James in San Jose: Jim,

I hate to nit-pick at Linehan's play-calling after he finally implemented a smart game plan. But...what was up with those red-zone fade patterns to Holt? He's simply not tall enough to go get the ball, especially with that bad knee. When they throw it to Bennett, it's a td.

Overall, I thought this was the first game all year that the Rams outcoached their opponents, do you agree?

Jim Thomas: I would say the game plan against San Francisco was pretty good as well, although sacks and turnovers (one by Holt, and one by D. Hall) helped limit the offense to just 16 points.
Although, I agree with what you're saying in theory. . . .
That quick slant to Holt has worked for at least a couple of touchdowns this year. It was well-defended this time, which might explain why Bulger threw it a little behind him.
Holt was open on another of those fades, but Bulger overthrew the pass by a couple of feet.

Amy: Hey Jim, How much of a relief was it coming out of the bye week for Marc Bulger to go out and have the kind of game he did? He put up the best numbers of the season by far, not to mention he got his 100th touchdown pass of his career.

~Amy

P.S. I loved his honesty at the end of the game.

Jim Thomas: Geez Amy, I didn't even know it was No. 100. It was great to see Bulger play like that. It was vintage Bulger, in fact. As I mentioned in my game story, his completion percentage of 81.8% was a career-best. You could see the relief on Bulger's face afterwards. He was as healthy as he's been in weeks _ maybe since September _ and I think that helped, too.

Johnny: Jim,
I need you to pass on a message and tell Dave in Atlanta to stop hogging all the questions. This is serious business we're talking here. Next, I wanted to comment on Chavous. I didn't go over the game, but was he pretty much to blame for part of that 4th quarter meltdown. I hope he's not around next year. Do you know of any SS that will be a free agent after this year worth bringing in?

Jim Thomas: Actually, Witherspoon _ despite all the great things he did in the game _ had one coverage bust that resulted in a big play for New Orleans, so I don't know why you're singling out Chavous. Had the referees made the correct call on the Bush fumble, that would have ended one touchdown drive as well.
The Rams still like Chavous' leadership ability _ his Saturday night speech helped rally the team. But I would agree with you that they probably need better play at that position. I think they'd like to draft someone to groom as his replacement in a year or so.

John Trowling: Jim,

Thanks for taking questions. Finally a win. What has become of Marques Hagans? Has he fallen behind Brandon Williams on the depth chart? Also, no kick or punt returns? Have the Rams given up on him?

Thanks.......John

Jim Thomas: J.T.--As I mentioned earlier, I think Linehan is going to Williams over Hagans because Williams has done it before in the league (last season). I too, would like to see what Hagans could do as a return man. I think the staff was a little underwhelmed with what Hagans did as a receiver a couple of games back (he had some drops and missed out on what could have been some big plays). I just wonder if a couple of games is enough to form a definitive opinion.

BigDude: Your TSN report lost me. Please provide specific examples of how Atogwe has grown this year. He is still too often out of position on passing situations, and I have yet to see him lay the wood on anybody during his time as the starting FS. He isn't a thumper and he lacks instincts. What have you seen that makes you think differently?

Jim Thomas: I don't know how much of what I sent into TSN actually got in, but I don't think I ever said the guy was Ronnie Lott. But he is tied for third on the team in tackles (54) behind LBs Witherspoon and Tinoisamoa; he shares the team lead in INTs, and shares the team lead in forced fumbles. So he's hardly a bum and plays with some aggression and attitude. I think I spent a good part of that report talking about how he needs to strike lower when tackling and that he gets in trouble occasionally by going for the ball when he's the first tackler on the scene. As for being a thumper _ did you see his hit on Marques Colston, the one that resulted in the personal foul penalty on Atogwe? I don't know, it looked like a pretty hard hit to me. I'd hate to be on the receiving end.
Lastly, my observations were based not just on watching the games from the press box, but consultation with coaches, and spending about 5 to 6 hours each week watching game tape. So that's where I'm coming from. Just wondering, what are your observations based on?