MadGoat: Hey Jim,

I feel bad for Haslett. I'm not sure Vince Lombardi could fire the current Rams roster up on game day.

I think the current roster has some talented veteran guys who aren't very "firery" in their approach and it shows on game day.

In free agency and on draft day the front office has to start bringing in guys who can help get the rest of the team in line as well. The Rams miss having Faulk and Bruces' competitiveness just as much as their talent.

If you get that kind of competitive leadership the rest of the roster looks a whole lot better. Guys like Barron and Incognito suddenly become key pieces to the puzzle instead of part of the problem.

I don't know how teams find these guys, but I know that teams like the Steelers and Patriots find them over and over, so there must be a way.

Either way, it doesn't matter who the head coach is if this part of the team isn't addressed.

Jim Thomas: I'm a big believer that in the NFL, leaders have to be guys that produce on the field. But there's no doubt that in QB Marc Bulger, LT Orlando Pace and even WR Torry Holt _ they don't have personalities that you would call them natural, vocal leaders. Somebody like a fiery London Fletcher would fit in very nicely, particularly on defense.
As for Faulk and Bruce, that competitiveness helped make them great players. They cared about not just being good, but being the best. The current Rams have plenty of players who care, but not enough that care enough to want to be the best, in my opinion.

ncdc: Hey Jim!

When will Chip come on here and conduct a chat with us? THAT would be interesting!!!!!

Jim Thomas: Funny you mention that. In a recent conversation I made just such a proposal. Although Chip seems very interested in what the fan base is thinking _ I think he thought I was kidding. I'll try to run it by him again.

Jake: Jim, did you hear about the Torry Holt interference call on Sunday? The Springfield, IL newspaper published an article stating the the ref who made the call, made the call based on what he saw on the "jumbo-tron." What is it with refs these days?

Jim Thomas: Yeah, we wrote about. The Rams sent the play in for review by the league.
Not just in Rams games but throughout the league, I've never seen pass interference, defensive holding and illegal contact called so unevenly as it has been this season. I know they're judgment calls, but the lack of consistency _ and the wide range of interpretation _ is appalling to me.
Also there's what I call the Pujols factor. If a proven star like Albert Pujols let's a borderline 2-2 pitch go by, more often than not it's called a ball by the umpire.
But Holt seems to get treated like a practice squad guy just called up to the active roster by refs. No respect. My lord, do you see how Moss and Owens push off on defenders routinely and nothing gets called? It's amazing. Holt is a seven-time Pro Bowler. No one has caught more passes for more yards this decade than him. Yet, no respect from the refs.

coachdickieV: Jim How you doing Baby !!
As a PSL owner, I hope management realizes many ticket holders
need to see major improvements to justify shelling out hard
earn money in a bad economy.
The sad thing is you can throw a dart at the rams football positions
on the wall and justify needing the FA / Draft Pick where the dart stuck.

Jim Thomas: This may sound goofy, but even more so than what happens with the head coach, I think the fans need to see some MAJOR personnel moves.

Sven: Hey J-T:

Long time reader, first time writer. Enjoyed your slant since you were covering the Tigers. Changes are obvious for the team, but too many holes need to be filled. What area of the team would you concentrate 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc and why? Second with the current executive team in place, can such an overhaul be possible? I'll disconnect and read off line.

Jim Thomas: Boy, the Tigers!!! You're going back nearly 20 years now.
1.) Offensive tackle
2.) Center
3.) Middle linebacker
4.) Secondary (this goes up if both Bartell and Atogwe aren't re-signed)
5.) Strong No. 2 running back

As for the why, it's painfully obvious the Rams need to get bigger and more physical up front on the offensive line. They also need a bonafide middle linebacker, someone with some size who can take on blockers. In the secondary, there are so many players whose contracts expire at the end of the year, that they need to add another cover corner and try to retain still young, still ascending players such as Bartell and Atogwe. And because of Jackson's injury problems the past two seasons, the Rams need some better insurance to avoid such a steep dropoff if he's sidelined.
Yes, I think under Devaney such an overhaul is possible. And I think Chip Rosenbloom is committed to making things right.