Joe D. (New Jersey): Question- Jim Thomas Do you think the Rams have what it takes this 1st year under Coach Spags to FINALLY WIN SOME DIVISION GAMES $ REGAIN SOME RESPECT

Jim Thomas: Amazing isn't it, that the Rams went 0-for-the-NFC West last season and are 4-20 against the West since the start of the '05 season!!!! Wins won't come easy this year, against anybody.

todd.hemm: Jim,
what is your take on these 09 Rams? I know it's only pre-season, (blah,blah, blah) but I noticed a huge difference between the Atlanta game and the Bengals game. I know a lot of that has to do with the Falcons and the Bengals, but can we reach 500 this year? Can we at least make some noise in the NFC West?
Thanks,

Jim Thomas: I think this team will be more competitive this year, but a talent gap remains. I think .500 would be a tremendous achievement, but probably not a realistic goal.

Colton: Hey Jim,

I was wondering YOUR personal thoughts on our QB situation along with any imput Spags has had on the situation. Boller seemed to do everything right against the Bengals. While he wasn't spectacular with only 93 yards, he did have a 70% completion percentage, a touchdown, and more importantly he didn't throw an interception. His mobility has been quite helpful when our line broke down to say the least. I understand Bulger has been injured but it seems like Boller did exactly what Spags wants his QB's to do. Be efficiant and take care of the ball. He seems to give the offense a spark that just isn't there when Bulger's playing.

Also, do you think the Bengals game is any indication on what our offense will look like as far as play calling. We ran the ball A LOT and threw a bunch of short to intermediate passes.

Thank for you time Jim. As always, I'll be reading.

Jim Thomas: The most interesting thing to me about Boller's performance against the Bengals was how the team seemed responded to the play where he got blasted on the scramble. They loved the fact that he got right back in the huddle and finished off the TD drive. It looks like they believe in him.
But saying that, I still feel Bulger deserves the chance to see what he can do with this offense. At his best, Bulger still is one of the most accurate passers in the league.

JohnnyN: Hey Jim,
Thanks as always for the forum. I think the league hammered us on the early part of the schedule...Three roads games in the first four weeks of the season...kind of brutal. Do you think we can squeeze out a victory in the first few games of the season. Take care. John.

Jim Thomas: It's hard to see any breathing room the first couple months of the schedule. I'd say Washington and San Francisco still rate as the Rams' best shots to win in the first seven games _ and both are on the road.

Dan Lum: Jim - Assuming everyone is healthy, how do you see the Rams Offensive gameplan coming out of the gates in weeks 1 & 2? Is the O-Line ready? Cam the passing game keep the offense alive should defenses line up 8 in the box and key on SJ? Will Alex Barron be benched after he false starts 4 times in the first two games? Who starts at LT then?

Jim Thomas: Assuming good health, I say the Rams open in Seattle with Barron at LT, Bell at LG, Brown at C, Incognito at RG, and Smith at RT.
Hard to say if the o-line is ready. Injuries to Barron, Incognito and Bell have wreaked havoc with continuity, and Jason Smith has been working his way into the starting lineup.