Chris Padgett: Jason Bacashihua has had some decent moments with the Blues in limited opportunties. However, the front office and coaching staff always seem to be looking for an upgrade. Why the skepticism, and what are his chances of making the team this year full-time?

Jeff Gordon: Good question. The coaching staff believed his work ethic improved last season, but the group wasn't ready to hand him the No. 2 job after Sanford left. So Riksman got a look. When he wasn't great this summer, the Toivonen deal occured. And I sense that the staff is STILL waiting for somebody to take charge behind Legace.

Kurt: As part of the punishment for the Bill Belichick cheating scandal will the NFL also require the Patriots to trade names with the Steelers? Am I really the first to think of this hilarious joke?

Jeff Gordon: The prevailing joke out there is to call Belichick "Beli-Cheat" -- but he doesn't care. He got his lucrative contract extension and he has the team to beat again, as we saw Sunday night.

Tim Tierney: Gordo What's Up. We have been told that Bill Belichick has been heavily fined and disgraced. Is that true ? Poor Bill did have to suffer through a standing ovations on national TV last night during pre-game warm ups, leaving for half time, returning from half time and the end of the game and had to sign a new contract from his very disappointed boss. My guess is his salary probably dropped from $4.7M to $6.0M plus a $500,000 signing bonus payable immediately after Bill's fine to the NFL.

How much torment can one man endure ? Good thing Mr. Kraft offered poor Bill a contract, no other team would have, not after this humiliating disgrace.

One question I've got for you. Has any other sports crime of this scale ever been Detected, Accused, Processed, Defended, Judicated, Penalties handed out, Appealed and Accepted in 5 days ! All without an investigation into what was really going on and for how long. This was the fastest railroading of a scandal I have ever seen. I have no doubt both sides had things they did want the public to know.

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, Bill didn't exactly get the Michael Vick Treatment did he? Now, if some lesser coach had pulled that stuff, the NFL could have come much harder. Goodell showed his colors with this one.

Ram1380: Gordo,
Lets open up with a huge round of applause for Ryan Clifton and Ron Bartell.These two kids played the best game of their young pro careers.Now to the ugly,do you think the o-line can jell before Bulger goes out on a stretcher?Don't you think this unit is made to pound the rock not pick up exotic blitzes all afternoon. I expected Steve Jackson to handle the ball 25-30 times and Hall to handle it everytime he touched it.I guess I was wrong on both accounts.Ram1380

Jeff Gordon: This game wasn't all bad. Like you say, Ryan and Bartell had stellar games. The "D' was strong, but for one play. And even with that, it was a "plus" game for the unit. As for Bulger, he can't last another game getting beat up like that.

Eric: Why did Ch 5 have to show the hopeless Cardinals instead of a historic beatdown by Tiger Woods yesterday? They did the same thing two weeks ago with the Labor Day telethon. Actually, I guess it was good yesterday because it got me off of the couch to finish remodeling the family room. So at least my wife thanks Ch 5.

Jeff Gordon: Booking all those Sunday games at the expense of golf seemed like a good idea at the time, but now . . . well, not so much. But even a bad Cards team draws ratings and revenues.

George M.: Hi, Jeff. Just finished reading your chat from yesterday. I always find it interesting, informative, and entertaining, and this one was also.One comment just sent me through the roof, though. In discussing Andy
McCollum, you said "Andy wasn't excited about playing back-up guard". What? WHAT??? Andy lost his starting job. He may not agree with that decision, but it is not his decision to make. In the NFL, a backup offensive lineman HAS to back up more than one position. Andy is, in effect, saying "I don't want to be a backup offensive lineman on this team". Someone on the coaching staff needs to explain to Andy that they don't have enough roster spots to carry a guy who is just a backup center (at least, not while carrying so many tight ends), and give him about 15 minutes to reconsider. While I haven't been a fan of Andy's run blocking for several years, I thought he could do a decent job of pass blocking, and should have been in there doing it yesterday.

Jeff Gordon: McCollum expressed that sentiment after learning of his demotion. He was down at the time. If the team needed him there - and it may yet need him there, given the O-Line play this season, my guess is he would jump in if needed. He had a great camp at center, but the Rams decided to give the younger player a chance to grow into a regular role.

Steve: Gordo,
What do you think the Blues are going to do about the logjam on defense and in goal? It's great to have depth but this seems to go beyond having good depth. If you count Tanabe we have 10 NHL ready defenseman. Is a trade coming?

Steve

Jeff Gordon: The Blues brass cautioned us not to get excited about Tanabe just yet, but the guy CAN help a power play. If he could win over Murray, he could make dealing, say, Backman much easier. As for the surplus of goaltenders, I doubt that anybody in this group has trade value -- outside of Legace, of course. The Blues are just hoping to see improvement through competition.

john: Being a Ram gfan since the days of Roman Gabriel this team is an embarrassment! Since the day they moved to St. Louis they have been the softest team in the league. The great offense has always made up for this. The last few years since the offense has gone downhill it has become so obvious. There is no fie on this team. Prime example; Isaac on 3rd and 17 on the last drive. He catches the ball ans instead f turning up the field to try and make the first downhe goes running straight to the sideline to avaoid getting hit. The corner was at least 5 yards off of him. He and Holt do this all game. The can both catch the ball but are as soft as tissue paper!
Your thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: You say that, but earlier in the game Holt fumbled while trying to gain a few extra yards. In that case, going down made sense. The Rams passed for 368 yards and Bruce and Holt got open all day. I'm fine with them.

Jay: I have a great deal of respect for both Bruce and Holt and the way they play the game. However, they both have traditionally dodged contact by running out of bounds or hitting the deck. On the Rams last play prior to Wilkins’ attempt, Bruce caught the out pass but made no effort to get the first down. I realize that we were out of timeouts but a fresh set of downs, even with a running clock, is better than stopping a clock and being two yards short of a first down. Does Linehan ever hold them accountable for this?

Jeff Gordon: I'd have to look at the play again to see if Bruce could have gotten the first down by turning upfield. In the two-minute drill, in a no-timeout situation, those guys are trained to get out of bounds. The Rams had enough down left.

Steve: Jeff,

Hasn't this team heard of play-action in the red zone on first down (especially around the 10)? It seems they always run Jackson into the line on first and second (except for that dumb end around) then throw on third down.

Jeff Gordon: Play action would be nice, once the run is established. That has been a focal point this year -- run in the red zone with Jackson, then play off that to the tight end or WR. But the running game still hasn't been established.

chris: Do you think Linehan is in over his head honestly? Watching the game yesterday I feel that he is. What do you think this team will do next week? If the rams go 0-5 will he be fired?

Jeff Gordon: He has a lot to prove, let's put it that way. And he is running out of time in a hurry. He understands the predicament and the challenge. Now what will he do about it?

Ronnie Mason: Jeff, I have so many complaints about the Rams its difficult to find a starting point! One is the lack of picking up the blitz. The receivers rarely ran any routes to compensate for the obvious, and i mean obvious, blitzes. Do you have any idea why? Does Bulger not call audibles? Is he allowed to call audibles? Does he know how to call audibles?
I have never been a Steven jackson fan so I try to not go overboard on my critique of him. But he is lousy. He is not a team player. His goal of eight million yards or whatever is about himself. And please dont give me the "if he does well, the team does well" thing. He is too busy wanting to be a receiver instead of a running back. His pass protection was absolutely horrid. And a complete back does block and do grunt work; not just live in the limelight of the offense.
Im not a Tory Holt fan either. Too soft and too self image conscious.
The Rams need more character guys. Talent is neccessary but, is to a large part, teachable. Character and heart are not teachable. I know it sounds drastic and rare, but i would trade some of these guys for whatever I could get. Even if it is for draft picks, peanut vendors, or players. Maybe thats the old Ron Caron philosophy of the old Blues, but something has to give. We are rebuilding and what better way to do it? Rarely do you get full market value for a player in an NFL trade, but maybe we should do some "addition by subtraction"
Linehan is dissappointing, but whoever wants Martz back must be smoking some good stuff!
Phew!

Jeff Gordon: I AM a Jackson fan and I empathize with him. The Rams aren't run blocking for him. Ideally, he would get lots of touches on first and second down, plus third and short. Leonard, a better blocker, would play lots on third-and-long. But Jackson spent much of Sunday trying to pick up and fend of blitzes -- something that isn't his strength.

As for the general concepts of countering the blitz, Martz was great at this. This offensive staff appears less adept at making teams play for the gamble.

Ken: Obviously, pitching for next year is a big issue. Besides that, do you see the Cards going out to get a big bat to protect Albert, and maybe address the speed issue at the top of the order? Is Jack Wilson of the Pirates on the Cardinal radar for next year? Thanks..Ken.

Jeff Gordon: I'm not sure Wilson is a good fit for the Cards at this point of his career, given the Cards' overall situation. A right-handed bat would be valuable, though, especially with Encarnacion's return appearing unlikely. With excess left-handed OF bats, excess middle relievers (assuming Josh Kinney's return) and the Reyes Situation, we'll see some trade activity. On the plus side, they found some things with Looper starting and Pineiro coming over from the Red Sox.

Ryan: What are the chances that the Rams can fire Scott Linehan and hire Bill Cowher after this year since Cowher has just taken a year off? He has won a Super Bowl and he'll know how to create a power running game around Mouth Jackson.

Jeff Gordon: This is the first Cowher request, joining a list that includes Martz and Marty Schottenheimer. It's early to get into all this stuff, but the prospect of a disastrous season is real. Unless this team turns its season on a dime, we'll spend the last eight weeks of the season speculating about the coaching situation.

Rich: Gordo: Thanks 4 taking my question. What's the deal with the green dot this year on the QB's helmet'?

Jeff Gordon: Did a Google search on this topic and came up with this: "The green dot is the result of a new rule in effect for the 2007 NFL season. The green dot helmet indicates that the helmet is wired with a radio for calling in plays to the quarterback."

Scott L: Anyone stand out at the Blues camp besides Johnson? Anybody look like a top 6 forward this year or next among the draft choices and free agents. Is Backus showing more than just a big body so far?

Jeff Gordon: Center Patrik Berglund intrigues the Blues, although I still see him returning to Sweden for one more year. Winger Nikolay Lemtyugov also interests the coaches; he is 21 and after decent year in Russia, he seems willing to spend at least some time in the AHL to prepare for the NHL. Michal Birner is solid, although unlikely to play on the top two lines any time soon. David Backes will get every chance to earn scoring-line work this season. He has decent hands and instincts and figures to play on the second power-play unit.

Jay: I am not a huge hockey fan, but the one thing that franchise has that separates them from the Rams & Cards is passionate ownership. I used to think a guy like Jerry Jones would be a nuisance as an owner, always meddling in the day-to-day details of the team, but as I watch a Rams team with an absent owner & President falter and as the Cards crawl to a finish in an under-financed season, I wish there was a little extra “passion” from these owners here in St. Louis.

Jeff Gordon: The decision makers for the Rams and Cardinals, John Shaw and Bill DeWitt, want to win. They are businessmen, true, but neither guy has shied away from big contract commitments. A fan always wants a guy like Jones or Mark Cuban, because you know they will stop at nothing to win. But it's not like St. Louis is cursed with bad ownership. Both groups have won World Championships and produced multiple postseason teams.

John: what record do we need to have for the Rams Front Office to make a coaching change during the season or does that have no chance of happening ? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: During the season? It would take something really radical. But it will come up if the team keeps losing -- and the fact that the fiery Haslett is on hand will enter the equation.

Chris Stamer: What do you think it means, with Murray giving Riksman the backup job last night. I'm expecting Toivonen to back up Manny on opening night, and if not him, maybe Bacashua. Although he looked uncomfortable, does Riksman have a chance?

Jeff Gordon: Tough road for him. The Blues spent a top pick for Toivonen, so they expect him to be an impact goaltender. Bacashihua, Schwarz or Riksman would have to dazzle the coaches to be here for the opener.

Mark: I think I would like to see Franklin inserted in to the starting rotation next year. We have Kinney coming back and Springer hopefully coming back. I can see Franklin having the same success as Looper did this year. Since he is signed already, it would free up money to possibly sign a RH bat to put in the outfield. What are your thoughts? Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Franklin's recent trouble in relief puts this on the table, I suppose, but Ryan was so good in relief until recently. I still see him filling that role. I see in Kinney in the '08 bullpen for sure. I figure Percival moves on to a closing role, unless no team offers him that shot.

Ryan: Hey Jeff.
Thanks for taking my question. I love Manny Legace, and was really impressed with his play after Andy Murray took over as the Blues' coach last year. In your opinion do you think Manny is good enough to help us reach that next level (playoffs/Stanley Cup)? How many seasons do you see him retaining the #1 goalie slot for the Blue note?

Jeff Gordon: Manny is certainly good enough to get the team to the playoffs. Beyond that, he would just have to get really hot at the right time. Long term, I would still rank Bishop as the most exciting prospect, although Toivonen intrigues me. Schwarz has to get more solid in his play and rely less on his great reflexes.

John: Gordo,

Please explain Olsen's credentials??? This guy is part of the problem, not the solution. His play calling makes LaRussa's decision to start Kip Wells in Cincy seem smart.

Jeff Gordon: I liked Olson's game plan. The concern is, could the Rams offset some of their blitz woes with better play calls? Or is the problem all on the OL, TE and RB for not reading and reacting to what happens? This will be a hot topic when we talk to the coaches later today.

Mike Z.: What are the odds of seeing Colby Rasmus in St. Louis for a couple of weeks now that the Springfield Cardinals are out of the playoffs?

Jeff Gordon: At this point, with the team in descent, it's better to get him ready for fall ball. That is his next step in development.

Tom: Jeff,

I was wondering why do the Blues keep tweaking the game music for? Last month they put a poll on their site asking fans to vote for a goal song. the choice was between the traditional Blues go Marching in, and some horrible rock song everyone hated. Why doesn't new ownership understand Blues tradition it seems?

Thanks,
Tom

Jeff Gordon: The owners respect tradition, but they are also trying to create new excitement and fill the building again. They are looking at every aspect of the event presenation.

Ram fan in So.Cal: Does this team really have anything to look forward to for this or the next few seasons? Let's be realistic.

The Rams have started the season with two home loses which have included a division and conference loss. Pace is done for the season and his future is cloudy. The team's receiving core is aging and no longer explosive. The defense is undersized and still not speedy and lacks a dominant component. Two defense starters are still serving suspensions. The head coach looks overwhelmed. The team will undergo a head coaching change within the next season or two. A new quarterback will have to be groomed. Jackson will be older.

As I see it, the Rams have Bulger and Jackson as bright spots. Beyond that, the team is made up of a bunch of below average and average NFL players.

Would you be surprised to see this team actually win more than 4 games this season? Don't you anticipate this team performing very substandard for a number of seasons?

Jeff Gordon: Could this team win more than four games? Sure. The D looked solid Sunday despite missing key people. Bulger threw the ball great, before the beatings took their toll. But the schedule IS tough, so this team could spent the whole year trying to get back to .500.

Tommy Thomas: Jeff,

Mark Mulder is throwing batting practice to the opposition. Is he through or do you think that he can regain his stuff so that he can at least become a number four or five guy in the rotation? Where do you think the Mulder trade ranks in the all time worst for the Cardinals?

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Mark helped the Cards reach postseason play and he could still be here two more years, so, no, this won't be the worst trade ever. Haren is better, obviously, but Mulder gave the team an experienced lefty when he was well.

Despite his struggles this summer, he could still be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter given ample time to prepare for next season. His health is better, so that's a start.

Larry: Everyone seems to be happy with Marc Bulger. I believe him to be extremely good bewteeen the 20 yd lines. I have said this for two and half years. Bulger is not a good quarterback inside the 20 yd lines. Look at his feet, look at his decicions, he doesn't know how to look off a receiver inside the 20's. He is so focused every defensive back out there knows where he is going. His stats between the 20's are great. Bulger is not a finisher and it is not all on the coaches, except they continue to make him their number one quaterback.
Bulger is good but he isn't a quaterback that is going to make the team better. He wasn't in college and he is probably where he is at because Mike Martz had it with Kurt Warner. I don't know what the answer is but unless the Rams are content with being stat happy and lacking results that is all they're going to get with Bulger. It certainly gets him a great paycheck throwing in all the stats but it would be interesting for someone to put together how often the Rams score 6 inside the 20 with Bulger at quaterback. Heck we can't even score on a run much less count on a TD pass inside the 20.

Jeff Gordon: Until the Rams do better in the red zone, Marc will have to live with this knock. He made some nice red-zone throws Sunday, but he also gunned some balls into heavy traffic.

Emily Harper: Jeff,
Do you think the Big XII conference should institute football scheduling parameters similar to what the Valley does in basketball? I would think it would help the conference as a whole if all schools played at least two BCS conf non-league games.
Could the Big XII form an agreement with the SEC and have matchup games every year?

Jeff Gordon: Hanfcuffing the ADs and head coaches is tough. There is an art form to scheduling football games and no program wants to be stuck in that sort of deal. Remember, the Big 12 football programs cover a wide spectrum from Iowa State over to Texas.

Luke: Since the Cards are now finished, and the Rams are looking 0-4 right in face; I'm going to ask about MU football and Blues hockey. On a scale of 1-10 (where 10 is the team would definitely accomplish the goal, and 1 is where there is no way the goal would be accomplished) please rate the following.

MU wins the Big 12 north.

The Blues make the playoffs.

Thanks for taking my question,
Luke in Fort Worth

Jeff Gordon: I'd put both team in the 7 range. I like Nebraska in the Big 12 North, despite what USC did to the Husker defense. The Blues will certainly contend for a playoff spot, but they will be in a group of five or six teams going for a couple of slots.

Finley: Jeff,
What would the Birds need to give up to trade for D. Willis and E. Renteria in the off season?

Jeff Gordon: Even by dealing Rasmus -- which they won't do -- they don't have enough to get players like that. They don't have a surplus of near-term prospects on the mound and in the field. In two years, they may be able to swing such a deal again.

joey: How would you rate the COMBINED excellence of S. Linehan and H. Edwards on a scale of 1-10?

Jeff Gordon: I like Edwards as a coach, but the Chiefs are terrible. Linehan hasn't proven anything yet as a head coach. Either guy would be happy to take a "5" grade about now.

Cristo: Hey Gordo,

Ten days ago we had clawed our way back to w/in 3 innings of first place, now ten days later the season's hope is officially over. My question is, what was the single biggest factor in the downward spiral:

1) The Rick Ankiel HGH story breaking (he hasn't hit and we haven't won since the story broke)

2) TRL's employment of a 6 man rotation couple w/ the Mulder return (once again, haven't won since and Mulder has been shelled)

3) Mounting injuries claiming Rolen and Duncan for the season.

Thanks Gordo!

Jeff Gordon: Injuries were the key, since it led to the six-man rotation -- with half of the six, at least, incapable of doing the job. Ankiel's decline was a blow, because he had a big impact on the offense. In the end, too many guys were hurt. Mulder and Maroth tried to come back and help, but they became liabilities on the mound.

Jeff: The question of wasting a down with the spike on the last drive has been asked, so I'd like to know why they ignored the middle of the field with so much time remaining? Every pass was to the sidelines on the last drive. Second question, aren't the odds of converting a 4th and 2 much better than connecting on a 56 yard field goal? If you check Wilkin's stats vs. 4th down conversions I'm guessing going for it is hands down the better option.

Jeff Gordon: Fair point - and it was made in the press box. There was enough time left to take some shots into the middle. The Rams would gladly have traded 50 seconds of clock time for 10 or 15 more yards.

Gary Staat: Bulger took a beating he won't last the whole season at this rate.
Jackson forget how to run?
It seems we might be in for a long season?
Is there no help out there fro the rams with the injuries and the men's suspension were in trouble?
What's your take?

Jeff Gordon: Finding help now is tough. The Rams brought in new guys with experience to provide emergency depth, but they will need weeks to settle in. The healthy fill-ins just have to do better.

Cristo: How concerned should we be going into next season with Mulder? The article in the post today mentioned he had gone to the trainers telling them he has a "tired" arm. With the surgery he had I would think that is to be expected and a full season of off-season conditioning to rebuild the strength in his arm will be the cure (at least I hope)? Also, with the Mulder situation being as it is today how does this change the team's outlook towards sigining and/or trading for more starting pitching?

Thanks Gordo!

Jeff Gordon: With big dollars committed to Mulder next year, he will have a rotation slot heading into the season. The team will acquire pitching help one way or another, but Mulder will be counted on.

Ryan Sullivan: Gordo,

Will Brendan Ryan be the starting ss next year or is that a position they will try to upgrade offensively? If they plan to start Ryan, which could be a decent option, where will they look to spend for an upgrade on offense?

Thanks

Jeff Gordon: Given the weak free agent pool at shortstop and the team's needs elsewhere, Ryan could be a decent pick at shortstop. Then the Cards might add a veteran utility guy to back him up.

Darrrell: Jeff,
What do you think of the Blues new jerseys? I thought they were a little plain at the bottom with no stipes going across and the yellow stripes going down the sides do not look good.

Jeff Gordon: It'll take a little getting used to, for sure. But fans are buying lots of them.

DGT #5: Is it me or does it just seem absurd?

We ran Mike Martz out of town after he took us to the playoffs 5 out of 7 years, including two Superbowls. (I'm counting the one year as offensive coordinator, also). We did this even though St. Louis had NEVER had any success in football prior to his arrival.

Now folks want to run LaRussa out of town too so they can "turn" the baseball team around. Are we nuts????
The fact the we were even competing for the playoffs in early September was remarkable given our injuries and patchwork starting pitching. This should be Tony's job for as long as he wants it!

Jeff Gordon: But the question with Tony is, would he be happy coming back? Does he need a change? I believe he should stay if he wants, since much of the team is turning over due to advancing age or injury issues.

Kenric Bourne: Jeff,

I am a Ram's fan living in the DC area. Fortunately for NFL Sunday Ticket I can see our hometeam play. Unfortunately, this year is not going well. Being a Soldier I understand adversity. I am giving my all for a conflict that is not well understood or popular for mainstream America (I find it sad that a war should be popular for our citizens to be supportive but that is a whole other discussion). I have been a lifelong fan of football (the Rams since '95) and my observation this year is simply this. The offensive coaching staff is timid. The in game adjustments are poor. The offensive line is beat up so I will not hammer them too much, but still they are all pro's (back up or starter is not the point). I saw the blitz by Clemments before the snap, I was yelling at the TV screen so why did the right tackle, Steven Jackson and Bulger not see it? I give credit to the defense this week, if they had played like week 1 the inept 49ers offense might have blown us out. The HC is the leader of the team, when he lacks the confidence in his players they will emulate that lack of confidence in themselves. The calls on the field and lack of accountability have to fixed this week. I watch our servicemen go out day after day and do what they have to do to defend our nation, and I find it sad that our local hometown "heroes" who make butt loads of cash cannot find the heart to win a game (with very minimal life threatening events at stake). But hey its just a game its too bad the organization thinks the fans should believe and cough up cold hard cash to watch this group of underachievers. Winning is a mindset, especially when talent is lacking, unfortunately for Rams fans our team has the mindset of trying to prevent injuries (which any kid who has played the game knows is the quickest way to be injured). Atleast I have Madden 08, where I can take this same group of individuals playing on All Madden level and still win the Superbowl. Thank God for X Box 360.

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, actual football is different that video game football. Better talent doesn't always prevail in real life. You make some valid points, although U do believe the offense did have the green light to take more downfield shots this week.

David Jones: Hey Gordo,

I've been really confused lately as to the difference in atmospheres at a Cardinals game and a Rams game. It seems like the Cardinals always have mini-games going on during each half inning, music playing, and the organ to pump up the fans. The Rams games are just the opposite. Timeouts seems boring and dull and nothing is really done to get the fans into the game. In a sport that really relies on its fans for noise, is the Rams organization planning on changing this in any way??? (I'll even volunteer for it just to try to bring some more excitement to the Dome).

Jeff Gordon: What? All the commercials at the Dome don't fire you up?

Greg: Gordo,

Is it safe to say that this upcoming game against Tampa Bay is do or die for the Rams season? If we lose this game, I gotta believe the remaining believers in Ram Nation can stick a fork in em. What do you feel our chances are on the road in Tampa Bay?

Jeff Gordon: Um . . . not good. The long-suffering Bucs are coming off a great game and they see blood in the water with the Rams.

Mona: Gordo,

Have you seen/heard anything promising regarding Mark Mulder? I'm beginning to think he's no better than before his surgery.

Too bad we didn't get Hudson instead...

Jeff Gordon: His velocity was better after the surgery, he just couldn't command his pitches. Don't give up on hin. He has complex mechanics and a narrow comfort zone. It takes time to get him right.

Hank Navarrete: Why did Bulger spike the ball on the last drive?- even a 5 yard delay penalty would have been better than losing a down, which proved very costly. They should have tried at least one run by Jackosn on the last drive - the QB sack proved lethal as well. Don't you think that Scott Linehan is over the head as head coach?- he looks to me more suitable as coordinator.

Jeff Gordon: Linehan took the blame for the spike play, admitting he should have called a play there. As for Linehan being over his head, he is now 8-10 with decent talent. He has a lot to prove and not much time to prove it.

Tackman: What a depressing weekend for St Louis sports fans! Can we have a mulligan? I was hoping the Rams would provide some optomism for us on Sunday, but I look back scratching my head. The big thing that bothers me with the Rams is the lack of a vertical passing game. I know the O-Line is banged up, but you have to find a way to at least try to make something happen down field. Besides the chance for a big yardage play, defensive pass interferece is called so often. The running game would also benefit by attempting to stretch the field any maybe we wouldn't have to deal (as much) with all the red zone futility. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: The Rams tried to go down field and, in fact, succeeded in a few cases. But without better protection, the Rams can't ask Bulger to take a lot of deep drops and wait for slow-developing plays to unfold.

Tom Cuthbert: Gordo:

How bad is it? While I'm not happy with the 0-2 start, there are some positives that can be seen in the play of the Rams. They move the ball well, their Defense plays well much of the time and for the most part special teams has improved. While I realize these have been offset in the first two games by an inability to score touchdowns, allowance of big plays on D and some key special teams gaffs, I don't think all is lost. If some unlucky breaks don't happen (Holt's fumble, Gore's run, Hall's muff) things are much different. Don't you think this could easily be turned around once the O-line gets settled and the D makes minor improvements? Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: Bad luck is one thing, but continuing sloppiness is enough. Teams that aren't sharp turn the ball over more often. Bad teams make their own misfortune.

Jack Murphy: Gordo,

In your opinion, is Linehan the right coach here? I'm not suggesting Haslett takes over, I'm just not sure that Linehan has all the tools to pull this off. What do you think?

Jeff Gordon: Scott still has time to prove he is the right guy. But, again, he is running out of time. Right now, it's hard to say he IS the right guy.

Aaron Williamson: Jeff,

I'm not trying to sound pollyanna-ish, but I think the Rams are better than they have looked. They have made some stupid mistakes that cost them a game (the SF game is a "they didn't win it, we gave it to them" situation in my mind), but I think if they clean up their mistakes even a little bit they will turn out alright this year. That being said, I think the responsibility for the mistakes (stupid penalties, fumbles, lapses, etc.) fall on Linehan and Haslett and has me a bit worried about their abilities as coaches. Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: It's hard to knock Haslett after this game. His "D" gave the Rams every chance to win.

Dave: What players do you think are legitimate options for the Cardinals to sign this winter? The additions of Ankiel & Ryan seem to shore up the need for position players. I would think they would still need to add a middle infielder, at least 1 arm to the bullpen and at least 1 starter. Assuming the payroll stays under $95M, do they have enough flexiblity to add any impact players? I've heard they might take another flier on Kip Wells? Is that a legitimate possibility? If they do, you will find me at Blues games.

Jeff Gordon: It's hard to imagine Wells returning. I can see the Cards going after a guy like Lieber instead or trying to deal for Matt Morris.

Joe: Because the Cards ownership seem to be a little thirfty, do you think they will let David Eckstein go in favor of the "cheaper" and very capable Brendan Ryan at shortstop?

And what you do think the problem is with the Rams offense? They have players that easily rank in the top 10 in their position at QB, RB, WR and TE, shouldn't they be reminding us of the "greatest show on turf" with all the talent they have?

Jeff Gordon: Ryan would be a good cost-cutting move, yes. That might free up money for other needs. As for the Rams offense, it's just mistakes -- turnovers, missed blocking assignments and occasionally a poor QB decision or play call.

Mark Simonis: How many more years before every team in the NFC is 8-8 ???
The Nfl wanted mediocrity, well, they certainly have it now.

Jeff Gordon: Yes, the NFL has achieved pure mediocrity in the NFC. Congrats!

Buzz: Gordo,
The D was much improved from a week ago. The corners held up much better than I anticipated. However, after viewing the game, I'm afraid I'll have to join the anti Corey Chavous bandwagon. He seems to struggle in coverage, even though he's a former corner and has watched more film than Roger Ebert. But what has me riled was his non-tackle on Gore's long TD run. They were face to face, and Gore ran through him like he was a ghost. Would the D coaches be looking for someone who can tackle better? B.

Jeff Gordon: His coverage hasn't be tremendous, either, so he is on the spot a bit. But is there somebody better on the roster? I don't think so.

TC: Gordo -

So this year the Blues have a record number of games not televised and no pre-season coverage on their new radio home, yet I can see high school football on my local cable channels. What they hell? I thought they were serious about getting hockey "out there", yet now watch on TV/listen on the radio to fewer games than I ever have?

Please explain why teams don't televise so many games, other than the obvious "to get you to attend".

Thanks,
TC

Jeff Gordon: I'm afraid that's it. With so many games on TV, even the diehards came less often. TV is supposed to pump the bottom line, not hurt it.

DennisB: With all the injuries on the O-line, seemed like a bad move to release the fullback last week. Was he that bad?

Jeff Gordon: The coaches thought so, yes.

orval: i think it is house cleaning time in st. louis starting with the manager and pitching coach.it appears it needs to continue with edmonds,rolen,kennedy,and some of the pitching who can,t or won,t throw strikes. albert as good as he is must remove himself from the lineup when he is hurting so bad he can,t run out ground balls anymore
a disgruntled cardinal fan of 50+ years

Jeff Gordon: I'm a 50-year fan is that eager to sack the whole staff. Surely you know how rare world championships are. The Cards are one year removed from one. Don't be too eager to bring in the next manager and next pitching coach. Odds are those will not win as much as Tony has.

David from Columbia: Please give me more reasons than Kariya and Tkachuk for the Blues to put more rubber in the net? I love them to death, but for a town needing to regain excitement about their hockey, we need more Adam Oateses and less Murray Barons.

Jeff Gordon: Boyes is a nice offensive player. Rucinsky is back from his injuries. Backes has some offensive potential and the Blues ought to get more points out of the blue line as well, thanks to Johnson.

Paul Q.: With the Cardinals eliminated from the playoff hunt (for everyone that isn't a supreme optimist), and having frittered away their chance to play the spoiler to the Cubs... isn't it time to give players like Colby Rasmus, Bryan Anderson, and Amaury Marti a brief look at the MLB level? Or is it just not in this team to allow the record to become even more horrendous by putting in some "raw players" at the end, thus "admitting defeat?"

Jeff Gordon: Given Marti's advanced age, I'd take a look at him to see if he looks out of place in the bigs. I would take my time with the others.

Dan: Gordo,
What do you think the chances of the Cards going after Dontrelle Willis are?

Do you think Thome is a Hall of Famer? If you only looked at 500 HR and his numbers against the Cards, he is first ballot, but with the whole picture, I am not sure.

How much do you miss Mike Martz?
Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: Miss Martz a lot. Thome has a ways to go for the Hall of Fane, since the 'Roids Rage has devalued homers hit in this era. Jim has more work to do. As for Willis, again, I'm not sure the Cards have enough to deal.

MATT ALDRICH: SO HOW MUCH LONGER BEFORE SCOTT LINEHAN (OFFENSIVE GURU?) TAKES BACK PLAY CALLING DUTIES?

Jeff Gordon: Since his neck is on the line, that could come up. Linehan has do some things differently to get better results.

Paul Q.: When I first read about it, I thought this flap over Shelley Duncan (Chris Duncan's brother, playing for NYY) and the autograph he signed for a 10 year old BOS fan was a joke. But, apparently, the fact that he signed the autograph, "Red Sox suck! Shelley Duncan" is being viewed in Boston as if he'd reached into the stands and strangled the life from the kid. Just how different IS the baseball-culter out there, that the fans react so differently to almost every situation than they do here in REAL baseball country?

Jeff Gordon: Red Sox fans are a bit high-strung, no? Boston is a nice place to visit, but . . .

Ken: Not to spoil the good time that all the manic-depressants are having, I believe there are a lot of positives to the 2007 RAMS. First special teams are very much improved; second the defense put on one of its best performance in a long time and it looks to like it will get even better with returning players in 4-6 weeks; Finally the offense can still come around, especially if the turnovers are stopped or at least we win the turnover battle. Besides does anyone think the RAMS were going to the Super bowl this year. My goal was to get in the playoffs and if not, just keep improving. The glass is definitely half-full, the upside looks pretty good and I look forward to watching for continuing improvement. The only thing I worry about is keeping Jim Haslett after this season.

Jeff Gordon: I see the points, but I still see this team having a tough battle just to finish 8-8 again. And that's not good enough.

Jason: Which direction do you see the Cardinals going this offseason as far as Free Agency?

Jeff Gordon: Don't expect huge spending. The Rams have 10s of millions of dollars tied up in aging, injured or otherwise under-productive players. Fixing that is job one.

Rob Randolph: Did you get flashbacks of the Big Red during the Ram's game yesterday? I did. Did Roger Wehrli'e induction to the ring of fame bring back the spirit of the old St. Louis Cardinals and their practiced skill of finding ways to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory? The Ram's seemed to have gotten an infusion of the bad juju that plagued the prvious StL team.

Jeff Gordon: I'm having flashbacks to Tony Banks' final season. That team almost always found a way to beat itself.

Paul: In light of the high injury rate of pitchers these days, does a trade of a position player like Duncan for a starting pitcher make less sense because the pitcher is likely to be injured or more sense because it creates a deeper pitching staff to guard against injury?

Jeff Gordon: GMs are always careful when signing pricy FA pitchers or dealing good commodities to get pitching. There is always a chance the deal will blow up.

BriDogSTL: Hey Jeff. Quick question. Have you heard of any whispers or talk of Chase Daniels possibly being considered for the Heisman? He has over 1000 yards passing with 10 TD's and a 66%CMP thus far. Yeah they haven't played top teams, and do have OK and Nebraska left, but could Chase be considered?

Jeff Gordon: He'll get mentions this year, then be a real candidate next year if Mizzou can win 9 games or so this season to get on the map.

Slidermike: Jeff,
what do you think about the fines handed out by the league over the cheating of the Pats, do you think the punishment fits the crime?

Jeff Gordon: No, not at all. Goodell took care of one of the league's favored franchises. Belichick was allowed to skate.

John: Your FA outlook for the Cards differs greatly from that of your Post partner Bernie. Are you just hedging on the conservative while he believes this year's flaws will force the hand of the owners to make some moves? I mean there is fat to trim, no?

Jeff Gordon: He has more faith in DeWitt wedging open his wallet for some big plays. I just see a lot of dead money on this payroll that has to be dealt with. Once the bidding on decent players gets way out of hand, I see the Cards going to Plan B and C.

Matt: What are the chances of Mike McKenna will make the team and play for the Peoria. If he does make the team who is the odd man out. Do you see the Blues making a trade or are they going to brake camp with what who they have on the Roster.

Jeff Gordon: I still see Bacashihua and Schwarz playing in Peoria, Toivonen playing here. Riksman going to Finland and McKenna going to the ECHL. I'd like to see him sign a minor deal with the Note and play in Alaska.

cburgman: Gordo,
Why no screen passes or draw plays to counter the blitz? And maybe Leonard could do a better job than Jackson blocking, if the Rams are going back to the Martz offense...

Jeff Gordon: Fair points -- and I'd like to more sight adjustments to counter that defensive tactic. The Rams did a great job of that under Martz.

Damien Domingo: Hey Gordo,

Looks like the D is improving on stopping the run. However, the offense is far from the one Linehan ran in Minnesota and Miami. Last year, the Rams were 5-3 without Pace so where did the Rams go wrong on the O-Line yesterday?
Also, why was Jackson fuming at the end of the game? He may have been wide open when Bulger misfired to a receiver but a true teammate would not get angry at the coach which will ultimately look like he really was upset at Bulger. I don't think Bulger fumed at the coach when Jackson lost the two fumbles last week. Lack of class and "teamwork" from one of the "leaders" like Jackson could spell the end of our season, don't you agree?

Jeff Gordon: Jackson didn't talk to the media, so we didn't hear his answer to that question. The Rams survived Pace's loss last year because Steussie was here. But now Steussie and Pace are both gone -- and Milford Brown may not be the answer.

Paul Q.: Hi Jeff,

Albert Pujols is 9 runs and 8 RBI's short (before today's game) of continuing his string of 6 (this year would be the 7th) consecutive .300+ avg, 30+ hr, 100 runs, 100 rbi seasons.

My question to you: Will he do it?

Thanks!

Jeff Gordon: Tough questions -- he looks beat up. He should probably shut down and let others finish the season.

John: But how do you get more from guys like Edmonds, Rolen, or Kennedy, especially the first two?

Jeff Gordon: Ah, the (roughly) $25 million question! You would hope they call come back healthier and more prepared to play. Now if Edmonds retires, that would free money for free-agent fun.

Bill: Hey Gordo,
How long until the NHL television contract expires? I can't believe the current contract is in the best intrest of the sport. Also, is there any upside to this Missouri Tiger defense, The offense is so good and the D is so bad. And lastly, who would be in line to be the next Redbird Manager if TLR is done?

Jeff Gordon: Fans seem to want Girardi to replace TLR, if a change is needed. Oquendo is a sentimental choice. Mizzou's defense has time to get better. OK, another week to get better. So that is asking a lot. As for the NHL, I'd love to see it back in ESPN in two years.

jt: Why should the New England get the win from the Jets game, if you cheat you loose. Goodall should take the win away from them. That will send better signal that money to the rest of the league.

Jeff Gordon: Final answer of the day . . . I agree with you. A forfeit or a salary cap reduction would be effective punishment.

See you Sunday!