Brock Landers: Jim: It's okay to act like we've never been there before. 3 wins in 20 games was quie a stretch. My question is about Steven Jackson. He looks slow. He can't run through holes that close quickly. He doesn't seem to make anyone miss. I know he's more of a power back but am I crazy? I watched Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts run through us like Jamaican track stars.

They are quick, strong, fast, and blow through holes and then make people miss. Is Jackson still out of shape from missing camp? Overweight? Hurt? Maybe since the entire offense looks like it runs through quicksand I'm seeing things?

Brock Landers

Jim Thomas: In the early games of the season, I tended to agree with you. I thought Jackson seemed to lack acceleration through the hole. But I think he's fine in that regard now. Once he gets it going, he has very good speed. But we all know he's not a burner.

Josh: So I just read on ESPN that Brian Leonard is out for the season. I know he hasn't had too much of a chance, but is he turning out to be the next Jacoby Shepard?

Jim Thomas: I like Leonard as a player and person. Despite his injury problems, he's got some toughness to him. You just don't take him in the second round. The fourth round, sure?
Jacoby Shepherd barely played in college, and has all sorts of issues on and off the field. So it's unfair to compare Leonard to Shepherd (beyond the obvious that right now they both look like second-round busts).

Rich: Hey Jim,

Is it just me or has Torry Holt's play really tapered off this season?

I realize he has been attracting double coverage and the offense as a whole hasn't gotten in gear. However, he has been getting shut down on a regular basis.

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: There's no doubt Torry's production is down. The Rams have faced lots of good defenses, lots of good corners. But Torry doesn't seem to be getting open as much, that's for sure. I don't think there's any doubt that Torry doesn't run as well as he once did because of his knee issues, but I think he still moves well enough to be a factor. (And a veteran NFC scout I talked to recently has the same opinion.) But Torry needs more help around him _ which maybe continued development by Avery can bring.

ZOOM: Jim...

Who were those guys on the field wearing our D-Line's uniforms? 3 sacks? 4 fumbles? PRESSURE ON THE QUARTERBACK? UNHEARD OF! Hey, really, it was great to see our guys slap some people around out there- good for those them!

FREE WILL WITHERSPOON!
WELCOME BACK FAKHIR BROWN!

Jim Thomas: Must be that new defensive coordinator, Rick Venturi.

Manning Jr.: Will John Greco ever see significant playing time? Why doesn't Donnie get more looks down field? I don't think Bulger can throw the deep ball anymore. Your thoughts?

Thanks.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Eventually, maybe sooner if both Pace and Bell can't play Sunday.
2.) Avery is getting worked more and more into the offense.
3.) Bulger never threw a great deep ball, and his index finger was messed up in the second half Sunday and affected his throws.