Buzz: Jim,
Any word on whether Haslett plans to go more to the 3-4? Or will he continue to use it situationally as he did this year? Also, is his relationship with Linehan strained to the point that it could effect on field performance next season?

Jim Thomas: Pls see earlier answers.

Fred: Hi Jim,
Thanks again for answering our questions.
I'm sure everyone is going to ask about the possible Saunders hiring so I'll go in a different direction.
How about special teams. Do you think Wilkins will put in another year? I read where he might be contemplating retirement because of medical issues. What are those issues? He's one extra point away from holding the all time consecutive PAT record which he is now tied with Elam for. He does seem to have lost a little on kick-offs and one of our worst problems has been starting field position for both offense and defense.

Jim Thomas: I think Wilkins is at least consdering retirement. I think he had some foot/leg issues at the end of the year although I'm not sure if it was his kicking leg or plant leg. Wilkins has lost a little on kickoffs, but is still better than average there.

Pat: Jim,
Should I be getting as excited as I am (pretty giddy) about Al Saunders possibly coming in? I'm thinking a return to exciting football. With his history with the Rams and the Chiefs and the talent we have things are looking up. The Redskin's never had the talent his previous teams did (especially at quarterback), so I cannot hold their lack of offensive success against him.
Do you think we should give him that much credit or is he that good?
Thanks Jim,
Ram Fan in Patriot country

Jim Thomas: I think you should get excited about Saunders. Of course, you're only as good as your personnel. But I think Saunders is pretty good. For several seasons earlier this decade, the best offense in Missouri resided in Kansas City _ not St. Louis _ with Saunders calling the plays for the Chiefs.

JR: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Jim. I am a little concerned about all of the secrecy at Rams Park. Savard says that they won't even answer any phone calls. Why is the media being alienated? Don't you think the Rams need to open the lines of communication a bit? Thanks again.

Jim Thomas: I've been down here at the Super Bowl since Sunday evening, so I'm not really aware of what Savard said. But I do think things have changed in recent years at Rams Park _ and changed for the worse _ in terms of "secrecy." I'd rather not go into details.
Because of the then-unprecedented effort by the citizens, business people, and government officials of the St. Louis area to bring the Rams to St. Louis, the fans always felt a special bond to the Rams. Almost a sense of ownership, because they had helped make it happen through their tax dollars to help build the dome and their outpouring of PSL dollars to fill the seats. As such, the St. Louis media was a conduit to those fans, and the Rams seemed to recognize that. But something has been lost in recent years, beginning with the closing of practice once Linehan took over. Dick Vermeil has the most open "shop" around in terms of media access. Open practice. He didn't try to cover up injuries. He tried to give honest answers, even when it hurt. And that didn't prevent him from winning a Super Bowl.

Hey--I've got to cut this much shorter than usual. I've got some Super Bowl stories to write. I'm planning to come right back with a chat next Tuesday, 1 p.m. Talk to you all then. Regards. . . .