dominic: Hey Jim:
1)My observation from fridays game is that we need backup safety help,pass rushing defensive end and a speed back. Your thoughts?
2)And can we trade Adam Carriker for Glenn Dorsey? They both are playing out of positions and would make sense for both teams.Yes?No?

Jim Thomas: Hello everybody. The practice schedule has changed from earlier in camp. The Rams are starting practice here in about half an hour. So I'll answer a few questions now, take a break to watch practice and be back at about 3 p.m. or so to answer some more. Sorry for the inconvenience.

1.) The backup safety play was rough. But keep in mind, David Roach _ who missed those two tackles _ probably doesn't make the final 53. The fourth safety spot probably will go to Craig Dahl, the ex-NY Giant who's back on the practice field after missing about a week (and the first preseason game) with a hamstring injury.,

2.) As disappointing as his start may be in the NFL, it's too early to give up on Carriker.

4thandJuan: Jim,
When Jacob Bell went out of the game last Friday, I was surprised to see Roy Schuening step in. This guy hadn't made much noise, and I thought Greco was the top reserve at G. Has Schuening made much of a move in camp?

Jim Thomas: Schuening simply has been the guy working with the second unit all spring at LG. Greco has been working at RG. But Schuening didn't play all that well against the Jets. This week, with Bell out with a mild concussion, Mark Setterstrom and Greco have been sharing reps at LG with the starting offense. Schuening has been moved to the second unit at RG.

Joe Stafford: Jim, will Jason Smith get more playing time this week or is Goldbergh looking to be the starter week 1?

Jim Thomas: With Barron's swollen knee today, Goldberg was with the starting unti at left tackle; Smith was with the starters at right tackle. After a rough stretch around the time of the Lindenwood scrimmage, Smith seems to be coming around some. But right now _ and there are still 3 preseason games _ I'd still say Goldberg probably is the Week 1 starter.

Aaron in San Antonio: Jim,
Look forward to this read each week..thank you.

James Butler's name hasn't been mentioned hardly at all it seems during traning camp/Jets game. I knew this was a lock move for the Rams in the offseason because it just made too much sense, but he's been fairly quiet. Please confirm this is a huge upgrade in talent over Chavous and at least a 'push' in regards to leadership/field general.

Jim Thomas: I'll use the word "noticeable" instead of "huge" on the upgrade. The main problem with Chavous was that he just couldn't run anymore. He was a smart player, a tough player. But he just couldn't cover. Butler is smart and tough, and although not a burner _ he appears to have decent range.

Jake de snake: Thanks again Jim for giving up some time to answer our questions.

Who do you think is gonna be the bright spot on the team this season? and why?

With Avery down do you see Robinson pulling through and taking over the #2 spot on the roster?

And how is Null looking in practice? He looked pretty good agains the jets granted it was the 2nd and 3rd D out there.

Thanks!

Jim Thomas: J.D. Snake. . .So hard to pick out anybody. But I've got to say, I've liked what I've seen from WR Laurent Robinson, not just in the Jets game, but on the practice field and in the scrimmage. He does have some deep speed.

Joe Stafford: Jim, I was really hoping for a 6-10 season this year, but with all the injurys, 2-14 is looking good. So who would you choose now? Colt McCoy or Tim Tebo?

Jim Thomas: Sam Bradford.

brazil: I know that the Rams still have many holes. My biggest concern right now is protecting the QB. Those three sacks on Bulger in the first preseason game are reason to be concerned. How good do you think the offensive line can be this year?

Jim Thomas: I think the o-line _ if it stays healthy _ will be noticeably improved. As I mentioned in my P-D article about the blitz pickup problems earlier this week, the pass protection problems weren't really caused by the o-line against the Jets. It was more blitz pickup by the running backs. (And on one sack even Bulger admitted he held onto the ball too long.)

Chris George: Thanks Mr thomas for taking my question:If Adam carriker is healthy this season, how good do you think our D-line will be?

Jim Thomas: The DEs have looked very good in camp, Little and James Hall in particular. There are question marks at DT, however. Both Carriker and Ryan need to step up. And the depth is questionable right now between Carriker and Ryan, with Hollis Thomas still trying to get in shape. Gary Gibson, however, has had a good camp. Rookie Darell Scott has had some moments, but has a little bit of a knee issue he's working through right now.

owen: hello jim, why not a matt jones sighting.bring him in adjust his contract accordingly with incentives.

Jim Thomas: I'd say signing Jones would be a violation of the 4 Pillars.

djjr11854: Jim,

As always thanks for your time.
What's the deal with Carriker he's still out with an ankle problem? Is it more serious than we're lead to believe. I'm starting to wonder if this guy is giving it his all, or will he be labeled a bust!

Jim Thomas: It's supposed to be a 2-3 week injury, and Carriker's currently in Week 2. He did have ankle problems last year as well.

keithv: JT, your estimation on the what the actual attendance at the dome will be this Friday. Also, do they black out pre-season games? Thank you.

Jim Thomas: The game will be blacked out. I'm going to say 40,000 to 45,000.

Ram Dan: Jim,

If the Super Bowl was this Sunday, would Bulger be able to start? Is this a type of injury that he should be able to play with if he had to? I agree that he needs the rest, but if Bulger can not play in the final preseason game and move the offense, I would rather have Boller start in Seattle.

What's your take?

If Boller lights it up for the next two weeks, any chance he keeps the job. I think the next two games (albeit) preseason are huge now. If Boller play great, how could Spags just hand the job back to Bulger?

Jim Thomas: It's a pain tolerance thing. Bulger told us this morning, he's shooting for Seattle, (sounds like he may not be ready for the preseason finale). And he also said the finger won't be completely healed even by Seattle. But Bulger also said, there might be some risk of further injury if he came back after just one week.

rams26: Hi Jim -

Thanks for these chats. Is there any reason to believe the Bulger injury is more serious that originally diagnosed? How much will this hurt Bulger considering he is learning another new offensive scheme? If physically healthy, will he be ready to go come September 13th at Seattle, or will the time off severely hurt his progress in this offense?

Thank you in-advance!

GO RAMS!!!!!!

Jim Thomas: See earlier post. As for missed practice time, it can't help, particularly with a new scheme and new terminology. Plus, timing is always important with receivers, even more so with a new (and young) wide receiver corps to work with.

ramboy81: hey jim you ask me last week who i would trade for rocsoe parrish . i woujd give the bill 4 or 5 round pick ,for him ,jim we need him he a good player and person . like i said last week ,can you please tell mr devaney ,just check it out before they say no on it . p.s avery, parrish curry ,burton , stanley and robinson . thank you jim

Jim Thomas: I'll try to mention it to Devaney, who usually doesn't seek out suggestions from the media.

Ram Dan: Jim,

I'm having nightmares about the Rams receivers. Without a true deep threat, Jackson will get loaded up in the box.

Any word on Avery's progress? How is Ronald Curry doing? I thought he looked good in the Jets game. How serious is the injury to Foster and Carter? I read that Carter was even faster than Avery?

McMichael and Fells have such nice hands, and Bajema didn't look too bad either. I hope McMichael becomes a huge threat. Looks like Klop will be gone for sure.

Jim Thomas: Robinson has pretty good speed. If Avery comes back by the start of the regular season, that's two sets for fast, fresh legs. Carter is very fast, maybe not quite in Avery's range, though. Foster and Carter may be out for the rest of the preseason. With Avery and Carter out, Ronald Curry has moved into the No. 3 receiver role. He isn't as fast as some of the other guys, but is a big target and pretty good over the middle.
Klop certainly looks like he's in trouble.

elderamfan: We only hear about Barron when he jumps offsides; how did he grade out against the Jets? I'm a Bulger supporter, but it seemed like during a redzone visit and a blitz from the left side, he could have flipped the ball to McMichael on the right side who was looking back for it. Instead, he held on and the blitz wrecked the play. Your comments? Whatever happened to Marques Hagans, the converted receiver/qb from Virginia?

Jim Thomas: Don't know how Barron graded out, but in general, I think he has looked pretty good in camp. He just seems more comfortable to me on the left side.
If you're talking about the blitz when the Rams were inside the Jets' 10, I don't think Bulger had time.
Hagans was cut by the Rams last August, spent time with KC and Washington, and I believe he's in camp with the Redskins this summer.

Rich: Jim. Thanks for all your hard work keeping us informed about the Rams. Clearly the Rams running backs need to improve in the area of pass blocking. At this point in time how would rate the Rams backs in this area? Jackson, Gaddo, Ogbanaya, Pittman, Darby?

Jim Thomas: Well, I clearly would've said Darby was the best before the Jets game. But that wasn't much of a performance by him Friday.

Ram-o-Rama: Hi Jim,

I'm not a Bulger basher but I want the Rams to be competitive and win some games. I watched him closely last week and he seems to play in slow motion compared to the other qb's that were in the game. Do you see a difference in this area? Is he confused with the new system? He just doesn't seem to be confident in himself. Your comments....

Jim Thomas: Bulger clearly held onto the ball too long on one of the sacks; he was looking downfield for a deep route. But he did go 4-for-4 in the game and threw a great ball to Robinson. Boller wasn't exactly stellar against the Ravens, completing 3 of 9.

Tackleberry: What is the perception of Carriker at Rams Park and around the league? Is this guy a bust?

Jim Thomas: I know there's some level of disappointment at the Park that Carriker is sidelined. I still think it's a little early to trot out the "B" word.
Folks, I've got to go out and watch some practice. I'll be back around 3-3:30 p.m. to answer more questions. Thanks. . . .

Roanoke: If both Berlin and Null play well this preseason, who would the Rams keep as #3? Don't think Berlin can go to the practice squad anymore, can he? But if Null shows any potential, it might be a risk sending him there (assuming he shows enough to catch the eye of other teams).

Jim Thomas: I'm back from the afternoon practice. Some good news for a change on the injury front. The MRI on Barron shows no structural damage to the knee. Still unclear whether he'll play against Atlanta, but it's not a serious injury.

As for the No. 3 QB, that's an intresting scenario, particularly since Berlin and Null both should get extra work now that Bulger's out. So let's see what these next three games bring. Off the top of my head, I'm not sure if Berlin has any practice squad eligibility left.

CraZyRAM01: Hi Jim,

Is Spags or Billy D. looking in to signing anyone else, at this time?

Jim Thomas: I'm not aware of anyone being signed at this time. Since none of the current injuries are anything close to seasons enders (specifically the 3 WRs sidelined--Avery, Carter, Foster) Spags said the team is not interested in signing a WR at this time. I'm sure, Devaney will keep a close eye on the transactions list in a couple of weeks as the NFL teams get down to their 53-man rosters. I'm still not sure if the Rams have enough at backup RB, WR, or even cornerback at this point.

erich_stlmo@yahoo.com: Hey Jim was wondering if the Rams had signed Mike Vick would you have been looking forward to doing these chat sessions?

Jim Thomas: Sure. But we'd have to think of a catchy slogan like the one in Philly: Hide your beagle, Michael Vick's an Eagle.

Dan from Denver: If Barron's injury is serious, would Smith go to LT and Goldberg stay at RT, or how would you predict that situation unfolding?

Jim Thomas: The injury's not serious; as I mentioned earlier, the MRI showed no structural damage. At practice Tuesday, Goldberg worked at left tackle; and Smith at right tackle with the starters.

Roanoke: Does Steven Jackson work hard on improving his blocking skills? Seems like we hear about his conditioning, running, and receiving work, but seldom much about him trying to improve his blocking skills. He's a big enough guy, so you wouldn't think excelling at this would be difficult for him.

Jim Thomas: Actually, I thought Jackson had improved noticeably as a blocker until last year, when he seemed less effective on blitz pickup. And yes, the Rams do work on blitz pickup in practice.

Roanoke: Although it was only a preseason game, it was good to get a win. As you mentioned in one of your comments, there seems to be some correlation between trends in preseason and carryover into the regular season. So it's good to win a close game against a talented team on the road. The Rams had no turnovers and few penalties, another good trend. However, a bad trend that seems to repeat itself in recent years is the lack of scoring by the 1st team offense. Do you believe this will be one of the negative trends we'll see carry over into the regular season?

Jim Thomas: We'll know better in a couple more weeks. But it won't be with Bulger at QB.

Tim: Do you see Laurent Robinson having No.1 reciever potential. Seems like hes got some of the tools.

Jim Thomas: I don't know about being a true No. 1. But I think he can catch 50 balls.

Tim: Who are the top 3 that have impressed/dissapointed you the most in training camp/preaseason?

Jim Thomas: Impressed:
1.) James Hall; 2.) Leonard Little; 3.) Samko Gado. Honorable mention: Laurent Robinson
Diapppointed
1.) Joe Klopfenstein; 2.) Adam Carriker; 3.) Quinton Culberson. (I would have put Antonio Pittman in this group until the Jets preseason game.)

Tim: By what week do you see Fletcher starting? I like this kid alot with how Physical he is and the way hae plays. Whats been your take on him so far?

Jim Thomas: He seems like he's progressing OK, but he's stil the No. 5 corner right now behind Bartell, Hill, Wade, and King.

Alabama Ram's Fan: After watching the game against the Jets, it was very obvious that we were not getting very much pressure on the QB. Other than Little, do we even have any pass rushers? Where was Chris Long and James Hall? I hope they figure out creative ways to blitz because we were giving the Jets all kinds of time to throw. To make matters worse, on most plays our secondary looked like they were playing WAY OFF the line (staying several yards back from the receivers.) It was a lot like a prevent defense where the Offense was able to just pick us apart.

I am hoping that we will see a much more aggressive defense once the regular season starts... Otherwise teams will figure out real quick that they can throw on us all day long.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Thanks!

Jim Thomas: Hall did recover the forced fumble by Little. Keep in mind, the Rams' starting defense was on the field for only two series. Spags is an aggressive blitzer, but the Jets did a pretty good job of picking up the Rams' blitzes Friday.

Matt: Of all the longshots in camp which ones have the best chance of making the team? my vote is for null but who else has a good shot?

Jim Thomas: Null obviously is in the mix. I think Quincy Butler has a chance if the Rams decide to keep 6 corners. WR Sean Walker and OG Roger Allen may be practice squad guys. Same with CB Cord Parks.

zn2003: On the offense. Obviously it's early but maybe there are some gleanings from training camp. We've heard general things about what this offense will look like (power running, WCO), but are there any specific, concrete things you can add to that general picture at this point? Anything you've noticed from watching practices that might seem new and different to a veteran Rams watcher this year?

...

Jim Thomas: More quick step drops; the ball will come out quicker. I'm not saying the Rams won't go deep, because they'll still take some shots. It's hard to know how much they'll really emphasize Jackson and the running game until we get into the regular season. The run blocking was pretty good, however, against the Jets. There's some things I've seen on the practice field in terms of alignments and strategy that look interesting, but I'm not going to get into.

John: Hi Jim, thanks for taking my question. I know he's hurt but how was Adam Carriker looking in camp before his injury? I really liked what Gary Gibson did in the Jets game and I was wondering if there was any chance he might beat out Carriker for the starting DT job even when Carriker comes back? Thanks.
John

Jim Thomas: Except for a flash here and there, I don't think Carriker had done much in camp before the injury. As for Gibson beating out Carriker, I don't know what to tell you. I think Carriker will be given every opportunity to be the starter.

West Coast Ram: Jim,
Can you talk about why the Rams were not willing to give Graham Harrell a real shot instead of the kid drafted Hull? At 6'3" Harrell appears to have the size and had a better QB rating than Stafford and slightly behind Sanchez. It is so tiring to hear about a player being a product of the system when all QBs are products of their system. Can't a good coaching staff design plays that work to the player's strengths and not expose his weakness? I never saw this kid play live but he sure looked good on TV.

Jim Thomas: I think Null has a stronger arm than Harrell.

Les1s: Hey JT. I would like your take on acouple of things.
1. The way Spags handled his first game.
2. S Jax and Darby's lack of blocking. I don't buy into the idea of no game plan for the blitz. You see a guy coming you get into him.

Les

Jim Thomas: 1.) Like the overall game management. Spags is highly organized. It was a very clean game by preseason standards in terms of penalties and turnovers. Thought it was interesting that Spags let the clock run down at the end of the first half to call a timeout and kick a field goal instead of taking a shot at the end zone from the Jets 29 _ there were about 30 seconds left on the clock.
2.) Seeing a guy coming wasn't usually the problem. The problem was lunging at one guy, and not seeing the other coming on a delayed blitz. You need a little bit of patience, and having a head on swivel to be effective on blitz pickup.

HomeRunHomer: Jim in your opinion what is the most notable difference that you see from this year’s squad as opposed to the last few years?

I recall that when Coach Spagnuolo took over as the DC for the Giants, the 1st few games did not go well for the defense. If this team gets off to a rocky start, will these players stay the course or will we be back to the ways of the past and have the players yelling and rolling their eyes at the coach on the sidelines?

Also, I know Spags is not mentioning any names right now as to who is stepping up as a team leader. However, who do you see as the guys that are becoming the leaders of this team?

Jim Thomas: This will be a more fiesty team in terms of running the ball and playing run defense. I'm not saying they will be world beaters, particularly on run defense, but I think they will be more respectable. In that sense, all the live contact in camp may be paying dividends.

Right now, the players are buying in. We'll see what happens once the season starts.

Hard to say on the team leadership front. Still kind of early.

Musial_6: JT,

Appreciate your candor and insight. How is it that a #2 overall draft pick cannot beat out a perennial underachiever (Barron) and a no name (Goldberg), both of whom were part of a dreadful o-line last season, to play with the first string on a team that's gone 5-27 the past two years? Coupled with a lackluster season from Long last year, isn't it fair to question Devaney's drafting? I presume you are more inclined to expect a step forward for Long this season and Smith to be motivated by the current depth chart and starting week 1. But it does not seem unrealistic that we should expect significantly better returns from this high of draft picks at the DE and OT positions where the learning curve is relatively small compared to other positions. Just recently Joe Thomas and Jake Long have excelled at OT.

Jim Thomas: Let's revisit this question in December. You don't judge a rookie in mid-August, or a second-year player in mid-August of his second season.

MoDuke: Is this a write-off year or do they have a chance to compete?

Jim Thomas: I've been wrong before, but I'm thinking five, six wins, but much more competitive in the losses. They still need some playmakers and depth, on both side of the ball.

ctramsfan: Are the Rams looking to add a wide receiver now that Avery, Carter, and Foster are hurt?

Thanks for your time.

John

Jim Thomas: Spags says no.

Roberts: Jim, what's the word on Renardo Foster? Will he make the roster?

Jim Thomas: I keep waiting for him to move ahead of Trautwein as the No. 2 left tackle. But it hasn't happened yet. As near as I can tell, they're basically splitting time. To me, Foster has looked pretty solid in the one-on-one pass-blocking drills. It all comes down to how many o-linemen make the final 53. Barron, Bell, Brown, Incognito, Brown, Goldberg, Setterstrom and Greco all appear safe. That's eight. Will the Rams' keep nine?

B-Ball Fan: Who's going to be the holder since Dane looker signed with the Lions ?

Jim Thomas: Punter Donnie Jones; he was the holder last year. Not Looker.

HomeRunHomer: Jim,
During the preseason I like to focus on individuals more, who is the guy that you would recommend that I keep an eye on from the kickoff and punt coverage units.

Jim Thomas: Watch the backup linebackers and defensive backs. Grant (59), Chamberlain (57), Vobora (58), Culberson (53), Fletcher (32), King (31), Wade (20). That's where those guys have to make their living. Also the backup running backs and wide receivers _ Gado (38), Darby (34), Pittman (25), Foster (83), etc.

Noregar: I know that it is hard to make a prediction on such a far ranging issue such as the CBA but what is the overall feeling you sense from the players, coaches, front office execs, and other journalists you know, with regards to the possibility of there being no new labor deal reached by March of 2010 and the ramification of next year being uncapped if that happens

I am afraid that if the League ever goes uncapped it will never go back. I believe that in the long-term, no Salary cap would really hurt a market like St Louis and it would ruin pro football in general.

Jim Thomas: I don't really know how the players feel about it. I know a couple of league execs who are expecting an uncapped year. I think the Rams will be in pretty good cap shape this coming offseason _ they took some cap hits this year in dumping several veteran, and have a lot of dead money counting on the cap. But you're right, the Rams are a small-market team. Chip and Lucia don't have a ton of disposable income to pay out too many lavish signing bonuses. You wouldn't think an uncapped year would favor a team like the Rams.

CraZyRAM01: Hello Jim

Is the next game V.S. Atlanta sold out? Will it be televised on Ch.2?

Jim Thomas: Won't be sold out. Won't be televised live. I think it will be shown on a tape-delay basis.

Dave C: You said earlier in a post " I'd still say Goldberg probably is the Week 1 starter."IF Goldberg is still the starter at the mid-season point (week # 8) , would it be fair to say that Jason Smith's rookie season is a "disappointment"?What I mean by that is, if someone told you on draft day that the RAMS #1 pick doesn't start until week #9,would you have been surprised ?

Jim Thomas: Under that scenario I'd say yes and yes.

Orfordram: Bulger looked unready to deal with the pocket situation in the Jets game. He held the ball too long (ala his conditioning with Mike Martz), and did not adjust his position by stepping up into the pocket. This leads me to speculate that everyone is considering him a "vet" and not bothering to coach him up about stepping up, doing "rush" drills to heighten his awareness, and coaching him to adjust his body position to avoid the rush. Even more important, coaching him to throw away a ball where the routes have gone dead. What do you think of all this? Who is the QB's coach, and is he falling down on the job?

Jim Thomas: Bulger admitted after the game he needs to get rid of the ball a little quicker on some throws. But the one time he stepped up in the pocket, he stepped right up into a sack.

Chris: Jim,

This isn't exactly a Rams question, but it is an NFL question. Do you think that any of the 1st Round picks won't be signed this year? I'm specifically thinking about Crabtree. If so, he's one less person for the Rams to worry about when they play the 49ers this year. Thanks!

Jim Thomas: If Crabtree doesn't get in camp in about a week or so, he won't be of much use against the Rams on Oct. 4. Because once you get into the regular season, it's very hard to catch up.

dfwramsfan: JT,

Does the injury to Bulger change the time the starters will get in week 3 vs week 4 of pre-season in an effort to give Bulger more time in the final pre-season game with the starters, provided the team believes he can go week 4?

Jim Thomas: Talking to Bulger today, it doesn't sound like he'll play in Game 4 of the preseason. Got to go. Talk to you next week.