John: For decades I thought when Georgia was gone, things would pick up for the Rams. I had hoped someone would quickly step up and take over. I had fervently wished that Rams Nation would at last have a serious leader to carry us forward.

This has not happened yet. How long do you think it will take for us to get a leader? Or, will we just float aimlessly along forever?

Jim Thomas: John--Georgia hasn't even been dead for two weeks. Geez.

virginiatom: It is pitiful that the Rams didn't make a more aggressive effort to hire Greg Williams as defensive coordinator. He is truly a defensive guru and would have been a great addition to returning the Ram's to their glory days of an aggressive and effective defense. Their offer of secondary coach was an insult. Haslet and Linehan don't get along and the Rams defense has played poorly for the majority of time in the two years that Haslet has been here. The situation begs for a change. I know it would have taken alot to get him here, but a real offer should have been made. What are your expectations of the Rams defense next year?

Jim Thomas: I think the defense under Haslett has performed better than the stats would indicate. The players play hard for him. I didn't see Williams reinvent the wheel defensively in Washington _ with much better players at his disposal than the Rams currently have.

Ramalamadingdong: As the Rams continue to drift aimlessly, what effect do you think a change in ownership will have?

It seems to me this franchise is years away from even being a shadow of the teams that went to the Super Bowls in '99 and '01.

That said, now that we can count the days until Shaw, Ziggy and the throat slasher are gone, how long do you think it will be before the new owner, whomever that will be, will think about bringing back Mad Mike?

Thanks Jim.

Jim Thomas: Don't hold your breath waiting for Mad Mike to return.

wiramfan: If Hedgcocks remarks aren't enough to set the Ram's Brass ears on fire nothing will! Linehan is a joke will be joke and will continue to run this team to the bottom of the NFL!

Everyday I get more upset that a guy like Scott Linehan can get head coaching job in the NFL.. We can't even hire coaches because he is a lame duck! Also because he is an unproven, unproductive, useless, cheap coach we can't offer contracts to decent assistants because they require real money!!

This regime will get nata from me. Not a single dollar. No merchandise, no tickets, no shirts or hats nothing as long as Linehan has anything to do with the Rams!!!

These were kind words, I have others but they are not suitable for this forum!

Jim Thomas: Hedgecock isn't the first disgruntled player to rip a coach after he was cut.

Brian from Vegas: Jim,
Thanks so much for continuing with these chats.
I have heard that the Rams are considering a switch to a 3-4 defense. I do not understand this...the Rams don't have a true nose tackle, Carriker could play end, but Little and Hall don't look like DE's in 3-4. Ryan would not have a position. Plus, the Rams don't have 4 good linebackers. Why would they consider the switch?

Jim Thomas: I'm not sure they're considering a full-time switch. What you may see is a continuation of a lot of 3-4 in passing situations.