George M.: Hi, Jim:

The Rams apparently are taking a pass on LaCharles Bentley. Does it appear that he has regressed so much during his two year hiatus that the Rams reserves are better, or do the Rams have medical doubts?

Jim Thomas: Don't count them out on Bentley just yet.

virginiatom: One third of the game is special teams, and it seems that in every game the Rams play there is at least one long kick off or punt return that ends in the opponent having great field position and eventually scoring. And unfortuantely I saw this the other night with another long return by the Ravens. Why is it that the Rams haven't been able to figure out special teams play since Dick Vermeil left?

Jim Thomas: All I can say is it takes real toughness to run down the field on special teams. The Rams have to continue to find those kinds of players. Field position _ largely special teams induced _ was a problem against Baltimore. Five of Baltimore's 12 possessions started either in Rams territory or from the Baltimore 40 out. That's not going to work against teams like Dallas, New England, the Giants, on the schedule.

Jeremy (Denver): Jim,
Who do you think will be our starting C for game 1?

Jim Thomas: Leckey _ Romberg hasn't started since the Tennessee game. Even if Bentley signed tomorrow, he wouldn't be in game shape for Philly.

TD51: 1) W/ injuries, etc - who do you see as the starting WRs wk 1 + who makes up final WRs roster? 2)looked @ Bentley - do you see team picking up add'l vet lineman 3)what about add'l vet LB? 4) do they start working on extending Atogwe contract? Thanks for the forum!

Jim Thomas: I'll just answer the ones I haven't addressed earlier.
1.) If Hall and Bennett aren't ready to go for Philly, I believe it will be Looker in the slot (Hall's spot) and Burton starting for Bennett.

4.) Atogwe--Wouldn't be a bad idea, although I'm not sure right at this moment how much cap space they have left after the Jackson deal.

Jeremy (Denver): Jim,
Who do you think makes the team at WR and in the Secondary?

Jim Thomas: Wide Receiver _ Holt, Bennett, Hall, Avery, Burton, Looker
Secondary _ Brown, Hill, Bartell, Wade (at corner); Atogwe, Chavous, Johnson (at safety). I think the Rams scan the waiver wires following final cutdown for another corner or another safety. If they can come up with nothing there, I'd then say Macklin at corner and Bassey at safety.