Mark G: Hello Jim,

Critics of the NFL complain when teams hire "retreads" for head coaches, those fired from other clubs instead of introducing new blood into the league. The Rams experimented with Rich Brooks, Mike Martz, Linehan, and I'll throw in Vitt. All without a single day as a head coach in the NFL before. Ironically, Rams succeeded bringing Vermeil out of retirement. There's been plenty of criticism of Linehan's novice decision making. Do you think there is something in hiring the wise and seasoned? Do the Rams need a boisterous personality at the helm? Should the Rams go against the wishes of many seeking change in the league for the selfish goal of winning by hiring an elder?

Jim Thomas: There have been just as many successful head coaches who succeeded at the NFL level with no prior head-coaching experience as unsuccessful ones. See: Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith, Andy Reid, Mike Holmgren. I guess it's just a matter of picking the right one in the right set of circumstances. The Rams didn't want a boisterous personality at the helm after all the rancor during the Martz tenure. They wanted an even-keeled personality. There were two even-keel, "nice guy" coaches in the Super Bowl last season: Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith.

Chris B.: I noticed in one of your posts you mentioned all of the injuries to the players. I agree, but when you play all of 3 or 4 downs in 4 pre-season games, and then get thrown into the fire, chances are, your not going to be ready to play, nd you stand a bigger chance of getting hurt. Further, just exactly what success was Linehan having as OC at Miami that tempted the Rams so much?

Jim Thomas: As for playing the players more in the preseason, I agree.

As for Linehan's work in Miami, with very average offensive players, the Dolphins improved from 29th in total offense in 2004 (pre-Linehan) to 14th in 2005 (Linehan's only season there _ as offensive coordinator). The Dolphins also improved from 31st in rushing offense (2004) to 12th (2005).

TJ: Why does Linehan insult our intelligence. How can he say Olsen called a good game. If Gus comes in and say he throws for a couple of touchdowns, is he the new starter. No matter what you have to protect the 12 million dollar man (lol). More like a $12 an hour man. Sit Bulger and let him heal. Apparently he didn't have enough strenth to throw the ball to the corner of the endzone. I guess this is what you get when you hire an offense of cooridantor from a loosing team (Miami)as a head coach.

Jim Thomas: Linehan was just trying to defend his play-caller.
I would've started Frerotte.
P.S. _ The Dolphins were 9-7 during Linehan's only year there. They have lost 13 of 19 since he left.

L.A. Manny: Jim, do you think Incognito can play RT for us once he gets back? He probably is our best option, that way we can keep Terrell and Brown at the guard positions. Also what are the chances of moving Bartel over to SS on certain downs? He seems to be a better tackler than Chavous.

Jim Thomas: That's a good question on Incognito. I'll try to remember to bring it up once he's healthy. But I think the Rams feel Incognito is a guard. He's a lot bigger than he was when he played tackle in college. He's weighing 330 these days. Right now, Bartell is the team's best corner. (With Hill hurt and Brown still suspended.) So I don't see that happening.

Todd: Are all these signs of a sinking ship have to do with not playing in the pre-season. The timing, not being able to play a complete game, missed feild goals (Leg not strong enough), injuries (not being in game condition).

Jim Thomas: Here's what I'd like to see: Starters play one full quarter in preseason Games 1 & 4. Starters play one full half in preseason games 2 & 3. And then let's see what happens.