flaram: Jim,
The release of Alston was obviously the big suprise. Was his release due the the strong play by Culberson and Mcgargle or did this guy just not get it? Mentally?

Jim Thomas: A little of both. The Rams had 3 young LB prospects and only 2 spots. All along, I thought Haslett liked McGarigle. He played his rear end off against KC. He really played his way onto the team. Culberson, I thought leveled off as the preseason progressed. Alston is very bright. Stanford guy, after all. But he did continue to make mistakes.

guy: thanks for your time jim

what's the inside scoop on alston? he looks like a great safety prospect, but ill suited to play linebacker, he can tackle, is quick, is intelligent and can blitz, i expected him to be the second coming of john lynch and a real enforcer over the middle, especially on 3rd downs. was i dreaming, while i watched him in and around the ball all pre-season? are they trying to get him to sign for the practice squad?

Jim Thomas: With only 8 DBs on the active roster (during the Fakhir Brown suspension), the Rams decided to keep two DBs on the practice squad (Josh Lay and Darius Vinett), so they did not try to sign Alston to the practice squad. Despite Alston's misteps, you can't coach speed. And I would've thought the Rams would've found some way to channel that speed into something worth keeping on the roster.

flaram: Jim
I am impressed with Hagans this fellow is exciting, do you see us finding ways to accesserize err- feed him the ball?

Shane

Jim Thomas: First off, Hagans has to get on the field on game day. The Rams have 6 WRs, and probably will dress only 5. Dane Looker will be one of those five because of his skills as a holder for Jeff Wilkins.
Once Hagans does get on the field, I think the Rams will find some uses for him as a "slash" player, because of his running ability and his past career (in college) as a quarterback. I asked Linehan about this, and Linehan did say he had a few "special" plays spinning around in his head.

bob tamalis: How serious is T. Holt's knee problem. What kind of preformance should we expect from him? Was the aquisition of Drew Bennett based on this injury?

Jim Thomas: No, Bennett's signing was a response to Kevin Curtis' imminent departure. When the Rams became aware that Curtis was paying a visit to Minnesota on the first day of free agency, they went after Bennett hard. I don't know what to expect from Holt on Sunday. It's clear he's not 100 percent. And in my mind, I wonder why the Rams don't rest him at least once during the practice week now that we're in the regular season.
By the way, Bennett sat out Tuesday's practice with a sore calf. (Apparently, it's been a nagging condition that he aggravated somewhat during Saturday's practice.) Bennett says it's just tight and indicated he should be fine for Carolina.

flaram: Hi Jim,
Tony Wyllie introduced us several years ago at Rams Park.
I was wondering if you stay in touch? I would like to say hello to him. Is he still with The Texans?

thanks Shane

Jim Thomas: Tony is still with the Texans. He's a big-shot there. I always tell him he will be NFL commissioner some day. You can e-mail him at: twyllie@houstontexans.com