing, and will the Rams always be mediocre at center as long as he's the starter there?
Jeff Gordon: It's all about size, or lack of it. But he has gotten stronger, so that is helpful. The Rams liked his work last year, when he was healthy. But he does not have classic NFL size.
=============
Robert: Gordo -
Do you think Klopfenstein is in jeopardy with the Rams? In terms of number of plays with the offense, he's dropped from No.1 as a rookie in '06, to No.2 behind McMichael in '07, to probably behind McMichael and Becht in '08. Team sources even referred to him "regressing" somewhat in '07.
So what gives with him? Is there no chance that he'll be a star tight end in this league?
Jeff Gordon: Yes, he is in peril. He must become a better blocker to play here. There are options now.
===========
Mark: I read that Haslett used a variety of three man fronts during minicamp. I'm not sure if you were in a position to witness this, but did he employ Leonard Little as a rush LB or as a down lineman in this set? Same scenario with Chris Long?
Jeff Gordon: Little moves all over for Haslett. He will definitely look to pass rush from one place or another in most of those looks.
==========
Yorkshire Rams Fan: Hey Jeff,
Now that the dust has settled on this years draft, what is the feeling with regard to who may and may not contribute for the Rams this year? It would appear that all the current crop have a genuine chance of making the final roster. What do you think? Any early indications? Which veterans should be watching their backs?
Also, what's the feeling amongst the veterans with regard to moving training camp to Wisconsin this year?
Thanks for your time.
Jeff Gordon: There are fewer veterans with real STL ties or families in place, so moving camp isn't a big deal. The WRs and O-linemen should all have an impact. The LBs are in a fight with the FA linebackers and the practice squad grads.
==========
Steve: Gordo, do you think the Rams will do any trading before the start of camp? There are still some holes to fill.
Second, what is your opinion on hiring Trent Green as a backup? When these guys had a chance to pick up a good QB in the draft they passed and i'm not sure that was wise, just wanted to hear yourt opinion.
Jeff Gordon: I don't see this team being in great trade position, but there could be a some FA opportunities. I do think the team needs to land a better No. 3 -- and there are some journeymen available.
===========
Baltimore Brian: Which Rams draft pick from the 2008 Class will make the biggest immediate impact?
Jeff Gordon: Besides Long? Hmmmmm . . . . Let's say Greco, in case Pace gets hurt or Barron slips.
==========
Nathan: Do the Rams have enough cap space to go after a premier defensive player? It seems like there is always a good selection of top-end defensive players and the Rams don't go after them. They could certainly use an upgrade at the corner position or even linebacker right?
Jeff Gordon: They have a bit of room, but I don't see the team making any major move. They like what they have, for better or worse.
==========
Joe: Jeff,
In your opinion which undrafted free agents have the best chance of making the Rams final roster next season? For some reason I think LB Vince Hall will make the team and surprise some people/teams. And, do you think LB's Tim McGarigle and Quinton Culberson will get more playing time this season and be able to contribute the to Rams Defense?
Thanks for taking your time to share your information and opinions with us!
Jeff Gordon: If McGarigle and Culberson both make it -- and both have a great shot -- then the competition among all the free agent/drafted LBs will be intense. Handicapping that race is tough. It's wide open.
=========
mjumpman42@yahoo.com: Hey Gordo, What is the deal with the Rams seemingly never making a big time free agent signing? I mean it has been a while, other than the Marshall Faulk deal and I guess A williams the don't seem to be able to close the deal.
Jeff Gordon: When you re-sign your guys -- Bulger, Pace, Little, Holt, Tinoisamoa, et al -- it doesn't leave much money for free agents. The commitment to keep guys is great . . . IF they don't get hurt and IF produce.
==========
Daniel: Jeff,
How can the Rams let a guy like Ty Law just sit there as free agent and not do anything about it? They have made it a point of emphasis to have veterans at every position on the D (Glover at DT, Little at DE, Chavous at S, Draft at LB) to help groom the rookies the past two years (Carriker, Long, Culberson) but we are still thin at CB and Law would be the perfect vet to come in and help breakdown the game for Hill, Wade, King, and even Bartell. I understand that he may be asking for quite a bit financially, but if he lessens his offer, we should jump on it. He would be a good benefit to our defense for this season and then we can let our youngsters flourish afterwards.
Sure, it would mean he would take a starting spot from one of them, but IMO that would be better because I don't think anyone in St. Louis is thinking playoffs this season except Linehan, who needs to get there to save his behind. What are your thoughts on adding vets like him to the D?
Thanks for reading.
Jeff Gordon: Does Law want to play for a 3-13 team? Is he the right guy for such a rebuilding project? And is that a spot where the Rams can really spend big money, now that Brown is back?
=========
Rambunctious: Hi Jeff! Have you heard much on how Brian Leonard is doing regarding adding more weightin the off-season? Do you see Leonard in an expanded role in Al Saunder's offense this year? Or will he be relegated to a "now and then" contributor?
There has been talk about him increasing his role on special teams - do you find this odd for a 2nd rd pick in his second year?
Many have pointed out that we had other needs when he was selected high in last year's draft. Do you feel he was drafted too high? What is your take on Leonard's value to the team? Thanks in advance !!
Jeff Gordon: More special teams time = less offensive time. Is that a good sign for a second-round pick? Probably not. He'll be big on third down and part of the fill-in package if Jackson gets hurts.
=========
jimmy k: Jeff -
since the Rams decided to not draft a QB in the draft (even though Henne was apparently contacted by them), what direction do they seem to be going in at the position? if Bulger goes down to injuries again, do they finally go out and get that next starting QB prospect or is Green the answer they will look for?
Jeff Gordon: They still have to be looking, don't they? Berlin can't be the answer. He just can't.
Jeff Gordon: He is on the outside looking in, given the depth the team has up front. If both offensive line draft picks make the team -- and I would bet on that right now -- then those kids and the remaining veterans would beat out Fry. The Rams have a lot of versatile lineman in camp. Fry would have to project similar versatility to win a spot.
Dustin is still trying to work his way back from a tough '07 training camp. Right now he is just a depth guy
============
Ken: Gordo it is obvious a new football stadium must be built to keep the RAMS in town. The dome is already dated and it can not be renovated. If keeping the Rams in St.Louis means the new stadiume will be in Illinois, then I am all for it. If Misouri, city and county are unwilling to pay for it then let Illinois do it. Let's just hope they will.
Jeff Gordon: Illinois is not a ridiculous suggestion, if a massive amount of tailgating space could be cleared. Park that thing on the riverfront, educate fans on how to use all the relevant bridges . . . I could see it.
As for The Ed, it could be improved significantly. Better sound, better video boards, some natural light -- it can certainly be upgraded to buy another seven, eight years.
Beyond that, the new stadium becomes a big issue. The next owner will certainly demand one.
============
Tim: Whats up with Jason Taylor trading in the cleats for tap shoes and refusing to go to workouts?
Jeff Gordon: Taylor sees show business in his future. He is also tired of losing. And is leery of having Parcells as his ultimate boss. Bailing on the Dolphins is the easy way out for him.
==========
Tim: Whatever happned to Romberg? I hear he was this superstar in Miami but now hes only been a starter for one season and he hasnt done much in the nfl. Where did things go wrong
Jeff Gordon: Initially, size was an issue. He got stronger for the Rams, but then injuries slowed him down. He is a pretty solid NFL center, but not quite a building block. Hence the competition.
==========
COGzilla: With the signing of Greco and Scnueling(?), has a wake up call been sent to Incognito???? Use your tremendous skills and stay healthy or we have two young guys to step in next year when your contract expires?
Can you tell me when we either are out from under Chavous' contract, or when we can dump him cheaply?Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: Incognito is a force of nature at guard. He needs to calm down and stay healthy, but he is more likely to be a solution this year than a problem.
===========
Tackleberry: Why should fans believe in Linehan this year? Not Saunders, not Haslett and not the players, but why should we believe in Scott Linehan?
Jeff Gordon: Fans should take a believe-it-when-you-see-it approach. Scott is a great guy, a good football man and a hard worker, but he still has everything to prove as a head coach.
==========
PolderBear: Gordo,
As always, great that you're here.
Okay, I’d like to, as quickly as I can, give my interpretation of the potential Rams move/stadium issue, and please tell me if you think my thinking is off base here.
First off, let’s assume that the Rams are here, for sure, for the next half-dozen years or so. In the interim, there are a few franchises (Saints, Jags, Chargers, Raiders, Bills? Maybe Vikes?) who have a much shorter timeframe in their current stadium situations and have made it known, explicitly or implicitly, that they would be eager to move to greener (LA?) pastures if a new local stadium deal can’t be set up. The point being, by the time the Rams’ contract is up, if a move is going to take place in the league, it will have already taken place by one or two of these franchises.
But, really, it isn’t going to be more than a couple. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the Chargers move north to LA and, maybe, the Bills end up moving to Toronto. What else is there? The new Rams ownership group can come in and complain about the stadium not being in the upper tier of facilities, but how much of a trump card do they really have in terms of moving?
Where would they go, realistically? When you think about demographics/metro-size plus existing/possible stadiums plus the closeness of another franchise…well, I’m looking at a map, and I just don’t see where somebody could take the Rams and really have a better deal. Portland (small city; Seattle territory)? Vegas (like the NFL is going to clean up its image sticking a franchise there)? San Antonio (stadium in place, but is it better than the Ed, and are the Boys and Texans going to allow that)? Salt Lake City (calling Dave Checketts!)? Albuquerque? Birmingham? San Diego, if the Chargers move (and old stadium is still in place)?
Would we be the candidate to go to say, Monterey, if the NFL expands to Mexico? None of these seem particularly plausible (seeing too that the other franchises potentially on the move may feel their situations are more dire if they haven’t got them resolved by 2014). It just seems that a move would be for moving sake (and, at best, short term benefits), and I can’t believe most owners would be that stupid…but, of course, ego and stupidity are always the NFL trump cards, no?
I think the perspective from ownership, long term, can’t be “keeping the stadium in the upper 25%”. That’s ridiculous, and is unrealistic. The key is to not have the place become a dump (hello Oakland! hello Buffalo!) and fall into the bottom tier of facilities. Regardless of where people come down on the “building a new stadium” issue, I think most fans are in favor of keeping the facilities upgraded and “decent”. I’m being simplistic here, but if the Ed can be spruced up occasionally, with a better in-house environment and on-field product, the fans will continue to come, the ownership will continue to make money, and they’ll just be one big group hug for everyone involved.
And that was your uplifting message for today. Back to my Kool-Aid shots,
PolderBear
Jeff Gordon: Wow . . . you have really thought that out! In the STL, it all starts with the next owner. If that person or group has local ties, great. If not . . . it could get rough.
============
Robert: Gordo -
What's Brett Romberg missing? He won numerous awards while playing for a major college, but he wasn't drafted. He signed with four(?) different NFL teams, but never made the starting lineup. He finally started with a team desperate for O-lineman, but couldn't solidify the starting spot. then, after capably(?) starting in more than a dozen games for them, they offer him no more than a minimal one-year contract, and he accepts (so NO team would offer him a multi-year).
I think the last point is the most damning, as the Rams don't seem to care if he's not on the roster in 2009, and maybe not by week one in '08. So what's he missing, and will the Rams always be mediocre at center as long as he's the starter there?
Jeff Gordon: It's all about size, or lack of it. But he has gotten stronger, so that is helpful. The Rams liked his work last year, when he was healthy. But he does not have classic NFL size.
=============
Robert: Gordo -
Do you think Klopfenstein is in jeopardy with the Rams? In terms of number of plays with the offense, he's dropped from No.1 as a rookie in '06, to No.2 behind McMichael in '07, to probably behind McMichael and Becht in '08. Team sources even referred to him "regressing" somewhat in '07.
So what gives with him? Is there no chance that he'll be a star tight end in this league?
Jeff Gordon: Yes, he is in peril. He must become a better blocker to play here. There are options now.
===========
Mark: I read that Haslett used a variety of three man fronts during minicamp. I'm not sure if you were in a position to witness this, but did he employ Leonard Little as a rush LB or as a down lineman in this set? Same scenario with Chris Long?
Jeff Gordon: Little moves all over for Haslett. He will definitely look to pass rush from one place or another in most of those looks.
==========
Yorkshire Rams Fan: Hey Jeff,
Now that the dust has settled on this years draft, what is the feeling with regard to who may and may not contribute for the Rams this year? It would appear that all the current crop have a genuine chance of making the final roster. What do you think? Any early indications? Which veterans should be watching their backs?
Also, what's the feeling amongst the veterans with regard to moving training camp to Wisconsin this year?
Thanks for your time.
Jeff Gordon: There are fewer veterans with real STL ties or families in place, so moving camp isn't a big deal. The WRs and O-linemen should all have an impact. The LBs are in a fight with the FA linebackers and the practice squad grads.
==========
Steve: Gordo, do you think the Rams will do any trading before the start of camp? There are still some holes to fill.
Second, what is your opinion on hiring Trent Green as a backup? When these guys had a chance to pick up a good QB in the draft they passed and i'm not sure that was wise, just wanted to hear yourt opinion.
Jeff Gordon: I don't see this team being in great trade position, but there could be a some FA opportunities. I do think the team needs to land a better No. 3 -- and there are some journeymen available.
===========
Baltimore Brian: Which Rams draft pick from the 2008 Class will make the biggest immediate impact?
Jeff Gordon: Besides Long? Hmmmmm . . . . Let's say Greco, in case Pace gets hurt or Barron slips.
==========
Nathan: Do the Rams have enough cap space to go after a premier defensive player? It seems like there is always a good selection of top-end defensive players and the Rams don't go after them. They could certainly use an upgrade at the corner position or even linebacker right?
Jeff Gordon: They have a bit of room, but I don't see the team making any major move. They like what they have, for better or worse.
==========
Joe: Jeff,
In your opinion which undrafted free agents have the best chance of making the Rams final roster next season? For some reason I think LB Vince Hall will make the team and surprise some people/teams. And, do you think LB's Tim McGarigle and Quinton Culberson will get more playing time this season and be able to contribute the to Rams Defense?
Thanks for taking your time to share your information and opinions with us!
Jeff Gordon: If McGarigle and Culberson both make it -- and both have a great shot -- then the competition among all the free agent/drafted LBs will be intense. Handicapping that race is tough. It's wide open.
=========
mjumpman42@yahoo.com: Hey Gordo, What is the deal with the Rams seemingly never making a big time free agent signing? I mean it has been a while, other than the Marshall Faulk deal and I guess A williams the don't seem to be able to close the deal.
Jeff Gordon: When you re-sign your guys -- Bulger, Pace, Little, Holt, Tinoisamoa, et al -- it doesn't leave much money for free agents. The commitment to keep guys is great . . . IF they don't get hurt and IF produce.
==========
Daniel: Jeff,
How can the Rams let a guy like Ty Law just sit there as free agent and not do anything about it? They have made it a point of emphasis to have veterans at every position on the D (Glover at DT, Little at DE, Chavous at S, Draft at LB) to help groom the rookies the past two years (Carriker, Long, Culberson) but we are still thin at CB and Law would be the perfect vet to come in and help breakdown the game for Hill, Wade, King, and even Bartell. I understand that he may be asking for quite a bit financially, but if he lessens his offer, we should jump on it. He would be a good benefit to our defense for this season and then we can let our youngsters flourish afterwards.
Sure, it would mean he would take a starting spot from one of them, but IMO that would be better because I don't think anyone in St. Louis is thinking playoffs this season except Linehan, who needs to get there to save his behind. What are your thoughts on adding vets like him to the D?
Thanks for reading.
Jeff Gordon: Does Law want to play for a 3-13 team? Is he the right guy for such a rebuilding project? And is that a spot where the Rams can really spend big money, now that Brown is back?
=========
Rambunctious: Hi Jeff! Have you heard much on how Brian Leonard is doing regarding adding more weightin the off-season? Do you see Leonard in an expanded role in Al Saunder's offense this year? Or will he be relegated to a "now and then" contributor?
There has been talk about him increasing his role on special teams - do you find this odd for a 2nd rd pick in his second year?
Many have pointed out that we had other needs when he was selected high in last year's draft. Do you feel he was drafted too high? What is your take on Leonard's value to the team? Thanks in advance !!
Jeff Gordon: More special teams time = less offensive time. Is that a good sign for a second-round pick? Probably not. He'll be big on third down and part of the fill-in package if Jackson gets hurts.
=========
jimmy k: Jeff -
since the Rams decided to not draft a QB in the draft (even though Henne was apparently contacted by them), what direction do they seem to be going in at the position? if Bulger goes down to injuries again, do they finally go out and get that next starting QB prospect or is Green the answer they will look for?
Jeff Gordon: They still have to be looking, don't they? Berlin can't be the answer. He just can't.