Lawarence Marmie: Will all the focus of the offseason being on whether or not Scotty Linehan would be back- is Jim Haslett also under the microscope this season? His defense has shown very little progess in his tenture (finishing in the bottom third of the league both years) and he seemed incapable of making adjustments at the half in almost every game this past season- including the Atlanta game where their 3rd string QB came in and ripped us apart- almost blowing a huge lead. They seem to be a defense without an indentity- are we agressive and go after the opponent or do we rush three and set everyone else back in a soft zone? The "Blitzburg" days seem to be a distant memory as he seems to mostly favor a "Rope-a-dope" defense now days.

Jim Thomas: I agree that the overall results of the Rams defense have been disappointing under Haslett, but I did think they were better overall _ particularly against the run _ until the final few games of the '08 season, when it looked like the front seven got worn down. Although everyone thinks of the offense, especially the offensive line, when talking about the injuries last season. But the defense had its share as well, with starters Tye Hill, Leonard Little and Pisa Tinoisamoa ending up on IR. The team's best corner, Fakhir Brown missed 4 games due to suspension; ditto for backup DT Claude Wroten. DE James Hall spent most of the second half of the season hobbling on a bad high ankle sprain. SS Corey Chavous missed time with a torn chest muscle. Haslett showed a lot of innovation after Little went down, using a lot of three-man fronts in passing situations and using Witherspoon as an edge rusher with very good success. Three years in a row now, the Rams have expended their first-round draft pick on defense. We'll see if that investment pans out this season.

Ken, Lake Tahoe, CA: Hey Jim, good to have you back. I've been a big fan of T. Holt since he was drafted, but I'm not sure I like this new outlook of his. He's been in this league long enough to know the NFL is a business. I can understand his disappointment in losing a good friend to the enemy (49ers), but as I see it, he needs to stop whining and start concentrating on taking over the role Isaac left behind. Does he want to embrace that role and/or is he capable of being the leader that #80 was on the field and in the locker room? Any other thoughts regarding his new-found attitude? The new kids need him. His current moping can only hurt the cause, not help it...

Jim Thomas: I think Torry will get over it. And he isn't moping on the football field. He was helping the youngsters during minicamp. But you can't blame him for being shocked by Bruce's departure. If it can happen to Isaac, it can happen to anyone, and that's a hard reality for Holt and other veterans on the team.

Ken, Lake Tahoe, CA: Jim, would you happen to know why Chris Long wanted #72? Thanks...

Jim Thomas: Sorry, I do not.

Chris: Jim, I read a story recently out of Denver that suggested the Rams are one of the few organizations in the NFL that does not pay bonuses to undrafted free agents. Can you tell us if this is indeed the club's policy and what their logic is with this? At least on the surface, it seems the team would lose out on some decent players who might otherwise be willing to come to camp with St. Louis.

Jim Thomas: I don't know what the league-wide policy is. With some of the undrafted free agents in the past, I have noticed that the Rams do give them a small amount of bonus money. ($10,000, $15,000, etc.). I guess, it could cost them some rookie free agents.

Cali Rams Fan: I want to start by saying that I am officially heartbroken. First Isaac, now, if reports are true, Torry could be shipping out based on his dis-interest to re-sign with the Rams. I wish we could keep him here to retire a Ram. Ideally, I feel loyalty to players who have contributed as much as Isaac and Torry have, not only shows class, but also shows genuine appreciation. In the long run, I would think that more players would be willing to come play for an organization that shows they appreciate the blood shed, broken bones, sweat and tears a player sacrifices throughout an entire career. But this is ultimately a business, so if it has to be, then so be it. What do you think some trade options could look like for us before Holt becomes a free agent and we are left with nothing in return?

Jim Thomas: Given their current uncertainties at the WR position, I think the last thing the Rams would want to do is trade Holt. Even with his knee issues, Holt was still a solid No. 1 WR last season. He will be an 11-year vet and 34 years old when his current contract expires. He might just retire at that time, particularly if brother Terrence no longer is with the Panthers.