Gary Pinkel: What are the chances that my best playmaker Macklin declares after this season?

Jim Thomas: All indications that I've been given is that this will be Mr. Maclin's last year on campus.

rams2050: Hi, Jim!

First, do you have any idea which practice squad running back Coach Haslett is hoping to sign?

Second, do you think Marc's recent tendency to throw behind receivers is a function of too many sacks, bad mechanics, or a failure (especially in Avery's case) to anticipate his speed properly after a couple of years of throwing to (mainly) slightly slower receivers, or a combination of the three?

Does Marc properly anticipate receiver positions during practice sessions, and if so, do you think there's hope that he'll eventually 'come around' during actual games?

Any scuttlebutt among Rams coaches that you're aware of regarding Marc's less than stellar outings recently?

I'm a big Bulger supporter, and I can believe that it will take the guy a few more games to get his head back together after the beatings he's endured in the past few years. I think I saw some really good things (or heard them, since I could only listen on the radio) during the Redskins game and I'm hopeful Marc will be able to build on them. What do you think?

I love Haslett, and I can't wait until we play the Whiners to see if he still has the knack of getting into Mad Mike's head and driving the guy absolutely crazy.

Thanks for your time and insights, Jim.

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned earlier the Rams have signed former Alabama RB Kenneth Darby off Atlanta's practice squad.
As for Bulger, undoubtedly he's trying to adjust to Avery's speed. Bulger has never had the strongest arm to begin with, and as I mentioned earlier, the index finger on his throwing hand was injured in the second half, affecting that deep throw to Avery.

Tackleberry: Is it fairly safe to assume that drafting a quarterback to develop will be three-round target for this team next spring?

Jim Thomas: Still too early on that one.

Jake: Jim,
What’s your prediction of the Dallas/Rams game? Who has a good game?

Jim Thomas: Marion Barber.

steve: obviously, you can disregard my first question regarding fakhir brown. has the opportunity to speak with howie long presented itself to you yet regarding his son being a ram? it seems to me, and i don't get to see a lot of the games, long's production has increased. he's around the ball as evident in the washington game; he may not always sack the quarterback, but he gets near the qb. what are the 'higher-ups' in the organization, including yourself, opinions of chris thus far?

Jim Thomas: I do think Chris Long is coming around. I think the front office likes what they see in him. Having a healthy Leonard Little on the other side obviously helps too.