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Give some credit to Jim Thomas.
He's got to sit there with the Rams after a disappointing 6-10 season that can only be deemed a serious step back and take the PR jabs again and again and again.
"It’s definitely not a step backwards," tight end Lance Kendricks said.
Yes it was, 3k said.
I only point that out because after Black Monday on a day when the Rams stood pat, you could excuse him for an outburst, a showing of humanity. JT aint having none of that. Even when the adherence to loyalty throughout the ranks is producing a big sack of unfulfilled promises and a timeline that always points to TBD no matter how many months pass by.
Fisher Praises OC Brian Schottenheimer
Fisher says "Brian Schottenheimer is an outstanding play-caller." Says he doesn't anticipate any staff changes.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Of course he says that. He's Jeff Fisher. Three seasons of offensive ineptitude do not shake his resolve in the slightest. Since 2012, the offense has ranked 25th, 21st and 21st in points scored. In yardage, we've gone 23rd to 30th to 28th this season.
The playcalling has been outstanding. Fantastic. Amazing. Wonderful. It's just zippety doo and a Charleston Chew.
Sam Bradford On the Mend
QB Sam Bradford just finished session w/local media. Says he was so low mentally after 2nd injury, he wondered if he wanted to still play.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Says phone call w/former Oklahoma QB Josh Heupel (currently Sooners offensive coordinator) helped set him straight.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Physically, Bradford said he's coming along fine. Already running.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Bradford said he has no problem with Rams bringing in a QB via draft (or wherever) as competition.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Bradford was asked a couple of times about his contract status; i.e. the possibility of accepting a paycut or restructured contract.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Said he had no details to offer there. That his sole concern has been rehab _ and the Rams' sole concern was the 2014 season _ up till now.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Not a great sign of confidence that he "wondered if he wanted to still play." I won't go full hot take here, but there's something to be said about the value of motivation. And per his own words, now we have to question his.
Fisher's Offseason Personnel Plans Include QB Competition
Fisher says Sam Bradford will compete for the job next season. Says there will be another QB brought in to compete.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
FIsher can't say how or who will be brought in to compete, but there will be a QB "not in the building now" brought in to compete.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Fisher says the team does have interest in bringing back Hill and Davis.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Fisher says Greg Robinson will be the team's LT next season. Says he's not sure if Jake Long wants to continue playing.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
But if Long returns, Fisher said he thinks Long has the athletic capability of playing guard.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
Yet another injury-riddled player who apparently is considering hanging them up. Man, does that fire up the ol' excitement meter.
And you have to love the non-commital commitment from Fisher on the QB position. They'll bring in a QB to compete who's not in the building? They did that last year in Austin Davis and Garrett Gilbert. It worked out perfectly.
The problem isn't the PR spin. I get it. It's as fake as Stan Kroenke's hairpiece. That's fine. It's the non-ending slurry of bullshit that continues to tug at the infinite loop of excuses and plans and solutions and justifications that never end up producing a winning record or a capable product.
Sure, Sam Bradford went down. Arizona's playing their 38th quarterback of the season and they're in the playoffs. This team beat Seattle, Denver and San Francisco. Those were half of there entire win resume for 2014.
Fisher said he believes the team has progressed even if the record said otherwise.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) December 30, 2014
At some point, someone's got to just look the camera in the eye and admit to reality.
Or not.