FMulder: Jim: I realize the year is only half-way over but I would like to get your initial views on the following:

1) Barron, Bell, and Incognito will ALL on the team or starting at OL next year.

2) Bulger and Boller are unlikely to be on the team next season?

3) The Rams need playmakers and their top-3 needs are: QB, WR, DE.

4) Wade is not a Spags-type CB.

5) OJ may not be resigned due to high contract commands and/or how he fits into this defensive system.

6) Schurmur has improved as a playcaller as the year as progressed but has a ways to go.

7) The Rams will draft a QB in the first round.

Jim Thomas: 1.) I think Bell will be back. (And remember, his contract isn't up). He's playing pretty well this season. I don't think both Barron and Incognito will return. Maybe neither. (Both of their contracts are up.)

2.) Good question. Boller's contract is up. If the Rams were going to make a change with Bulger, there will not be the financial constraints cap-wise that there were last season. Funny thing, I don't get a sense, though, that this coaching staff is frustrated with Bulger.

3.) Don't forget DT. Another solid corner wouldn't hurt either, especially with Fletcher expected to miss part of next regular season.

4.) Wade rarely plays any more unless somebody gets hurt. He's obviously rubbed some one the wrong way.

Len: Hey Jim,
This isnt going to be pretty. We may give up 60 this week.

Jim Thomas: Haven't we said that before about Indy and Minnesota? (Oh yeah, the Rams lost those two by a combined 80-16.)

jnumber05: Now that the Chiefs released Larry Johnson for his off the field problems, what are the chances the Rams will claim him? They have been looking for a running back to compliment Jackson. Is Johnson the running back that could make the Rams running game that more potent?

Jim Thomas: Don't hold your breath. I believe Dick Vermeil had a word for players like Johnson: Turd-birds.

dominic zappia: Hey Jim:
1)I have listened to you on the radio and have read your work for several years now,and my impression from you is that this team cannot win with Mark Bulger,and I agree! Would you sign Chad Pennington for the mentor for the qb we draft and start the year until hes ready?
2)I like the direction that Billy D and Spags are building this team and I cannot wait until free agency because I feel they will be very active.Bring on 2010!!

Jim Thomas: 1.) Well, regardless of everything that's going on around bulger, and he's got a lot going against him, it's hard for any team to win when your QB has a passer rating of 68.2. Pennington has some limitations but is interesting. Is his contract up after this season? And would he be willing to come here on a caretaker basis.

2.) They have made some good moves and some puzzling moves. And they will try to make some things happen in free agency, but they seem committed to building this team through the draft.

D-Nice: There was talk about a new buyer for the Rams on Sunday night football do you know who or whom that may be?

Jim Thomas: There have been a lot of names floated out there; some are real some are not.

aussie_ramfan: Hey Jim,

The LB core this year. What is your feeling about the organizations thoughts of Vobora, Grant, Chaimberlain, Lenon as players? Which are likely to be on the roster next season? It would seem that Chaimberlain should eventually get worked into some starting reps at WLB replacing Lenon to see if he offers anything at that position. Will the rams be looking to upgrade at both OLB spots this offseason?

Finally, Darell Scott? I know it takes time to mature into a DT in this league, but we need to see what we have there surely, considering the wealth of DT's potentially available with a top 5 pick. Has he shown anything, seems to me not (if he is behing Douzable, Ryan and Ramsey)

Cheers.

Jim Thomas: Obviously they liked Vobora enough to release Draft. Grant brings some size and pass-rushing ability. If Spags goes by his NY Giants model, he likes bigger linebackers, which would make it tough for Chamberlain (230) to be anything more than a (very good) special teams player. No one's told me this, but Lenon looks like stritctly a stop-gap player. So I would think the Rams will be looking for a new weakside LB next season.

Scott's demise is puzzling. I was told he missed a gap assignment on Julius Jones' long TD run against the Rams in the season opener in Seattle, but he's hardly been active since. I've been told by coaches that he's simply not ready, but the staff hasn't given up on him by any means.

firemarshall: Hey JT,

I (along with all of Rams Nation) am reaaaaaaal curious about if Gibson and/or Martin will see any plays this week.

PLEASE tell me one of them will have some action this week based on anything you've seen in practice so far.

thanks again Jim

Jim Thomas: Gibson did get in for a few snaps last week, but right now the staff seems firmly committed to Avery, Burton and Amendola. I don't know what to tell you about Martin. He seems healthy from that hamstring injury and looked good on the practice field the week leading into the Detroit game. The team, however, has dressed only four wide receivers all season on game day. I've yet to see a single four-wide receiver package in games. very curious.

Matt S.-GC: Thanks for taking questions. Just wondering with all of the rumors swirling of Bulger's release in the offseason, Leonard Little's possible retirement and James Hall in his contract year, what other players do you see being gone after this season? In order for Spags to bring in HIS type of players.

Please and Thanks,

Rams fan no matter what...Matt

Jim Thomas: Well, you have to wonder if TE Randy McMichael will be back. His contract is up. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, it's hard to imagine both Barron and Incognito returning in 2010 _ their contracts are up after this season as well. And if the new long snapper Neill gets the job done, you have to wonder about Massey as well since Neill comes cheaper.

aussie_ramfan: just wondering if you could give us a breakdown of who is currently still on the practice squad and if at any point the rams plan to look at any of them in game action. are they still trying to turn cord parks into a WR?

Jim Thomas: It's possible that one of the current practice squaders could be promoted today, to the roster spot created by the release of S Anthony Smith last week. But the Rams don't really need another O-lineman (eric young), WR (sean walker) or RB (chris ogbonnaya) on the active roster. Maybe they'll promote one of the linebackers (jay moore, dominic douglas). Yes, Cord Parks is still working as a wide receiver in practice.

brock landers: JT. Watching Roethlisberger last night I once again took notice of something that he, and a LOT of quarterbacks do that Mark Bulger cannot do: make a play, make a throw outside of the pocket. If Bulger is lucky enough to escape the pocket, his inability to throw accurately (and get the ball there),and make a god decision is glaring.

If Bulger has a lot fo time, good route runners who can catch the ball, he is quite capable of playing pitch and catch. So are most college qb's.

Mark Bulger doesn not have the talent to be a playmaker, he has shown few leadership skills, it's time for him to grab a clipboard. Are they any QB's available on someone's bench we wcould pick up for next year instead of spending a first round pick on a QB?

I look at the Kurt Warner's, Matt Schaub's, Dree Brees', Brett Favre's, Tom Brady's, etc.. they are out there.

Thanks,

Brock

Jim Thomas: Bulger doesn't throw well on the run, and doesn't seem to move around as much as he did earlier in his career. I haven't studied other team's benches to give you a good read on potential backup QBs.

bleedred24: Jim,

If the Rams do select a Quarterback in the first round, would Jimmy Clausen be there first choice? I have seen nothing but great leadership from the kid. He has dead on accuracy, a strong arm, and is very mobile. Thanks for taking questions.

Jim Thomas: I really don't know how the Rams feel about Clausen. I would think he would be in the discussion, though.

nevadariverranch: Hello Jim, Do the Rams look headed on drafting a qb early or picking up a free agent to compete with Bulger?

Jim Thomas: Kind of early to make a read on that one.

NYRAMFAN26: Where is OJ Otogwe? Monday Night Football showed me what a #1 Safety can do for a football team. Brian Dawkins and Troy P make plays all over the field. When was the last time OJ shed a blocker and took down a RB? I think he is a great ballhawk but that comes into play when the defense gets beat and he chases down a WR. This guy is getting #1 money but not playing like it. What is team view on this guy? Is this season a disappointment or are they happy? What are chances we let him go in FA? Can he be replaced?

Jim Thomas: No doubt Atogwe has had a quiet first half, but out of all the areas to address on this team, I think that might be pretty far down the list.

nevadariverranch: Jim, whats your opinion about the passing game? I think the Rams need more down the field throws if just to take a little pressure from Jackson.

Jim Thomas: It takes fast receivers who can get open for down-the-field throws to have a chance.

superfan24: Jim,
What would the Rams have to give up for a trade with Kevin Kolb. What would be the chances of that?
Thanks for your time.
Brian from Chicago

Jim Thomas: Good question. I'm thinking maybe the Rams' 2nd. But what makes you think the Eagles want to part ways with Kolb. McNabb turns 33 later this month and doesn't have many years left.

Loren: I am not sold on these qbs on the top of the draft next year. Do you think the brain trust will give Null a shot this year to prove he may be an option. He seems to have the size and good enough arm strenth. Sure would speed up our curve to respectability if we could find some gems in the later rounds.

Jim Thomas: They like the guy, to be sure. But I believe the consensus here is that Null is not ready to start. As I mentioned last week, he played at West Texas A&M _ not Texas A&M _ in college.

JJBrock: I think Spags has changed the culture. Devaney seems to have a plan. There is hope. Living in the Washington, DC area I'm seeing a team in free fall - a meddling, egocentric owner, an inept coach and GM, no master plan for improvement. Just sign high-priced free agents like this is a fantasy league. Jim, aren't the Rams at least BEGINNING the long climb back?

You should hear Sports Talk radio here. All Redskins, all the time. And it ain't pretty. Go Rams!

Jim Thomas: As we sit here right now, I don't know if I'm ready to say that this team is better than last year's team. There seem to be as many holes as ever on the roster.

ramboy81: hey jim , why don't the rams play billy bajema more over daniel fells ,he better then fells . also ruvell martin what up with are we ever going to see him this year , the last time he play the saints he had a nice day. hope we see him soon , but not over brandon gibson like that guy a steal. go rams

Jim Thomas: I think Bajema is a better blocker than Fells. But despite those two nice catches against Detroit, I don't think you can say that Bajema is a better pass catcher.

Lennon&McCartney: So Mr. Thomas...no hedging...who 'ya got?

Locker, Clausen, Bradford, or Tebow?

You're Ram's GM on Draft Day....who's your man?

Jim Thomas: Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh.

cantwaittil2012: What will the Rams have to do to win this game?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Control the clock and get a monster game from Steven Jackson against a Saints defense that has struggled against the run the past couple weeks.
2.) Create some turnovers. The Rams have only 9 takeaways this season, tied for second-lowest in the season. Brees has been responsible for eight turnovers in the Saints past 3 games.
3.) Keep the Saints defense from scoring points. It's hard enough to beat that offense, but don't give them any help. The Saints have scored 7 defensive TDs this season (3 alone by Sharper). The Rams ENTIRE TEAM has scored eight all season.

Ray R.: Jim:
Saw a graphic on MNF last night on the Steelers first round draft picks since 2000. They have nailed everyone of them. Roethlisberger, Palomolo, Holmes, Timmons, Mendenhall, etc. We have nailed one (SJax).

And why do former Rams seem to be popping up everywhere and making impacts?? Pickett, Damione Lewis, Witherspoon, Tye Hill, Chillar, to name a few. They are all starters and/or solid contributors on other teams. So do these players/draft picks just seem to excel because they are now on better teams, or is our personnel department just completely dropping the ball????

Thanks for your time

Jim Thomas: Yeah, I saw that graphic too. Pretty amazing, wasn't it?
Yeah, and see the former rams making plays elsewhere. On that score, don't forget about Anthony Hargrove either.
But I don't know how to explain it. Part of it comes from continuity in the front office and the coaching staff. The Colts know exactly what kind of player they're looking at to play slot receiver when they lose a Brandon Stokley (Austin Collie). The Steelers have been running basically the same type of defense forever. Etc. Etc. With the Rams who knows? Now if Spags and Devaney have some staying power that could be the case around here. But who knows.

corkyinpaducah: Hello, JT:

Thanks for the forum - I really appreciate it. And, I look forward to reading it every Tuesday afternoon, during the season.

We spent a third round draft choice on Greco last year, and he can't even crack the starting lineup - even when there's an injury, he's not in the picture (and, I realize he was injured himself, too). Jacob Bell (they say) is playing 'better' this year, and personally, I think Ritchie Incognito is the 'fourth' best all-round guard on the team - Setterstrom (if he could ever stay healthy) seems to run block better (rushing leaders, Minnesota Gophers, in the early 2000's) than Ritchie, without all the unnecessary attention from referees and opposing players.

So, with Greco being such a high profile pick, is this guy really (still) just in the developmental stage? OR, (especially after next year, if Incognito & Barron may possibly depart), is Greco firmly in management's plans at either right tackle, or right gurd? What's the deal with this player? Thanks JT.

Corky

Jim Thomas: Right now, I think Greco is the No. 8 o-lineman on the squad. Let's just say Barron's gone after this year and Smith moves to left tackle. I'd love to see Greco get a shot at right tackle.

CraZyRAM: Hey Jim,

Quick one: How close is the Rams-Saints game from selling out?
Will it be televised?

Jim Thomas: As of Monday afternoon, about 2,500 tickets remained. The Rams have started kind of a neat initiative to move some tickets and get the game on TV. For every ticket sold this week, the Rams will donate one to a member of the military. Tomorrow is veterans day, after all. If that works, the game will be on TV. If not, it could be blackout city.

rams2050: How unusual is it for a brand new head coach, such as Spagnuolo, to adopt a hands-off policy with regard to directing his offensive and defensive coordinators, as seemed to be indicated in your recent interview with the coach?

Are you ever given access to interview Pat Shurmur?

What is your gut feeling about Spagnuolo's supposed disengagement with Shurmur and apparent lack of interest in the direction in which Shurmur has the offense headed? Do you believe Spagnuolo is truly that blase about what's going on score-wise? Or do you get the impression that Spagnuolo, like most of the fans, would prefer a more wide open style of offense, one in which the field would be stretched at least occasionally, if for no other reason than to help unstack the box for the running attack?

Finally, any reason why the team isn't using much (if any) play action, and how unusual is that, anyway?

Jim Thomas: We talk to Shurmur and Flajole every Thursday. It's not unusual for a head coach to be relatively hands-off on one side of the ball. Mike Martz was basically hands-off on defense while head coach here. You've got to trust the people you hire. And Spags is involved with the defense. He sits in on all the meetings and as Spags put it, "chimes" in on third downs.
Again, it's fine to say let's go deep downfield. But other than Avery, when he's healthy, who else do the Rams have that can get deep?

rams26: Hi Jim -

Thanks for these chats. What do you think the reason has been that we haven't taken more shots down the field? Do think Spags should have gone with a more experienced offensive coordinator like New Orleans did with Greg Williams on the defensive side of the ball since Spags is a defensive minded coach?

Thanks!

As always.............GO RAMS!!!!

Jim Thomas: An interesting dynamic. Jim Schwartz on our Detroit conference calls a couple weeks ago said he purposely hired experienced coordinators because he was a rookie head coach. Spags went the other way. I'm sure he wants to grow with this staff and have it intact for quite some time, as was the Philadelphia model with Andy Reid. But there certainly has been some on-the-job training this year with all the first-timers.

CraZyRAM: Hello Jim,

At what percent do you have the Rams winning over the Saints?

I would have a 40% chance of winning the game. I know that is kind of high considering how the first half of the season went for both teams, but were at home(a little plus), coming off our first win(have the taste in their mouths) and thinking that the Saints come in already looking past us.
Just seeing what percent you give them.

Jim Thomas: I'd say 10%

DraftFanatic: Hi Jim,

I know it is early to talk about the draft. An it looks like we will again have a top 5 pick. But for some reason I think the RAMS will get a defensive lineman with their 1st rounder and then a QB with their
2nd(hopefully trade back up in the first to get one)

What do you think they will do?

Jim Thomas: I've got no problem with your DL then QB scenario. The question then becomes: Where do the Rams pick up an impact WR?

r a m b r o: we could have drafted d.jackson wr
same for p.willis lb
same for cromartie cb
i hope they're looking at suh and spiller very hard!!!!!
i like masoli at oregon at qb!!!

Jim Thomas: Spiller would be great, wouldn't he?

RAMFAN501: even with a blow out vs saints can u rate the improvement of the offense, defense, special teams the first half of the season. ps if any, thanks for the job u do

Jim Thomas: Offense has gotten a little better, particularly the running game.
Overall, I'm a little disappointed with the defense. Expected just a little more overall and a more aggressive approach under Spags.
Special teams is showing improvement in coverage and returns after a lot of bad mistakes early in the season (12 men on the field, Q. Butler's punt gaffe in San Fran, etc.)

Tackleberry: Jim,

While the Rams have several areas of need, how do you see them addressing the wide receiver position this off-season? Is this a top priority since they are paying the price for taking such a "relaxed" approach to it this past off-season?

Jim Thomas: They're not easy to find, but I think the Rams desperately need a No. 1 wideout.

Tackleberry: Jim,

I am total serious when I ask this question; do you see any possibility that Mike martz would ever return as offensive coordinator to the Rams? Yes, his time here ended horribly and he never should have been given full reign after such a limited period of success as OC, but this offense has sputtered since he left and there is no doubt that he has an eye for offensive talent. I guess what i am really asking is; if/when Shurmur goes will he even be considered?

Jim Thomas: Shurmur isn't going anywhere.

RhinoTLC: While no rational person would favor the Rams in this game on paper, do the following factors at least give us a long-shot to win this game?

1. Rams are at home
2. New Orleans has another hurricane to deal with
3. Saints probably are overlooking Rams to some degree due to record
4. If there is one area the Saints are vulnerable, it's to a big, bruising running game that grinds out yardage and limits Brees time on the field.
5. How many teams have ever gone 9-0?
6. The Saints have been flirting with disaster for weeks before blasting opponents in the second half. What if they wait too long to turn it on this time?
7. Bulger needs to win this game to regain the confidence of the fans.

It sounds crazy, but it just might work....

Jim Thomas: Only if you add 8.) Brees unavailable for game because of swine flu.

Ryan K: Hi Jim! Thanks for the chats! What do you think the most surprising or unexpected thing to come out of the Rams/ Saints game will be?

Jim Thomas: How about Chase Daniel getting in that game at mopup time for the Saints.

Jason K.: Is there anyone the rams scouts have been talking about and is it a better idea to take a DL in the first round like suh or Mccoy and/or the Wr Bryant and then take maybe take the Qb from cincy Pike in the 2nd round? He would have went first round if not the forearm injury.

Jim Thomas: Speaking of McCoy _ the d-lineman, not the QB _ I know some scouts (outside this building) love the guy.

Yorkshire Ram: Hey Jim,

Having read the article with Kevin Demoff yesterday, do we have numbers to back up the quote about 'paying off the credit card'. Are we to expect the Rams to make a real splash in free agency? Will we have the cap room to add several top tier free agents aswell as retaining the Atogwe's and Incognito's AND paying a high draft pick?

Thanks for your time.

Rich

Jim Thomas: I don't know if you saw the accompanying chart/graphic with the story. (It may not have appeared on-line if that's where you read the story.) But the Rams lead the league in dead money this year at $28 million. They have another $5 million invested in players currently on IR. Next year _ assuming there's a salary cap next year _ the Rams are $33 million under the cap. These numbers are all Post-Dispatch estimates, but I think they're very much in the ballpark. So yes, the Rams will have some cap room. They have a lot of their own free agents to re-sign or not re-sign. (Atogwe, Barron, Incognito, Hall, Little, McMichael to name a few.) I'm sure they will be active in free agency to a degree, but I believe Devaney is much more of an advocate of building through the draft. Free agency's good to fill a few spots each offseason, but it's not a cure-all.

Ram-o-Rama: Hi Jim,

I'll open by saying that I'm a Ram's fan and I've owned PSLs since day one. We've seen a lot of players come and go, really good players and some not so good. I'm leading up to our quarterback situation.

I've not writen about this, not a basher or anything like that, but I am getting so frustrated watching Marc Bulger that I'm getting close to the boiling point. He has no personality! I see the fire in Farve as he goes down the bench and fires up his team, Rothlesburger just last night went and complimented his O line after a quick 80 yard drive. Bulger is in love with his baseball cap and the guy with the clip board. If he were tearing em up and moving up and down the field OK but he's turned into MR. 3 and out! I guess this is my first (and last) bash on him but I'm finished with this guy.

My question is, what in the world do the coaches see in him?

I know Boller isn't the answer but he has a lot more aggressiveness about him. I guess I'm saying that to me he couldn't be any worse, and at least he's entertaining to watch. We need a new quarterback!!!

Jim Thomas: They like his accuracy, they like his intelligence, and they believe he's more competitive than might be apparent to outsiders.

JoeBacc: Jim,
I know there's nothing you love to do more than answer draft questions in November, so here ya go!

Assume we have the 3rd overall pick. Picks 1(Cleveland) and 2 (Washington)are QB's Jimmy Clausen and Jake Locker. What is the gameplan now? BPA, trade, forfeit? It seems the DT Ndamukong Suh is the consensus BPA in this situation, but can that really be a possibility? Do you realize 7 out of our last 11 (since 2001) 1st RD picks and our last 3 in a row have been linemen? Any correlation between this and our severe lack for skill position playmakers or the fact that we're just plain boring? Quite frankly I'm a little sick of D-linemen from Nebraska at this time as well.

We need excitement on this team. Players like Eric Berry and Dez Bryant would bring that to the table. Thanks for your time, Jim.

Jim Thomas: I hear you JoeBacc, but you do realize _ don't you _ that you have a defensive-oriented head coach?

stlrams99: Do you think we would be better off trading a #1 pick for Kolb? He would be a starter READY to start and quite possibly cheaper than the premaddonna first round QB who would have his learning curve. What is the likelihood of this scenario playing out?

Jim Thomas: I sure don't think you trade a top 5 overall draft pick for Kolb. Maybe a second, but not a third. And as I mentioned before. With McNabb getting up there, what makes anyone think the Eagles will move Kolb?

Fred_Dryer_Fan: Hey Jim,
Our receiving corp. is hungry, young, not very durable and average compared to a team like the Cardinals?

Agree or disagree?

Are there any big names that will be available next year that you think the Rams should go after?

Jim Thomas: Agreed.

What would you give the Cardinals for Anquan Boldin? An early third? A second? Would they trade him inside the divison? Is he worth it _ he turns 30 next year?

simonblaze: Hello Mr. Thomas, thank you for your time today sir, (1)I was wondering if you think there's a chance the rams could go defense early in the draft like a big time Defensive Tackle (given carriker's questionable future) pass rushing Defensive end, or good physical Corner to play opposite Bartell (2) What do you think will come of Adam Carriker's future with the Rams, do you think he will be given another shot? or is he on the chopping block? (3) Lets say the Rams win another 1 or 2, maybe even 3 or 4 games this year, what are the chances of a new ownership holding on to the Spags/Demoff/Devaney regime, i think they're doing a pretty good job in my personal opinion, sure there's growing pains but i hope they stay in place and are given the chance to prove themselves...

Jim Thomas: Good questions. Yes, I think the Rams could very well go defense at the top of the draft.
I could be wrong, but I think the Rams would at least like to get a look at Carriker in camp before cutting ties.
A new owner would have to eat a lot of salary if he changed out and entire coaching staff (and front ofice) after just one season. My guess is that the new regime gives Spags at least 2010.

Jeff: Vermeil saying "turd bird"....I just can't see that coming out of his mouth.

This weeks game , time to free Brandon Gibson?

Jim Thomas: It was one of his favorite sayings for anyone who was a couple pillars short of four.

handsome jimmy: D-Nice: There was talk about a new buyer for the Rams on Sunday night football do you know who or whom that may be?
Jim Thomas: There have been a lot of names floated out there; some are real some are not.

Yea, that's some really good reporting right there. Basically you are saying that you know but don't want to report it. It is a legit question, how about a legit answer wiseguy?

Jim Thomas: Sometimes I'm told things in confidence that I can't repeat. It's part of building up trust with sources. I probably shouldn't have answered the question at all.

The Chin: Chris Long is too small to play DE....that seems apparent to the average football fan. How did this pick go wrong?

Jim Thomas: Long is 6-3, 276. Jared Allen is 6-6, 270. Leonard Little is 6-3, 263. I don't think he's too small to be effective at the position.

NY Rammer: Jim
I am wondering why all the down on Bulger. I have never seen such a sub-par group of receivers in my life. Come on, look what he did when we had Bruce and Tory. Where is the anger for their releases? Why have we not picked up anyone that can actually run routes and get separation, oh and catch the ball. Marc has his faults, but he is a fantastic quarterback. I watched the Detroit game. The receivers did nothing, nothing to help them win. Jackson played his heart out and all kudos to him, but how can this kid pass to someone that is not open and then if they get open, drops the ball. If we let him go he will go somewhere else and shine a la Kurt Warner....

Jim Thomas: Warner didn't shine in '04, '05 or '06.

royearl: Is there any chance that James Laurinaitis gets a few votes for the NFC's Defensive Rookie of the Year if there is such an award? Who is his competition? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Well, Jairus Byrd for one, has 7 INTs for Buffalo. Orakpo of Washington is on pace for 11 sacks. I think Aaron Curry in Seattle will get some play. But I think Laurinatis should be a strong candidate, even on a 1-7 team.

Andrew: Hey Jim,

Would you help me understand Practice Squads? I thought in years past that some guys off of our practice squad have been signed by other teams to be part of the 53 man roster. Assuming that most practice squad guys are better than street free agents, why don�t the Rams raid the practice squads of other teams to get some help on the roster? They have done this a little lately, but it seams like they could do more.

Jim Thomas: Well, I think the Rams are always looking at other team's practice squads. And unless I'm missing somebody, they have signed three players to the active roster from other team's practice squads this season: WR Danny Amendola (Philly), OT Phil Trautwein (Cleveland), and CB Danny Gorrer (Saints).

Jeff in Iowa: Thanks for the chat JT! Sam Gado had good success in the preseason...I know it was just the preseason but I thought he showed all the signs of being a viable #2 option and of being able to spell SJ a few times a game without a drastic drop off. Why do you think that hasn't translated to the regular season? Lately it seems like Darby is seeing the field even more than him.

Jim Thomas: Don't get me wrong, Jackson deserves to get the lion's share of the touches. But I too thought Gado would be a little more involved _ he has only 10 touches this season. But the Rams haven't really had much ball control this season, and gotten into much of a rhythm. And they've trailed so much that they've had to use their two-minute offense more than they'd like (with Jackson and Darby regarded as better pass-catchers.) But neither Darby nor Gado have been used all that much, with 25 touches between them compared to Jackson's 189.

Roanoke: 10% chance of beating N.O.? Is that also the likelihood that Brees gets injured early in the first quarter?

Jim Thomas: I wouldn't wish an injury on anyone. . . .maybe just enough of a stomach flu to sideline him for three quarters!!!
(just kidding)

#10 Jake Locker: Jim Thomas: I've got no problem with your DL then QB scenario. The question then becomes: Where do the Rams pick up an impact WR?

By writing a check for $30 million dollars in the name of Vincent Jackson.

Jim Thomas: $30 million sounds low if Jackson indeed hits the market.

fred.walton: You say Null is not ready because he played at W. Texas A&M. Where did Warner play? How about Brady? Bulger played at Virginia so he is ready---is that correct?

Jim Thomas: Brady played at this small school in the Midwest. . .known as Michigan, you may have heard of the place.

When Warner started his first game in the NFL he was FIVE years removed from college, had played THREE seasons in the Arena League, ONE year in NFL Europe and has been a backup in St. Louis for ONE year. He had a little seasoning. Unconventional seasoning, but seasoning nonetheless.

David: How great was it to see former Rams doing well the last few weeks (Tye Hill, Anthony Hargrove, Will Witherspoon)?

Seriously, what is it with the Rams that they can't get anything out of their players while they're here, but seem to do okay elsewhere? Or are their recent performances just flukes?

Jim Thomas: Amazing isn't it? I don't have an answer. And don't forget TE Anthony Becht's TD catch last week for Arizona.

JoeBacc: Do you see Bulger ever coming back to bite us on the tail like the Warner-release has done? Or will Jim Haslett be giving him a call to play for the Terrifying Tuskers?

Jim Thomas: It could very well happen. Sometimes all a player needs is a change of scenery.

bopat: Do the Rams have the personnel to run a 3-4 defense? And what is up with Adam Carriker? Thanks Jim

Jim Thomas: They'd need to add some LBs. I haven't seen Carriker at Rams Park since his injury.

grimmsta642@yahoo.com: Wuzz good, Jim?

My question/statement is this: I understand the sentiments that we don't have loads of talent, but I beleive that we havde enough people to win games through the rest of the season. I believe winning a few games to get out of the top 5 spots or so, will help us salary cap wise as well as, maybe we have desirable picks to possibly make trades, etc. Am I going about things the wrong way with this line of thinking?

Jim Thomas: I think many scouts will tell you that in many drafts, the players at say No. 6 overall to No. 15 overall are just as good as those in the top five. I think that was the sentiment going into the past two drafts.

Tackleberry: Why the certainty that Shurmur is safe?

Jim Thomas: Because I think Spags is a very loyal guy, he spent a lot of time and effort putting together this staff (for better or for worse) and I just don't think he's going to pull the plug after one year.

JoeBacc: Please tell me that there were clauses in either the Witherspoon or T. Hill trade that if they play to certain expectations then we'll get a little more? How about any RFA's that other teams might be looking at and could land us another 3rd RD pick or so?

Jim Thomas: No clauses, they were straight up trades. A fifth (plus Gibson) for Witherspoon. A seventh for Hill.

With that I must go. Talk to you all next week.