timmeno: Please tell me what you think? Lets make a move? After the loss this week vs the Bills, remove Scott and Jay(GM) and bring Dick Vermill back as VP and Marshall as Gm intern and see what they can do? Turn the team over to Jim H,(d-coor) for the yr and after the season bring in Rivera as HC and Singletery (49ers-lb coach) D-coord. And keep Al Sauders as assh HC and O-coord. Now first things first. Release the vets that are not making movements on the team. Resight Holt and bring up Ball and let minnor go. Trade a 2rd 09 and 3rd 10 to Det for R.Williams Wr to work with Holt and bring Avery up to speed. Move Byrd to backup Fb/h-back. Move Adam to Lde on run downs and move hm inside on pass downs and Little as a pash rush specialist. With the first pick next season Rd1 Look OT for a replacement for Pace. Build from the draft and make it happen! Did you know that Scott is shopping Holt???? Its on the web?

Bill Coats: Sorry for the late start. The Rams schedule is different this week because of the bye and I'm right off the practice field. If you haven't heard already, Marc Bulger has been reinstated as the starter. Haslett said "for the season" barring injury. The Fakhir Brown re-signing has hit a snag because Brown's agent wants "termination pay" _ in other words, a new contract to go with his existing one (which is guaranteed since Brown is a vested vet). The practice was crisp. Haslett has immediately challenged the offense to pick up its tempo in practice. Orlando Pace sat out practice because of general body soreness, inluding some shoulder soreness. (Nothing major.)
As for all your proposed changes. Whoaa! More change is on the way, it just won't happen all at once.

James: Jim,

The defense has been horrible all year. Linehan makes a few changes but allows Chavous to stay in, why? Is this another FOSL move? Chavous is a great leader and locker room guy from what I've heard but honestly, I'm not sure he could cover anyone in college much less the pros. With Atowege always taking bad angles on tackles, wouldn't it be better to move him to SS and insert Johnson at FS? Isn't it time to take Pisa out too? The guy overpursues every play leaving him out of position and rarely making a tackle. Where is Manning? Where is Johnson? Where is Chamberlain? Why not give these guys a chance? They can't do any worse than it is now. By the end of Sunday we will be dead last in the league in total defense. This team is a joke.

Thanks for the time.

Bill Coats: With the exception of the Seattle game, Pisa has played fairly well this season. I'm a big fan of Chavous in terms of toughness and leadership skills, but he just doesn't run very well and that's one of the problems in the secondary _ a lack of speed. I too, feel Todd Johnson deserves a chance. Manning played a lot in the nickel Sunday once Tye Hill went down. Unless the Rams are successful in re-signing Fakhir Brown, Manning will continue to be the nickel. Chamberlain has had some moments from scrimmage, but I don't think he's ready to see any appreciable playing time from scrimmage.
By the way: Lane Kiffin just got fired in Oakland.

mr. optomist: hi mr thomas....seems to me that we need another running back to spell jackson so he doesn't run out of gas late in the game....i know pittman is hurt,but don't most teams have someone to give the main back a rest? when he gets teired late in 2nd half,our offense sputters and we lose momentum

Bill Coats: Most teams do have a 1-2 punch. There's no doubt there's a big dropoff from S. Jackson to Pittman and Leonard.

Brian Jones: The guy I’m most disappointed in during this whole deal is Bulger. The guy is supposed to be a team leader but was completely GUTLESS by not addressing the press and standing up like a man when he was benched. We know he was disappointed, and he can say that, but as far as being a team player and a leader, he showed his colors. Anything he has to say now that Linehan is fired is completely without merit.

Bill Coats: That disappointed me, too. Obviously Bulger was upset by the situation, but he could have said some general comment without publicly going overboard in criticism of Linehan. Perhaps Bulger was just waiting to see if Linehan got fired during the bye week before commenting. Anyway, Bulger was reinstalled today as the starting QB by Haslett, and is scheduled to address the media in about 25 minutes. (I'll have to take a brief hiatus at that time.)

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim. Do you know how much consideration was given to Venturi being the interim coach? I'm concerned that by putting Linehan's foil, Haslett, into the position, the blame will end up falling solely on Linehan. While Linehan was a problem, he's not the only problem. NObody should be feeling that the organization is on the right track now just because he is gone. The problems run much deeper than the head coach. What do you think?

Bill Coats: To my knowledge, I don't think Venturi's name ever came up. And by the early weekend, if not sooner, it was strictly a Haslett or Saunders proposition for Chip Rosenbloom. Believe me, Haslett knows he's fortunate to be a head coach again given the play of the defense, particularly in the first three games.

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim. While I'm encouraged that ownership sees a problem, I'm very disappointed that the cuts did not go deep enough. This is only one step past benching Bulger for Green. Zygmunt needs to go. I realize that there is not much personnel activity during the season. So what would be the harm? Plus it would be send a stronger message to an unhappy fanbase that ownership really does "get" the seriousness of the problem. Shaw should "retire" or face termination as well. Management needs to be more of a presence on site. I'm a manager, and I actually come into work to oversee my staff. Chip needs to insist on the same, effective immediately.

Bill Coats: Be patient. Change is on the way.

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim. Is there a serious possibility that Fakhir Brown could be brought back?

Bill Coats: Haslett wants to bring him back. The Rams are trying to bring him back. But according to Haslett, Brown's agent wants termination pay. In other words, a new contract to go with the one Brown already has. (Since he's a vested vet, Brown's contract was guaranteed for this season even though he was cut. He gets all that money _ I think it's about a $2 million base whether he plays or not.)

RamFanInPA: Jim,
The Rams are in 100% rebuilding mode, they are the worst team and the oldest as well. Has there been SERIOUS thought given to trying to unload guys like Little and Holt prior to the trading deadline to accumulate as many picks as possible for the future? So what if the Rams win two games with these guys or one without them? The more picks you can accumulate the more attractive the positions will look to a new GM and head coach coming in! Does anyone even care enough at Rams Park to try and build for the future?

Bill Coats: No serious thought has been given to trading those to players. Besides, have you seen the Rams' drafts lately? And one last thing. Since the draft isn't next week or next month, if you wanted to go that way, why not wait until after the season _ that way you'd at least have the vets' services for this season.

JD: Hey JT, Now that Haslett is in charge, what type of team moves do you see him making? Bulger back at QB or any new starters? Also, what is the word on the Rams injured WR's, Bennett and Burton, will they be back in action after the bye week and which WR's are going to see playing time?

Bill Coats: As mentioned, Bulger is back as the starter. The team is trying to re-sign Fakhir Brown. WR Derek Stanley may be brought up from the practice squad (at either Dante Hall's or Eddie Kennison's expense). The defensive changes, with Adeyanju and Ryan starting ahead of James Hall and Glover. Bennett and Burton won't be ready for a while. (Two to three weeks for Burton, I believe; a week or two longer maybe for Bennett.)

rams1017: besides the non-stop talk about what's his name and Coach Haslett, We have been seeing throw backs of the Steelers and the Jets, why not see the Rams in their should be Blue and Gold of the 90's and the Blue and White of the late 60's. Notifying the NFL a year in advance I think is CRAP. any plans next year do you know of? I sure that's not on their mind at this time, but as tribute to Georgia it would have been nice.
btw, i have never in my 40 years of being a Ram fan have I rooted against the Rams, but Sunday it was a relief knowing you know who had to go.

Bill Coats: I think there has been some talk about wearing throwbacks next season _ the 10th anniversary of the '99 season's Super Bowl championship team. With everything else going on around here, I'm not sure if a formal request has been made to the league.

ram4life: Jim, with the restructuring of the front office now taking place, do you think Bill Devaney could get consideration for the GM position or would we look at Pioli in New England or John Schneider in Green Bay?

Bill Coats: Interesting point on Devaney _ maybe he will get a GM title added. With all due respect to your question, I'm not sure why Pioli would want to come here.

ram4life: Ive always heard personnel men say you can never have enough quality corners on your team. Why did Fakhir Brown clear waivers if this is true? Is there some other problem with him that hasnt been reported?

Bill Coats: No other problem that I'm aware of. By the way, when you're a vested vet, which I believe is four more years in the league, you don't clear waivers. You're free to sign with any team at any time. And several teams are interested in Fakhir as I pointed out in today's article.

ram4life: Is it true that Haslett is THE coach and not just the interim?

Bill Coats: Yes. That's what I reported in today's P-D.

Tim: Hi Jim,

I enjoy reading the forum every week. It sound as if Haslet was smart enough to force a power shift in the organization so that football people will be making football decisions from now on. Is my impression on this correct? I am encouraged by the direction that Chip is taking this franchise in. A competitive football is all we can ask for at this point. Who do you see as the first players to be shown the door? Bennett and Hall would bee good choices. We need youth and enthusiasm on the field, not underperforming has beens. Bennett has been about as good of a signing as drafting Jimmy Kennedy.

Bill Coats: I wouldn't go quite as far to say that Haslett has forced a power shift. I think it was headed that way anyway.
But before taking the job, Haslett wanted to make sure about certain things, including how much control he had over the roster. That's one of the reasons why there were hours of negotiations that didn't culminate until 10:30 a.m. Monday on Haslett's contract. It wasn't really about the money.

Odin25: Jim, what do you think of cutting Hall and bringing up Stanley from the practice squad? Right now we all know what we're getting from Hall and it isn't much, while Stanley remains somewhat of a mystery. I for one think he has a tremendous upside and and he can also return kicks. You think Haslett may look at making this move?

Bill Coats: As I mentioned earlier that's a distinct possibility. Haslett seems to like Stanley. And Stanley got quite a few reps with the regulars today in practice _ pretty unusual, I thought, for a practice squad player.

cappy22: Jim,
With the Linehan firing do YOU really expect things to improve at Rams Park? Or is this team beat down, torn up, demoralized beyond what this coaching staff has to offer?
Thanks

Bill Coats: The mood was pretty upbeat today on the practice field, I'll say that. Then again, I don't have a good reference point, because save for the first 20-30 minutes, this is the first (non-training camp) practice I've been allowed to watch (legally, anyway) in 2-plus years.

Hen: Hi Jim,

My take is that I'm not convinced that Haslett is our long term answer at Head Coach. However, I am very pleased as a long time fan that the two attorneys will no longer have a say in the running of the team or more importantly the draft and personnel decisions. It's about time and the air feels a little lighter now.
My question is did anyone in the press conf. room ask Haslett the difficult question "How do you think you can turn around the whole team if you haven't been successful in putting a very good product on the defensive side of the ball". "your defense seems to lose heart and seems to look as though they give up during games"

I would be very interested to hear his answer to that. Was it his fault or scheme or was it the personnel that he didn't get to choose? Give us Rams fans a reason to believe that he is the right choice.

Thanks.

Bill Coats: He was asked several questions at the press conference about why the defense has been so bad. I think you have good reason to wonder if Haslett is the long-term answer. We're about to find out.

MonkeyLooker: Don't you think the pressure is now on Marc Bulger to perform? Our two supposed leaders Holt & Bulger are the softest players on the team so it will be interesting to see if they decide to finally show up or not. When does the contract of our overpaid, under-performing LB Tinoisamoa expire? Don't you think we need LBs really bad? Go Rams!

Bill Coats: Sure there's pressure on Bulger to perform. He's been named the starter for the year, not just next week, by Haslett.
Yes, I think the Rams need help at linebacker. But I don't think Pisa is the problem.
I also take offense to your suggestion that Bulger and Holt are soft. I don't think you can catch as many passes as Holt has this decade _ more catches for more yards than anyone in the league _ and be soft. I don't think you can play through a painful knee injury for two years in '06 and '07 and be soft. As for Bulger, have you seen how much of a pounding he has taken in recent years. Is that your definition of soft?

Rampage88: Hey Jim! I feel better about the Rams today than I have for a long time now. Jim is a leader, but I doubt he can turn this team around. The work on defense is obviously not up to par. A lot of those players probably weren't chosen by him though. I feel even if he gets the most out of this team we will still have a top 3 pick in the draft. We still have to play quite a few tough teams. Anyways, will Shaw and Zygmunt finally be given a respectful exit after this season? A new president and general manager is long overdue. Also any news on the roster moves Haslett is making? Will we bring back Brown? Is Chavous going to the bench? Will Avery and Ryan continue to see action? Thanks!

Bill Coats: Regardless of what leaderhip skills Haslett brings to the table, the roster is still the roster. And the schedule is tough. I don't see many wins.
I think it's obvious that Shaw and Zygmunt are on the way out.
I've addressed some of the personnel and roster moves already. Avery will continue to start. Based on what I saw in practice Tuesday, Chavous is still the starting strong safety.

Francisco Prado: Jim, bottom line is this: Linehan was not a good head coach.He may be a nice person, good family man and a good coordinator but he cannot lead a whole team.

Bill Coats: Looks like Chip Rosenbloom, in the end, had a very similar opinion.

Doug McLeod: Would I be wrong to assume that since the "interim" head coach tag has been removed from Haslett's title, Chip Rosenbloom plans on owning this team past this year? I would expect the Rams wouldn't throw a bunch of money at Haslett for what could be a 12-game stint if the team was being sold next year. What's the prospects for who will be running the front office next year? Thanks!

Bill Coats: I don't know if you can necessarily tie the two together. My sense is that the sale will be sooner rather than later. (And by that I mean within a year or so rather than four or five years.)

bfulton: Bill Coats called Linehan an honorable man. Miklasz, however, created a "poisonous, ugly environment". What's the truth?

Bill Coats: As in most cases, probably somewhere in between.

fletch32: As Trent Green was leaving the game heading to the parking deck, he was pulled aside by Jay Zygmunt and Zygmunt started whispering in his ear. Trent looked annoyed judging by the look on his face. Then Zygmunt pulled a folder out of his briefcase and had Trent sign paperwork.

What did or what do you think he may have signed?

Bill Coats: Have no idea.

Steve Davis Nevada Ram Fan: I was wondering why the Rams were given an "excessive celebration" penalty when Jackson scored his TD. Was it because more than one Ram player jumped up on the railing or just that Jackson stayed up there too long? It seems kind of odd that the Rams would have been flagged on that when the same thing happens pretty much every game by every team. Thanks for the time!

Bill Coats: Good question. I believe it was because Jackson took his helmet off on the field of play, which is against the rules.

Distantfan: Has the search for a new GM already begun? Is Ron Wolf a possible candidate to join the organization?

Bill Coats: Don't know, but obviously will try to check on it.

Tahoe Rams Fan: Jim, thanks again for the time. We know the relationship between Linehan and Haslett got pretty ugly prior to the coaching change. I'd like to know just how ugly it really became. I understand Linehan didn't allow Haslett to talk to the media but one time per week, Linny cut one of "Haslett's guys", etc. This might sound like a crazy notion, but we ARE talking about the Rams... What are the chances Haslett and his defense (or defensive calls/schemes) tanked to help shove Linehan out the door in a more expeditious fashion??? Haslett HAD to be worried about his own skin, too, didn't he?

Bill Coats: I'd be a liar if I said the Haslett-Linehan relationship was ideal. It was hardly ideal. But it was something that went back long before this season. As for you Oliver Stone theory, I have a hard time believing Haslett was tanking it. After all, he might have been fired before Linehan.

chaos3430: JT: Just wondering about a few rumors. Sounds like Zygmunt was stripped of power and religated to salary cap duties with Devaney taking over personnel decisions with Haslett. Any truth to that?

Rumors are swirling that Chavous was a Linehan guy and Haslett will demote him. Any truth to that?

So a skill player may be promoted to the active roster, sounds like Derek Stanley may be taking over primary returner duties for another Linehan guy in Dante Hall. How about this one?

Bulger back in? This one has been hinted on by almost everyone.

Just a straight up question on this one, is there any offensive line moves that Saunders wants that Linehan wouldn't allow? Maybe inserting Romberg, Greco, or even Schuening?

Bill Coats: As for your first question, I think you're in the ballpark.

Roy: What are Stan Kroenke & John Shaw's feelings on the current state of affairs? To date the minority owner and team president have made no public statements?

Bill Coats: Kroenke never says anything. Shaw has been busy for the most point with the Rosenbloom-Rodriguez estate taxes, and team sale stuff.

jlaue: what will it take for haslett to remain coach beyond this season? also, any word on players that may be released or signed?

Bill Coats: Here's my guess on the first question _ six wins. (In other words, a .500 finish.)

jccardinalfan: Has the atmosphere changed dramatically since yesterday when Haslet was announced? He seemed awful happy in the pictures on this site with the articles about him being the HC. Is there a sense of, "Now we can finally do things the right way," with Haslet and our personel guru calling the shots?

Bill Coats: I think there was a collective exhale today at Rams Park. Players, coaches, and executives have been under a lot of pressure the past few weeks. The atmosphere seems to be a lot more relaxed. We'll see where that leads.

Mike C: No question here - just some insight from a life long Saints fan......

When Jim Haslett was with the Saints his teams were much like today's Cincinatti Bengals, undisiplined (led the league in penaties), unmotivated (see, Aaron Brooks) and very much underachieving. The concensus in N.O. (well prior to Katrina) was that the lockerroom was out of control and that team had no repect for Haslett. He is a stubborn coach who refuses to admit mistakes and make necessary adjustments (See, A. Brooks v. J. Delhomme).

His defense in N.O., with Venturi as his d-coordinator, quite frankly was terrible. It ranked dead last in yardage allowed against both the run and pass (which is very difficult to accomplish), led league in points allowed, and set a record for most straight games allowing 20 or more points. When Payton started the defensive personnel were so bad that after a week of training camp he cut all three of Haz's starting lbs and picked three backups in free agency - who all peformed light years better than Haz's guys!!
I think that much like Ram's fans with Linehan, no one was sorry to see him go.
That being said, I guess things can't get worse - GOOD LUCK!

Bill Coats: An interesting, and sobering, perspective.

steve arrington: any word on the defensive line starters...

Bill Coats: Judging on practice Tuesday, it's still Adeyanju (LE), Carriker and Ryan at DT, and Long (RE). I think Little will start (in place of Adeyanju once he gets healthier, but I think Adeyanju will play more run downs in place of Little even when that happens.

mave deeks: Jim:

do you see haslett hiring as best of who's available short term, or as the best man for the job?

would you agree the core issue was basic lack of respect for linehan by players? and this may have started when claude terrell stood up to him and linehan did nothing about it, followed by bulger/holt sideline incidents?

thanks.

Bill Coats: Haslett was the best option available at this time.
Lack of respect may have been an issue with some of the veterans _ particularly veterans who had been with the team for a while.
There's no doubt the relative inaction on Terrell and other incidents was telling.

The GOAT: JT,

I think the Rams should hold open tryouts. I mean open tryouts for new coaches! I'm thinking of new hires, the list is just too short. Who wants to shovel dirt in a graveyard?
I just believe no one in town really cares what they do, sure it's fun to speculate and you can make a career out of that which you know first hand but I can't wait to watch them self destruct on the upcoming Sunday's.
It's fun to watch Bulger get pasted and Barron jump off-sides.
Can you check with the Dome sound crew and have them play-"I'm an Idiot" by Nine Inch Nails when Barron jumps off-sides?
Thanks for your help.

Bill Coats: Boy, are you the Bluebird of Happiness. And if you truly don't care, why are you posting this question?

Bill: Hey Jim, do you think Haslett will give players like Klopfenstein and B. Leonard more of a chance to play? I know the Rams have bombed in the draft, but maybe it's unfair to label Klopf and Leonard as busts too when really they haven't been worked into the offense on a consistent basis. Your take?

Bill Coats: With the injury to Randy McMichael, Klopfenstein has to play more. A lot more. There's no other option at this point. Leonard is clearly the No. 2 until Pittman returns, but I get the impression they're going to ride Jackson as much as possibile in the near future.

Bryan: I hope switching to Haslett will get them fired up and playing good football again. That being said now that Venturi is the DC do you see him doing anything different in practice and with the skeem to get our defense out of last place?

Bill Coats: Actually, the Rams are now 31st in total defense (or next to last). How about that!!! Haslett and Venturi have worked together for years. They're practically joined at the hip. For better or worse, I'm sure there will be very little changes scheme-wise.

David Carriger: Now that it seems Haslett will be here next year.Do you think the "core" players - Holt,Pace,Little,Bulger will stay together for the 09' season or do you see a fire sale happening at years end ?

Bill Coats: It's certainly not a slam dunk that Haslett will be here next year. The team has to at least show a pulse _ and win some games. So I think it's too early to say what will happen with Pace, Holt, Bulger and Little in '09.

Ram Quixote: Talk about a to-do list. Haslett has his work cut out for him.

One of the more frustrating things I kept hearing was so-and-so is Haslett's guy, or that guy's a FOSL. I really don't care who knows who or what anyone's done in the past. I want the best guy out there. If that means putting Chavous on STs only, shuffling the right side of the O-line, or playing rookies, so be it.

I hope older guys like D.Hall get less playing time period. I'm sure it's too soon to be asking about decisions like these, but there it is.

The players are going to have to out-effort the other guys, since they won't be able to out-talent them.

On actual question. Is Witherspoon's groin injury fully healed? We see flashes of last year's juice, but he seemed a little off.

Bill Coats: Witherspoon has played better the last two weeks. Now it's a shoulder problem.

okcarhauler: Jim, with the Rams really only 2 games back, is it possible that Haslett could place a few well deserved boots in the backsides of several players and just maybe get this team in the playoff's this year? Heck at this rate, I would be thrilled with a 7-9 or 8-8 record this year.

Bill Coats: We'll see. It's hard to see seven victories with that schedule.

Ron W: Jim,
Longtime St Louis football fan now living in Cincinnati. My wife is a die-hard Bengal fan so let me just say....Sundays at my house are not pretty. Thank God for Saturdays!

Is there a clause in Steven Jackson's cotract that set's aside any money to help the team find a new QB when he gets Bulger and/or Green killed by whiffing on every blitz "pickup"? For a big, strong man he comes up awfull small in that area.

Bill Coats: Jackson has been disappointing on his blitz pickup this year.

West Coast Ram: One more question, why do you think that so many teams have gone away from the two back set (either an I formation or split HBs)? This would appear to help the Rams as it would provide a better lead blocking situation on running plays and better support against the blitz for passing plays.

Bill Coats: I don't think you've seen anybody using two halfbacks (split backs) for a while, other than a play or two now and then. The Rams do use a fullback (Kreider) more under Saunders than they have in the past.

Chris: I know this is just my opinion, but hey, everyone has one right? I think the Rams need to have a MAJOR shakeup on D. Maybe a more permanent switch to a 3-4 with Carriker, Ryan, and Adeyenju on the line, and Little/Long coming in on clear passing downs (put them wherever, maybe even standing up). As for the linebackers, they should consider benching Pisa unless he starts showing why they paid him the big $$ and go with a younger, more productive guy.

Along with the new alignment, a MUCH more aggressive D needs to be instituted. Blitz early and often, more of a Jim Johnson philosophy (or even the Steelers D when Haslett was with them.) While they might get beat deep a few times, at least they could force some turnovers and mistakes in the process... not to mention they are ALREADY giving up big plays and are last in the league in pretty much every defensive category anyway.

Bill Coats: The Rams don't have the personnel to play the 3-4 fulltime. Not enough linebackers and not enough monsters at DT and DE.

Marc Bulger Fan: Hey Jim

Nice to hear that Haslett did the right thing and reinstated Marc as the starter, but here's my question has Marc said anything to you guys yet about last week? Does he plan to?

I really think he should, I would like to hear what he has to say now that Linehan is gone. I'm sure he's got alot to get off his chest.

Does Haslett plan on making any changes to the O-line?

Bill Coats: Marc finally talked to us today. (About 20 minutes ago.) I took a break from the chat for the interview. He didn't blast Linehan, although he said he wasn't happy to be benched. He denied my report that he wouldn't have played for Linehan any more (His nose was growing like Pinocchio (sp?) when he said this.) In short, he tried to smooth things over. I'll have a full story on this in Wednesday's P-D.

Based on what I saw in practice Tuesday _ and we get to watch every minute of practice now, on the field _ there will be no changes in the o-line for now.

Rich: Jim: Is Haslett sure he wants Bulger as starter the rest of the season barring injury?
After all this is the same guy who likes throw off his front foot half the time.

Thks
Rich

Bill Coats: That's what he said. I heard it with my own ears.

Gary: Jim,
How would you describe Jim Haslett's offensive philosophy? Run-pass balanced? Run heavy?


Thanks

Bill Coats: Good question. I would say he likes more balance. And would like to lean on Steven Jackson even more.
Hey, good questions as usual. I've got to work on some newspaper stuff. See you all next Tuesday.