fliswtr: Hi Jim,
I'm a Ram fan, this is a down year (to say the least), the team has gone through bad times before and like before the off season brings a feeling of hope and anticipation sort of like the holiday season that is approaching. Although it's always fun to go through the mock draft lists and wonder what it would be like to pluck several all-americans from college and plug them into the line-up, I think it's even more intriguing this off season to speculate on the front office jobs and coaching jobs. Jim, any idea who's out there that can steer this team forward and bring a new identity to this organization? Anyone willing and able, and up to this reconstruction task? In keeping with the holiday spirit who will be the three wise men choosen to lead this team (GM,President, and Head Coach)?

Jim Thomas: It really looks like Billy Devaney will be given a chance as the GM, and based on what we've seen so far, he deserves the chance.
The head coach is trickier. I get the feeling that Chip Rosenbloom likes Jim Haslett, and would like to make him the head coach. But it's not going to happen unless the team wins a couple of games (as I reported in Tuesday's paper), and plays much more competitive football. For whatever reason, I just don't see that happening at this point.
There will be a lot of head-coaching openings this season. Guys like Cowher, Schottenheimer and Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be in high demand. For one, why would high-profile candidates like that want to come to St. Louis given all the options that could be out there? For another, can the Rams afford to shell out big bucks for Cowher and Schottenheimer. After that, it looks like you're rolling the dice on another unproven coordinator, or a retread (Fassell, Billick, etc.).

kerman Ram fan: Hey Jim a lot of fustrated Ram fans feel maybe they should try to trade S. Jackson for a blockbuster deal like they did with Eric Dikerson, to get players and daft picks. I personally dont want to trade our only real offensive weapon, but there is some dead weight on the tean (Drew Bennet,Klopfenstein)any chance of getting them loose, to save money and go after better player

Jim Thomas: Since Jackson just signed a big money contract with the team, any trade would have cap ramifications that would be prohibitive.

Kevin: Jim
any chance th rams will look at scott peoli from new england these guys up here are using up their depth chart and still winning they must know talent. The guys they plug in produce

Jim Thomas: And why, exactly, would Peoli want to come here?

Michael Gordon: jim, please tell me carriker and witherspoon are struggling because of injuries not because they are bad footballers. It is beyond belief that guys that are talented can play that bad. in your reckoning, how many starters on each side of the ball will be the same now, as they are come opening day 2009?

Any chance we hire a coach or players that are used to winning and WANT to win? For a team with so many supposed high character leaders (chavous, holt, carriker, long, draft, pace) to collapse is a farce.....

Jim Thomas: Carriker began the season coming off a serious shoulder surgery that was maybe 85 percent healthy. He's been playing with a bad ankle the past few weeks. Witherspoon's shoulder has been a problem much of the season; now he's got both shoulders bothering him. Plus the Rams have finally come to the realization that he's playing out of position.
As for how many starters will be back, that depends on who's the head coach. I would say off the top of my head that at least eight of the 22 could be changed.

Steve B.: Jim:
As always, thanks for the chats.
There's been a lot of talk that the Rams might use their first round draft choice to take one of the elite offensive tackles. If they do, do you think they cut Pace?
What are the cap ramifications if big O is cut?

Jim Thomas: Strange as it may have sounded a couple years ago, I think it is possible that Pace could be released or traded. He has three years left on his contract, but there is no proration of signing bonus in the last two years. What that means is that there's "only" a $3 million cap hit if he leaves.

Steve B.: Jim:

Is Incognito an unrestricted or restricted free agent next year? I read that he was a RFA, but since he was a third round draft choice four years ago shouldn't he be unrestricted?
thanks.

Jim Thomas: Incognito will be an RFA. Even though he was drafted four years ago, his first year did not count towards free agency because he began the year on the PUP list (physically unable to perform) and never played in a game.

lynyrd: Jim, First of all I'd like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season, especially Cadet Thomas who I trust is doing well.

My question concerns Adam Carriker. What's happened to this guy? I was checking his stats for the year and his production has been abysmal. In 10 games he has 12 tackles (11 solo) and no sacks and in the past three games he has exactly ONE tackle.

I remember reading an article last year during training camp (don't recall if it was written by you or not) about how after a scrimmage with Minn. then Coach Linehan approached Matt Birk, the Vikings Pro Bowl center, and asked him his opinion of Carriker. Birk's reply was that the kid was a handful and Carriker went on to have a solid rookie season especially considering that we were moving him all over the place on the D-line. He was definitly considered to be an up and comer and expected to continue to improve especially if he could settle in at just one position.

Than he hurt his shoulder (torn rotator cuff I believe) but that he was expected to be at full strength by training camp. Having had rotator cuff surgery myself on both my shoulders I found that hard to believe at the time and continue to believe that his shoulder isn't 100%.

What's your take on this Jim? From all accounts the kid's a humper and wants to be the best he can be (unlike a lot of his teammates) so what's the problem? Am I on to something here or is it that Adam's just another very limited player who we grossly overestimated?

Thanks again for holding these chats Jim, I never miss a one.

Jim Thomas: See my earlier post on Carriker. Also, since the ankle injury, he has been playing only about 30 snaps per game.

lynyrd: Jim, Did you ever ask Jacob Bell why he's lost 15-20 lbs.? Thanks again!

Jim Thomas: Have not. But plan to at some point.

OCRich: 1. How much of a cap hit will the Rams absorb when (I said "when" and not "if") they cut Trent Green?
2. Let's say the Lions play the Rams this weekend. Who wins? (Besides the fans who don't watch.)
3. Do you ever sit back and just laugh at the ineptitude you witness week in and week out with this team?

Jim Thomas: 1.) $1.4 million if cut by June 1.
2.) Please. Got to go with the Lions.
3.) It's sad, actually, to see it come to this.

smackuprams: with all the writing about the rams players how bad they are and such.....do any of them come to you and say things,like you got me all wrong,you don;t see the big pic.,your not fair and things like that.....ty

Jim Thomas: Sometimes I do.

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.

ctramsfan: Jim, what areas are the Rams going to address in free agency? I realize that they basically have holes everywhere, but based on the talent that is available for certain positions, (plenty of talent in the LB, CB,and OT groups),what positions do you think they will address in free agency?

Thx for your time Jim

Jim Thomas: That's a very broad question. Keep in mind, it's a moving target. 1.) Roughly one-third of the season remains, and as ludicrous as it may sound right now, players still have the ability to play themselves on or off the 2009 roster over these five weeks. 2.) The free-agent list at the start of March won't look anything like the current list. Most of the top names will either re-sign with their club or be franchised. For example, does anyone really think the Titans will let Haynesworth walk? 3.) The dynamic changes with a new head coach, who may run a different system. For example: What if a new guy runs the Cover 2; or runs a 3-4? 4.) It depends on who they re-sign from their own list of free agents. Right now, five of the top seven players in the secondary are scheduled for unrestricted free agency. Obviously, their needs change here if they re-sign _ or don't re-sign _ a Bartell and/or Atogwe.
Saying all that as I've said last week, the Rams have needs at almost every position. They need at least one offensive tackle, possibly two; they need a center. They need a middle linebacker. They need a STRONG No. 2 at running back. They need a strong safety. They need a wide-body DT. They need a cornerback. They need a fullback. They need a qb of the future.

Newkirk: Jim,

If can jump ahead to the draft (looking for optimism here), are there any can't-miss linemen like an Orlando Pace or Warren Sapp out there? Rams will probably have a top 5 pick, so...

Jim Thomas: Don't know about the next Warren Sapp. But this is shaping up as a very good year for offensive tackles.

Jeff in Iowa: Hi Jim, thanks for hanging in there!

Just a quick note to disdain the 'giving up and giving in' labels I've seen from some media and some fans. Is this team playing horribly right now? Absolutely...I've watched every play of every game (yes, I'm a glutton for punishment) and I haven't seen anyone give up on a play since Fahkir Brown in game 3. I understood why Linehan cut him. Missing tackles and missing assignments are an issue but not for lack of trying. The recent critisms of Richie I seem a little absure do to me. Fans want to cut him or suspend him because he hurt their feelings by cupping his hand to his ear? Good Grief...get over it. Corey Chavous was a scapegoat for a long time and I have no problem saying I admire his grit and hard nosed play. He is not the best safety in the league any more but he is there every single game and playing hard. Did you know in the last five years he has 92 more tackles than Bob Sanders?

This team has a lot of holes obviously and has a lot of work to do but in the NFL, turn-around has been proven over and over again it can happen in a hurry. I really like Billy Devaney...I hope he is put in an even bigger position of authority and decision making in the very near future. What are your thoughts on the chances of that?

Jim Thomas: Geez, a voice of reason in the wilderness. I think Devaney will get that chance.

JustME: One more question Mr. Thomas.

Have the Rams even approached the agents of Bartell and Atogwe?

Jim Thomas: To my knowledge, they have not.

huh2bye: Did Jim Haslett play a big part in shaping the defense and in defensive personnel choices between his and Bill Devaney's arrivals?

Jim Thomas: That's a very good question. And my short answer is: Not as much as you might think. Just a couple of quick examples. Chavous obviously was a Linehan guy. Haslett liked Ryan Pickett a lot. Haslett didn't even know the Rams were interested in Alston when they drafted the undersized LB in the third round. But I think Haslett was very pro Tye Hill.

knuckles: Jim....thanks for responding to our vents. By my assessment, the Rams have ~ 30 players that should be retained due to their adequate performance or because the salary cap damage would be too severe if they were released. That means the OTHER 30 or so players need to be cut loose and replaced IMHO. Realistically, can a club dump that many guys in a single off season? Also, could the PD publish the Rams roster along with the individual player salaries, contract status, terms and cap implications? This will allow fans to see the big picture and to weigh future options intelligently. If not, where can I find that info?

Jim Thomas: Such a big turnover isn't as unusual as you would think. For example, I believe only 25 players on the current Miami roster were on the team next year. Most teams, even in normal conditions turn over about one-third of their roster each season.
You raise a good point about player salary info; maybe we can think of someway to present that at the PD at the start of the offseason. I'm not aware of any one site on the Internet that provides reliable info. (I keep my own records.)

NYC Rams Fan: Hi Jim,

Dark times in St. Louis yet again. Three brief questions:

1. You've said that when Shaw and Zygmunt leave after this year, Devaney will likely move to the GM spot. Will Softli move up to Devaney's spot, or will the Rams look outside? That said, where do the Rams look for Shaw's replacement?

2. What's the insider view about the Rams training and conditioning? It seems it's yet another year where we lose a lot of players to injuries. Are they poorly conditioned, or are these simply the standard injuries that conditioning won't prevent?

3. The Rams players proved able to play for 3 weeks after Linehan got fired. What changed in them over the last 4 weeks? I refuse to believe that they simply "dug deep" to compete against Washington, Dallas and New England. They had to have talent when they played those teams, and Haslett says it's not about effort. Is Steven Jackson really the only difference?

Jim Thomas: 1.) I think Devaney likes Softli as a college scouting director.
2.) A tough one to answer, but overall it doesn't look like the fittest team to me. I think the team has to examine every aspect of their injury situation. Once again, it seems like they've had more than their share.
3.) This is the million-dollar question. And I honestly don't know how to answer it. Sure, Jackson is a big factor. But Jackson has nothing to do with missing tackles and getting pushed around on defense.

stlouieram41: Do you think Haslett, REALLY even wants the job? This team is a trainwreck, and I see no light at the end of this tunnel. I know teams can turn it around in a big hurry these days, but we are talking about the WORST St. Louis team EVER!, maybe even L.A.

Jim Thomas: Yes, he does want the job. He likes St. Louis. He wants to be a head coach together. He works well with Devaney. And although it may seem like insanity to say so right at this moment, things are never as bad as they look or as good as they look with a team.

Mark Riordan: Rediculous.... We need less government in our lives, not more. We are training our children to be good soldiers... is this what Hitler did?

Jim Thomas: Uh, I think you're on the wrong chat.

Crazy_Legs: OK - I know this is my second question I've submitted but it goes with the first question. Mr. Coats reported:

The play is designed to gain no more than 10 yards, he explained. Travis Minor — and not Todd Johnson, as reported previously — called for the fake anyway, and it failed when Donnie Jones' pass for Eric Bassey was incomplete.

Is that really the case. Does Haslett let a player call for a fake punt? If so what is your take on that? I have never heard of such a thing in my 35+ years of watching NFL football.

Jim Thomas: I think it is the case. I don't know how common or uncommon it is. The only thing I can think if is that during the week, players are told if you see such-and-such then call the fake. But I don't think 4th-and-15 is what Haslett had in mind.

Rashad Richardson: With a team in the position as the Rams are, what can be done with a player like Incognito? He's a starter for a depleted offensive line. If you suspended him who do you have blocking for a reserve backfield?

Jim Thomas: I would've benched the guy for a game. I'm not even saying you fine him, because then you have NFLPA issues. Is what Incognito did the worst thing a player can do to fans? Certainly not. But I still bench the guy for a game to underscore the fact that such behavior is unnaceptable. Start Greco at right guard for a game. Seeing as the team has lost its last four games by an average score of 36-9, how much worse can it get?

BrandonRAMS: Hi Jim,
How much more worse can this team get. Where is the light at the end of the tunnel. I really have nothing good to say so I will leave my mouth shut. But do have a couple of questions.
1)How long will Bulger be out?
2)Is Jackson back this week?
3)What pick do u think we will end up with(top 10?)?

Jim Thomas: 1.) If Bulger passes the neuro-psyche test this week, he could play this Sunday.
2.) Jackson needs to get through a couple of practices without any setbacks. Given all we've been through on this one, seeing is believing.
3.) All things being equal, I'd say best offensive tackle available.

sean: i predict that if bulger plays this week, he'll look allot like the old bulger.

Jim Thomas: Well, that's not exactly going out on a limb.

jerzeeram: Jim,

Does Alex Barron stay on as RT in 2009? Or does Pace moves to RT and bring in Jordan Gross and make Barron a backup??

Jim Thomas: To be honest, I'm not sure if either Pace or Barron comes back next season. Pace has played in only 18 of the team's last 43 games and he's scheduled to count $9 million against the cap next year. Barron just hasn't come around. He lacks a physical presence, hasn't really elevated his game _ although he'll tease for a game or two _ and still gets pushed around by the bull rush.

R1goodie: Here is a suggestion: The Rams need a little inspiration! They should go watch former Ram Player, Mike Jones, Coach Hazelwood East for the Class 5A State Championship at the Dome Friday night so they can see what it means to "play inspired football."

Jim Thomas: They certainly don't seem to have much enthusiasm. I thought playing football was supposed to be fun.

Bob in 416: I'm a charter PSL holder and I've had enough of this franchise. I've emailed them about my disgust over how they feel Incognito is more important than the fans. I will not sell my tickets or give them away. I will make sure there are two more empty seats and they'll get no concession sales from them.

Do you think Haslett gets how ticked off the fans are? It doesn't appear so.

Jim Thomas: I don't think Haslett senses how upset many fans are about this latest Incognito episode. Granted, most coaches have tunnel vision. They almost have to in order to do their job properly. But someone should've clued him in on this one.

Marc: Is Jay Zigmunt really going to be allowed to continue being GM after this year?

Jim Thomas: I wouldn't bet on that horse.

JB: I'm not a Rams fan, per se, but as a UVa graduate, I have a vested interest in seeing Chris Long do well in the league. Living outside Washington, DC, I don't get a lot of coverage of your team, and from what I can gather on the Internet, Long, while not exactly distinguishing himself, is the least of your problems. How would you assess his rookie season thus far? Desire and will were always two of his greatest attributes at UVa - any indication this abysmal season is starting to take its toll on him?

Jim Thomas: I think his play has leveled off a little bit lately, but overall, I think Chris Long has played a little better than expected as a rookie. His effort and desire seem to be there. He's holding his own with most of the bigger OTs he's facing. And he's getting into the backfield from time to time. By no stretch of the imagination do I think the front office or coaching staff is disappointed.

Tom: Why are the team, fans, and media picking on Richie Incognito for his honest comments? Give the guy a break. It's not like he's the only person out there thinking the same thing; it's just that he's bold enough to say it, and the fans are embarrassed enough to know it.

Jim Thomas: Well, I defended Richie on Bernie Miklasz's radio show on Friday, and feel stupid for doing so after what happened Sunday.
Timing is everything in this business, and whatever truth their may or may not be to Richie's original comments, they probably shouldn't be brought up when a team has lost 21 of its last 26 games (now 22 of 27). And after your team gets your butt kicked _ again _ no matter what the fans say (and I heard some of it was pretty brutal), keep your head down and just walk into the tunnel.
Richie needs to grow up. It's not like he's the first guy to inur the wrath of fans. I mean, I've heard Isaac Bruce getting booed in the dome before.

rams fan in nc: hi jim, thanks for the chat. what do u think about the rams go after vick?
with the rams o-line they need a mobile qb and no one is more mobile than vick. plus he would create excitement and sell tickets

Jim Thomas: Just about the LAST thing the Rams need to add to the mix right now is a player just out of prison. Don't you think?

Billy D: Jim,
Here is my wish list for the offseason;
1) Middle Linebacker - someone like London Fletcher
2) Defensive tackle - someone like Ryan Pickett
3) Fullback - someone like Madison Hedgecock
4) Blocking tight end - someone like Brandon Manumaleuna
5) Cornerback - someone like Dre Bly
6) Offensive lineman - someone like Ryan Tucker or Fred Miller

Jim, in looking at this list, I have to wonder, does Jay Zygmunt have any idea on how to evaluate football talent? We let these guys go and pick up Bennett, Chavous Glover and Trent Green?

Jim Thomas: Sounds like a good game plan to me.

crdfan04: Since the Rams are going to have high picks in rounds 1 and 2 of next year's draft, who do you see them taking? Is it possible that Chase Coffman could be their Round 2 pick? Would they even consider taking Sam Bradford, to develop as Bulger's eventual successor, if he's available in Round 1?

Jim Thomas: My sense is that the Rams like Coffman as a receiving tight end, but they expect to have McMichael back and they have more glaring needs in many other areas. As for Bradford, I think the only way you expend what looks like a sure top 10 pick is if you really believe he's the second coming.

BenC73: Did you say Haslett will not bench Corey Chavious because he's afraid it would be an unpopular move with the locker room? I couldn't quite hear you because of the awful 1380 signal.

Jim Thomas: I can't remember exactly what I said, but I do think that's one of the considerations. Chavous is one of the high-character players on the team, and Haslett doesn't want to scapegoat him. Also, if they make the change, the staff doesn't really feel that Todd Johnson is a box safety. So they'd have to play Atogwe, who at least has some range and playmaking ability, in the box. At least that's what I'm told.

Ben: Why not suspend Incognito for his comments? I'll cheer when he is no longer a Ram. Annoucers said we need a reliable back up for Jackson. For the money shouldn't we have a reliable starter?

Jim Thomas: Because running backs get hurt all the time. Faulk missed 13 games in his last five seasons as a Rams starter. Portis missed seven games in '06 I believe. I think Adrian Peterson missed a couple of games last season. Larry Johnson had his foot problems in Kansas City. It happens all the time. That's why most teams have a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield.

Redpony47: Jim - Do the Rams have a fire sale and start from scratch?

Jim Thomas: Don't know about a fire sale, but I think a lot of locker stalls will be permanently cleaned out after Dec. 28.

studebaker: Any word from "the Comedian" Mike Piara about the lack of defensive holding on the punt formation pass? It appears to me that the ref was more interested in letting everyone know that he knew an obscure pass interference rule than in getting the call correct. If anyone is having a worse year than the Rams it's the NFL Semi-Pro Officials!

Jim Thomas: I'm going to try to check on this. You're right about the ref. I was the pool reporter and the ref had the actual rule book out to show me in the officials' locker room. I myself think the officiating has deteriorated league-wide this year, and it was an incredibly stupid call on Sunday. Do the Rams win the game if they call defensive holding? Probably not. But they do get a first down in Chicago territory, trailing "only" 14-0 at the time. If it's not a penalty to do what Corey Graham did to Eric Bassey on that play, then I would have Haslett instruct all Rams on the punt return team to simply tackle the outside gunner on every punt.

jamez: Is there any consideration by the owners to conduct a complete top down overhaul of the Rams? My thoughts are that the problem starts with senior management and works it way down. They have been poorly managed since Vermeil left...

Jim Thomas: Of course, Rosenbloom realizes a major overhaul is needed. It started with the nearly unprecedented act (for this franchise) of firing a head coach in the middle of the season. But that was just the opening act.

Steve: Have you heard what the dome renovations are going to be and when they are going to start? I know they are going to get a new big screen and do some thing s to bring natural light, but that is all I have heard. Will those improvements put the dome in the top 25% of stadiums?

Jim Thomas: The renovations you speak of should be in place before next season. (2009) But these are just the renovations to get the building up to speed after 10 years. That's right, by 2005. (A little behind schedule.) A whole new round of renovations will be needed by the time the next deadline hits (2015).

Woodrow: Hi Jim,
Are the Rams going to hold an open try out? I am one of maybe a number of physically able to perform individuals in the area, that would love to join the team if given a chance.

Jim Thomas: Can you tackle?

BENODA14: Jim,
Annoucers on TV kept saying that the Rams needed to get a reliable back up for Jackson. Wouldn't Jackson need to become the reliable starter first. People talk about how good he is when healthy but I don't think he has even been healthy enough to play a full season even if you combine the past couple of years? I know trade really isn't an option but who do you get as the "reliable back up"

Jim Thomas: It sounds like the TV announcers read our story in last Sunday's Post-Dispatch.

jccardinalfan: Why would they want to keep anyone on the coaching staff right now? Obviously the atmosphere is terrible and keeping them around would just keep that stinch in the air. Whether they have done a good job or not, we just need a change.

What are we going to do at QB in the off season??

Jim Thomas: Well, for one, it would cost several million dollars to pay off the contracts of this coaching staff. By my estimation, more than $3 million for assistants alone for 2009 alone. And as much money as you think Chip Rosenbloom has, the last time I checked there wasn't a money tree growing outside of Rams Park.

Mizzoufan26: How do we fix the Rams?

Jim Thomas: Here's the very short answer. Two new starters on the offensive line. Better backup running back. A true middle linebacker. Another wide-body on the d-line. An upgrade at strong safety. A true blocking fullback. That at least gets them competitive.

Smiley357: With Center Nick Leckey out, what do you think about Incognito moving to center and rookie John Greco taking his spot at right guard. IMO I think it would be a good move. I would like to see the rookie and see what he can do.

Jim Thomas: I think that's being discussed.

j.cole.harper: You're missing a seriously HUMOROUS post from me earlier....check your posts from...

j.cole.harper
Rams fan stuck in Wrigleyville

Jim Thomas: Sorry to have missed it. There are a few hundred questions already posted on this chat. I'm answering about one in five.

Carl Winslow: Hey Jimbo Slice,

What's up with Torry Holt, it seems like that guy has done nothing all year long! It seems like they want to go young with their recieving core, so how much longer are they going to hold on to him?

Jim Thomas: I think Torry's still got a lot to offer a team _ this one or another. Does he run like he did five years ago? No. But he still runs great routes, has great hands, and has a great attitude. He does lead the team in catches, by the way.

ramfaninsteelercountry: Jim,
I find it amazing that our fanbase and the local media always give Pace a "pass".He hasn't had a dominate game since 2005(first half against freeney and the colts)and he's been injured more than Bulger and Jackson! I realize he's been a great player post '05 but it's time to include him in the cut package that includes Chavous, Glover, Pisa,Bennet,dante' hall and fakhir brown. Although these would cause cap ramifications wouldn't the salary savings more than justify the cuts?

Jim Thomas: Call me an idiot, but when you've been to seven Pro Bowls and played in two Super Bowls, and conducted yourself with class for more than a decade, I think you deserve plenty of "slack."
Also you read some of my earlier posts today and last week. It is possible that Pace gets cut or traded at the end of the season.

j.cole.harper: Jim, what are the odds that the Rams draft Tim Tebow, convert him to a defensive tackle, and offer him a lucrative deal after recording a half sack in the 2009 season?

Jim Thomas: I do it only if he rips the St. Louis fans upon signing that contract.
P.S. _ Is this your humorous post? (Not bad.)

pr: The Falcons & Dolphins turned around horrible seasons last year into good ones this year. Do you think that is possible to repeat if the right moves were made with this team? Or are these guys too far gone to expect change in the near future?

Jim Thomas: Yes (1st question), no (2nd question).

rams1017: What is the status on Bulger for this week's game?

Jim Thomas: He can't practice (or play) until he passes the neuro-psyche test, and he's scheduled to take that test on Wednesday.

George M.: Hi, Jim:

A couple of weeks ago, I asked about Billy Devaney's ability to pick offensive linemen. I pointed out Jacob Bell, and that Devaney drafted John Greco as a tackle. You agreed with me on Bell, but said that Devaney said right after the draft that Greco was a guard.

It took me a little digging, but I found what I remembered on the Rams' official site, dated April 27: “We view him as coming in right away to add depth on the offensive line,” Executive V.P. of Player Personnel Billy Devaney said. “We’re going to line him up at right tackle, knowing that he gives us versatility.”

Indeed, Greco will immediately fill in depth as a tackle on the right side with the potential to be the top backup at both sides as soon as this season and perhaps even compete with Barron for a starting spot.

This sounds to me a lot like the Rams were thinking he was a tackle. If so, am I wrong to wonder if Devaney is a good judge of offensive line talent? In the last 8 years, the Rams have spent 4 first-round draft picks on defensive tackles without great success. I'm concerned that we are about to enter a similar period with offensive linemen, an area where we really, really need to pick up some solid performers.

Jim Thomas: Here's what I wrote in the P-D on April 29, 2008:
"On the offensive line Toledo tackle John Greco and Oregon State guard Roy Schuening combined for 99 consecutive college starts. Both could end up as NFL starters, with Greco likely to be eventually switched to guard."

Sam: Re: crdfan04's question: in reference to Bradford, did you mean second coming literally, or just the second coming of a young, healthy Kurt Warner?

Jim Thomas: Uh, the latter.

Lee: Chase Daniel from Missouri, I know he is considered short for an NFL quarterback, but, can he be any worse than the QB the Rams have suffered upon their fans the past few seasons?

Jim Thomas: Yes.

bill: If I recall correctly, the first few games this year the rams were holding thier own in the first half and then getting blown out in the second half. Now they are getting blown out right from the start. Is anyone trying to fiqure this out? Thanks

Jim Thomas: No. But I think they need to quit deferring. That's all for this week. See you all next Tuesday. Happy Thanksgiving to all.