Jerome : Do u think jackson will miss the game next week cause I think it would be hard to win without him. Also I didn't catch see the game dat mutch but burton did get a lot of yards is because they ran the ball a lot or was it just that they covered him well

Bill Coats: I think it's 50-50 at this point on Jackson. We'll know more by later in the week. Obviously, Jackson is a huge part of the offense, and it's unfortunate to see him get nicked up just at a time when he and the offense as a whole is finally getting on track.
Burton caught only one pass for four yards. He was on the field a fair amount of the time. Once the Rams took that quick lead, they took the air out of the football. Bulger's 19 passing attempts was the lowest total of his NFL career for a game that he started and finished.

Roberts: Jim,

What's up with Torry Holt? Why is he now little more than an after thought with this offense? I can't imagine that 6 weeks into the season and he still hasn't caught a TD or been a major factor in any game yet.

Thanks for sharing your excellent insight.

Bill Coats: Holt did catch at TD, that miracle 45-yard catch (some wondered if it was a catch) that temporarily got the Rams back in the game against the Giants. I think his sagging numbers are an overall reflection of the offense's struggles. Even after their two victories, the Rams still rank 31st in total offense and 29th in passing offense in the league. They had only four offensive TDs _ total _ prior to the Cowboys game. Bulger has yet to pass for even 200 yards in his first five starts of the season. All that being said, Holt still has a lot to offer and needs to be involved more. If Avery continues to develop on the other side, I think that will help free up Holt for more catches on the other side. At the moment, he's still getting plenty of extra attention in the secondary.

Bill: Hey Jim, what kind of defenses did Venturi have in New Orleans? Do you see any difference in philosophy or tendencies between Venturi and Haslett or are they one in the same?

Bill Coats: Venturi ran basically the same defense in New Orleans, that you're seeing here. Some early observations on Venturi. Some defensive players say he's more-detailed oriented than Haslett. I think he's simplified the defense some (less thinking, more reacting). And he's emphasized some time-honored basics like swarming to the ball. It was amazing to me how the turnovers suddenly picked up in practice by the defense once Venturi took over; and this has carried over into games. Then again, we can overanalyze things as well. For example, it sure helps to have Leonard Little rushing the passer at left end.

Gabriel 2 Snow: Hi Jim, the change in Bulger is obvious, he seems to have bought into Hasletts philosophy, taken the leadership role he appeared to avoid, and he is actually talking, and playing, like a QB who is regaining confidence and courage. It is great to see, and of course, I could go on and on and say similar things about almost every other part of the team. Can Linehan have been such a negative influence that we will now be competitive regularly? Is Haz really changing the mindset so quickly? Or, did we get a gift in Washington, and take advantage of a Dallas team in disarray? I think it is a little of both, but just in case, if Haz were to get "coach of the year", would he be the first to do so after being hired during the season? He'd be a lock if he went 7-5, don't you think?

Bill Coats: I think it is a little of both. A lot of times, it's as much when you play teams as who you play. In my mind, the Rams caught Washington and Dallas at exactly the right time. Washington may have been a little fat-headed coming off its wins at Philly and Dallas, and the Rams were fresh off the bye week. Dallas, of course, was playing without Tony Romo.
There's no doubt Haslett has brought a command presence we didn't see fromm Linehan, and the players obviously are responding.
Let's see what happens this Sunday in Foxborough. If the Rams can walk into Gillette Stadium for the first time and leave with a victory, then it's on. Then a lot of things may be possible. The Patriots by the way are 23-4 against teams making their first appearance at Gillette, and have won 12 straight games (regardless of venue) against NFC teams.

fmc715: JT-

What is your take on Bulger? I think he is a great QB, however I feel that the fact that we had not had an O-Line for so many years has hurt him physically and mentally. He reminds of Jim Everett with his happy feet. I noticed that in Sunday’s game. He was ready to take a dive than he noticed it was one of his players.
Can someone recover from that “happy feet” syndrome or have you seen anyone recover?

Thanks
Frank
Richmond, VA

Bill Coats: Sure. The best way to recover is from better pass blocking. I'd say three of those five sacks by Dallas were because Bulger held onto the ball too long. He needs to just throw it away in some instances. As for QBs who have recovered from happy feet, I'd say Kurt Warner is a great example _ but it took him several years to shake it off.

tater: Jim, Please extend our appreciation to the Owners of the Rams for making a tough emotional decision to release Scott L. It is amazing to see the turnaround of this team and even more exciting is to see the fan base fired up again about Pro Football in STL. After the last two victories what have you heard from the owners box?

Bill Coats: Bernie has e-mailed Chip a couple of times lately. I have not corresponded with Chip since the bye week. Lucia was in town for the Cowboys' game; Chip is not.
It is amazing what a couple of football victories can do for a city's football fans. I was pleasantly surprised at just the atmosphere outside the dome Sunday; there seemed to be a lot more tailgaters and it just seemed a lot more lively than usual. It was great to see.

cardsnumber7: Hello Jim,

2 questions.
1. First of all let me state, I'm a big Bulger fan, but have never liked his play action. Sunday, he sold the play action, practically put the ball in Jackson's chest. Is this credit due to Terry OShea, I think that is the Quarterback's Coach?

2. When Drew Bennett comes back, Please tell me he's not getting his starting gig back? IMO, he should be 4th after Burton.

Thanks
Todd W.

Bill Coats: 1.) I'm sure Shea has had some input; he's a savvy, veteran quarterbacks coach. Plus, it's easier to sell the play-fake when the running game is clicking like it was clicking Sunday.
2.) Barring injury, I don't believe Mr. Avery will be coming off the bench for a long time.

cardsnumber7: Hi Jim,
Rams coaches have been raving about Incognito lately. Also, Barron has seemed to turn it around. Has he really stepped it up? I love the way the line has looked last 2 games. In your opinion how would you rate our offensive line 1-5?

Thanks
Todd W.

Bill Coats: I haven't looked at the Dallas tape yet, but Incognito was a monster against Washington. There were three or four plays, for example, where he just knocked the tar out of our old friend, London Fletcher, several yards downfield. Barron has improved, although I still think he has too many "off" plays. But there's no doubt the line is developing some continuity and some attitude.
Before the thigh injury, I would've ranked Pace No. 1. Probably Barron 2. It's hard to give a fair ranking, because Bell missed 2 games, and Incognito was so-so _ at best _ in the first three games. Leckey is very tenacious, but also has too many off or bad plays.

McSnipes: Do you see the Rams re-signing Ron Bartell?

They have to. He has been great this year.

He's really been our only consistent DB this season, along with maybe Atogwe... Tye Hill gets burned all the time, and sometimes Craft and Chavous can get burned too, but Bartell has never been beat badly. He's always right there in coverage, and he's broken up many many passes. Not to mention that he has great size and is a physical CB. He's a willing tackler, so he has all the right tools. Batell has really developed into a very good CB and we need to keep this guy. He's very good, and I'd like to build our secondary around him and Atogwe -- two young players that are showing flashes of brilliance.

Bill Coats: Well, they're going to have to re-sign somebody. Bartell is up; Atogwe is up; Craft is up; Manning is up; and thanks to the dumb release of Fakhir Brown, Brown is up. That leaves only Tye Hill and Corey Chavous still under contract after this season among the Rams' top seven in the secondary.

bruce80: first, Gordo can't answer this, but maybe you can. When Jackson patted Romo on the head after a 15 yard run, what was the deal? Was he mocking or sympathising?

And second, I just will not believe Haslett didn't tank as d-coordinator on purpose! you said you were privvy to information we weren't. I know you've said that he wouldn't do that because he was on the hot seat too. But he either wanted to be promoted, or fired. It's as simple as that. He would have been hired somewhere else for sure as something to where he could restart.

Bill Coats: Don't know about the Jackson pat.
As for Haslett "tanking it," he did such a good job on that (if we believe your Oliver Stone theory) that he almost wasn't hired by the Rams. Why do you think it took the Rams until 1 a.m. in the morning to decide what to do after the Buffalo loss? They made up their mind pretty early in the evening to fire Linehan; the delay was because they couldn't decide on Haslett or Saunders.

Gabriel 2 Snow: With Tye Hill continually losing confidence, being a liability, and finally being injured, the sudden emergence of Ron Bartell as a confident & competent cover man couldn't have come at a better time. Any explanation for his sudden effectiveness?

Bill Coats: Well, I think Bartell was pretty good last year, too. This is a guy that has been in and out of the starting lineup a lot. I think he's just gradually improved and developed his game as an NFL player.

J.C.: Hi Jim,

Haslett have been doing a superb job turning the rams around with two straight wins against great teams, however, if we do not hit the 6-6 mark for some bizarre reason...does that mean Haz is definitely gone? I'd like to give him another year or two as the head coach regardless of our record at seasons end. He has had 6 years of coaching experience, I personally believe that's enough to warrant a second chance. He will definitely be cheaper than Cowher or Shottenheimer...I say lets give this guy a little more time and see what he can do with this squad. So far I'd say he is acing the test. Thanks Jim!

Bill Coats: So far. It has been an amazing two games. The only thing the 6-6 does _ if the deal ever is finally consummated (which I think it will) _ is contractually obligate the Rams to bring him back. They can still decide to go that way if they like, if the team falls short of 6-6. As of now, they have to go 4-6 over the final 10 games.

deacon j.: Why Keneth Darby? Nothing against him but it seems like in the middle of the season, you might want to go after a player with more and/or proven experience. I though William Green, formerly of the Browns (2yrs ago) would be a good fit. He has a S. Jackson size and speed.
Does the personnel department really scour all the potential choices for replacement players, or are there potential cap implications?
Also, has Haslet turned over the defensive play calling entirely to Venturi? Who's calling the formations?

Bill Coats: There really are no cap implications at this stage. All of these players sign for the minimum. The Rams (particularly Devaney) really liked Darby.
Haslett said he called only two plays against Washington (neither of which worked out, according to Haslett). I don't know about the Dallas game. But Venturi basically is doing the play-calling.

OCRich: 1. What was with the white jerseys yesterday? Just trying to make Dallas wear their "bad luck" blue jerseys?
2. When Drew Bennett gets healthy please tell me he'll be the #4 WR at best. Please!!
3. Any plans to bring in a safety and/or a RB due to the injury issues?

Bill Coats: 1.) It's weird. The Rams seem to have a different jersey-pants combo for every game this season. It's like they have multiple personalities.
2.) Well, Bennett certainly won't be starting. I would guess he'd be the No. 3. But Burton still has a couple of weeks at least, to earn that roll.
3.) You'll see another safety by the end of the day. I'll try to have an update for you by the end of the day.

wotownramsfan: jim, i know there are not to many players left from the last super bowl team, but i want the rams to go out and destroy the patriots. what are the chances of pace playing next week, and is steven gonna be alright? also, why are they negotiating with haslett already? i still am not a fan, are they gonna sign him long term?

Bill Coats: I'm sure many Rams fans are with you, and would like nothing better than to wipe the smirk off Belichick's face, even if it's just for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. I'd say Pace is still questionable. He had a workout on Monday, and I was told he was seen limping afterwards. We'll see.
As for Haslett, I know of no plans to sign him long-term at this juncture. I believe the 6-6 clause, if approved by the league, would only bring Haslett back as head coach next year.

Molotov: Hey Jim

Any guys in Patriots jackets strolling the perimeter at practice this week?

And on the serious side, I am watching the Rams being transformed overnight into a team with a a nasty, mean, bad ass attitude. Do you agree, or am I seeing things?

Mark

Bill Coats: Heck, for all we know the Patriots were taping the Rams' sideline signals Sunday against the cowboys.
No doubt, the Rams are playing with some attitude. Teams always are a reflection of their head coach.

mnrlgry: Hi Jim,

Any new injury updates?


One thing I've wondered about since Linehan got fired is has anyone talked to him or done an interview? I haven't heard a single comment from him since the firing. I'm curious about what he thinks about the team now.

Thanks again for the chats

Bill Coats: Nothing new on injuries.
I have left a couple of phone messages for Linehan since he was fired, but he has not called me back. I too, am curious on his thoughts on being fired, what lies ahead for him, and what he thinks about these past two weeks.

steve: what, if any, similarities do you see with haslett and ditka? maybe haslett is the next coming?

Bill Coats: I don't think there's quite as much bluster with Haslett, but I agree, there are some similarities in approach.

Kyle: Jim,

I know Donnie Avery had an injury the first few weeks but he looks really good and I think now I am ok with taking Avery over Desean Jackson. My question is if Linehan was still the coach do you think Avery would be as involved? I had heard that Haslett really likes Avery and wants to get the ball in his hands did Linehan not agree or was it the nagging injury that held Avery back?

Kyle, San Bernardino, CA

Bill Coats: Well, the current lineup changes that are paying dividends now _ Avery starting; and Ryan starting at DT (and Adeyanju playing more on run downs at DE); were made before Linehan's final game against Buffalo.

ncdc: "They played the Rams, dude"...was that posted above the guys lockers Sunday? Thank you, Adam Jones...

Bill Coats: I didn't see any such message posted in the locker room, but that doesn't mean the Rams weren't reminded of it.

Jimmy691234: Hey thanks for answering questions from all of us fans. But i was wondering if Steven Jackson got in on the celebration after the game and was in as good a spirits as everyone else (Pisa playing music and dancing at his locker) because of his injury and maybe having his leg looked at while everyone celebrated. I just hope everyone got to enjoy this victory because all of their efforts were amazing and i praise them for playing like they did against a tough Dallas team. I didnt get to see the secondary of dallas much on tv(camera angles) but did Torry Holt get constant seperation on the Dallas young defensive backs?(just wondering if he still has that speed). Might i add i live in texas and this is the game everyone made fun of me about up until Sunday and then they were sure quiet. Everyone in Texas is stunned(at least where i live). Thanks for answering, i know they are not significant to anything just some things i was hoping to gain some knowledge on.

Bill Coats: I haven't looked at the tape yet, so I don't know about Holt and separation.
I'm sure Jackson was in on the celebration in the locker room before it was opened to the media, but I believe he was in receiving treatment on his thigh for most of the time that the media was in the locker room.
As you might have been able to tell from the TV coverage, the numerous Cowboys fans in attendance were very boisterous at the start of the game, but left in stunned silence themselves.

ramsfan80: Jim, thanks for the chat. Just a few observations and your thoughts if you will. Carriker has played very well since moving to the 3-technique. Long is going to be very solid and could have had multiple sacks Sunday. How did Greco grade out Sunday? Where does Bennett land on the depth chart when he returns. Does Bennett make the 09 squad?

Thanks.

Bill Coats: Greco was only in for about three plays.
I'd say Bennett is No. 3 or No. 4 when he returns, depending on what Burton does in the next couple of weeks. As for Bennett in '09 _ that's a good question, and might depend on who's the next head coach.

spriggster: Jim,

What was the explanation that Haslett gave for deferring the opening kick-off? I always wonder, when coaches make this decision, why you wouldn't want the ball every chance you have? Then to have the opposition move right down the field could have set a negative tone for the whole game. I'm sure a month ago it would have. Great to see the Rams don't let every little negative effect the whole game anymore. GO RAMS and Keep Haslett!

Bill Coats: I just talked to Haslett on some other matters and asked him your question. He said the Rams defered to the second half on the request of Marc Bulger. Bulger wanted the ball to start the second half.

Dave from Ohio: Hows it going Jim,

I was wondering, with Todd Johnson injuried that leaves the team with 2 healthy safeties. Any news on them bringing in anyone?

As always thanks
Dave

Bill Coats: Here's the personnel news of the day: Wide receiver Eddie Kennison has been cut. (This time for real.) The Rams have promoted S/CB Eric Bassey from the practice squad. Bassey (6-1, 209) runs well, and was on the active roster for eight games last season. During that time, he proved to be one of the team's better special teams players with 12 tackles.
The Rams also have added safety David Roach to their practice squad. Roach 6-2, 215, was a two-year starter at TCU. He was in New Orleans' training camp as a rookie free agent this past summer; the Rams had a fourth-round grade on him entering the draft.

Ken Jacque: Hello-
I live in MA and despise the Pats. This game is HUGE for the Rams as it sets up a run vs. NFC West teams. Now let me get to the point. In what way will the Rams go after Mark LeVoir? Remeber him? Will they (Hazlett) game plan directly against him?
kj

Bill Coats: Well, I'm sure Leonard Little is looking forward to going head-to-head with LeVoir. Little has been on fire since returning from a hamstring injury, and I would think the Patriots will do some game-planning to neutralize Little and give LeVoir some help.

Mike: Great game, but before we crown them champs, I think we still need to "put teams away". I know we blew them out, but it looked for awhile we were gonna let them hang around and history has shown we can spot teams 3 - 4 TDs in the 4th quarter. For example, the missed FG put them in great field position, but luckily they didn't capitalize. How does Bulger miss Avery for what would've been a 92 yard TD strike? I just hope we don't get over confident going into New England after what they did to the Broncos last night. I'm still skeptical, but alot more confident and hopeful we can pull out 9 - 10 wins as we're moving towards the easier half of our schedule.

Bill Coats: Bulger didn't miss Avery; Avery slowed down just a little bit. I don't think he was expecting the ball to come his way.

Ram_Malavasi: JT:

What do you know about Darby? If he and Minor are the starting RBs this Sunday, do the Rams have a shot against New England? (Stupid question, I know, but one has to have some hope...)

Also, what's the status on Carriker?

Bill Coats: My sense is that Carriker misses a week.
A Darby-Minor combo (assuming both jackson and pittman aren't ready) sure makes it tough.
Darby had a very productive career at Alabama; I think an off-year as a senior prevented him from going higher in the draft. Based on what I saw on the practice field last week, Darby looked like a determined runner with good body lean, someone who might lack great speed, but had good quickness and might be a strong inside runner.

Rampage88: Hey Jim! What role do you see Tye Hill in when he returns? I hope it is nickel back at best.

Bill Coats: If this Bartell-Brown-Craft trio continues to click, why mess with success? Hill told me late last week he plans on playing against New England; I think the coaches and trainers feel he's still another week away (with a more likely Nov. 2 return against Arizona).

Steve: Jim

One of the weaknesses of this team is linebacker depth. I continue to be perplexed by the decision to let the capable and moderately priced Chillar go. What would the Rams do if a starter became injured?

Steve

Bill Coats: Trust me on this: Haslett wanted to keep Chillar. Culberson is first off the bench. Gary Stills could play some middle 'backer. I don't think Chamberlain is ready for any extended duty at weakside LB, although he's had some moments on special teams.

The Sheriff: Jim,

Not a big deal, but I was at the ED on Sunday and I do not remember seeing our drumline. It would have been nice to hear them beating on the drum like we were beating on the Boys!

Was I just too intoxicated or have they been dismissed?

Go Rams!

-G

Bill Coats: Don't ask me why, but I was wondering that myself. I heard them outside the dome before the game, but didn't notice them at all during the game. Were they kidnapped?

By the way, for the person who asked last week about the "Wayne's World" scoreboard shot of the uprights before the Josh Brown kick in Washington; the Rams did look into, but I don't think they ever filed an official complaint with the league.

gregory1818: what is going on with the TE position, wasn't Klopenstein suppose to be the man or is Becht just better?
thanks and I apologize for the misspelling of the names.

Greg in Louisville

Bill Coats: According to my count, Klopfenstein was in for 40 plays to Becht's 18 against Washington. But it looked like the reps were much more evenly distributed against Dallas, maybe even with an edge to Becht. The only reason for this might be that the Rams ran the ball almost twice as much as they passed it against Dallas, and Becht is a better blocker than Klop. (Klop's drop in Washington didn't help his cause either.)

bantam weight: Hi Jim,
First, after a looonnnng drought it was finally fun at the dome on Sunday.
Second, other than the obvious of scoring more points than NE what are the 3 main keys to beating NE?
Thanks

Bill Coats: Minimize mistakes: No turnovers and as few penalties as possible.
Stop the run: The Patriots are much more conservative on offense without Brady. The Rams need to try to get Cassel in third-and-long situations.
Downfield passing: I think the Pats secondary is vulnerable. Can the Rams WRs get open and will Bulger have enough time to try to exploit this?

Russ in Phoenix: Good day Jim!
May I have your opinion of the media treatment of the Rams victory over the Cowboys? Why? WHY??!?! Why is the media (nationally, of course!) focused on the death spiral of the Cowboys? What are the Rams here? Jan Brady? Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys!! Enough! The Rams *WHEN* they play with heart are a pretty tough team to handle.

Also, someone tell Steven Jackson that the Patriots passed him over too! In fact, I think ALL of the teams on the schedule this year passed him over.... >wink< >wink< smile

Rants from the desert
thanks for your forum, Jim! Go Rams

Bill Coats: 1.) Obviously the Cowboys are waaay overhyped, with ESPN the major villain.
2.) The Rams have fallen completely off the national radar in the last two, three years.
3.) I'll try to pass that along to Jackson.

jon in kentucky: Any word on the patriot injuries yet?

Bill Coats: The Patriots give out injury information like Tass, frequently in violation of NFL rules. The NFL doesn't always seem to care. Don't ask me why.
But it looks like Harrison obviously is out for the season at safety. To be honest with you, it made we want to puke when Mike Tirico was talking about what a great leader and great ambassador of the game Harrison is. No, actually, he's one of the dirtiest players in the league _ has been for years _ and has the fines to prove it.
As for RB Sammy Morris, he definitely has a knee injury, the Patriots are at least conceding he's injured, but as usual, his availability for Sunday is shrouded in mystery at this point. There was no obvious point during the game where it looked like his knee was injured.

jon in kentucky: If Carriker is out who will see the bulk of the load increase, who would you want more minutes awarded to? Glover(obvious), Hall, Adeyanju? If glover will Ryan slide over?

Bill Coats: Obviously, Ryan wouldn't leave the field on obvious run downs or mix downs. Glover's time would increase. Adeyanju and Hall can slide inside to tackle on a situational basis. I don't know if you'd want them in on running downs too much.

old cowboy: So Jim, what's the deal, is everyone so PC @ Rams park they won't admit the obvious or will some talk about it off the record? I mean 0-4 to 2-0?

Bill Coats: I think it's pretty obvious. Linehan already has lost his job. None of the players at this point anyway seem interested in piling on.

RAMS FANS: This is probably a little crazy, but if you talk to any of the players please pass this along (and I heard you say that Torry and probably others must read this) –
We hate these guys so badly (I can’t even say their name). We have not forgotten 2001 and the pain it caused all of us. We know they cheated and stole that game. They are nothing but classless, gutless cheaters. We still have not gotten our retribution, so let's get it now. Please beat these pieces of crap into the ground. Many of you weren’t around in 2001 when their cheating cost us SB 34 and did long term damage to our franchise, but let’s now make beating them to a pulp the beginning of our return!
Thanks,
All Rams Fans

Bill Coats: Admit it, Rams Nation. Just the sight of Belichick on the sideline and Rodney Harrison bouncing around in the secondary (won't see that this Sunday though), still make your blood boil.

ramfanfromthebay: Donnie Avery is looking like he was worth being the 1st WR picked in this years draft,,,,Deshaun Jackson is starting to slow down....And JH is not scared to use him ,,,,I know he was hurt early in the season but I think our last coach was holding him back giving veterans like Dante Hall and Looker to much time this kid can flat out fly and he gets open......We finally have a WR who can catch that little hitch and get some yards......Go Rams

Bill Coats: There is no substitute for speed.

fan since 1971: The Seahawks and Colts have thier next HC sign to take over when the time comes. So how did they get around the Rooney Rule?

Bill Coats: That's an excellent question.

Andrew: Hey Jim, thanks for answering our questions. I have a couple I want to ask

1) Bartell looks like he's coming along each week and keeps playing better and better. What is the talk about him, do the coaches agree?
2) Do the rams have any plans in the future about wearing their throwback superbowl jerseys? I think I remember an attempt but something happened with the league saying no or something.
Oh one more thing, what's the latest on Carriker, will he give it a go against the pats?

Bill Coats: 1.) I think coaches and front office (Devaney) are very high on Bartell right now.
2.) Rams are planning to wear throwbacks (the '99 Super Bowl championship unis) in 2008. Maybe as much as three times.
3.) I think it's doubtful on Carriker.

Dwayne: Hey Jim this may sound like a long shot but if the Rams beat New England and split one with the Cards is there really a shot for the Wild Card. thanks for your time

Bill Coats: I don't know about a wild-card, because of the depth of talented teams in both the NFC East and NFC South. I think it's going to take a division title to do it in the West this year. And let's face it, right now Arizona looks fairly formidable.

signed s. j.: Jim,

No third & Long? It's third & Hall.

Bill Coats: Hall has always had a very nice bull rush. He's healthier this year, after being slowed for much of '07 with an ankle injury.

avnational: Hi Jim-
This is a question more of pride and status than of a technical nature. How is it that reguardless of who my Rams beat, the power rankings for us barely ripple? When we dismantle the paper pats, will we still be listed in the BOTTOM Ten?

See Ya-
Rams Fan since Cleveland

Bill Coats: I think nationally, no one can quite believe it. The Redskins was a fluke, the Cowboys didn't have Romo. But if the Rams can beat the Patriots, well, that would be three straight upsets _ two of which came on the road.

LAFANFROMSTL: Are the Rams sneaking up on people now or are they just realizing their potential? I loved the Jerry Jones quote of the 'boys having plenty to handle the Rams. Sweet!!!!!Can they make the playoffs?

Bill Coats: Maybe it's a little of both. Playoffs? I don't know about all that. But I do think the odds suddenly look better on Haslett's chances of going 6-6.

D. washington: How did the Oline look without Pace?

Is Jacob Bell limited because of his foot?

Did any of the rookie OLine get any time vs Cowboys?

Bill Coats: Without looking at tape, I'd say pretty good. About three of the five sacks were coverage sacks, where Bulger held onto the ball too long. Two sacks came when either a tight end or running back was beaten by a pass rusher, not an o-lineman. The run blocking speaks for itself. I think Bell's fine. Greco was in at right guard, but just for a few plays.

renostl: Jim,

Thank you for your time
Who do you see as the DC if Haslett keeps his job in '09?

Bill Coats: I think it would be Venturi without a doubt if Haslett returns.
I've got to go do some newspaper work. Interesting questions today. I can feel the buzz through the keyboard. We'll see what this week brings. See you next week.