Ram-Man: Hey Jim,

Linehan is pulling out all of the stops. Any info as to what Vermeil said to the team? Did he bring any 1999 game film with him? Did he hand Scott the "How to win the Super Bowl for Dummies" book?

Jim Thomas: I'm sure it was typical DV: Passionate, inspirational, and simply telling these guys that physical toughness and mental toughness have a lot to do with success in the NFL. I do give Linehan credit for brining in DV. He is trying everything he can to change the losing culture around this team.

Brian: How do you see the Rams addressing the RB position going forward?
1. Making a trade for a talented young back who is blocked on another team (ala Ryan Grant last summer).
2. Signing a FA
3. Go with what they have and hope SJ returns soon.

If you go #1 (because it isn't like Pittman or Leonard are proven back-ups), what do you think about these names?
Chris Henry-Tennessee (didn't the Rams like him before the '07 draft?)
Derrick Ward- NYG
Pierre Thomas-NO
Darius Walker-Hou

Jim Thomas: It appears the Rams are sticking with 3.) Go with what they have and hope SJax returns soon.
None of the names you mentioned does a lot for me. None would come close to doing what Jackson does for the Rams. Henry was brought in for a pre-draft visit by the Rams in '07. But he did have some off-field issues.

ncdc: Hey Jim,

This is a follow-up to last weeks chat as I submitted this just as you were signing off. If you have last weeks question, please use it!

Last week, you mentioned Linehan "must win now" which would somehow justify keeping Dane Looker instead of Derek Stanley. However, Looker offers the Rams one, maybe two, seasons period. Stanley offers 10 years. Additionally, Dante Hall has not finished a full year recently due to injuries and also may not be around after 2008. Derek Stanley has the ability to fulfill both roles (receiver and return man), stay healthy, and be very productive. The Rams got lucky by being able to keep Stanley on the practice squad last year. That won't happen this year. I DO NOT want to see Stanley in a 49er uniform for the next ten years!

And the Rams would chose Looker...why? 'Cuase Linehan has a man crush on him?

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned last week, I don't think the Rams want to have three very inexperienced youngsters (Avery, Burton, and Stanley) among their six wide receivers. Stanley has made some good catches in camp, but it's not as if he lit up the Titans on Saturday. Looker made plays. Now, I'm not saying Stanley doesn't have a chance to make something happen in the preseason. But do it. Make some plays.

Cameron: Where is Steven Jackson ?
Nothing else matters in Ramland. He needs to get in camp yesterday...!
We need input on this !!

Jim Thomas: Nothing has changed. There has been no dialogue between the parties since July 25. The Rams insist they will not negotiate till Jackson shows up. The Jackson camp says they will not show up until Jackson has a contract.

Chuck McD: Jim,
How come the great teams stay great year in and year out, like N.E. and the Colts and the Rams are like a roller coaster ride?

Jim Thomas: Actually, New England and Indy are the two exceptions. For everybody else it is a roller coaster ride. And even Indy _ for all of its success _ has been to only one Super Bowl the past decade. The Rams have been to two.