Todd W.: Although, I do think the Rams defense has improved, I still think we are one of the worst defensive teams in the league. What is our immediate needs on Defense in your opinion?(Wow can't believe I asked a defensive question, I usually only care about us scoring tons of points)

Jim Thomas: The Rams still rank 17th in the NFL in total defense despite the terrible outing against Pittsburgh last Thursday. However, only two teams have allowed more points than the Rams' 390. I think the defense has played better than the numbers would indicate; their offensive woes and frequent special teams mishaps have put the defense in a bad way most of the season.
That being said, I think the main defense needs are still 1.) DE (James Hall hasn't brought much to the table and Hall and Little are both approaching their mid 30s); 2.) DT (Yes, DT. Wroten is a bust; Glover will enter the final year of his contract next season). 3.) LB (particularly if Chillar goes elsewhere in free agency); 4.) Safety (The Rams need to start grooming a replacement for Chavous. 5.) CB (Because you can't have enough corners, and I'm far from sold on Wade so far.

Mark Giardino: Jim, you guys do a great job, and thanks for letting us vent. I am so disappointed in Shaw, however. I am sure Linehan is a great guy. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out for him. First we all watch Mark Bulger "roll his eyes" after talking with Linehan and then Torry Holt, of all people, YELLS at the coach on the sideline. Doesn't that tell Shaw that the players do not respect the coach anymore? I haven't even gotten to the point where we discuss the inept offense, poor play-calling, and second-half collapses!

Also, it is obvious this owner does not care about football. I have always questioned her commitment, ever since she took a shot at LA after winning the Super Bowl.. "This proves leaving LA was the right decision". What the %*@# does that have to do with winning a Super Bowl! I have been a Ram fan since the early 70's, and this team has stunk ever since CR died, except for three good years. I don't have a problem with the front office for the most part, except when they let Vermeil go. I think they would have won at least one more if they weren't so afraid that Martz would have left. I liked their draft picks though. I was very excited every year. However, if Linehan stays, I don't care if they draft the next Marshall Faulk. It won't matter. What a shame that good fans have to get totally disgusted (read "stop spending their money") in order to get soemthing to change around Rams park.

Thanks Jim! And may you and all the rest of the writers at the Post have a Happy New Year!

Mark in NY

Jim Thomas: Mark--To me the Holt screaming match shows that there are some underlying problmes between many of the skill players, Linehan, and the offensive system. If Shaw isn't aware of this, and concerned by this, he needs to be.
As for Georgia Frontiere not caring about football, I think you're wrong. Again there's a difference between wanting to win, and knowing how to win. Particularly, in the past couple of years, her health has become more and more of an issue. The woman is 80 years old, after all.

Buzz: Jim,
If memory serves, the three finalists for Rams head coach a couple of years ago were Scott Linehan, Cam Cameron and Ron Rivera. Scotty won the job but may lose the war if he doesn't get things turned around next year. Cameron is probably done after one disastrous year in Miami. The Bears thought so much of Rivera that they dumped him as their defensive coordinator. I'm thinking we might be where we are now no matter which of the three was selected to be HC. I don't trust Shaw and Zygmunt to pick a coach that can lead us back to the playoffs and long-term success. It may be a blessing in disguise that Shaw can't or won't replace Linehan now. If Linehan fails, a new regime will hire the next HC, and they can't help but do a better job of it than these clowns. Am I right? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: You are right: Linehan, Cameron, and Rivera were the three finalists. Linehan is 11-20; Cameron is 1-14 as NFL head coaches. I still think Rivera could be an effective head coach. I've spent a little time with him _ not a lot _ and I think he has the "it" factor. The Bears have hardly flourished in his absence.
But picking young, unproven assistants/coordinators _ which seems to be the trend these days _ is risky business. Mangini makes the playoffs his first season with the Jets; they're 3-12 this year. McCarthy seems like an uninspired choice in Green Bay; suddenly he looks like a genius this year because Brett Favre is playing better.

JustMe: How will free agency be affected given the current ownership situation? Will the Rams be able to extend contracts or go after any free agents this offseason?

Jim Thomas: Good question. But I think it'll be business as usual. No matter what happens with ownership, the salary cap is still the salary cap. In other words, there are parameters in place no matter who owns the team.

Brian from Vegas: Jim,
Looking back at the Rams draft class of 2006, how can anyone in the Rams front office keep their jobs? The Rams had 5 of the first 93 picks, and NONE of these players will be playing a significant role in next weeks game. (Hill, Klop, Wroten, Alston, Byrd). Who is the single person responsible for these picks? Someone has to be the ultimate decision maker, whoever that person is, he or she must be fired or never allowed near a draft room again. If the same Ram draft "team" is in place for the 2008 draft, why would any Ram fan be optimistic? Oh, and our 3rd round pick last year, Jonathan Wade, was horrific against the Steelers.

Jim Thomas: I think it's unfair to lump Hill in that group because he's hurt, and I think Hill will be a pretty good player. Otherwise, your point is well taken. That, by the way, was Charley Armey's last draft with the Rams. I think this is one reason why the Rams do need a veteran personnel man calling the shots on draft day (with major input of course from the head coach). But I have my doubts as to whether that will happen.