Mike: Isaac Bruce suggested he go play for Martz if the Rams let him go and Martz is rumored to be a candidate for offensive coordinator in San Francisco. It would be painful enough to see Ike in a different jersey but a Niners jersey would be unbearable. The two sides should make an effort to rework the contract just to prevent that scenario. What a sickening thought.

Jim Thomas: As I posted previously, a good source tells me Martz won't get the SF coordinator's job. And Martz has told a Detroit newspaper the same thing.

Chad: Jim,
What are the rams going to draft the best player or need for the team OT. What makes management think that Linehan will all sudden put up 1998 offensive numbers. He lacks creativity imagination and football savy. I was at the Cleveland game and watched on the jumbotron as Braylon Edwards made a catch along the sidelines. He clearly made the catch on the replay. So I turn around and before I know it our wonderful and smart unproven coach is overthere wanting to challenge the call. Hello stupid we just watched the catch so yes please challenge thats the smart thing to do. I don't care if someone (probably a friend or washed up overpriced player) upstairs is telling him to challenege. Linehan needs prepare his team for battle every week and continuly he can not. What about all of this is giving management the idea that all this is because of injuries. A good staff can prepare players whether they are starters or not. A team we played in the superbowl in 2001 just went 16-0 with not one injury. I can believe it. THE RAMS ARE A JOKE STARTING WITH TOP AND THE **** ROLLS DOWN HILL. One upset FAN. Thanks for the forum to vent Jim.

Jim Thomas: Obviously, you mean the '99 offense. Also, why so hung up on challenges? Wasn't Martz the king of bad challenges? That didn't prevent the Rams from scoring tons of points.

bfulton: If the Rams hire Donahue but keep Softli, what would Softli's role be? Have the Rams considered other candidates besides Donahue? Have they even considered just elevating Softli?

Jim Thomas: Softli will not be elevated. I'm sure the Rams will look at other candidates. Not sure what Softli's role would be if he stays and they hire a "GM."

YoMurphy: Hi Jim. Good article yesterday on the road ahead for Linehan. You mentioned that what his scheme really demands is an effective (and healthy) front line in order to establish a heavy dose of Jackson, and passing to be mostly created out of the play action. I remember seeing some of the play action work very well for Bulger last year down the stretch, so I can't argue that Linehan's "ideal" scheme is not effective. However, I am still very confused about what Linehan's style truly is. If I look at Minnesota under Linehan's direction, I think of Randy Moss stretching the field, Culpepper getting out of trouble, and both of them really helping to pad Linehan's resume.
The current Rams roster just doesn't look like this. Did Linehan actually think Drew Bennett was going to be his tall "stretch the field and toss it high" wide receiver?
I know "establish the run to set up the pass" is a simplification of an entire offensive scheme, but it seems like that is what every team wants to do. What has Linehan shown in terms of being unpredictable to opposing defenses? If I were a D coordinator preparing for the Rams this year, I would probaly have a lot of free time during the week, because I wouldn't need a lot of time to watch film.
Can you elaborate a bit on what you think Linehan's scheme is? Do you think the players know what it is?
Also, how do you expect the injury to Carriker will effect our draft, especially with Wroten playing his way out of a job and Glover getting older?

Jim Thomas: Yo--How are you?
I don't think Carriker's injury effects the draft. I think DE and DT are both very much in play in terms of draft needs, as I mentioned before.
I'm not sure exactly what Linehan's scheme is. In a nutshell, I think it's a balance between run and pass, minimizing turnovers, and taking the occasional deep shot. Jackson is his best asset at the moment at RB, so I think that's why he wants to make him a focal point.
I do agree that Linehan needs to be more creative. I would like to see him take more chances. But in the passing game, taking more chances can frequently equate to getting the QB killed unless you have a strong offensive line.

Dave: Jim,

It looks like we'll go D-line in the draft. Either Dorsey or Long. I don't think McFadden (Even if he's available) because we have S-Jax and the best runners in the league have been undrafted free agents or late picks this year.

I'm concered about our O-line. Especially at guard. Do you think we'll go after a big free agent like Faneca or someone else? Guards are who you run behind so this will open it up for S-Jax. Also, maybe a guard or speedy WR with our 2nd rounder??

Jim Thomas: I think Faneca is being considered. Whether he re-signs with the Steelers or is franchised remains to be seen. A guard (or center) and a speedy WR with some size make a lot of sense in the second round. Keep in mind, most of the free agency period (at least the significant guys) will have come and gone before the draft, so that may change the Rams' needs on draft day.

Hey, I've got to go. I really liked the questions today. Whether you agree with the decision or not _ and I'm sure most of you don't agree _ Linehan is back in '08. So I'm glad we've moved off that to other issues. As I mentioned before, we'll keep these chats going in the offseason, although I'm not sure of the schedule or frequency. Stay tuned, and appreciate your interest. . . .Happy New Year.