CM: Jim: Is Marion Barber the strongest man in the NFL, or do the Rams simply not know how to tackle anyone? Week in and week out, the Rams are missing tackle after tackle, and it seems like they're trying to strip the ball rather than tackle the runner. Do they work on tackling, or is this something that they should already be able to do?

Jim Thomas: Barber's a beast, no doubt, but the Rams aren't a very good tackling team. Especially in the secondary, they have too many players that strike too high, or simply don't wrap up. Tackling is becoming more and more of a lost art in the NFL; there is very little contact in practice for fear of injury in the age of the salary cap.

Denny: Jim-

Any chance Haslet is upset with Linehan? Or any chance that the defense is upset with the offense? I know they have injuries, but when one unit isn't pulling its weight at all, it's got to bother the other. How much blame should the defense take for losing, when they know that if they give up two touchdowns, they'll lose because the offense is so anemic...

Thanks

Jim Thomas: I think Haslett is hanging in there with Linehan. And the offense has been carrying the defense for so long around here, I don't think the defense has any room to be upset, no matter what the circumstances. But I do think you struck on something in your final thoughts. . .I think the defense does let up a little bit in the second half once an opponent gets up on the Rams, because it does seem hopeless given the anemic state of the offense.

S. Monkey: Hello Jim, Which of these do you like for our top five, if not #1 overall pick next year?

Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

Jim Thomas: I'm a good three, four months away from studying the draft, but I think OT, WR, DE in particular are all prime need positions for the Rams.

J Mixell: When will Linehan step down so the Rams can get a real coach?

Jim Thomas: Dick Vermeil was 6-14 after his first 20 games with the Rams; Linehan is 8-12. Did you want the Rams to fire Vermeil after 20 games as well?

Corey: The Rams need a play maker in the secondary and a true top corner. With that said what do you think the chances are that the Rams pursue Deangelo Hall this offseason?

Or if we don't get him, i think that Kenny Phillips would be a great pick for the secondary if he comes out early.

Jim Thomas: There were reports out of Atlanta today saying that Hall is not seeking a trade.