Mellouli: Jim

Can we beat philly ?
please say yes

Jim Thomas: Do you believe in miracles. . . . .?

(Just kidding.)

It's possible, not probable.

kkb: Chris Long has been mentioned by Vic Carucci of nfl.com as a player who exemplifies the current rage of having a hybrid defender ala DeMarcus Ware or Mike Vrabel. In your opinion, which combination of front seven defenders, to include Chris Long in this group, provides the greatest flexibility of transpositioning between 3-4, 4-3,zone blitzes or 'fire zones', and cover-2/cover-3 (with MLB 20 yard drop)? Thanks in advance; I always look forward to your responses.

Jim Thomas: There are so many variables with Haslett. And I think you'll see them vary depending on the opposition and Long's progress.
If you include practices and the preseason games, they've lined up in three-man fronts, four-man fronts, with Long at right end, left end, standing up, in a stance, and inside.

BrotherBri: Football is won in the trenches, and this team leaves one feeling less than certain about its trench warriors. I like what all of the Rams linemen are capable of, but there are questions everywhere. Barron has tools, but has his drive (and attention) improved? Is Incognito calmer and more focused? Is the Big O likely to avoid more injury?

And on the other side, will Glover and Carricker hold up well enough to keep the games close? And will Long's energy and work ethic translate into production -- at least soon enough to avoid an extended oh-fer start?

I like the rookie wideouts, and love the Rams waiver pickups, but if the lines fail, it's a LONG season coming. Can you reassure us?

Jim Thomas: On defense, I think the strength of the unit will be the d-line. Glover still has some juice; Carriker and Ryan will occupy blockers at the nose tackle spot. Little will lead the pass rush. Hall will see plenty of time in the rotation. Adeyanju had a strong camp and preseason even with his injury. Long's a work in progress. But it's an undersized unit. They will be susceptible to big lines (and Philly's got some maulers) and power running teams. That's why _ and I know we all get sick of hearing it _ the Rams have to maintain gap responsibility and be in the right place and the right time.
On offense, I think the preseason signs were encouraging. Saunders and Loney have emphasized making this a more physical unit. Barron, Goldberg and Leckey all seem to have responded favorably to Loney's coaching style. Bell looks solid. Incognito has improved as camp and the preseason went on. But let's face it, it all begins and ends with Pace. If he can stay on the field and even play at say 80 percent of vintage Pace, the offense has a chance. If not, well. . . . .
And with that I leave you all for this week. See you next Tuesday. By then will you all be happy, sad, mad, or have the red----?