Mike: Other than Brown and Atogwe the Rams secondary is terrible. Hill has been less than spectacular and has been injury prone. Don't you think the secondary should be a higher priority in the offseason than DT or LB?

Jim Thomas: I think Hill has been coming on. Bartell has steadily improved. This hasn't been Chavous' best season, but he hasn't been terrible. But you can never have enough corners, and I wouldn't mind seeing the Rams select another corner.

Dave- from Troy ILL.: Am I way off base on this one or is Mr Bulger like one good hit away from ending his career (see Steve Young, Joe Montana and Troy Aikmann). With all the talk on the needs of the Rams during the off season and draft, doesn't it make sense to draft a decent QB NOW ??? I tell ya, I really like the dude from Missouri, Chase Daniel if he makes himself eligible.

And another thing... I am soooo sick and tired of the wide receiver diving twins we have. Yes Ike Bruce has been around a long time with the Rams and has moved up the record ranks with the best. However he immediately ruined Holt with the same trademark while so many other players make extra efforts after the catch. I won't be sorry to see Bruce go. It's such a contrast watching other teams players.

One last thing. I think when PLAYERS turn on their COACH as did three "high profile players" did this season... I think that is a MAJOR SIGN that the players do NOT respect who they have to play for. Not something that will pass and get better .."next year"... I believe

Jim Thomas: Bulger does appear to be showing signs of becoming gun-shy. I do think the Rams need to find a developmental QB to at least be the No. 2 after next season. It doesn't have to be a high draft pick, just somebody that looks like he has an upside.

Yeah, Bruce and Holt have been terrible disgraces. If only they had accomplished anything in their careers or been in some playoff games. They're disgusting human beings.

As for the sideline outbursts, they are alarming. I can't disagree with you there.

Mike: Not to take anything away from Marshall, he was a great player and deserved the honor of retiring his jersey, but don't you think the timing could have been better? It seemed to be just a ploy to generate some interest in a bad season and get Rams' fans back in the seats. A ceremony like that needs more planning and attention and shouldn't be something put together at the last minute.

Jim Thomas: I don't think this was a "last-minute" thing as has been suggested. Ever since the NFL schedule came out last April, and it was known that the NFL Network would handle the Pittsburgh game, I think the Rams eyed this game as a good time to officially say "good-bye" to Faulk. I don't think the ceremony was that bad. Remember, NFL halftimes are only 12 minutes long. I think if the team had been 11-3 instead of 3-11 entering the game, nobody would've complained.

SoulardX: Jim, why would the Rams NOT resign Chillar?

Jim Thomas: Because he's their No. 3 LB, not their No. 1 or No. 2, and if he's looking for a lot of money there may be better options out there in free agency.

RamsFanSince69: Jim,

Any truth to the rumor that there is friction between Linehan and Haslett, to the extent that Haslett will not return in 2008? I heard (secondhand) that Marshall said somethingto this effect on the NFL Network.

Many thanks...and Happy New Year!

RFS69

Jim Thomas: Actually, I think Haslett and Linehan get along pretty well. Linehan gives Haslett a lot of leeway, which Haslett appreciates. I think if you put the truth serum in Haslett, he would say he'd do some things differently than Linehan. But they have a good enough working relationship.

Put this into context any time Faulk says anything about Linehan. Faulk is no fan of Linehan's because Linehan made the commitment to Jackson at the time Linehan's career was winding down.