SalsaRama: Two questions -- but first, thanks for making yourself available like this. I think, within the limits of what you can reasonably say and still expect access to the Rams, you're very forthcoming on your opinions.

First, what's the state of Dick Vermiel's relationship with the Rams? Is it good enough there's any possibility of him returning as a GM?

Second, one area I think that has improved under Linehan has been the drafts, but especially this last draft looks very promising. How much influence on this last do you think is a reflection of Softli versus Linehan? Honestly, I'm hoping there will be a steady hand on talent acquisition without it all depending on the HC in the future.

Jim Thomas: The idea of Vermeil as a GM is appealing at face value. But in today's NFL, being a GM is a 24-7 job. I don't think Vermeil would want to take that on at this stage of his life.

With the advent of the league's personal conduct policy, and Roger Goodell's tough stance, the Rams totally backed away from players with any red flags so to speak in their backgrounds in last year's draft. So that's helped, for one. A team can only take so many Claude Wrotens, Claude Terrells, Dominique Byrds, etc.

Traditionally, the Rams have given the head coach the final say on personnel matters, including the draft. I'm sure Linehan _ as a young head coach _ listened to the recommendations of Softli and the scouting department.

Jason: Is there a possibility that the team brings back steussie? I remember when they made that injury settlement with him they said he could be back around week 9 or 10. I think he would be good to pick back up with a lineman going down every week. Maybe even start him at RT?

Jim Thomas: The team plans on it. Under terms of the injury settlement, he wouldn't be eligible until after Week 11. We're currently in Week 8, so we're still a few weeks away. His state of readiness after all this downtime is debatable, but how could he be worse than what the Rams currently are putting out there. I'd plug him in a RT right away.

S. Monkey: Jim,

Why do people insist on bashing Carriker? Is this just due to his not producing great numbers or because he's a first round pick? I think he's been a nice part of the interior defensive line's rotation, but I'm shocked people don't believe he's playing well. The only game I saw where he looked subpar was the Tampa game. Do you feel that he's perhaps being underappreciated? Do you think the fatigue of the NFL season may have to do with his decreased reps? I'm amazed at how well he handles transitioning between nose and 3-tech. What is your overall impression of him?

Jim Thomas: He had a tough stretch around Games 2, 3, 4 where he was getting pushed around and looked, I don't know, almost lost out there. I've yet to look at tape of the Seattle game, but Carriker bounced back with good outings against Arizona and Baltimore. That is, holding up the point of attack pretty well, getting occasional penetration, and making a play now and then. For each of the past three weeks, including Seattle, Haslett has said Carriker played his best game of the season. The Rams have been pretty darn good against the run the past three weeks _ Arizona, Baltimore and Seattle averaged a combined 3.0 yards per carry. I do think Carriker and Ryan are shoring up the inside.

Billy C: I like what I saw Thursday / Lenahans "Blow Up " was great / first sign of Fire all year . Its a Big sign . Maybe we will wake up / it only took 6 games . Wow . Isaac is right on "You have to do the little things right to win / like lifting weights " Ike is a rarity these days (of The Business / not Love ) of Football . Hes a real person / one of the guys / a Super Star "not" full of himself . The young guns should watch The Reverand and emulate him . 1995 Ike said at Green Bay "let me play special teams" (a Big Gun who wanted to do Anything to Win for His team) Know what he did ??? Blocked a punt and We got a TD . You have to love Isaac . You Ram Players ::: BE ISSAC .
Billy C Old School Ram Fan

Jim Thomas: Isaac may be nearing the end, but he's a true professional. Some of these younger players simply don't know what it takes to succeed at this level. Everyone in the NFL has talent. It's what you do with that talent that counts.

Billy C: Dare I say it / trade Marc ??? If we have a top 4 (probably # 3 or even #2) pick we could draft Brian Brohm and get another #1 & one or two other extra picks for Marc / I like Marc a lot and know hes hurt now . Hes a class guy , we can win with him (healthy) but ..... if we get a new coach lets start fresh and get some extra picks / lets use our high pick for a QB and get a quality OT with Marcs pick / then second round a WR & a DE . 4 high quality picks would put us over the top / I love The Rams / there is a core here / its just unmotivated . How about Jimmy Johnson for Coach / he has heart & soul .
I like Coach Lenahan / I think hes a good man trying hard to get wins but hes not a head coach / sorry but I can see it in his eyes . John Robison & Rich Brooks & Chuck Knox & Dick Vermeil all had "Coaches Eyes" . They looked at us and we Never wanted to let them down . Get Jimmy or Bill and front office changes / people will give up on this team and Fans wont come back . $80 + tickets wont sell next season without Major Shakeups . I only hope We get Quality changes not new stooges . As I grew up The 3 Stooges wernt funny to me anymore . Be careful or the Dome will be empty next year .
Billy C Old School Ram Fan

Jim Thomas: I haven't done the math, but it's impossible to trade Bulger without a massive cap hit. So that's not going to happen.
I too like and respect Scott Linehan. On Sunday and especially Monday, he looked almost shellshocked. I think it's fair critique to wonder if he's in over his head. We'll see.
I do agree that something's go to change between now and ticket renewal time to get the fans going. I wonder if team management realizes this?