hambone: thanks jim for all your knowledge on loan by god!!

Is there a chance that we can have another season like the 1999 rams season? I see some comparisons like slot of no names including then second year coach and this year first year coach. Also a possible top notch I-line and slot being done on defense. An easy division also helps with the best running back in the divion and wide recievers that are unknown to even us (LOL) not to mention the rest of the league. Just a thought, what say you? Thanks again jim! From Bakersfield ca

Jim Thomas: How many times can you catch lightning in a bottle?
1999 was something special, something that rarely occurs is any pro sport. To expect it to happen again probably doesn't make much sense.
That said...
The Rams certainly could be much improved this year and even challenge for the NFC West title. And once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen. Obviously, they have to stay relatively healthy and their best players will have to have their best seasons.

VHS04: Do you think Hood would be a good edition to the CB'? How has Chris Long, Adam C, and James Butler looked so far this year?

Jim Thomas: Hood is a Cleveland Brown, as of today.
Long appears more relaxed. Butler looks pretty solid. Carriker looks big and quick.
But really, evaluating guys in shorts and shells is all but impossible. Wait till training camp, when they strap on the pads. Then we'll see.

RamRice: RamsRice

Any inside info on Kirston Pittman? He is listed as a NT on the Rams site. Is he working at DE or OLB? He seems to be more of a tweener DE/OLB.

Will there be more photos provided to the public from the OTAs?

I am a long time fan and I realize that now is lull in information about the Rams. Although when going out to the sites for the teams in our division, I find that there is more up to date information via photos, videos and interviews.

As a fan, we alway feel as if there should be more info out there, do you feel like "the Powers that be" are not giving reporters a lot of opportunity to report? Especially since this year I have read that the front office really wants connect the fans, in fact I believe that was one of the requires set for the head coach. What if anything is in the works to do more than last year to connect back with the fan? So far it seems that it is just slightly better than last year.

Jim Thomas: Pittman has been working on the defensive line. He has some speed, but he needs more bulk (6-3 and 250).
As for "more info" . . .
Since the end of the draft, Jim Thomas and I have written approximately 25 Rams stories, plus produced a number of blogs and participated in these weekly chats. Find somewhere else that gives you more Rams info. I don't think you can.

Kevin: were there any guys that stood out in the last OTA?

Jim Thomas: CB Tye Hill looked much better than he did at minicamp earlier this month. TE Daniel Fells impressed with several catches. LB James Laurinaitis is quicker than some might've expected. WR Keenan Burton is really good at making catches in traffic. Just seeing 255-lb. FB Mike Karney lined up in front of Steven Jackson is inspiring.

That's all for this week. Thanks to all for participating.