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?

JJG: What do you think of firing the head coach... let Haslett take over (if the team shows improvement Haslett should be in hired?

Jim Thomas: You probably sent this in before our story with John Shaw's comments. It looks as if Shaw is sticking with his previous statement to the Post-Dispatch that he will make no coaching changes in season.

Mo: Do you think Ron Rivera was a better choice than Linehan or that management failed to find a coach with fire and gusto and is NFL ready coach?

Jim Thomas: I believe I posted this last week. I was kind of hoping for Rivera at the time. I knew very little about Linehan at the time of the job search.

Mark: IF Linehan were to be fired after the Browns game (assuming a loss), and Haslett was promoted to interim HC, I would assume Olson would be shown the door with Linehan. Would Henry Ellard run the offense???

I think Ellard would be fantastic. he played in the 80's under Ernie Zampeze, who passed on his system to Norv Turner and subsequently to MIke Martz. Henry also coached WR's under Martz , and is very familar with his offensive theory and route design . . . but not necessarily Martz's over-the-top pass happy play calling. Like almost everyone else, I long for the days of the DIG routes, the skinny post, post-corner routes. While changing offensive systems mid-year is almost never done, Bulger, Holt and Bruce could run/pass these routes in their sleep.

Yes , injuries have destroyed a once promising O-line, but I have never cared for Linehens offense. HIs play design is 1-AA at best, no motion or shifts, vanilla routes and seemingly very easy to defend. His system was so-so in Miami. In MInnesota, all he really did was throw jump balls to Randy Moss

Would have never thought we would ask the defense to carry the team.

FREE THE RAMS!!!!

Jim Thomas: Again, you probably sent this in before our Monday Rams story. There will be no head-coaching change at the bye week.

Stef Samoy: If you look at what's going on, Bulger just doens't have a front line to protect him. Give Bulger time.... and he picks defenses apart. With a front line.... the running game is in effect. Giving him protection will help him get back into rhythm. It all starts with the front line.

Right now.... with that front line.... I see why Bulger is forcing his throws. Throwing untimely passes. He's just not comfortable and won't be until he KNOWS he's being protected. With Steven Jackson coming back.... maybe that'll open up more run plays that will lead to more play action passes.... and forcing defense to guess what's coming next. Hopefully - a timely throw to HOLT in the endzone.

But for now..... unless the front line can figure how to proctect the their quarterback (regardless on who it is)..... we won't see a win for a long time. As far as why our receivers are dropping balls.....no answer. Hey - when things are going bad..... IT'S BAD. But it still starts with the front line.

TIME FOR THE RAMS TO THROW ON THE OLD THROW BACK UNIFORMS. Yesterday.... they looked like they were wearing LONG JOHNS!!!

GO RAMS.... i STILL believe!

Jim Thomas: Even with all the pass protection problems, the Rams messed up two TD passes in Seattle: Bruce fell down on one; Holt dropped another that was right in his hands. Bulger is a pocket passer. And I agree. If you give him time he can be incredibly accurate. But Bulger has to clean up some things in his game as well. Regardless of his frustration with the offense, he can't force passes. And he needs to throw the ball away at times instead of taking sacks.

Kenny Hickerson: Jim,

While you (and others) have good points about the age of many Rams vets and the need to groom successors, I think it's hard to believe that there has been such a rapid decline, don't you? Holt's knee is a bit concerning, but so many others seem to be tied to circumstance. Bruce over the hill? The guy had 1,000 yards last year while being thrown to a third as many times as Holt. I think Ike has shown that he still has no problem getting separation - but the QB is constantly running for his life and Bruce was never meant for smoke routes. You've written often about the freak nature of Pace's two injuries, and it's not like he's especially old for an OT. Little will break through...I can see the DTs progressing, and the d-line is on the edge of becoming pretty good, IMO. Also, is Barron really playing that badly, or does he get more attention now as the best blocker still standing?

Secondly, I have a few stones to cast. Pisa the pixie LB, whose speed is so great, made Heller look like Kevin Curtis on that naked boot yesterday. For an LB that's supposed to be so fast, I thought he had ample time (after reading the pass) to close and break that pass up. I've always thought he was just fast enough to get run over by nearly every play he hasn't already overrun. Also, Incognito looked ridiculous yesterday! Either he is the latest to jump off Linehan's ship, or he isn't the player I thought he was. He looked every bit as helpless as Brown or Terrell.

Jim Thomas: I'm not saying Bruce is finished. But when is the last time you saw him outrun anyone after a catch. Little, as we reported today, has torn ligaments in the toe. He played very well against Baltimore and Arizona, but he will need surgery on that toe and may not be able to finish out the season.
In theory, LIttle and Pace should have at least a few years left. But players hit the wall at different times. Remember how several members of the '99 Rams defense all hit the wall in 2000. Lyght, Lyle, Farr (bad knee), Jones.
Overall, Barron has been a disappointment at left tackle so far. I'm not sure how badly he wants it. Incognito hasn't played well the past couple of weeks. Pisa and Witherspoon have playew well the past few weeks. But the Will Heller TDs were amazing to me. I mean, the guy's hardly Tony Gonzalez. Heller beat Chillar once as well.

RESPECT: Jim,

i am really concerned about Wilkens- is he feeling too much pressure to produce ALL of the offensive points? missing FG's is becoming a constant theme. it looks bad on a week when some guy "Borinas" makes 8 in a game... dont'cha think?

Also... the play calling, or "Bulger Execution". i saw at least 6 or 7 "max protect" packages where EVERYONE runs a route, huh??? THATS the reason why Bulger was always on his butt (plus Milford Brown) DUMB PLAY CALLING!!!

The issue that i brought up last week... our great signal callers have the greatest desire to run slow developing draw plays on 3rd and 12, 3rd or 4th and long and pass on 3rd or 4th and short, huh??? i counted at least 7 plays on third down where the route didnt go beyond the line of scrimmage! this is something you learn on the high school level- call plays that stretch beyond the 1st down marker, PLEASE! help me understand JT.

oh, did anyone see Tapp "Bullrush" that guy that was twice his size (Alex B.) for 4 sacks? WOW!

Jim Thomas: Sorry for the delay. In between all this I've been working the Terrell story.
Anyway. . . .
I think everyone's concerned about Wilkins, this is his worst slump since 2002 _ the one shoe off, one shoe on year.

Given the state of the offensive line, I too was puzzled why there weren't more quick passes, you know, 3_ and 56-step drops. The Rams simply have to get out of those third and long situations. Given the state of the o-line, those are murder.
Tapp also got a couple sacks, I believe on Mr. Brown.

Bill Cowher: I'm uncomfortable in a tie and Boomer is really getting on my nerves. Throw me a barrel of money and I'm your guy in '08. I'll find a coordinator that can get this offense going. Don't worry Rams' fans, help is on the way!

Jim Thomas: Bill, they might throw you a parade in St. Louis if that were the case.

Mike: What is it going to take to get the Rams' future back on track? A coach that commands respect and doesn't put up with attitudes like Terrell and Byrd? A guy that knows talent and finds guys that fit the scheme? Maybe a guy that actually has a recognizable scheme? Do the Rams need a personnel guy in the front office or does the coach handle that? Do we need both a front office personnel man and a coach with the aforementioned qualities? They don't need a worst-to-first scenario to make me happy but consistent improvement would be great. The defense has shown some ability and only seems a MLB, safety, and pass rusher away from being really good. If only the offense could improve to average. Isn't that ironic.

Jim Thomas: Right now, there are no easy answers and myriad problems. I do agree, however, that a good start might be as Dick Vermeil used to call it, "pulling the weeds." That is, getting rid of malcontents and problems players.

Don: MY 2008 RAMS VISION. Here is my hope and dream for next year's Rams. A new head coach with winning experience--too bad Lineham can't be OC, he had a good track record at that. Bruce, McCullom, Ferrotte & maybe Glover retire. Chavious is gone. Witherspoon goes to OLB. We get a new MLB, a young, tall & physical WR, some depth at OL, a QB of the future and a run stuffing SS through the draft or FA. Bennett & McMIchael doen't play hurt and are used better. Hagans is allowed to shine. Wroten & Bryd get their heads out of their butts and use their atheltic skills. A guy can dream, can't he?

Jim Thomas: It's a nice dream, but that's a lot to fix in one offseason. Keep in mind, Wroten's next positive drug test brings a one-year suspension. And Byrd is almost certainly headed for some kind of league suspension after his December trial. Hagans, to me, has been a mild disappointment so far. As the players say, he's left a few plays on the field against Baltimore and Seattle.

Mike: Can we finally start talking about replacements? Realistically, who would Shaw want and who would be willing to come here, assuming all salaries could be met? There is NO WAY Linehan could possibly return. This offense isn't going to ever respond to him. Bulger, WRs and O-line made that abundantly clear yesterday.

Jim Thomas: It certainly seems that's the way it's headed. But let's have some more of the season play out. Let's see what happens with Jackson in the lineup for a couple of games.

Nick (Cal): There is a poll on the Rams section about firing Lineham. I voted yes, as did 72% of 3000+ others. No surprise. We can say and hear we aren’t as bad as our record, but in reality we are. The record is the only indicator of success. This isn’t little league where “we play for fun”. In the NFL we keep score so the wins are all that matter. At 0-7 people are saying Lineham deserves a mulligan because of the injuries. I say No! He doesn’t deserve a do-over because he inherited a quality team which has regressed. He didn’t inherit a Super Bowl Champ, but who does? Injuries are not an excuse. One – the injuries aren’t the issue, the effort and execution is. We aren’t getting beat because our players are not good, the coaches have floundered. Two – if someone wanted to make an argument about key players getting injured, then fine. Depth is abysmal and strengths and conditioning are just as horrid. Both are the fault of the coach. Maybe we should have saved $2+ Mill from a backup QB, kept a young and impressive (and mobile) QB for much less, and invested that 2+ Mill in some depth. Heck why not takes the several Million available this year and convert next year salary into this year guarantees to free up cap space for next year. Anything! No one could have forecast this season but seriously there has to be accountability. This is tantamount to the Enron going under. You don’t let people off the hook! Lineham may be a good guy but he isn’t a good coach. I hear our players are aging and slowing. BS! Look at TB where Galloway and Hilliard are speeding through the league. It goes back to preparation and execution. Holt and Bruce would be having great years if it weren’t for horrible O-Line efforts. Seriously quit making excuses, because at this point they are old, used, and just excuses. Hold someone accountable. And I don’t think Its just Lineham, The OC needs to go, special teams is mediocre, but improved so we can keep him, the defense is improved but tired so Haslett can stay (not moved to head coach), and the O-line coach can go, as can our QB coach. Henry Ellard has done well with the WRs, churning out solid players for several teams! He can stay. And the strengths and conditioning guys all have to go including our trainers, whoever they are. Heck while we are at it, get rid of the equipment guy just to be thorough (that was a bit of satire). I strained a forearm typing this so now I must sit for several weeks and put up a half hearted attempt to enjoy the season.

Jim Thomas: Fire them all!!!! And while you're at it, shouldn't Bruce be fired for falling down on a touchdown catch against Seattle? And what about Torry Holt for dropping a TD catch against Seattle?

D. Washington: Hi Jim!

With the pitiful state of the Rams O-line, is there any chance that Todd Stuessie can be resigned and back in action this year?

Jim Thomas: Under terms of his injury settlement, Steussie is eligible to re-sign with the team prior to Game 11 of the season, which if my math is correct, would be the Nov. 25 home game against Seattle.

John (Ozy Rams fan): There has been comments that there is no point in firing Linehan in mid season. The point is the bleeding to the fan base has become so bad that regardless of what happens in the off season, real damage has been done. By firing the coach now it will say to the fans that management does care. The bottom line is current situation is clearly no good enough. No fans = no revenue!

End the bleeding .

Jim is there any choice but to, fire Linehan now and give Haslett a chance to fire up the team?

Jim Thomas: OK, the defense is somewhat improved this season. But has Haslett done enough to even merit consideration as an interim head coach? I mean, has he overseen a dramatic improvement on defense? And who calls the plays with Linehan gone? Olson?
What kind of coach could the Rams attract if his predecessor was fired not even 1 1/2 seasons into your tenure? You go 8-8 your first year, improving the team's record by two games. You start out 0-7 the following year under an avanlanche of injuries and you're gone! I'm not exonerating Linehan, but just think about that?

Jim Thomas: Folks:
This is online sports editor Mike Smith on behalf of Jim Thomas.

Jim got waylaid by news events this afternoon in the middle of his chat, which I'm turning off now.

Jim PROMISES he will return tonight and answer your questions. You won't be able to submit any more questions tonight, but you will be able to read all the previously asked questions and Jim's answers.

We're sorry for the disruption this afternoon, and I'm positive that Jim will make it up to everyone with bonus chat in the near future.

-- mike smith

Joe Ram: Jim -

Please give me your thoughts on the play of Marc Bulger this season. I have always been a fan of his, but this season, even taking all of the injuries to the line into consideration, he has just plain stunk. Two of his interceptions in the Seattle game were just plain pathetic - he threw them right to defenders and another sure pick was dropped. The rams "bucked up" for him to the tune of $65 million dollars - it's time for him to "buck up" for the rams. He's getting paid Brady and Manning money but we sure aren't getting those kind of results. He's supposed to be a leader on the team. What a joke. Making childish faces on the sideline after talking to the coach, as seen on TV, now that's a great way to show leadership. Now I know that I am not the one out there taking all of the hits, but can his play all be blamed on the line? What's going on with him this year? Thanks for listening to my rant.

Jim Thomas: JR--I believe Bulger first hurt himself absorbing a crushing blow late in the opener against Carolina _ on a missed blitz pickup by Steven Jackson. Then he got absolutely pounded the following week against San Francisco. So we need to be clear on this: The man is hurting. But he's also frustrated. He admitted to forcing the ball out of frustration on the red zone interception against Dallas. He took a sack he didn't need to take against Seattle instead of throwing the ball away. He's just trying to make something happen. But no matter how frustrated, no matter how bad the line is blocking, you simply can't force passes, or can't take sacks that you don't have to. Plain and simple. He and Linehan have to get on the same page.

Bill: Jim,
How come the Rams wide receivers are almost never "wide open" or "in space" or have "separation" from the defender. I miss the days when Ike or Torry would be streaking across a seam and catching a pass in stride. Doesn't seem to happen anymore...ever. Are their route-running skills deteriorating that much? Can't anybody on this team get open?

Jim Thomas: Holt is hurting. He doesn't have the same acceleration he did before the knee injury. As for Isaac, perhaps time finally is catching up. But Bruce was wide open for a TD Sunday _ and fell down after he made the catch. Torry was wide open on a post-route for another TD, and dropped the ball. Go back to the 49ers game, against two Pro Bowl corners in Clements and Harris, and Holt and Bruce were wide open all day long. But when you can't consistenly run the football, are trailing in the game, and can't consistently pass protect, it's open season on quarterbacks by defensive linemen who just pin their ears back and go.

STEVEN DUDA: DEAR JIM THOMAS,

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW BAD THE ST LOUIS RAMS PLAYED SUNDAY. MARK BULGER TO ME LOOKED INEPT IN THE POCKET. HIS PASSING PERCENTAGE WAS HORRIBLE. HE LOOKED UNCOMFRONTABLE THE WHOLE GAME. WHATEVER SCOTT LINEHAN SAID MADE HIM UPSET. WHAT CAN THE RAMS DO TO COMPETE AT A HIGH LEVEL. EVEN BRIAN BURWELL TODAY SAID WE SHOULDN'T FIRE SCOTT LINEHAN. WELL I BEG DIFFER. SCOTT LINEHAN SHOULD BE FIRED. THIS MIGHT WAKE THE TEAM UP. WHERE IS ADAM TIMMERMAN AT. ANYWAY WE CAN BRING HIM BACK.

THANKS AGAIN

STEVEN DUDA

Jim Thomas: Linehan was upset at Bulger for taking a sack instead of throwing the ball away in the red zone.
It's obvious the Rams feel that Adam Timmerman is finished, otherwise I'm sure he would've received a call by now given all the line injuries.

gary thomas: after the Rams go 0-16, will Linrhan and the front office be canned? And who do we pick with the #1 pick in the 2008 Draft?

Jim Thomas: I don't think the Rams will go 0-16. It's possible Linehan will be fired at the end of the season, particularly if the team continues to get injured players back and still loses badly. Shaw and Zygmunt will not be fired. If they leave, it will be because they quit. The Rams almost certainly will have a top 10 pick. I say WR, speed-rushing DE, and OT are their top priorities.

Darrell I.: Jim: Who are the top offensive tackles the Rams will be looking at to draft with their #1 pick in the 2008 Draft ? Has Vegas started posting odds yet for which team wins first between Dolphins and Rams and odds for going 0 - 16 yet ?

Jim Thomas: I have yet to start researching the OTs, keeping track of this sinking ship has been a full-time job lately. But if Orlando Pace decides to come back and is healthy, do you want to use the first-round pick on an OT, over say a wide receiver or DE?
As for Vegas and 0-16, you can bet on just about anything these days. I should check on that.

Buzz: Jim,
Linehan is being fairly and unfairly criticized at the same time. Let's set the record straight.
Fair Criticism:
Linehan may not be a strong leader or motivator. A great pity, because this is probably the one trait that all great head coaches have in common.
His group has made some poor draft/free agent decisions. Good players make you look like a genius and bad players make you look stupid.
Inability to make adjustments during games. Not sure about this one. Is it the coaches not making adjustments or the players not being able to follow through with them?
Unjust Criticism:
Linehan has a poor offensive scheme and has never called a good play in his life.
Evidence: This doesn't make any sense. Linehan had a solid track record as an OC with the Vikings and Dolphins. As the players learned the system last year, we began scoring TDs with few turnovers. So I don't believe the scheme or the playcalling in general are the problem here.
Injuries and lack of depth are the big issues here. The OL is so messed up that both our QBs are shellshocked. They can't make plays even when plays are there to be made. WR speed is another problem. Holt's bad knee won't allow him to stretch defenses. We don't have one experienced WR who can put fear into an opponent, even if we could muster the blocking to allow time for a long throw. The opponent can play tight to stop the run because we are unlikely to burn them.
Second Half Woes: We fall behind in games. We must abandon the run and throw the ball. The opposing D can now close the show. They can pin back their ears and rush the QB, even blitz if they are cruel by nature. This creates turnovers, which makes the final score ugly indeed. I really doubt that we can playcall our way out of this repeating horror story.
The End: Linehan gets fired at the end of the year and becomes a quality OC elsewhere.
What do you think? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Well, a lot of very good points. I think Linehan's leadership and motivational skills are being put to the test here, no doubt. Like chapters in a book, as each week passes, we get another look at how he's handling all this. Keep in mind, Dick Vermeil endured an 8-game losing streak in '98 and survived that to win a Super Bowl in '99. I'm not saying that's going to happen here, or that Linehan at this point is even remotely in Vermeil's class as a head coach. But just offering that for perspective.
I do believe that Linehan's resume as an offensive coordinator was very good prior to his arrival with the Rams _ in Miami, Minnesota, and throughout his college career. And let me just add this: Some of the low-level grumbling in and around Rams Park about the Linehan offense being too simplistic is being made by the same people who complained about the Martz offense being too complicated. Well, which is it? Sooner or later, players _ particularly your highest-piad players _ have to start making plays. Don't you agree?

Drew: Jim -

I have a suggestion for Coach Linehan. He needs to throw in some trick plays, make things fun again. Simply pounding the ball up the middle behind an underachieving offensive line does little in the way of entertainment value. How about Hagans on an end around throwing a pass? This team is so predictable. Yes the offense stinks, but at least make it worth turning on the tv again ...

Drew

Jim Thomas: I've been advocating that for weeks on this forum. Linehan said when he drafted Hagans that he wanted to put in a "slash" package for him. Trick plays, when used too much, have a short shelf live. Opponents are that good at scouting tendencies. Nonetheless. A few of them sprinkled in here and there can be very effective. At 0-7, WHY NOT?

RayRob: Why don't the Rams abandon these terrible Navy and Gold uniforms and go back to the Royal Blue and Gold Uniforms that were called the nicest uniforms in the NFL and that brought them their first World Championship!

Would they ever do this or at least wear the throwbacks for a game or two?

A lot of other teams do this..........?

Thanks,

RayRob

Jim Thomas: As I noted in our game coverage coming out of the Seattle games, the Rams have now changed uniform combinations for five straight games. Nothing is working. I keep meaning to ask about wearing throwbacks, but there's been too much stuff going on around here, and I keep forgetting to ask.

Frank: Jim -

You have access to the team mindset and would know the real lowdown: given this team's total IMPLOSION, what are (realistically speaking) the chances that Shaw will guide his pal Zygmunt gently out of the way and finally hire a true football man/GM/personnel department to run the show?

I just can't see things getting any better without this happening.

Jim Thomas: Shaw and Zygmunt have known each other for 30 years. Can't see that happening.

Jay: I keep reading that the season is lost and firing Linehan is futile move. I have to completely disagree. I don't think any "future" coaching candidate would get the wrong message if Shaw steps up and dumps Linehan after an 0-8 start and gives Haslett an 8 game audition for 2008. I realize this ownership has given other embattled coaches a full term to prove their worth but this team's talent base hardly compares to Rich Brook's or Dick Vermiel's, so drawing those comparisons is a waste. I also read that Linehan should get a chance to clean up his mess? What can he possibly do going forward, he has lost this team. He can't even find success in his football niche, the offense. Bellichek flopped in his first go round with the Browns, so Linehan won't be the first. But Linehan had zero contingency plan for this season and he is completely overwhelmed. Fate has been cruel in his year and a half, but fate has nothing to do with kicking field goals with 2nd half 14 point deficits.

Jim Thomas: Well put.
Belichick went 20-28 in his first three seasons as head coach in Cleveland. I don't think anyone saw genius in him at that time _ at least not as a head coach.
Tom Landry went 9-20-3 in his first three seasons with Dallas.
Chuck Noll went 12-30 in his first three seasons with Pittsburgh.
Marv Levy went 19-29 in his first three seasons with Kansas City.
Landry, Noll, and Levy all are in the Hall of Fame; Belichick almost certainly will be there.
I'm not saying LInehan's headed to the Hall of Fame. But is 23 games enough time to truly pass judgment?

james: Jim,
I have been reading this discussion for weeks now and I'm a little irritated with you. All I hear is how we should give Linehan a chance and that the front office still cares. STOP being an apologist for these people. The truth is that in today's NFL winning needs to happen now. Giving coaches time to screw things up doesn't happen anymore.

Every ram fan know that Georgia Frontiere doesn't know the first thing about football. She has stuck behind the same non-football knowing people for years. These people have made the worst possible choices in terms of personnel. The upper management won't blame themselves, that would mean they are doing something wrong, but we have let go of the only people that knew anything about football (Charles Armey, etc). They should be fired, period.

I do not want Mike Martz back. He was a great coordinator and a lousy head coach. Does anyone remember how bad the defense and special teams were? There are 3 parts of the game and he only cared about one of them. And his drafts were just awful.

the solution to all of this is easy:

Fire Linehan and bring in Cower or Schottenheimer(with complete control), Pay them well, and let them start making decisions for next year, this year is over. the players will have respect for them and will play harder knowing they are being evaluated.

Bench Bulger and let Frerotte play, we dont have millions and millions wrapped up in him.

Keep Haslett as the players play hard for him, but only as defensive coordinator.

Cut ties with our older but somewhat productive players in the mold of the Patriots so we have more salary cap space to sign younger up and coming players.

Make everyone practice in pre-season. There is a difference between being in shape and being in GAME shape.

Refurbish the dome as I read it is a lousy place to watch a game.

ALL TICKET BUYERS SHOULD STOP BUYING ANYTHING RAMS UNTIL THE FRONT OFFICE CHANGES THEIR WAYS.

It only takes one year to turn a team around now. Free agency and the draft are great tools if someone knows how to use them. Let's be honest, except for a few years there in 1999-2002, the rams have been a mediocre to lousy team and I as a life long Rams fan am tired of it. If we don't have the worst ownership in sports then we are very close to the top. SELL THE TEAM GEORGIA!

Jim, stop making excuses for these people, they aren't worth it......

Jim Thomas: My job description is beat writer, not head of the lynch mob. I am not a fan, nor is it my job to overreact. My job is to cover the team.
By the way, I do know the front office. Do you? I know they care. They may be misguided. They may be in over their heads. But I know they care.
If you had any knowledge of the salary cap, you would know that cutting older players early in multi-year contracts does not clear up cap space, it eats up cap space.
You do not pay a player $65 million like Bulger and have him sit on the bench.
Everyone does practice in the preseason. The problem is they don't play enough in the preseason games.
And the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers is Bill Cowher, not Bill Cower.

Murat from PA: What's wrong with Linehan? If you remember last year's game in Seattle, there was a controversial call by Linehan on a 4th down. At that time Rams were ahead. When asked later, Linehan said that if we scored, the score would be insourmountable.

This year, the Rams have nothing to lose, struggling big time on offense, and we are still attempting field goals (and missing them) even though we are well behind on the scoreboard. Last year he didn't make sense. This year Linehan is even harder to understand. Were we lucky last year to win 4 out of 5 to start the year? Because we could easily end up last year where we are today.

With so many Probowlers at his disposal, isn't Linehan the greatest underachiever since the team moved to St. Louis? Joe Vitt, Rich Brooks, first 2 years of Vermeil weren't all that bad after all, thanks to Linehan. Isn't he just an offensive coordinator promoted to his level of incompetence?

Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Kicking that field goal in Baltimore and kicking that second field in Seattle made no sense.

Don: Jim--why are all these fans lamenting over the loss of Fitzpatrick? My feeling is that he would preform about as well as Marc or Ferrotte right now. As much as he is a great story (being short and from Harvard), he is never going to be a starter unless something bad happens to someone else. While I think that Linehan needs to go at the end of the season, I must give him his due: he knows QBs. He was trying to replace Fitzpatrick since becoming HC. That should tell us something.

Jim Thomas: They might be the same fans who now think Mike Martz is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Vinny: Jim,

As a loyal long time rams fan i've seen enough. To think that we have to go through this week in and out is sick. Let's stop all the BS and give Haslett the team till the end of the year. We can all the see the rams players have given up on linehan.

Please tell me you agree.

Jim Thomas: I guess John Shaw can always change his mind, but he seems about as firm as he can be that he will not make an in-season coaching change. Let me ask you this: The defense is somewhat improved. But has the work of Haslett completely knocked your socks off to the point where he should just be handed the team?

Jeff: JT,

Will you tell everyone to back off on the talk about getting the #1 overall draft pick? It seems as though everyone now just wants the Rams to turn over, lose games, and get that #1 overall pick. However, the #1 pick has become a big threat to a franchise because it's such a huge gamble considering the contract that comes along with an unproven player (and also the fact that the pick will likely hold out for a few weeks of training camp). With the Rams' draft history, the risk is increased. Rather than potentially crippling the future, the Rams need to boost their effort, win a few games, boost morale, and hopefully end up with a top 5 pick, not necessarily the #1.

Jim Thomas: Actually, the Rams did pretty well with high draft picks in the mid and late 1990s, which helped get the team back on its feet: DE Kevin Carter (Nol. 6 overall) in '95; OT Orlando Pace (No. 1 overall) in '97; DE Grant Wistrom (No. 6 overall) in '98; WR Torry Holt (No. 6 overall) in '99; and _ oops! _ RB Lawrence Phillips, No. 6 overall in '96.

Andy: Does anyone have Dick Vermiel's phone number?

Jim Thomas: Yes. What do you need it for?

Randy Lipson: Jim, with all the Ram's problems, it's time for "football" fans to turn on the nfl ticket to see real football. My question is about Payton Manning. With the type of offense he runs, how do you compare him to some of the great qb's of the past?

Also, when do you think you will have time to disect the Ram's drafts of the past and expose the real problems this organization has.?

Thank You.

Jim Thomas: Like John Elway, Manning always had the reputation of being great, but not being able to win the big one. Well, he won the big one last season against Chicago. He has to be rated one of the best of all time, particularly for all the stuff he does at the line of scrimmage.
And he's done it with different feature backs in the backfield, and so-so defenses.
As for the Rams' drafts and organizational problems, I'm sure we will get into that as time goes on. Each day brings a new challenge at Rams Park and today I was cop reporter on Claude Terrell.

Brandon: It is very frustrating to Rams fans to watch the current team flounder. I know you have said that you feel its too early to judge Coach Linehan. Hypothetically, if he was sacked midseason, do you feel they would promote inhouse as is usually the custom? Would bringing back Vermeil as an interim coach be outside the realm of possibility?

Jim Thomas: Again, unless Shaw does a total 180, there will NOT be a coaching change in-season.
As for Dick Vermeil, God bless him, but I think his time has passed.

KERRY: Aloha Jeff,
How do these 2 words sound: URBAN MEYER?!
Mahalo for your thoughts.
KL

Jim Thomas: If it gets to that, I'm sure he would merit some consideration. But the track record of college head-coaching "superstars" in the NFL hasn't been very good lately.

P.S. _ It's Jim.

Mahalo

valhalla: Jim-
Man, a tough job keeps getting tougher for you. I remember reading your updates in the Sporting News (or was it the old LA Rams fan paper, RamPages) when the Rams were going through some tough times in LA, this has got to be just as bad, if not worse than some of those LA seasons.

Untilthis weekend, I felt Linehan should be given the opportunity to finish out the season. But, after yesterday's embarassment, I've changed my mind, he should be shown the door now and Haslett should be given the opportunity to restore some semblance of respect to the team. He has this defense, which is still lacking in talent in the secondary and LB corps, playing at a very respectable level and they don't seem to have any quit in them, unlike some of the Marmie defenses. I'm not sure if Haz is the long term answer but the offense can't get worse under him, right now it is BAD!!! Linehan is way out of his element. His teams have had a 5 game losing streak the first year (lost 7 out of 8) and now a 7(+?) losing streak to destroy this season before it even began. At least the bad Rams teams of the past have given us a little bit of hope early in the season before going in the tank but, to take the team out of contention in the first half of the season is unacceptable, we can't risk another year of this. I know Shaw wants to give him another year based on the Rich Brooks history but this has a completely different feel to it. Isn't he a Dennis Erickson protege? I don't recall the Erickson system being a great fit for the NFL.

Jim Thomas: Actually, you're mistaking me for another Jim Thomas who covered the LA Rams for a California paper (might have been in Riverside, Calif.). I'm a St. Louis native, who has been covering the team only since the move to St. Louis in '95 (or actually shortly before the move _ in '94 _ when it became apparent they were strongly considering a move.)
Anyway, I think a lot of people have come to the same conclusion as you about Linehan's viability as a head coach after another morbid performance against Seattle.
But Shaw has never said anything definitive about Linehan returning in '08 _ he has always seemed to leave that door open. These final 9 games might have a lot to say about that.

JJG: 3 weeks ago I said we should start trading and planning for next year.....Gordo stated that it would be disaster because we could not find talent (holt ,jackson.......)....Now what is your opinion on this topic?(Now who would want some of these guys?) The only reciever that we need left for the eagles..a very frustated former season ticket holder (I live in west Los Angeles..so I use to drive 2 hours in traffic to see these guys each week .......I have never seen it this bad and in my opinion its starts and ends with ownership........remember MR frontere he got busted for scalping Rams tickets in front of the big A...........??

Jim Thomas: It's great to say you can get better players, but you better make sure you can get a replacement that's at least as good. There are very few in-season trades in the NFL. And the trading deadline has come and gone. And remember, the cap ramifications of trading players who are relatively early into multi-year contracts makes trading them nearly impossible.

Lew: As unintentional as it may have been, Bulger rolling his eyes after a Linehan scolding with the T.V. cameras in full view may have been one of the few instances where the player fired the coach. It's the elephant in the room at this point. The offense is done with his scheme. Do you think at this point that it's a feeling it's not "if" but "when"? ....and how soon?


P.S. There is talk about missing Mike Mart z...However, I distincly remember a Jim Haslett defense that handed the GSOT squad really tough losses...any thoughts considering the outstanding resiliancy of this defense?

Jim Thomas: I could see where watching the game Sunday would lead to that conclusion, and I don't have a good answer for you. There's no doubt the offense has lost confidence _ in themselves, in the scheme, you name it.
As for Haslett, there's no doubt the last nine games could be something of a job audition for him. But the defense needs to continue to improve.

Art Pineda: Hello Jim,
It just keeps getting worse and worse it is sad to see how this football and
organization has sunk so low. We need to have major changes from the top
to the bottom we have had such poor draft's personnell moves aka Bennett,
Dante Hall, Chavious,Byrd,Kolfestien, Bulger,Hragrove,shnages special teams c
coaches and hiring old buddys etc .
This year is a wash we need to see how the young talent and the veterans play
the rest of the year so who wants to be a Ram!
Everyone needs to be held accountable!

Jim Thomas: This year isn't just a wash; so far it's a tidal wave.

RAMFAN501: JIM
WOULD YOU JUST KEEP JACKSON OUT UNTIL AFTER THE BYE WEEK

Jim Thomas: I'm not privvy to the medical reports, but from what I know, I'm a little antsy about Jackson returning against Cleveland. The way he plants and cuts, if that groin isn't totally healed, he could tear it again if it's not totally healed.

Jon: Hi Jim,
Given Shaw's recent "support" of Linehan, what, if anything will the FO do during this losing skid? It appears the offensive players are giving up on Linehan and his system. Shaw needs to earn his paycheck and stop this nonsense. Clear house - players, personnel, etc. -and get a real GM to assess talent. What are your thoughts on Shaw and the FO? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: You can't cut an entire team _ or a good chunk of it _ in midseason.
I like the idea of a strong GM. But do you trust this front office to A.) Hire the right one; and then B.) Step out of the way and let him do his job?

Spencer: Jim,
I've seen where you and some of your coleagues repeatedly insist that Linehan should be given a chance to fix this train wreck and be given another year (2008) to try to turn this mess around. My request to you: PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT!!! The current coach must not under any circumstance be allowed to return after this season! This team is a catasropic failure of epic proportions! 0-16 is a very real scenario. This is more than an embarrasment, it is complete and utter failure! Linehan and co have clearly failed to lead this team in the right direction! NO MORE EXCUSES!! The ineptitude is painfully obvious. Cut losses and bring in a guy with some winning experience. The whole Linehan/Miami pipeline must be shut down. (The Dolphins are the only other team close to the same pathetic level the Rams are.) Stop underestimating the value of strong, talented leadership and giving this staff a bye because of injuries. Injuries are part of life in the NFL. Quality leadership helps overcome injuries (depth, play-calling, etc.). Here's a solution none of you seem to have thought of: contact Dennis Green (a leader and a winner who is currently unemployed). If he can upgrade the perennially pitiful Gridbirds, just imagine what he could do in StL with a still generally talented squad of players! One other thing: why rule out of hand talking with Martz about a return next year? Both sides have had some time to reflect on past mistakes and both sides should be willing to put aside petty personal differences for the good of the franchise. This man after all was a major part of one of the most glorious eras in StL football memory and the only Superbowl win in the franchise's history. He is a coordinator in Detroit and I'm sure would be receptive to head coaching a return to winning Rams football!! Let's call it what is and stop blowing smoke...there MUST be change!!!
a Stl fan in LA

Jim Thomas: You started out strong, but totally _ and I mean totally _ lost me at Dennis Green.

Mike: Watching Linny's losers every week has become extremely exasperating. I can't ever recall watching a team at this level that just does not compete week in and week out.
It's sickening!

The players are soft, the front offfice is incompetent, and Linny is flat out in over his head. Every team in the NFL has to deal with injuries! This team is NEVER ready to play with or without all its players, and couldn't put together 4 solid quarters of football if their children's lives depended on it.

This is an absolutely HORRENDOUS football product that continues to get worse. The Rams should be giving at least partial refunds out for this disgraceful team. No reason for optimism in the future as long as those 2 football buffoons Shaw and Zygmunt are running the show. Ugh!

And I disagree 100% that firing Linny now does no good. The players obviously don't believe in him, so why prolong the agony? Get his butt outta here NOW!

Jim Thomas: Strong words, well stated. Thanks for your input.

JBoal: Hey Jim,
Couple questions/comments...

Is it worse to have a good D and atrocious O, or vice versa?
In addition, which seems to be the easier fix?
Assuming everyone comes back heatlhy, should we expect '08 to resemble '07 or '06?

Thanks.

Jim Thomas: I would take the atrocious defense/good offense over the atrocious offense/good defense. At least the good offense/atrocious defense is more entertaining.
Who knows what to expect in '08. But I do think there will be a lot of turnover in personnel.

Jason Carolina Rams Fan: Jim,
I can't believe that an all pro offense could just forget how to play. None of our offense big guns are playing anywhere close to their potential. Is it possible that all these guys (Bulger, Holt, Bruce, Wilkins) are in the worst slump of their careers all at the same time?

When you see our great coach can you tell him to watch the last quarter of the Titans/Texans game this week in which the Texans played URGENTLY from beyond in order to TRY and WIN the game. 4 TD's and they almost pulled it off. He could really learn something about urgency.

Jim Thomas: And don't exclude Jackson from that list either, prior to his injury.
It does seem that once things go bad in the second half _ as it has basically every game, there is no resiliency on this team. Ultimately, the head coach is responsible for that.

Juan Sosa: Jim, I actually thought things couldnt go any worse, instead the offense shows a worse outing after Linehan talks hard during the week. I think no one is listening to him anymore? Wilkins keeps missing fieldgoals and not a word from Linehan on the sideline? The offensive line doesnt give Marc 2 seconds to throw, Milfor Brown just doesnt cut it at takle, shouldnt they try someone else ? I even think Incognito would do better at takle and we all know he is a natural guard? were do we go from here??

Jim Thomas: No doubt, it is one glorious, gory trainwreck. Kind of the opposite of the Greatest Show on Turf. One byproduct of the Claude Terrell release, coupled with Brett Romberg's ankle injuries, is that Brown will be moved to guard (left guard) this week. He's not a tackle.

Bryan: Thanks for getting to my questions.

First of all, during garbage time (3 minutes left) why did they not put in Hagans to relieve some of the beating Marc (or Gus) would have gotten? Why risk getting your QB killed when the game is over?

Secondly, is there any way they could incorporate some trick plays such as a lateral to Hagans who then in turn throws it down the field?

Thirdly, any news on Brock Berlin? How is he doing in practice learning the offense, and will they promote him (maybe to the expense of one of the 5 tight ends on the roster)?

-Bryan

Jim Thomas: I'm not sure how many plays Hagans could run in the offense. Kind of makes you wish you still had a real third QB, eh?

Would love to see some trick plays with Hagans.

Don't think Berlin is the answer.

JJG: My last question...I am a Gordo fan...his game day Blogs is almost as good as direct tv Sunday Ticket....but how does it not benefit the team to turn it over to Haslett. He is the only one (with injuries) to actually give hope to the fans that we might have a potentially a very good defense(RIP L. Marmie).0-7and his guys are still playing hard And his his guys have to watch the invisble offense..yet they keep getting quietly better...your Honest take?

Jim Thomas: Granted, the defense has made some strides, but does having the 18th-ranked defense in a 32-team league qualify you for a promotion? But as I said in an earlier post, Haslett could be auditioning for a job over the final nine games.

morris puma: Why does'nt Linehan watch how the other teams score? He has no clue once the Rams have the ball inside the opponents 20 yard line. He has had that problem last year and especially this year. Any team that can score one touchdown can beat the Rams, because the offense does'nt have a clue how to get in the endzone. He should admit he needs help from a offensive mined person. He just does'nt get it. Any team can score , it should'nt be that hard. He should use play action or put Hagans in the back field and use him as an option. Try something different, because it isn't working what he's doing. Morris P.

Jim Thomas: There's no doubt the rams stink in the red zone this year. But they didn't last year. After a slow start in the red zone, they ended up among the top teams in the league in red zone efficiency.
Linehan is an offensive-minded person. He got his head-coaching job in St. Louis because of his work as an offensive coordinator, making the current nose-dive all the more mind-boggling.

Hugh: Jim-

Was London Fletcher a free agent this past offseason before the Redskins picked him up? If he was available, why didn't the Rams try getting him? He would have seemed like a perfect guy for the defense- a leader, a fan favorite, and a guy that knows how to tackle.

Jim Thomas: Fletcher was a free agent. He left miffed after his first tour of duty because he thought the team low-balled him. You may remember how he blasted the front office after in the pages of the Post-Dispatch after he signed with Buffal. So I don't think there was any way he would return here after that.

eldiablo: I've read the theories advanced by various P-D staffers about why Linehan should not be fired pronto. I'd be interested in your take JT if you haven't advanced it already. But try this theory on for size. If the Rams dismissed Linehan now and appointed an interim (say, Haslett), wouldn't it give them greater flexibility to gauge interest of several "name" coaches (Marty S., Parcells, Dennis Green, Cowher, etc.). Some of these guys may be uncomfortable discussing the job with a head coach under contract. If you assume Linehan will be dumped no later than 48 hours after this season, why not make a move earlier to initiate a search for a head coach with strong player personnel background. I'd be interested in your thoughts. I'm diggin' JTL??? but tell Coats to put down the crack pipe and stop picking the Horns to win. I thought Rams Park was a Drug Free Zone.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Shaw is taking the avalanche of injuries into account.
2.) Shaw, good Catholic that he is, still feels some remorse over axing Rich Brooks after two years. (As a result, he gave Dick Vermeil a third year after DV went 9-23 in his first two season here, and we all know what happened in Year 3.)
3.) By admitting that Linehan failed as a coach; Shaw is admitting that he failed. It was Shaw who obviously hired Linehan.
4.) Believe me, if Shaw wanted to explore the waters on hiring a new coach, he could always get his point across through agents and intermediaries. It happens all the time in player free agency.

P.S. _ I think my partner, Mr. Coats, felt the Rams would win because he felt the return of Bulger would spark the offense. I don't know if you follow baseball, but I think he got his crack from all of our baseball writers who picked the Cardinals to win the NL Central. Even a helmet head like myself could see they lacked the starting pitching.

Win in '08: What's the formula for a winning Rams team in 2008? I think they're much closer to building a dominating defense than an explosive offense, and would like to see them draft accordingly. Spend early picks on playmaking defenders. Win with defense and a merely average offense. A healthy O-line, Jackson and Bulger should give you that, even with ordinary receivers. It's a different mindset than Greatest Show, but isn't it more realistic?

Jim Thomas: The Rams need a speed-rushing defensive end, a pass-rushing linebacker, and a safety on defense. (This is my minimum shopping list there.) On offense, they need a speed wide receiver, and an OT, and a young QB to groom as at least as a future No. 2.
I don't know yet what to make of this tremendous offensive collapse. Assuming Pace is healthy and back in '08; and Jackson, Holt, and Bulger return to form, the future doesn't look all that bleak on offense. But is it safe _ or wise _ to assume that all those players will return to form in '08?