If the Rams want Scott Linehan and his staff to return for another year, they have a funny way of showing it.

They mailed in a 48-19 loss at Arizona Sunday afternoon, playing poorly in every aspect of the game. It’s difficult for a 3-13 team to embarrass itself further, but the Rams managed to do so against the Cardinals.

Marc Bulger got picked off twice, once for a touchdown. Gus Frerotte got picked off for a touchdown as well.

Jim Haslett’s defense allowed yesteryear Rams star Kurt Warner to throw for 300 yards and three TDs. They allowed supersized Gridbirds receiver Larry Fitzgerald to abuse them with 11 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

They allowed Gridbirds running back Edgerrin James to compile 136 yards rushing and receiving, with one touchdown.

What was more disappointing, the feckless Rams defense or the bumbling offense? It’s tough to say. since this injury-riddled team capitulated on both sides of the ball.

So the nightmarish Rams season has finally ended. It ended the way it began, with a dispiriting losiing streak.

The Rams lost their first eight games of the season and their final four. A massive housecleaning is order — but there is no telling how the ownership and front office will respond to this unforunate collapse.

Is Rams president John Shaw still committed to Linehan as head coach?

How long will Shaw remain in his current post? How will Georgia Frontiere’s failing health impact the franchise operation?

Will the franchise put a real football man in place as the team’s director of football operations?

Will destined Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce ever play for the Rams again?

There is so much to decide. Rams fans can only hope the offseason goes a LOT better than the regular season did.

It’s still hard to believe this team was THIS bad, even with all the casualties. How did a once-feared team sink so far so fast?