Petey123: What are the positives Linehan shows as head coach of the Rams? What about those improvements he was making in the off season. His guys came out playing exactly as they did last year. You have to question this guys leadership skills. Too bad rams fans have to put up with another year with this guy.

Jim Thomas: Whether it's preseason or not. It's still FOOTBALL. Someone has to fire these guys up, whether it's a coach, a player, an inspirational speaker. There was no energy on the sidelines Saturday. Did you see how the Titans came out? Very first play. CB Nick Harper launches himself like a missile into someone (RT Alex Barron) who weighs 100 pounds more than himself. Harper "concussed" himself on the play, but it set the tone for the entire evening. Harper startled Barron, knocked him back into ball carrier Brian Leonard on the play, which resulted in a 2-yard loss. The Titans weren't worried about getting injured, weren't whining about the game being meaningless, they came out to play tackle football.

Adam: Thanks for taking my question Jim

I read the story on Vermeil visiting Rams Camp. Do you feel that this "karma" has indeed inspired the players?

Jim Thomas: If it didn't, shame on the players. He's a wonderful person, and a truly great motivator.

leo quijano: Jim,

As ugly as that game was, I believe most fans are waaaayy overreacting. Let's see the first string operate on both sides of the ball before making an evaluation. It only takes one or two individuals doing something wrong for a play on either side of the ball to break down.

My question is: what do the coaches really think about the last pre-season game? Of course they publicly have to calm the fans down and take responsibility for what a fan would say was a debacle. I want to believe that they were not surprised by the outcome. Perhaps they were testing several players and plays as an experiment and cared nothing about gameplanning to win.

On the flip side, I disagree with this approach and it is the most positive explanation I can conjure. In '99, the ball rarely touched the ground on offense and the defense looked well coordinated during pre-season. DV didn't seem worried that other teams would get a jump on his surprise attack because if the Rams executed well, there would be nothing the opposition could do about it. Any indication that Dick suggested Scott stop holding back and just play to win now? Confidence breeds confidence and this team needs a big dose of it.

Jim Thomas: Like I memtioned on the Bernie and Randy's radio show Monday, I would tell the first string offense: "You do not leave the field until you score a touchdown. I don't care if you're out there until the fourth quarter."
This team desperately needs confidence, and to experience success.

Dejan Prole: How do the talks between Jackson and Rams come along? When do you expect Atogwe, F Brown, and Will W to start playing?

Jim Thomas: Witherspoon is back out on the practice field. I think he might play against San Diego. Also, Atogwe returned to the practice field for the first time since the injury. He did mostly individual drills, but also got in a little "team" work. Barring a setback, my guess is he's ready to go by preseason game No. 3 against Baltimore.

jokerjoe: Jim
at this point do you think the Rams regret not talking a RB in the draft?

Jim Thomas: Check back in September on that one.