Cory in Wentzville: JT,

How should the Rams look at the final 6 games of 2008? (Losing 4 of their last 6 by a combined 12 points)

A). With optimism

B.) A loss is a loss and they were 4 of the teams 14 losses.

I only ask because I remember teams in the past that played close games down the stretch but still lost and came back the next year and won a lot of those close games. The 2001 Carolina Panthers come to mind. In '01, the Panthers were 1-15 but played in close games. In 2002 the Panthers hired the Giants DC John Fox and they went 7-9 and had the leagues 2nd best defense. And then in '03 they went 11-5, won the NFC South, and were 45 seconds away from going into overtime of Super Bowl XXXVIII with the Patriots.

Jim Thomas: Hello again everybody, it's good to be back on the chat. But for openers, we have a special guest in Rams executive vice president of football operations/chief operating officer Kevin Demoff. Kevin will be answering the questions. Today, I'm just the typist. So if you have any draft pick negotiating or salary cap questions, now's your chance.
Anyway, here's Kevin's answer to the above question about close losses at the end of '08.
KEVIN DEMOFF: "I think the answer would be A, we look at it with optimism. The team showed their character by not quitting when many teams in similar situations would have done so. There is no such thing as a moral victory, but Coach Spagnuolo has been impressed by how hard the team played down the stretch."

Cory in Wentzville: JT,

In almost every season in recent past there has been, on average, 6-7 new playoff teams every year (including around 4 new division winners). I know it is early, and you like to wait until closer to the season to make your predicitions. But can you give us 2 or 3 teams that didn't make the postseason last year that you think will in 2009? And on the flipside, whose spot(s) will they take in the postseason?

Jim Thomas: KEVIN DEMOFF: "That's easy: The Rams and the Bucs!"

Rich: Greetings Jim,

What do you see the Rams absolutely having to come away with by the end of training camp (aside from mastering the new schemes)?

In my mind there are three things:

Physical and Mental Toughness

The Rams cannot afford to be blown off the line every other play nor can they collectively wilt when things suddenly go south.

A true back-up behind Steve Jackson

If the Rams are going to have a power running game then they better find somebody that can carry the load if (or when) number 39 goes down.

Two starter caliber CBs

Last year was proof positive, having a solid corner and one side and the equivalent of cheese cloth on the other wasn't going to get it done.

Between Hill, King, and Fletcher one of those guys has to step into the breach.

Jim Thomas: KEVIN DEMOFF: "Any team executive's first priority is to come out healthy. Beyond that, with a new coaching staff and new schemes, I want the coaches to be happy with the team's understanding of the play book. The other thing I think we're all looking for is for players to respond to competition at their position, and for them to win jobs _ not win them by default."

Rita from South County: Hi Jim,

Welcome back! Thanks for taking our questions this week.

1.) What ever happened to Jason Craft and to Ricky Manning Jr.?
2.) Kevin, you need to tell Chip to bring back the gold. Disco pants or
not, it's what we in St. Louis are used to seeing. Who are these guys
in the blue and white?

Jim Thomas: KEVIN DEMOFF
"1.) I think we're excited to see the defensive backs on our roster compete during camp. However, Billy (Devaney), Mike (Williams--pro personnel director) keep tabs on all available players in the league, and have an emergency list in case of injury or need. Those players (Craft and Manning) are players who are familiar to our building and that can always help move them up on a list."
" 2.) Coach Spagnuolo and the players get to decide on uniform combinations, so the fate of the Disco pants is in their hands. One thing to look forward to in the next few weeks is the announcement of which home games we will wear our throwback uniforms this season. We will wear throwbacks two regular-season home games, so stay tuned."

got2golfjk: In the history of sports , has there ever been an occurrence, during a season , that a team didn't have to leave their homes for 35 DAYS ?
( figure come home after Lions game , 11/1,and are in their own beds until leaving for Chicago on 12/5.)Talk about a " homestand".

Jim Thomas: KEVIN DEMOFF: "It is unusual, but much better than being on the wroad for three straight games."