Mike: Jim,

I was really intereseted in signing Ken Zampese for the OC spot but i feel saunders is probably better for the team, not to mention PR and ticket sales.

My question however is, is there a spot on the rams staff that he could take. QB coach? Assistant head coach?

Jim Thomas: I too thought Zampese would have been a good hire at OC, for many of the same reasons that Saunders is a good hire. The only different _ Saunders has done it before as an NFL player caller. Zampese has not. I'm sure the Bengals would not let Zampese leave _ and he may not want to leave _ for a lateral move as a QB coach. And the Rams already have an assitant head coach on offense (Valero) and defense (Venturi). So what would the title really mean?

Rams fan: Scott Linehan is known league-wide for his offensive schemes, not his leadership. So my question is, how can the Rams justify keeping him as a head coach when he is not doing what he was brought here to do. He does not have the leadership abitities and no-one in the locker room respects what he says (from what i've heard). Motivation is not his thing and i just feel that with Linehan in charge, we are destined for another top 5 pick. Any thoughts?

Jim Thomas: You're right on Ramsfan. The Rams hired Linehan for his play-calling, game-planning and overall offensive prowess. What does he do now that Saunders has been handed the keys to the car? Linehan must grow and show leadership capabilities, organizational skills, and overall CEO characteristics. Can he do? I think it's a fair read to have doubts based on what we've seen so far.

Buzz: Jim,
I'm assuming that Al Saunders would not take our OC job unless he could install his system, devise game plans and call the plays without undue interference from Linehan. However, that's not to say that a HC shouldn't have any imput. For example, I think the Detroit coach had every right to ask Mike Martz to balance his offense a little more with some running plays. In St Louis, Martz accepted a fairly high turnover percentage in order to try and make plays down the field. Linehan is more conservative by nature - and so am I. Saunders will take his shots down the field. No problem. But I do think that it would be ok for Linehan to remind Bulger to check down if the deep pass isn't there. Don't force the ball. This way, we could have Saunders more exciting, unpredictable offense without all the turnovers of the latter Martz era. Does this sound good to you?

Jim Thomas: In Kansas City, Saunders showed an ability to adjust the "Air Coryell" style of offense used by Martz to the talent at hand. The Chiefs didn't have great WRs, but they had great RBs (Holmes, Johnson) and a great TE (Gonzalez). Saunders adjusted the scheme to best fit KC's talents. I think he'll do the same here _ meaning Steven Jackson won't be neglected.
But there's no doubt Saunders is more aggressive, and will take more risks than Linehan. Saunders likes to spread the field and use all sorts of alignments, formations, motions and shifts to create matchup advantages. That's something Linehan didn't do.

ray kumpf: jim,
with the second pick in the draft the rams cant really go
wrong with either dorsey or chris long.i feel they should take long cause he has a non stop motor with a great attitude
.this is a very talented draft this year i feel the rams can get good value and help in the later rounds

Jim Thomas: The Rams have to hit at No. 2 overall and No. 33 this year. And both of those picks need to contribute right away.

Phil: Greetings, I have been a Rams fan since their days back Los Angeles. Last year I paid particular attention to the sideline body language of Coach Lineham looking for signs of Leadership. I was particularly distressed when Mark Setterstom was injured and Lineham tried desperatly to rally the troops with a sideline outbust that was reminisent of Marty S. However, none of the players responded. As a matter of fact they looking at him as if to say what the hell is this guy doing? I am certain he is a good person and want to do well. However, at this level one needs exceptional Leadership and Communication Skills. Therefore he won't make it as a Head Coach in the NFL..

Jim Thomas: There's no sugar-coating it, Linehan needs to regain the trust and respect of some players. And that's easier said than done.