RamFanInPA: Jim,
Has there been any indication from Chip on how the front office will be organized? Will there be a team president, general manager, etc? When are these positions going to be filled? These positions need to be filled soon, there will be a coaching search to take place in a little over a month! Who will compile the coaching candidate list? There is tons of work to do RIGHT NOW, who is doing it? Please don't tell me Shaw and Ziggy are going to have anything to do with this organization going forward?

Jim Thomas: My sense is that Devaney will be GM (in job if not title); I'm not sure if a team president really is needed. If not, the Rams would need someone to manage the cap and negotiate salaries.

Tshow: Jim,
Why is Chip lowering the standards for Haslett return? First it was six wins, now we hear two more (total 4). The defense has been horrible under Haslett's entire tenure in St. Louis. What indicator has he displayed to warrant any consideration? Who is going to select the next coach? Are any new FOOTBALL people going to be hired for the front office?

Jim Thomas: First let me say this. Two victories isn't necessarily a guarantee. The Rams would still have to follow Rooney Rule guidelines, and there may be some other candidates interviewed as well. The six-victory thing would have been a guarantee. I think Chip does realize that Haslett isn't working with much and the injuries have continued to mount (particularly missing Jackson for all but about 15 plays of the past 5 games).

thehammer: what's up with Carriker he's got 16 tackles in 10 games. A major dropoff from last year. If he's still hurt why play him and risk additional injury. IMO he's a 3-4 de playing out of position

Jim Thomas: Why play him? There are only 3 defensive tackles on the current roster, and one of them _ La'Roi Glover _ is playing with a bad knee. There's no one else, unless you bring up Williams from the practice squad.

djjr11854: Good afternoon Jim,

My question today centers around the defensive line. They are always pushed around by bigger O-lines and by the end of the game are worn out. My question is why are we playing a natural DE in Carriker out of the position he is most comfortable and having him play a DT? If I'm not mistaken he played DE all through college and was very good. Do you see the NEW regime next year possibly getting some BIG guys to fortify the middle of the D-Line and moving Carriker back to DE along with Long? I dream of the days when the Rams had Youngblood and Dryer on the ends creating havoc!

As always thanks for your time.. and have a great Thanksgiving!

Jim Thomas: I'm still not sure if there is a realization that this team needs to get bigger in middle of the line.

4thandJuan: Jim,
Scott Linehan got to keep his job last year largely because of the many injuries on the team. Haslett now faces just as bad an injury situation, but is there any discussion at Rams park that he deserves a similar reprieve?
Thanks. I look forward to your chats every week.

Jim Thomas: It really hasn't come up, but maybe I should do a comparison story comparing this year's injuries to last.