Jim Thomas: This is from Mike Smith: Jim will start the chat soon as his post-practice interviews are finished. We apologize for the delay.

Ram Fan: Hello Jim,
When is A.Green's plane landing? The rushing offense was horrible.

Jim Thomas: The rushing offense may have been terrible, but Ahman Green isn't going to happen. As someone at Rams Park told me: "That contact is sitting right next to Michael Vick's."

CraZyRam: Hello Jim,

Where were the RAMS we saw a week before at the Meadowlands? It is almost a complete oppisite performance. Glad it is only the preseason, but doesn't it make you concerned going in to the regular season? Whats your take on it Jim?

Jim Thomas: It was definitely a step back, and a reality check for the team. I always say you pay attention to the score when the starters are in, and watch individuals are units when they're not. Well, it was pretty lopsided when the starters were in. If nothing else, it showed us that the rebuilding project probably isn't going to happen overnight.

Larry: Jim,

Jason Smith didn't look that great in the game against Atlanta. I understand he needs time but the analyst at the break challenged if Jason Smith is really going to be able to make the transition to the NFL as a good pass blocker and mentioned he may not have been the best draft pick for the Rams needs. Can you comment on this.

Jim Thomas: I don't know what analyst you're talking about, but I don't know how you can make such blanket statements two preseason games into a career. My observation: Smith is gradually getting better. But I'm not sure if he's ready to be the starter on opening day.

Prof: Thank you, Mr. Thomas for your time. Some comments about the dome improvements and questions where perhaps you can help.

The concourses are dramatically improved. The new flooring and paint give them an expansive feel.

Inside the dome is another story. The big screen that we can completely see from our seats is the wide screen on the north side. It clarity is unbelievably good, but its aspect ratio sometimes cuts off key parts of plays when shown on replay. The advertising bands around the dome are attractive but cast so much light that the entire ambient hue and light level changes in the dome when the ads change. It's like pimp my dome. Plus the only down and distance panel that we can see is all but illegible. The blue and gold paint theme is attractive but the stripes are too gaudy. The white painted railings lighten the feel, but the railings in our section were already scraped clean to the metal before the first pre-season game. Some people like the new sound system, but I can't tell much difference, which says something about its overall improvement.

Where the concourse produces an instant "wow" factor, the interior restorations take with one hand what they have given with the other, producing disappointment about the money spent.

Do you think anyone at the Rams would be interested in a genuine, non-vitriolic letter about the upgrades? If so, to whom should we write?

Jim Thomas: Interesting points. I believe Kevin Demoff, the Rams' executive vice president of football operations, reads this chat from time to time, so your feedback I'm sure is appreciated.