Yorkshire Rams Fan: Hey Jim,

1)With the Rooney Rule meaning that the Rams have to interview minority candidates for the HC job, does this mean that anyone can apply? And if so, are we not better getting a new face with a fresh new approach than retaining any of this miserable coaching staff.

2)In all honesty, can you name anyone who has improved under the current group of coaches? It is a truly sad indictment that we are even considering retaining this staff.

3)Finally, IF Haslett is given the HC job for next year, will he retain Venturi as his DC or will he get a younger, more dynamic coach? Which other coaches are at risk of losing their jobs, given the fact that a number of them are Linehan hires?

Thanks,
Rich

Jim Thomas: 1.) Well, yeah. The Rams can interview anyone they want for the job.
2.) Are you forgetting about Atogwe and Bartell? They didn't even play much under the old staff.
3.) Venturi. (My sense is that Haslett would retain most of the current staff. Most, but not all. I don't want to get into who might not stay.)

West Coast Ram: Jim,
I asked several years ago about the use of audibles in the offense and was told that Mike Martz didn't allow Bulger to change the play at the line. I still don't see any changes to the plays when blitz or coverage schemes appear to dictate for one. I'll ask again, why is there not more audibles in the Ram's offense? Is it due to Bulger's inability to recognize the defense and call the correct play? Or is it that everyone is suppose to read the blitz/coverage and adjust on their own. It is so great to watch a QB like Peyton call his own plays at the line of scrimmage. A return to that style would really separate the QBs from the ball throwers.

Jim Thomas: How do you know when the Rams are audibling or not? If you do, send me a breakdown. I'd like to know myself.

dominic zappia: Hey Jim:
Hope you enjoyed your Thanxgiving holiday! I know you get the same questions and comments each week,but I truly think that the Rams arent that far off with the RIGHT moves getting done.After clearing out high priced vets to clear cap space,my first move is going after Jordan Gross and put him at right tackle.With Carolina commiting big bux to Chris Gamble and Julius Peppers being a free agent too,I think we have a chance.And do you feel that Torry Holt is gone after this year? And what does your gut tell you about Haslett being retained? I think this will be a very exciting offseason!
And if both junior quarterbacks came our for the draft and they were sitting there when the Rams drafted,would you?
Thank you!

Jim Thomas: It's way too early to get hung up on potential free agents from other teams. They have a way of being taken off the market between now and March. Gamble already has signed a six-year contract extension with the Panthers. The Panthers can use the franchise tag on either Gross or Peppers, and concentrate on signing the other one.
Don't know what junior QBs your talking about, but as I said last week, I'd have to be convinced that any first QB was the second coming (of Peyton Manning) before I expended that high of a pick on him. As for Torry coming back, I'm not sure. Right now, I'd say 50-50.

smackuprams: bulger is playing badly....in your own mind,why hasn't haslet bench him yet..he's hurting mentaly....this just cant keep going on like this,,can it?

Jim Thomas: Did you see Trent Green against the Bears?

James Griffin: Jim,

Your thoughts on the CB situation? I get the feeling Wade, Hill, King, Bartell (presuming he is resigned - please!) are in the plans for next season. Who would be the others on the roster that the rams might try to keep around. Do you feel that they believe they need a starting CB?

The best projected FA CB is DeAngelo Hall and he is a bum and since they seem destined to spend the first pick on an OT, unless they select a CB at the top of round 2 I can't see it being worth taking one. Otherwise it would just be another one to throw onto the pile of Hill, Wade and King as young corners who need developing.

Jim Thomas: I'm going to address this somewhat in a story for this coming Sunday. Bartell needs to be re-signed. He's improved a lot. I'm not saying he's a Hall of Famer, or anything, but he's pretty good. A hard worker. Smart player. I think he'll continue to get better. Hill needs to get his confidence back. Wade still has a long ways to go at corner. The Rams liked what they saw of King early in camp, but that's all they have to go on after his injury. They would consider re-signing Brown and Craft but only if the price is right.