ktdidone: Hey Jim is there any way that we can get out of having Bulger return next year? I can not handle him anymore! And do you think that we are ever going to get an offensive line?

Jim Thomas: Hello to all and Merry Christmas/happy holidays! I'll be a little briefer today because the Rams are practicing today. I've got about 90 minutes.
You're talking $11 million in cap-related hits if Bulger is gone. That's about 1/10th of your cap. So Bulger will be back. I'm not saying they don't bring in someone to challenge him, but there's no way he's gone.
Offensive line will be the top priority in the offseason.

kevin: Jim:

A couple of questions for you:

1) Does Chip Rosenbloom understand and/or care that the Rams fan base is eroding rapidly?

2) Does Chip realize that the Rams must create a strategy to reconnect with their fan base?

3) Did this game seal Haslett's fate?

Frankly, this season is beyond awful. It is beyond comprehension.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Yes.
2.) Yes.
3.) No, but I'd lower the odds on his retention from last week's 40-60 to 35-65.

threeputt123: Hello Jim, Well what do you think about the Rams going after Matt Cassel ? I know all about the cap and all that but what if they keep Bulger around as a back up ? And maybe in the draft they could find an OL who doesn't jump offsides 4 or 5 times a game ....

Thanks for you're time,
Rick

Jim Thomas: Rick--You may disagree but I think the Rams feel like they have greater needs than at quarterback. Not many QBs would be able to operate consistently behind the current OL.

TD51: So Jay Z is out, will Devaney part w/ Saunders as well as Haslett? What's your feeling on the overhaul that's going to take place?

Jim Thomas: Well, I think the basics are pretty well spelled out. Devaney moves into more of a traditional GM role with broader powers; Shaw becomes more of an advisor. There will be other front office moves to come, including on the business and non-football side of the franchise, but those won't happen immediately. (And by immediately, I'm talking about the next few weeks.)
If Haslett's back, I wouldn't be surprised if he changes coordinators _ on offense, defense and special teams. And if he's not back, well, the new head coach will have the right to name his own staff.

Noel Daniels: I live in Utah and attended my first St Louis Rams home game 2 weeks ago when they played the Seahawks, even though we lost the game it was still the best time of my life! Some outstanding players we have on the Rams team, Josh Brown, Torry Holt, and 23 others took the time to sign my hat after the game. It was something that I will never forget and I just want to make sure that they all understand that it made my trip worth it and that I will stand behind them 100% win or lose. Please let them know that they made this fan very happy!

Jim Thomas: I'll try to pass it along.

dominic zappia: Merry Christmas Jim to you and your family!!!
Looking forward to this offseason and people need to understand,bad football is better than no football team.Ill never forget the emptiness and sadness I felt when the Cardinals left.
Lets be thankful!!! Enjoy your Holiday Jim and thank you.

Jim Thomas: Merry Christmas to you and yours.
As wrenching as the last two defeats have been for Rams fans, to me they were entertaining games.

James: Jim,

In the past you have said that Bulger will stay and probably be our QB next year due to cap implications. While I agree with you I am wondering if it's reasonable to trade back up into the 1st round after our initial pick and draft a quality QB of the future. In your opinion is that a reasonable thing to do?

Honestly Bulger has just plain stunk and even giving him some benefit of the doubt he has not raised either his nor anyone around him's level of play, especially in crunch time. This was a guy that was a pro bowler just a few years ago. Where is the leadership? You can't tell me that while in the huddle with these young receivers that he can't remind them of blitz adjustments, etc. I would if they kept running the wrong routes. I realize Bulger gives us the best chance to win right now but just watching him fold every week is painful.

Is it worth it to sacrifice a few draft picks and get another 1st round pick and draft a QB? I think it is. Let the kid ride the bench for a year and then step into a starting role in 2010. I realize that there is only so much money that can be spent on the QB position, but I have to wonder whether we should take a page from cleveland's book and draft our Brady Quinn. I can't see us improving so much that we still won't have a top 10 or so draft pick in 2010. And anyone saying to draft anything other than a OT with the #2 pick is insane. Good tackles are very hard to find.

As much as I complain about them, the Rams are still my team and I will stick with them. Just please, please reorganize the FO, get a couple decent free agents and draft both a tackle and QB of the future, everything else will come with time...

Jim Thomas: I think the Rams will draft a QB; I doubt very much if it will be in the first round.

marctheram: Has Marc Bulger gone mute? Isn't Bulger a team captain? Why isn"t Bulger asked any questions after the games? Does he just disappear (like in the 4 quarters he is quarterbacking this team) after the game with a "no comment"? How come, you, as the beat writer, don't ask these basic questions that a so-called "team leader" should be able to answer? Are you and Bulger "pals", and you don't want to hurt his poor, fragile feelings? Please ask him how he can actually cash his paycheck every week with these, gutless, heartless, and inept performance!!!! Hey Bulger, you suck and are disgrace to all of us RAM fans.

Jim Thomas: Bulger talks after every game. He was quoted in the paper. Apparently you missed that.

Preston Martin: Hi Jim,
Well besides the loss I really enjoyed the game Sunday, it was my first one ever and I was yelling as loud as I could for the Rams, I had really good seats section 115, row P, seat 19. One thing that really stood out to me was during the first half there seemed to be a lot more music played and the players were reacting to it, but as the game went on more and more advertisements were playing. In fact one series when little SACKED THE QB the sack was followed up by the song "MY BABY LOVE"! COME ON! I know Jackson has complained about the music and this is like a dead issue and is not the main reason for the teams bad play but you know as well as I do that music sets the tone for the crowd in a lot of ways, it seems like we could do better in this area. Thanks again for all the advice you gave me last week and I really had a good time and I will be at the games more often from now on since I will be out of the military in five months and moving back home. Rams fans please hang on I know we have been bad but things are changing Jays out and billys in good things are coming stay strong! THANKS JIM!

Jim Thomas: Glad you enjoyed the experience. Thanks for serving our country. And Merry Christmas.

Gabriel 2 Snow: That 4th qtr sealed Haslett's fate I am sure. Do you agree? I wanted him to make it, thought he could be part of the answer. But he was 3-13 his last year with the Saints & it looks like he will be 2-11 here. Haslett is a forceful personality, but he often looks lost or out of the loop in the 4th qtr. Some minor adjustments could have netted us 2 or 3 more wins & cemented his job. Instead, enough of the stench that is the 08 season sticks to him that he must be shown the door. Your take Jim?
Happy holidays to you & your family, especiallly cadet Thomas! I trust he is fairing well? Any updates?

Jim Thomas: The Seattle and San Francisco games could have all but ensured that Haslett returns. Obviously, the losses have hurt those chances.
The team is playing very hard. The defense hasn't given up more than 20 points during the last four games. He has only limited ways to have input on offense because he has been on the defensive side of the ball until the end of September. Keep this in mind: This is not his team. These are not his players. This is not his offense.
Saying all that, losing nine in a row doesn't look very pretty. Haslett realizes this.

Markus D.: Hello!

How do you think our OL will look next year?
Do you think we are gonna draft a OT in the first round?
How is this for our starting OL in 2009

LT Orlando Pace
LG Jacob Bell
C Richie Incognito
RG John Greco
RT A rookie (possibly Oher or Monroe)

Jim Thomas: I don't think Incognito will be at center; I think in the long haul, he's too hotheaded to make the line calls.
But I do think they'll be a new starting center, and at least one if not two new starting offensive tackles.
If I had to bet, at this moment, I'd say the Rams will take the best OT available at No. 2 or No. 3 overall. (Depending on what happens this weekend, they will pick in either of those two spots.)

jerzeeram: Jim happy holidays to you! Do you think Carriker should be moved to DE? He seems to break down at his current position. Will the rams draft at DT in 2009? Thanks again!!!!

Jim Thomas: If the team moves to a 3-4 fulltime, I think that would be a natural position for him. Carriker has been playing hurt all year. He had a serious shoulder injury at the end of last season, and was only 85 percent at the start of the year.
If the Rams don't draft a DT, I'm sure they'll look for a modestly priced free agent _ a big body to clog the middle as part of the d-line rotation.

Gabriel 2 Snow: Congrats to Ike, class act, hall of famer, should have finished a Ram like Youngblood, Slater & others.
Congrats also to Donnie Avery for what should have been the play of the game. remarkable catch!
On the interception, was it just a bad throw? I was so disgusted I immediately pressed delete on my tivo. My thought at the time was that he had time to throw, just threw it way inside.
I was looking forward to watching Josh attempt the game winner and knowing Bulgers final drive efficiency, it figured to be long, perhaps a new league record! Josh could probably do it, but Mr Clutch Bulger yanked that away, he is consistent if nothing else.

Jim Thomas: To the best of my knowledge, it was part bad throw, part bad route, part SF defense knowing the Rams would work the sidelines.

Gabriel 2 Snow: I have read alot of grips about the Rams perhaps not naming a president. I don't know what the big deal is. If Devaney assumes that role, I am ok with that. What are your concerns?

Jim Thomas: I don't think New England has a president. It's just Pioli and Belichick. They seem to get by OK.
In a sense, a president just adds another level of bureaucracy.
But at the end of the day, Rosenbloom might hire a president to run the business side.

Steven Dorrell: Do u thinkthe rams will go after Bill Cowart and do you think he would come to St Louis?

Jim Thomas: Don't think he'd want to come here. Not sure if he even wants to get into coaching next year. And he'll be way out of the Rams' price range.

West Coast Ram: Jim,
I know that this would be unconventional, but I would like to see the Rams concentrate on the defensive side of the ball in ALL their acquisitions this off season. As bad as the offense has looked this year, I think that all FA and draft positions should be used on defense. This could mean that there would be 10 new players on defense which would add to depth, a few more starters and special team players waiting for a chance in a rotation. What do you think about a team that need to remake themselves concentrating on just one side of the ball to make that dominate and then in future years working on other areas.

Jim Thomas: They need somebody to block.

rams26: Hello Jim -

Happy Holidays! What names are you hearing as a replacement for Haslett?

Thank you!

Jim Thomas: So far, just the usual ones. Ryan, Scwartz, Schottenheimer, Spagnuolo, etc.

Ed C: Jim,

What is your take on switching to the 3-4 and moving Long to OLB or rush LB in that alignment? Supposedly, Miami was going to play him at LB in the 3-4 and one of the reasons they took J Long instead of Chris was they thought that J Long would play sooner as he did not have to learn a new position. Parcells is pretty good judge of the abilities necessary for the 3-4. I remember watching a portion of C Long's workout at the combine and his footwork in a LB drill was absolutely the best of any of the LBs I watched. I also remember that some talent evaluators pegged Carricker as better suited for the 3-4 DE. Witherspoon could be the other OLB in that scheme and he has shown excellent pass rushing ability. We would need a couple of 3-4 type LB (Mauluga) and a NT in the draft or free agency. I know it depends on who the new HC is but he won't be able to undo the fact that our last two #1 picks may be better suited to the 3-4.

Jim Thomas: The team has certainly had success with 3-4 fronts the past two games, but almost exclusively in passing situations. But for the first time, I do think Haslett might at least be thinking about it. Again, they'd need more LBs, and more big bodies up front to make it work.
From what I've seen, Long moves pretty well in coverage _ but we've only seem do that on a very limited basis.

dch60: Why do people still talk about Martz? Don't they remember Lawrence Phillips, Eric Couch, Warner for Bulger? This guy got lucky and went to a Super Bowl with Vermile,s left overs, then destroyed the franchise. Please notice no other team wants him. We need new blood in the head position. Also wish that Santa could provide a quaterback with some skill and "guts" and a running back that wants to play, not just draw a check. Oh yea, while we asking how about an owner who wants to win.

Jim Thomas: Let's see: Rams under Martz, 56 wins, 36 losses.
Rams after Martz: 17 wins, 41 losses.
If Martz was the root of all evil, the Rams have had three years to clean up his mess. Instead why have things gotten worse?
By the way, Rich Brooks was head coach when Lawrence Phillips was drafted.

Please Help Us: Jim,

Do you talk to Chip at all if so, is there a place where the fans can reach him? I am sure many of us fans want to pass along our concerns.

In my opinion, Ziggy leaving is a BIG win for us fans, but Chip loses a ton of credability by having John Shaw involved in any way, shape, or form when it comes to picking the next head coach or making any football decisions at all. As a season ticket holder, I don't want John Shaw any where near this team.

I want to give Devaney a chance, but is he the right guy to be team President? We can all see that the Rams need VERY strong leadership at the top to help fix this mess.

Jim Thomas: Talked to Chip for about an hour late last night on the phone. Here's what I'll do _ send me an e-mail with the notation that your want it forward to Chip, and I'll make sure he gets it. I've done that in the past _ and he reads them.
As for Devaney, who I don't think will have the title of president, we're about to find out if he's up to this challenge.

steve arrington: Jim,

Haslett says that Greco missed the block that got Jackson tackled for a loss on the "draw play"...did you or anyone else see that...cuz I didn't...and do we know the story behind the last pass...how could the corner jump it...it went right to him while the receiver is a good 3 yards away closer to the sideline...

This is my favorite part of the Post Dispatch...you cannot appreciate the value you bring to this fan...

Jim Thomas: I haven't looked at the tape, but I'm pretty sure Haslett's description of the draw play is accurate (from people that have seen the tape).
Again, I think the last pass is part bad throw by Bulger, part bad route by Avery, and part the defense knowing the Rams were going to work the sidelines.

Chris M - Columbus, Ohio: JT - It's a good move to get rid of Zygmunt, Haslett and let Shaw "retire." No one will dispute that. However, the real problem has not been solved. The Rams need NEW ownership in place before this mess is cleaned up - the right way. Chip needs to sell the team for tax purposes and is a shortime owner. Who of any worth is going to step into this mess if they know the team is for sale? With the currnt ownership situation (zero experience running a team), if there is not a dynamic leader at the top to direct the GM, coach, scouts, etc...there is no way this laughing-stock of a franchise will become relevant in the NFL once again. Rams fans need to realize the ownership situation is the REAL problem with this team.

Merry Xmas!

Jim Thomas: Why is the current owner a problem?
Every time a team is sold, an owner comes in who is new to the sport.
Chip grew up around team owners, so in that sense he's not quite a neophyte.

Philly Rams Fan: Jim, a couple more questions. 1) with Zygmunt out is there a chance Martz gets an interview for the HC position? 2) What are our options with Bulger. I know we're basically stuck with him. Are we just left hoping they bring in a cheap free agent/late round draft pick to compete? 3) Chris Mortensen said on Monday night Countdown that Marshall Fault was very interested in the HC job. You know anything about that?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Doubt it.
2.) He's not going anywhere. I think someone will be brought into compete.
3.) Ridiculous.

kumuhunter: Hey Jim,

If there is nowhere else to go but up, why wouldn't Cowher want to come to St. Louis?

Thanks,

Damien Domingo

Jim Thomas: Maybe he wants a team that's closer to being a Super Bowl contender. Maybe he wants to be closer to his family on the East Coast. Maybe he wants a boatload of money.

djjr11854: Hi Jim,

Let the house cleaning begin! This hopefully is the start of getting this house in order. It's been long overdue! I have dis-liked this front office ever since Mr. Rosenbloom passed away and Georgia took over. My question this week is who do you see as a possible replacement for Zygmunt?? Is the word around the RAMS that Devaney will get total control??

Thanks as always for the column and Happy Holidays

Jim Thomas: For the time being, at least, and maybe longer, it looks like Samir Suleiman will handle the contract negotiations.
As for Devaney, I don't know about "total power" but he will definitely be the point man on the head-coaching search and have even greater say on player personnel (while working with the new head coach).
Again, I'm not sure if the Rams will hire a president per se to replace Zygmunt, if they do, it may not happen for a while.

zn2003: Hi. A lot of PD people, including you I think, have said that Jay Zygmunt got increasingly involved in personnel decisions over the years. From the outside, however, it looks like JZ's big flaw was that he let 2 consecutive first-time head coaches make the decisions when it came to the draft and free agency. From that perspective, JZ's involvement seemed to involve, primarily, cap-related decisions about who to re-sign and who to let walk (Pickett, for example)---but the draft and signing free agents seemed to be up to the coaches (until Devaney came, anyway). Are those 2 views incompatible? What WAS the extent of Zygmunt's involvement with personnel? What specific decisions were his? Did he overrule Devaney on anything? Which specific decisions involving which players did Zygmunt make? I think you see the drift here. Just asking for some details and clarity on a kind of murky issue. Thanks.

Jim Thomas: These are great questions and I wish I could give you concrete answers. In general, I think Jay had more control over free agency, simply because he in essence controlled the purse strings. For example, what's a head coach to say if Zygmunt told him "so and so is asking too much" or "the guy doesn't want to play here."
In terms of the draft, I think the Rams still deferred mainly to the head coach.
And there's always a consensus approach involving coach, personnel head, and upper management, so in many cases it's difficult to say who exactly decided what.

newyorkram!: Jim,

Barron and Goldberg platooning? Does Goldberg do better against left handed pitchers? Seriously, any insight into this move? Also, is there any hope for Scheuning, or is he Dustin Fry, part deux?

Thanks for you time.

Jim Thomas: As for the platoon at RT, I think it's more a reflection of disatisfaction in Barron than anything else.
I wouldn't write of Schuening just yet, but he's definitely at end of the pecking order on the current roster.

keith: Jim, do you think the Rams have a problem with an eroding fan base and will have trouble selling out games next season? Thanks

Jim Thomas: Yes.

RamFanInPA: Jim,
Pro Football Weekly had the following in their recent "The Way We Hear It" Dec. 21st column.
“It sure sounds like St. Louis is close to being sold. I was told they were trying to get it done before the end of the year. That front office should be set on fire. If a place ever needed a cleansing, it is there.”

Have you heard any rumors regarding an imminent sale?

Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season

THanks

Jim Thomas: I've mentioned this before: NO SALE IS IMMINENT.

aries44: Jim, will there still be upgrades to the ED this year as planned. Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Yes, about $30 million worth. So it's not going to be overwhelming stuff. But I'll try to pin it down in the near future.

Way Up North Ram Fan: Jim

How long was Isaac Bruce's contract with the 49ers. It shure sounds like he would like to come back with a new management and staff to finish his career with the Rams.

Thanks

Way Up North Ram Fan

Jim Thomas: It was a two-year deal.

beast39: Heard a rumor that Jay Z was let go before the end of the season because he wasn't making any progress in resigning Atogwe & Bartell. Any truth to this?

Jim Thomas: None. This has been in the works since the Linehan firing.

kumuhunter: Would you prefer bringing in free agents like Kerry Collins or Jeff Garcia to "push" Bulger for immediate results or would you rather draft a QB to rebuild with youngsters? It seems that Bulger and Jackson, despite their huge long contracts, don't have anybody to motivate them like Bulger used to do with Warner.
Lastly, with Crabtree's size and talent, would you select him as our #1 pick being that we need to eventually replace Holt who would make a great mentor.

Thanks
Damien Domingo

Jim Thomas: 1.) Competition generally is a good thing. I think the Rams are thinking more about drafting a QB than free agency at this time, but I don't really know for sure.
2.) At this point, I actually think the Rams like Maclin better than Crabtree.

Ram57: Jim - Thanks for being here. Two items:

Please let Ram brass know that there are lots of fans out here who want Haslett back. We like him.

Secondly, I am concerned about Shaw's influence on CR. We have gotten into trouble over the years and we never know how it happened. I would like to hear Chip say "Bill Devaney will be my football advisor. Period."

Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Send this to me in an e-mail form (jthomas@post-dispatch.com) and I'll be glad to forward it to Chip.

grimmsta642@yahoo.com: What's good Jim??

I'm wititng because I've heard/seen some disparaginfg remearks regarding the possiblity of hiring Marty Schottenheimer (sp). The consensus is that he's never won in the playoffs. I can understand that, but what I can't understand is how can ANY Rams fan complain about a PLAYOFF record when we haven't SNIFFED the playoffs in years?! I'd love to be able to complain about the playoffs again. At least if he failed, we wouldn't be that far off if tghe right hire was made to succeed him.

Furthermore, ALL of Schoty's playoff failures can't be blamed on him. How about that FUMBLE by Byner...Maybe a MISSED FIELD GOAL by Keading.... just a couple that I can remember. So Rams fans, look at his overall track record. He rarely missed the playoffs during his career and he can get players to play for him, obviously. Once geting to the playoffs, ANYTHING is possible and I'd take my chances with that right about now.

I'm not beating the drum for him, but I wouldn't be opposed to him if he's the best candidate for the job. Your thought son this would be appreciated, Jim.

Jim Thomas: These are good points, and certainly the expectations have changed a lot around here compared to earlier this decade.
A couple of questions though. At 65 (I believe) how much does Schottenheimer have left? Does he still have his fastball? Or will this be Chuck Knox (second time around) revisited for the Rams?
Also: How much money does Marty want? And does he want full control over personnel?

beast39: Next season, if Holt & Bennett are gone could you see the Rams go after a big name FA wr such as T.J. Houshmanzadah? If Holt and Bennett stay, would Bennet the 2nd wr and Avery 3rd, or opposite. Just wondering. Also, do you see Keenan Burton having a bigger role in the offense next season.

Jim Thomas: The Rams like Burton a lot, and assuming his knee problems are behind him, he should compete for the No. 3 WR role (slot receiver). There will be no promises made to Bennett if he's back. He will have to compete for a job.

beast39: Do you think the Rams will try to restructure Orlando Pace's contract. I think he's still a really good OT in this leauge but doesn't deserve the type of money he is scheduled to make next season.

Jim Thomas: That's what I would do. Assuming Pace emerges unscathed injury-wise from the season finale at Atlanta, he will have an entire offseason to train, lift weights, etc. for the first time since the '05-06 offseason. Bring in a potential replacement, but give Pace a chance with a restructured contract. To me that would be ideal.

Wayne Stills: Jim,

James mentioned in his question that anyone who thinks the Rams should pick anything other than an OT with the # 2 pick is insane. That implies that the Rams own the tiebreaker over Kansas City, who has an identical record. Who would win the tiebreaker right now?

Jim Thomas: It'd be a coin toss. The Rams and Kansas City have an identical strength of schedule right now.

grimmsta642@yahoo.com: Do you know of any shake ups in the line up for this last game? Any people geting more of a look who haven't performed much yet? Also, what's behinmd Pitman missing the walkthrough? is it sour grapes because Darby's taking his touches or a legitimate excuse?

Jim Thomas: I'm not sure if Bell will be able to play this week. In which case, Greco would get the start.

rmitchell10: Jim, what is your e-mail address and why is it being said the Rams cannot afford Bill Cowher ?

Jim Thomas: They don't have nearly the kind of cash flow that say a Jerry Jones has.
My e-mail: jthomas@post-dispatch.com

wwalker: Jim

Thank you for this chat session
What is the probability of the NFL relaxing some rules on cross ownership of professional sports teams? Stan Kroneke would be the perfect fit for St Louis

Jim Thomas: The NFL always seems to be able to uh bend rules when it feels like it. I would say don't cross of Kroenke. Remember, he has matching rights on any outside purchase.

Fred Banks: Can the loads of fans that don't want Haslett back use the same e-mail address to express our opinions???

Jim Thomas: Of course.
With that, I've got to go. Practice has started. Again, sorry for not being able to stay longer. Merry Christmas, and see you next week.