ram4life: Is there anybody out there reputable who would coach this team?

Jim Thomas: Sure, you may not get someone like Bill Cowher. He can afford to be very picky. And a lot depends on how many openings there are league-wide by the end of the year. But as I mentioned in an earlier post, there are only 32 of these jobs available in the world. Someone highly qualified would love the chance.

ram4life: At least this time Linehan didnt try to sell us any "fried icecream" in his press conference. Everyone's surprised that this team quit in the 4th quarter. This is the same team that was crying about the heat during training camp when the temp got up to 89 degrees. Long has looked good so far, but, the secondary, wow. What is going on with Tye Hill? I think until this team learns how to win a game, noone should be saved during preseason. Your take Jim

Jim Thomas: It looks to me like Hill's confidence is totally shot. You can always get it back, but maybe you sit him down for a few weeks.

david: Hey Jim,

Do you think the rookie king would have cracked the nickle back spot by now if he was healthy this season. I'm just trying to work out what the rams were thinking by not going after anyone of decent caliber in the secondary in FA or the draft. Did they really like that unit or was King supposed to really contribute? I just don't see it. Bartell is the only one i would keep in the long run. Maybe too soon to give up on hill and wade and OJ but realistically the rams need to find 3 starting DB's next offseason....

Jim Thomas: There are only so many draft picks. The Rams valued DE, WR, and OL higher than corner _ at least at each spot in the draft in those first three rounds. The team would've made a move on Marcus Trufant in free agency but he was franchised by Seattle.

ram4life: One of the reasons i hear for Avery's lack of playing time is he only knows Holt's routes. Tell me this coaching staff is not that stupid? This team needs help at every position and you take this young receiver and teach him your superstar's routes, not Bennett's routes, but Holt's. Jim please tell me this isnt true. Burton and Avery shouldve been learning Bennett's routes based on his performance last year. To tell the truth, he didnt set the world on fire in Tennessee. Especially not to the caliber that he shouldve been playing receiver for the Rams. As an insider i want to hear your take

Jim Thomas: Avery backs up Holt at split end; Burton backs up Bennett at flanker. Often, rookie backups work at one position, and once they learn that, they work in at other spots. Avery, we're told, is going to start working at other positions as well as split end.

Rich: Hey Jim,

Do you see the Rams making real changes on the defensive side of the ball this week. Specifically in the secondary.

Hill is on pace to be this years Josh David. Every WR that he has matched up with has owned him.

And Chavous is really starting to show his age. His veteran savvy can no longer compensate for his lack of speed.

What can it hurt to throw Manning Jr, and Todd Johnson into the line up. Heck throw Wade into the mix - can he really be worse than Hill right now?

Also I am getting the impression Brown's shoulder injury isn't anywhere close to being healed.

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: Brown isn't 100 percent. He's played OK, though.
I think it's time to take a look at Manning Jr.