newyorkram!: Jim,

Do you have any idea what the higher ups at Rams Park think of Alex Barron? Does Devaney like him? In your opinion, will Barron be a Ram next year?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: The sense I get is that they're disappointed in Barron. He hasn't really reached his potential. He doesn't appear stout enough and physical enough at the point of attack. They don't see much passion for the game in him. And then, of course, there was showing up late for a 10:30 a.m. meeting. I think they'd like to replace him.

ap4041: I'm sorry if this has been discussed to death, but what are the rams saying about Jacob Bell's apparent shrinking? Does Bell talk at all about why he isn't NEARLY as big as he was last year?
thanks

Jim Thomas: Sorry, but I'm going to have to keep you in suspense on this one for a few more days. I plan to have a story on this in the next few days.

Darren: Why don't I hear the name Brian Billick as a head coaching canidate around the league? His overall record was pretty good and he didn't forget how to coach. Just curious.

If Haslett is let go my top choice for Rams head coach is Raheem Morris - DB coach of the Bucs.

I'm against bringing in someone who has been a long time co-ordinator. If they haven't moved up the coaching ranks fast and stayed a co-ordinator a long time there is probably a good reason why. Raheem Morris has went from starting coaching in 98 to being a NFL head coaching canidate in 10 years. I'd like to see the Rams catch this rising star and ride it as far as he can take us.

I just hope if the Rams fire Haslett and hire someone else they do it fast so there is as much time as possible for the new head coach to evaluate the Rams players, draft choices and potential free agents. Lots of work to do this offseason no matter who the coach is.

Jim Thomas: Here's the problem. If the Rams are interested in say a Jim Schwartz (Tennesee def. coordinator). Or a Steve Spagnuolo (NY Giants DC), they must wait until those teams are eliminated from the playoffs before they can hire them. And what if their candidate coach has his team in the Super Bowl? Then it's see you in February.
As for Billick, good question. His overall track record was good in Baltimore. But for a guy hired as an offensive guru, he never got much out of the offense's there. Plus, his relationship with the press wasn't good and eventually got him in trouble with the owner.

Tackleberry: Is Atogwe a legit player or is he just good for a few key plays?

Jim Thomas: I'm not saying he's Ronnie Lott. I'd still like to see him be more consistent in coverage, and do better with open field tackling. But he's pretty good. Playmakers are hard to find. He's a very hard worker. And I think he remains an ascending player.

cracengl: Jim,

Do any direct methods exist to inform Mr. Rosenbloom that status quo in the front office is not acceptable to fans? One would think that a half empty stadium would do the trick, but the more I keep hearing, the more it becomes apparent that it needs to be spelled out for him. If Shaw stays, I go.

Jim Thomas: If you can, send me this message via e-mail, and I'll forward it to him.