ramsfan1974: Hey Jim

I have seen the Rams get better each week which is a compliment to are coaching staff.(Thanks Spags) I think we need a quarterback with mobility to go to the next level. What are your thoughts? The rest of the team defense, offense ,special teams and kicking are all headed in the right direction for next year. Receiving corp of Avery, Gibson, Amendola and Robinson will do very well. Bulger is not consistent enough with his throws. He is hit amd miss at best. Sorry to bring Bulgers name up but I feel he is the part of the puzzle that doen't fit. Please comment on this. Thanks for your input every Tuesday. I look forward to it.

Jim Thomas: Sorry for the delay. There were some technical issues with our web site.
If I had to handicap it, I'd say it's better than 50-50 that Bulger won't be back next year. The problem with the QB class in the draft is that it's suddenly a muddled picture. Bradford gets hurt. Tebow has the concussion and Florida isn't nearly as prolific offensively. I've said this before, I think it's far from a slam dunk that the Rams take a QB in the first round.

biglen626: If Matt Leinart became available do you think he'd be a good investment for the rams?He did look awful Sunday but i think if he was the main man and got all the practice reps he could be a player.

Jim Thomas: I can safely say I don't think the Rams would have any interest in Leinart. He has done next to nothing as an NFL player.

stlgates: Thanks for these chats,
After yesterday's performance by Bulger and we are now 1-9 on the season will we see Boller or Null? It would be nice to see what Null has these last six games and end the QB draft debate. I think Bulger's QB rating (I think he is 38th)is enough to give Spags the right to pull him. Thanks again Jim.

Jim Thomas: Obviously, Bulger's injury changes all that. But you're not going to see Null in '09 unless Boller gets hurt as well. This is not August. You're not playing preseason games. The Rams are trying to win games. Even at 1-9, that's what the NFL is all about. Null isn't ready to play. The coaching staff and Billy Devaney feel the same way on this.

West Coast Ram: Jim,
I see many times JL in pass coverage, isn't that something more suited for an OLB?

Jim Thomas: Laurinaitis is an every down linebacker, which means you have to be able to play coverage. And when the Rams are in a Cover 2 look, with the safeties deep, it is the middle linebacker's job to take a deep drop down the middle to protect that part of the field. As good as Laurinaitis has been on run defense this season, he still has some work to do in coverage. Not just because he bites on play-action fakes, but just his awareness of what's going on around him _ backs coming out of the backfield on a delayed basis, etc.

dominic zappia: Hey Jim:
Lets be honest,the Mark Bulger era is over and we as a team have to move forward.
1)We will probably draft 2nd at the worst and we need to draft a franchise qb,if Sam Bradford was highly rated last year and couldve been number 1,why not take him now?Hes still the same player.
2)I was embarrassed on how the team played sunday,and so should the coaches and players!By the way,we need playmakers!Wow!
Great job Jim and have a great Thanksgiving holiday!!!

Jim Thomas: 1.) Bradford is the same player, only if he comes back 100 percent from his shoulder surgery. And unfortunately for the Rams, or any one else thinking of taking him, they won't get to see him throw until about 4 to 6 weeks before the draft. That's a BIG GAMBLE _ a $50M, $60M, $70 million gamble for a team.
2.) The first half was among the worst we've seen. And we've seen some bad halves over the past few years, haven't we? The Rams have to do something about their run defense and red zone offense, irrespective of talent/personnel issues.

bjf: Has this team quit on Bulger?
Will they respond positively to Boller at QB?
Will they finally play a full and positive 60 minutes?

Jim Thomas: If the team had quit on Bulger, they wouldn't have been on the Arizona 7 with a few minutes to play and a chance to tie the game.
But I do think they will respond positively to Boller. He's an energetic guy, and I think the team feeds off that.

Jim S.: thanks for the chats Jim. a quick question. On that last drive it was obvious to those who could see the close-ups of Bulger, and his eye squinting, that something was very wrong. Why didn't the coachs upstairs relay that to Spags so he could get him out of there, and why didn't Bulger himself just fall down for an injury timeout so he could get out of there. It's one thing to "man-up", but another to hurt your team if you have an injury. Bulger should have taken himself out! That last drive stood no chance!!

Jim Thomas: The same thing happened against Washington. When the Rams were down 9-7 and pinned even deeper in their territory in the final minute or so. With an injury timeout there is a time runoff that late in the game with no timeouts. Boller would've had to come in cold. I don't think it would've made that much difference, either way.

h2o_jd55: Hey JT. Would you agree that the Seattle game is a "must win" if the Rams want to win a divisional game and a home game? Players need to step up and make some plays. Has Spags given the "time to step up and make some plays" speech. Raiders and Chiefs players did it last week, time for the Rams players to do it.

Jim Thomas: Agreed. As Clifton Ryan told me yesterday in the locker room, they don't want to get to Week 15, or Week 16 in the season and still be talking about getting over the hump or turning the corner. They've got to break through and win one of these close games in order to feel like they're making progress. And if they lose to Seattle and fall to 1-10 with road games at Chicago and Tennessee next up, you wonder if the players start to give in a little, even if subconsciously.

trey: hey JT. a few questions here.

1. Jake Locker? not worth a high 1st rounder? idk, but i like this kid and his athletic abilities.

2. Terrance Cody? hes a monster. and he has dread locks. most NFL players with dread locks are super stars. seriously. it might sound dumb but im serious. i think he'll be a HUGE force. literally.

3. Pat Shurmur? ehh. do you think spags would be willing to fire shurmur after this season? or do you think he wants to keep his staff in place?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Rams are intrigued by him. Is he coming out? And is he ready for the NFL? I don't know about him as a top 5 pick.

2.) Don't know enough about him, or his hairstyle.

3.) I don't know how you can judge Shurmur based on one season, with a QB that most people think to seem is sub par and an undermanned WR corps. I would be very surprised if Spags fired Shurmur after just one season. Very surprised. Spags strikes me as a loyal guy and a guy that wants to build continuity on his coaching staff.

Jeff in Iowa: Hey JT, thanks for the chat!

First off, kudos to Bulger for playing tough. Jack Youngblood played with a broken leg and was a hero. Marc does the same and I have read some blogs critisizing him for 'wincing' near the end of the game. I find that pretty funny coming from people that probably would be unable to blog if they had a paper cut.

My question - did you ever see a replay of Goldberg's penalty? They never showed one on TV. What's your take? I saw the officials reply when you asked him about it after the game...it's hard to swallow a penalty on an offensive line for blocking somebody to the ground before the whistle had blown and the play was over. That was a huge, huge call.

Jim Thomas: I'v e never been one to doubt Bulger's toughness. He has taken a lot of shots, and I've seen some of the bruises and welts in the locker room. He doesn't have the biggest frame for an NFL quarterback, and that doesn't help him.
I have not seen the Goldberg play yet, but hope too.
I never get too worked up over officiating, but if the Rams had been a contending team, I'd have to think there would've been a huge outcry over the Goldberg call and the non-pass interferende call on Avery. Goldberg is a smart, clean, aggressive player. He was riding the defender (I think it was LB Haggans) out of the picture when Bulger stepped up in the pocket. So not only was Goldberg's back to Bulger, he couldn't see the ball coming out because his back was turned to the play as well.
Go back to the Seattle-Pittsburgh Super Bowl. The same referee Bill Leavy, made a ridiculous illegal block call against Hasselbeck in that game. Holmgren was so made that Leavy didn't work another game at Qwest Field while Holmgren was Seahawks coach.

andrew.obrian: Hi Jim,

Thanks for answering questions every Tuesday. Mine is quite simple, what do you think the priority should be for next year's draft? D-line (run stuffing dt), wide receiver, running back, or qurterback?

Thanks Jim

Jim Thomas: How about all of the above?
I know some fans don't want to hear this, but the Rams have to do something about their run defense. They need a stud on the interior. They need an outside linebacker. They need a pass rusher. Spags, remember, is a defensive-oriented head coach. But they also need to score TDs _ you can't win without 'em. They need to draft a difference maker, I mean a Pro Bowler, no matter what position he plays.

West Coast Ram: Jim,
The offense has been an issue all year, do you think it was wise for a first time head coach to select a first time OC? Can you think of an experienced OC that was not contacted that maybe should have been considered? I would think that there is no time more secure for a HC than right after being hired so I can't image this is a job security issue.

Jim Thomas: Interesting thought. I know Detroit's rookie head coach Jim Schwartz told me on the conference call before the Rams-Lions game that he purposely chose veteran coordinators (Scott Linehan on offense/Gunther Cunningham on defense) because he didn't want to have inexperienced coordinators. There certainly have been some elements of on-the-job training here at Rams Park with first-timers at head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and special teams coordinator. As for an experienced coordinator. . . .Mike Martz was available.

JB&U: As good and impressive as Brandon Gibson has been in his first two games, the Rams drafted Brooks Foster ahead of him. If the main reseason is a difference in speed than Foster should be another reliable reciever next season along with Robinson, Gibson, Avery, Martin, and Amendola. What kind of player do you see Foster being and the impact he will have on the team who seem to have a lot of depth at receiver. Also, why isn't Martin seeing more playing time in the redzone or at all since he is a big reciever who is proven himself in the NFL.

Jim Thomas: You make a good point, Foster has to be included in the mix at wide receiver next training camp. He showed some flashes of playmaking skill. And has decent size. But he needs to stay healthy. He had some injury issues in college as well. I'm not sure Martin is in the mix here next season. I get the impression the powers to be around here aren't overly impressed with the guy. Why that is, I'm not exactly sure. Also, don't forget Keenan Burton on your list of 2010 WR candidates.

trey: jim, how explosive would donnie avery be if he had another receiver on the team for defenses to worry about. he did good last year, cause holt was here. but when you move him up and hes the main focus of the receiving core things are gonna be more difficult. im sorry, but donnie Avery is anything but a bust. i actually think the rams nailed most recent picks. Jason smith looks good. Lauriniteus looks like a hit. chris long is improving and i think in his 3rd year he has a real chance to be a monster. donnie avery looks just fine to me. bradley fletcher looked ok before the injury. do you think the rams are starting to draft better?

Jim Thomas: I don't think any one is saying Avery is a bust. He's just not a No. 1 receiver. At first blush, the top of the 2009 draft looks pretty good. But it takes about 3 years to fully evaluate a draft class. We'll see.

trey: jim, how can i write steven jackson and donnie avery fan mail?

Jim Thomas: Address it to:

St. Louis Rams
One Rams Way
Earth City, Mo. 63045

Attn. Steven Jackson (or Donnie Avery)

The players have mail slots in the players lounge, so they do get letters. Some players do read and respond to fan mail.

Kenny: Jim,

Due to Bulger's injury I would guess he is done as a Ram. Next Year is now a sure need for a Quarterback, and do you think the Rams should bring in a Young Veteran QB if available or draft one this coming april.

Jim Thomas: They have a young veteran QB here right now. Let's see how Boller does the rest of the way.

sid: I have 2 questions, first, when you have the ball on the 7 and need 4 yards for a first down, why do you call a fade route twice. Don't the Rams have more play options than that, example slant or play action or even run the ball twice with SJ. And now that Bulger is injured, out 3-6 weeks do you put him on ir and if so than don't you look for a #3 back up.

Jim Thomas: Obviously, they thought the fade would work. It nearly did on third down. But knowing that they could still get a first down (at the 3), I'm surprised the Rams didn't try something else on one of the plays.
Right now, the plan is not to IR Bulger. The Rams will go with just Boller and Null this Sunday against Seattle. If they decide to go with another QB, Billy Devaney has Brock Berlin on speed dial.

Tackleberry: Jim,

Do you think that a small part of what will help this fanbase turn the corner and accept the new era of Rams football will be the retirement of Warner? It is very hard as a fan, who respected and was grateful for what Warner did in his time here, to see the constant fanfare everytime he visits St. Louis. In some cases it feels like we allow that memory to hold us back as fans because we are always measuring the team on the field against the one he used to guide. In no way do I feel that he does anything himself to further this, and yes he still is very giving in our community, but even symbolically he represents the glory of the past and we can't allow that to stymie the future.

Jim Thomas: Well stated, T-Berry. I think that's one reason why the Rams may not do any officially-sanctioned "10-year anniversary" of the '99 Super Bowl championship team. There are too many of those guys still playing _ and still playing against the Rams this season: Warner (Arizona); Bruce (San Fran); Holt (Jax); Pace (Chicago).
As much as I respect Warner the player and Warner the person, if I took my sportwriter hat off for a moment, the fan in me would say something like this: Warner no longer plays for the Rams. In fact, he plays for a team (Arizona) with an owner who didn't want to keep his team in St. Louis.

Bucky: Good afternoon Jim,

Coach Spagnuolo seems to make sure his entire roster gets coached up. I'm curious about Keith Null.

What kind of work does a 3rd string QB get during the year? Does somebody spend time with him and does he get a chance to learn and show off whatever assets he has? Will moving up to 2nd string change his weekly routine? Does Coach Spags do anything different with his third string QB than Coach Linehan might have done with Brock Berlin?

Jim Thomas: Obviously, the third string QB takes part in all of the individual drills. In team periods, however, Null works exclusively with the "scout" team, running the offensive plays of that week's Rams opponent against the Rams first-team defense. (So this week, he'll be Matt Hasselbeck, running the Seattle offense in practice.) Keep in mind, Null doesn't get all the scout team reps. When Bulger was healthy, Boller got a lot of those reps. But now that Boller is starting, Null will take all the scout team reps.
Keep in mind, it was October before Null was even comfortable operating under center. (Like many college QBs these days, he played in a spread offense, shotgun, etc.) Also, if you think Bulger had some timing and communication issues with Brandon Gibson on Sunday against Arizona, what do you think it would be like for Null, who has been throwing to Sean Walker, Nate Jones, etc. on the scout team all fall?

ramsman77: Thank You Mr. Thomas for answering my questions I really enjoy reading these articles of questions each week! What are the chances the Rams bring in Jeff Qarcia for the rest of the season? Why is Ruvell Martin never playing at all?

Jim Thomas: Don't think so on Garcia. The Rams are standing pat this week _ with just 2 QBs. If they sign a third, GM Billy Devaney told me it would almost certainly be Brock Berlin, because he knows the system. With almost anybody else, by the time he learned the system, the season would be just about over.
As for Ruvell Martin, he missed a few weeks with hamstring injuries, and other guys (Gibson included) passed him up. Martin was on the field for about five or six plays against Arizona and caught one pass.

rams26: Hi Jim -

Tough news about Bulger! I know he wasn't liked much. But it is sad to see someone go out like that! I wish him the best in his future endeavors!! Do you think we will sign another quarterback? Thoughts??

Thanks!

GO RAMS!!!!!!!

Good luck Mark!

Jim Thomas: Not this week. If they do in succeeding weeks, it'll be Brock Berlin.

sam_crecelius: Jim, thanks for your time every week. I've finally decided that the anti-Bulger camp is right, this guy is never going to be any kind of leader. We need someone competitive, with some fire. You know, the sort of guy who will play through pain - like a sore groin, concussion symptoms and a fractured shin. All the Rams need is to find a guy like this, and all of our other problems will just go away!

In all seriousness, what is Bulger's salary next year? Any indication from the front office about re-negotiating his contract to bring him back one more year? I think we can all at least agree that Bulger has not warranted paying $6 million, or whatever he is due under his current contract for next year. But I would say he might be worth keeping for $1 or $2 million, while we groom a frnachise sort of guy (2nd-4th round this coming draft...).

Jim Thomas: Bulger is due to make $8.5 million in base salary next season and count $10.5 million against the cap if there is one. I feel safe in saying that Bulger wouldn't take a drastic pay cut to stay here.

stlfourlife53: Hi Jt, I have five questions to ask you and I want your honest opinion. Thank You!

1. Who do you think WILL be the Rams QB in 2010 and who do you think SHOULD be their QB in 2010?

2. How do you grade the Rams young WR's (Robinson, Avery, Gibson, Burton, Amendola) and do you think they have the talent that can force the Rams not to spend a high draft pick or pay top dollars for another WR?

3. Do you think the Rams will go hard after the TE Tony Scheffler this offseason if the Broncos dont resign him or franchise tag him?

4. After watching what how the Cardinals looked in the 2nd half of the game without Warner, how do you see the Cardinals for a full season without Warner if he decides to retire this offseason?

5. Extending the previous question. The Seahawks are looking like the Rams looked a few years ago so I think they are on the downfall, and the 49ers are unpredictable, so with all that said, if the Rams can put together another good offseason and continue to develope, with the NFC West possibly being wide open next season or very soon, do you think the Rams could possibly win the division as early as next season?

Jim Thomas: 1.) I'm going to cop out on this one. Locker, Tebow, McCoy, Bradford all intriguinging to me, though.

2.) Add Foster to the mix. I give them a D for durability (or lack thereof). It's fine to look at their potential and project optimistically about the future. But what are the odds that even three of the six of them will make a full 16 games next season?

3.) Don't know. But I think it's more than 50-50 that McMichael won't be back.

4.) If Leinart is the QB, they're a 6-10 team.

5.) Yeah, but haven't we been saying this for a couple years now?

superfan24: Jim,
What do you think about the scenario of either drafting McCoy or Suh in the first round and either Colt or Sam in the 2nd round if they fall that far. Now that Bulger is out I do not think Boller gives the Rams a better chance to win. I think we can definitley beat the seachickens. How about the Bears? Also what about drafting Golden Tate?
Thanks for your time.
Brian from Chicago

Jim Thomas: Suh AND Colt or Sam? Where do I sign up?

morebasketballneeded: Do you think we can trade the Rams for the Memphis Grizzlies?

Jim Thomas: Hey the NFL is still the NFL. Even bad NFL. Nothing against the puckheads, but I'd much rather trade the Blues for the Grizzlies.

Encino: Now that Bulger is hurt, I'm sure that a vast majority of Rams fans want the coaches to give Null some significant playing time so we can see if he indeed has a future with this team. Do you agree that Null should play?

Jim Thomas: He's not ready.

Rambunctious: With Bulger likely having played his last game for the Rams, our best chance of winning against Seattle next Sunday would be to play Boller. If Marc has played his last game for us, then we'll have to find a qb next year. Do you think Boller has any chance of being re-signed? If the answer is no, then we'll need to find 2 qbs next year - perhaps one in the draft, and one in FA. Your thoughts on this scenario?

This begs the question (from my viewpoint anyway) what about Null? I realise he hasn't been getting 1st team reps, but shouldn't he now? I've heard the argument that inserting Keith would be a signal to the team, Spags has given up on the season .. Hello! We aren't going to the playoffs. Both Bulger and Boller are likely gone at the end of our season. At some point doesn't it make sense that Null should be given a chance to play in a couple of games to see what we have or don't have? Couldn't he be coached up enough to play in our last 2 or 3 games this season?

Thanks in advance!

Jim Thomas: Sure Boller does. The last time we saw Boller, the Rams did put up 400 yards against Minnesota (4 tos, 3 of them in the red zone did the Rams in.)

No on Null. As one of my Rams Park media colleagues has mentioned, about the best thing Null has going for him at this point seems to be absence of failure.

Rich: Greetings Mr. Thomas,

With Bulger suffering yet another injury that will cost him significant time, I see this as the last time we will see him in a Rams uniform.

However, the question now becomes when do the Rams pull the trigger in next years draft on the QB of the future.

In my opinion how well Boller plays will go a long way in determining that question. If he does well enough, the Rams can afford to wait until round two or three. However, if he plays as bad as he did during a couple of games this season, the Rams may not have a choice, but to take one of the top rated signal callers in round one.

Thanks again for these chats.

Jim Thomas: I think you're exactly right, Rich. If Boller plays well down the stretch, he could be the so-called bridge quarterback here, while a second_ or third-round pick gets a year or two to develop.

Playmaker: Call me crazy, but I like the Rams depth chart entering Spring 2010 Mini-Camps. Robinson and Gibson as your outside guys and Avery and Amendola as your slot guys. Brooks Foster could be your 5th WR. Is there a bonified #1 WR amongst this group? No. But the Eagles have had one of the best records in the NFL this decade with no real #1 WR. Same thing goes for the Patriots in their 3 Super Bowl wins.

Jim Thomas: There are people in the Rams' personnel department who feel exactly this way, Playmaker. But it's just one train of thought. There are also people in the building who believe a true No. 1 is needed. (Dez Bryant???) And this will be part of the discussion for the Rams in plotting their offseason strategy.

Joe: Why are Rams unable to exploit the oppositions defensive strategies with 8 or 9 men in the box (to stop #39), with play action passes and check down routes?

Jim Thomas: Well, they did to some degree against New Orleans. Versus Arizona? Not so much. I think at the end of the day, it gets back to the receiving corps.

khill200837: Jim what is your thinkng on the wide receivers that we have picked up this season? Do you think we could get chase daniels from the saints?

Jim Thomas: Amendola has quickness, toughness, and separation skills. Is he good enough to be a full-time slot receiver or No. 3 on a winning NFL team? (Not sure) Is he big enough to withstand the pounding of a full NFL season. (Not sure _ he got knocked out of the Detroit game.)
Gibson has good hands, and some yard after the catch ability? Is he good enough to be a No. 2? (Not sure)
Don't think the Rams have any interest in Chase.

donsods: JT--Chris Long seems to be turning into a Grant Winstrom typr of player. Since I could catch the game, I am curious if his sack came from the DE position or as a DT in the all DE package.

Jim Thomas: Long no longer is playing inside in the four DE pass-rush package. Several games ago, I think right around the Jax game or so, the Rams starting putting him outside in the pass-rush package, moving James Hall inside. The sack was at DE, and funny you should mention Wistrom, it reminded me of those vintage Wistrom sacks where he kept going, going, going, kept the play alive, and ended up dropping the quarterback.

uffda3113: Thanks for the chats Jim!

Any idea how the schedule makers will decide the 2010 and beyond schedule? Do you think they'll set it up like last time and go out 10 years or do you think they may go shorter due to possible expansion?

Jim Thomas: The scheduling format is set up years in advance on a rotational basis. (Only two games depend on how the Rams finish in the division.) In 2010, the entire AFC West (4 games), the entire NFC South (4 games), their 6 games against the NFC West, plus one game against the NFC East and one against the NFC North depending on how the Rams finish. (In other words, if the Rams end up finishing fourth in the NFC West, they would play the fourth-place NFC East team (currently Washington) and the fourth-place NFC North team (currently Detroit).

Here's how 2010 shaped up, homw and away.

HOME: Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, San Diego, NFC East.
AWAY: Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Oakland, NFC North.

On paper, it's an easier schedule than '09.

They just do not win: Are the Rams any better 10 weeks into the season than they were on opening day?

Jim Thomas: Yes. But I'm not sure there any better at this point of the season than they were at the end of '08, when they were losing close week after week.

Fred_Dryer_Fan: Senor Jimbo,

No disrespect toward the best player on our team [Mr. Jackson] but...

Has anybody spoken to Gado or Darby about there reduced roles this season? Are they both just happy to have jobs in this economy?

Personally I'd like to see players who are asking for the ball; that are hungry to get in the game.

Jim Thomas: Jackson has 250 touches this season, more than any player in the NFL. How much work would you like him to get?

JoeBacc: Think Boller finds a sudden Vince Young type of being and we win out? 'Cause I think we're losing out 'til the 2015 season.

Jim Thomas: 2015??? Geez. I hope it doesn't take that long.

Fred_Dryer_Fan: Jim,

Quick one: What's the rule when a team is out of Time-Outs and a player is hurt? Are they still allowed an injury time-out?

Would have it been possible for Bulger to just lay down after that hit on the last drive to A.) Stop the Clock, B.) Give time to substitute?

Jim Thomas: Here's the rule:

A team cannot buy an excess time out for a penalty. However, a fourth time out is allowed without penalty for an injured player, who must be removed immediately. A fifth time out or more is allowed for an injury and a five-yard penalty is assessed if the clock was running. Additionally, if the clock was running and the score is tied or the team in possession is losing, the ball cannot be put in play for at least 10 seconds on the fourth or more time out. The half or game can end while those 10 seconds are run off on the clock.

Since the Rams were trailing, there would have been a 10-second runoff.

Thrasher: Dear Jim, Thanks for taking the time each week to provide both a forum and insight on the team. The King is dead, long live the new King.

Today we learned Marc Bulger broke his leg. The fracture may have happened against New Orleans. He also suffered another, or near, concussion during the Cardinals game. Kurt Warner went down from a hit by our safety, and suffered another concussion. Both of these quarterbacks have played at amazingly high levels for many years and suffered through tremendous low periods along the way.

Both men are classy guys and deserve credit for being great people first and excellent quarterbacks second. Marc's low is in progress, while Kurt climbed out of the hole by traveling to other franchises. No one will ever confuse these two and their styles of play with Joe Montana or Peyton Manning, but neither Kurt and Marc was afforded the stable franchise and players for the long periods of time Joe and Peyton found during their careers. The passing accuracy Marc and Kurt both possess is phenomenal, and I thank them both for bringing such skill to the games they have played over the years. Really, both are two of the finest pure passers the league has ever seen.

I think back to a game (one of the very last the Rams were showcased on national TV for a Monday night) against the Colts. The Rams were huge underdogs, but Bulger came out with unerring accuracy, and the Rams built a large lead, only to have Bulger knocked out of the game after an interception under pressure. The hit was delivered on the return, and was a cheap shot. The game was over from that point on, and really the Rams have never been the same since. There is no Ike, Torry, Ricky and Az-Hakim to throw to behind Orlando and the Doughnut Brothers wall of protection. Time and heavy hits take their heavy toll on players and teams.

I find it such an amazing coincidence that Kurt Warner and Marc Bulger both were hurt during this last Rams game, and that the injuries will certainly affect them both in big ways going forward. I hope Kurt is alright. I hope he remembers the names of his kids and can hold a glass of water this week without it shaking in his hand. I truly believe there will be very few games left for him after this latest head injury. Enough is enough and he has a marvelous legacy and things to do after football as an amazing ambassador of goodwill. I hope Marc gets the new chance he deserves under a stable team with good tools surrounding him. Rams fans will certainly see him light it up again given that opportunity.

For now Rams fans, it is Kyle Boller. I can tell you as a devoted UC Berkeley alum and follower of Cal Bears football for a very long time there is no tougher guy than Boller. He has suffered through many of the same bad timing events that surround so many players in so many sports today. He had a different coordinators and coaches every year during his Berkeley days. Baltimore needed an instant quarterback and he was not the instant quarterback for Brian Billick. In another ironic development the year they let Billick go was the year a new coach developed an instant pro quarterback in Joe Flaco.

Now it St. Louis this may be Kyle Boller's last shot at becoming the starting QB many have believed him capable of since he wowed high school stadiums years ago in Southern California. Nothing will shake him. He has a one of the most powerful arms in the league, and airing it out to Amendola, Gibson and Avery these remaining weeks should be fun to watch. He does not have Marc Bulger accuracy (almost nobody does) but he does give our line and team at this juncture better mobility to find people down field on broken plays.

I know this is a much better Rams team than any in the last three years. The record may not indicate it right now, but the Rams have faced one of the toughest schedules that any team in the NFL this year has come up against. We now have some interesting opponents who are all facing their own miseries at this juncture of the season with Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco, Tennessee, Houston and Arizona left. Of those games only Arizona and Houston will make the playoffs. I think there are three or four wins for this Rams team going down the stretch, because this is a team for the first time in many years. The new coach deserves a huge amount of credit for making this dramatic improvement. There is a lot to look forward to as this season winds down. Fans need to get a grip, and realize change has happened. Our team is headed in the right direction, and we a very close to getting back to the top of our division where the Rams belong. The Colts were a miserable franchise for almost two decades that even Eric Dickerson in his prime could not save. Stable management and commitment to the team made the difference. We have that now with this new Rams organization.

The King is dead, long live the new King.

Jim Thomas: Some interesting reading here. . . .

BillP.: Hey Jim, I've heard you mention that at Rams park that there are some allies for Tim Tebow. Do you know if there is any support for Sam Bradford as well? Thanks and Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jim Thomas: The only thing I've heard about Bradford here is concern over his injury. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

JoeBacc: Now, Jim, you didn't really think that you could get through today w/o "Start Null" rant did you? I promise you. This Sunday, flunk or not, Null will fill up the stadium. Boller will make fans travel to LA for the weekend to find the best route for the next time they want to see a Rams game!

Jim Thomas: Well, we'll never know about that stadium filling up. Because Null is not starting.

Organic Meatbag: Hey Jim,

Care to hedge any bets on how long it will take the city of St. Louis to turn on Boller and call for his burning at the stake over the next 6 weeks? I'm betting 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter this Sunday...

Jim Thomas: Funny. Maybe we should start a first boos for Boller pool.

KOI: JT,

Man, this season is getting comical. This team can find more ways to LOSE than any team I've ever seen. Is it now 5-37 the last 42? Can they win another game? Or are they better off losing all of them and getting the first pick in the 2010 draft?

Jim Thomas: Actually, they're 6-36.

sam_crecelius: Jim, thanks for answering our questions!

How many wins can you imagine the rest of the season? I think this team can beat the Seahawks, and maybe the Niners. Long shot to beat the Cardinals in Arizona (maybe they sit Warner if they have the division wrapped up?). It was looking like Tennessee would be a win, but they're looking pretty good right now... Houston seems to find ways to lose games, but then again, so do we. And Chicago - Jay Cutler, meet OJ Atogwe! So, I can reasonable (albeit very optimistically) see 3-4 wins the rest of the way. I know it's optimistic, but would you say I'm completely nuts?

Jim Thomas: Not completely nuts, maybe about 85 to 90 percent nuts. I'd say my over under is 2 more wins.

Rolland Larson: It seemed obvious to me in the last five minutes, or so, of last Sundays's game with Arizona that quarterback Bolger was severely injured. He could barely keep his eyes open and appeared to be in a daze. I think his coaches should be penalized for allowing him to be in the game.

Jim Thomas: What you're talking about occurred in just the last minute following the Dockett sack. At that point, with no timeouts, there wasn't much that could be done.

Ozy Rams Fan: Hi Jim,

I just want to say thanks to Marc Bulger and all he did for Rams Football. I think he was hard done by many fans. Look at the injuries he was playing with at the end of Cards game. I hope it isn't his last game for us, but if it is, I hope he end up in green pastures like kurt did. Just remember these are the same people who helped run Mike Martz out of town and look what we got as a result.

Jim any chance the Rams try and redue Bulger contract so he stays ? I hope so.

OZY

Jim Thomas: I think if the Rams approached Bulger about redoing his contract, he'd say, something along the lines of, I'd rather have a chance to play somewhere else and get a fresh start.

ramsfanKevin: Jim,

Do you think the Ram's defense at the completion of week 11 of the NFL is better than last years at the same point in the season?

Same for the offense....is the current team more capable of putting up points as compared to last year at the same point in the season?


I have mixed feelings. I believe the offensive line is playing better; has more depth than last season. Steven Jackson has certainly been more of a threat. However I would take last years wide receivers over this years if I wanted to win a game today.

Anxious to see your comments.

Ramsfan Kevin

Jim Thomas: Granted, the Rams have played one of the toughest schedules in the league to date. I believe their opponents have a combined record of 60-40 at this point. (I'm speaking of the opponents they've already played.) Let's just go by the numbers on this one. Last year after 11 games, the Rams were ranked 30th in total defense, 29th in run defense and 24th in pass defense. This year, they are 29th in total defense, 28th in run defense, and 24th in pass defense. Kind of scary, huh? Last year, the Rams had 13 takeaways in 10 games; this year they have 14. The Rams are doing better on points allowed, however. They gave up 317 points thru 10 games last year compared to 270 this year.

Offensively, last year the Rams were 29th overall, 25th in rushing, and 28th in passing thru 10 games. This year: 26th overall, 13th in rushing (a big improvement over '08) and 22nd in passing offense. The Rams had committed 18 turnovers in 10 games last year; they've committed 18 in 10 games this year as well! But their points scored is down _ 113 this year compared to 144 in 10 games last year.

UP North Ram Fan: Jim

Have you heard if the Rams are going to pick up a replacement for Bulger for the next few games or stand pat on just 2 QBs? Even though he has not played well over the last two seasons and the talk of the Cardnal game being his last, do you see any one out there they can pick up better than him that will be avalible next year? I don't see much out there.

Thanks and Happy Thanks Giving to you and your family hope the cadets are doing well!

Jim

Jim Thomas: As mentioned earlier, it will be just Boller and Null this week. Berlin is on speed dial if the Rams decide to go with a third QB. I'm not sure if there's anyone better than Bulger out there right now for 2010 and beyond. But the Rams obviously will explore all possibilities either via the draft, trade or free agency.
Go ARMY!!! Beat NAVY!!!!

bigmatth67: Who is the best college football prospect at this point, regardless of position? Will the rams draft group base this draft more on talent or need by position?

Jim Thomas: A lot of people think the best prospect, pound-for-pound may be the Tennessee safety (Berry) The Rams will draft by talent. And lets face it, they could use talent at a lot of positions. The higher you are in the draft, the more dangerous it is to reach for need. With that I must go. Sorry for the late start. Happy Thanksgiving to all, and talk to you next week.