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View Full Version : Espn.com Mueller 12/30 Chat...(1 'boys blurb)


WoodysGirl
12-30-2004, 12:27 PM
Mueller: (12:04 PM ET ) Hey guys. Thanks for joining me. We've got an hour so lets talk some NFL.
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fweel, minneapolis: Hey Randy, I've always wondered: what are the primary roles of a GM at this time of year? Scouting bowls, potential free agents, salary cap, etc.?

Mueller: (12:06 PM ET ) You've hit on some of the responsibilities of a GM. I'd include evaluating your staff and your personnel on the roster as well. The All Star games are just around the corner as well abd the scouting combine in Feb. but before you can attack free agency you need to have an idea of your own needs along with projecting your cap into 05'...
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paul (st. paul): what is your opinion on nfl europe is it a good place to develop qbs?

Mueller: (12:09 PM ET ) I think that might be the best single reason to have the league. Quarterback is a position that you can only improve at with game like reps. It's one thing to shine in practice but I think this league helps QB's deal with the "speed of the game" almost as well as playing in a preseason game. It's still short of NFL type speed but it's progress.
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Ben (Denver, CO): Randy, do you think the Broncos are going to be a superbowl threat in the near future. With their young talented team, I wouldn't be suprised. Tatum Bell looks like he could be very good, and Jake Plummer will probably relax and stop throwing picks soon. Do you agree?
Mueller: (12:12 PM ET ) Ben, I like Tatum Bell, as well. His speed and acceleration give you the sense that he might take it to the house on any one carry. The other skilled guys that they have are not as exciting. LeLie has got to get tougher and Rod Smith isn't getting any younger. As for Jake being the guy to lead them? I don't think he'll ever stop throwing those ill-advised int's. he hasn't changed in 8 years in the league, why would he all of a sudden start now. I also think his physical drawbacks(arm strength and accuracy) along with his inability to beat you from the pocket are a real hindrance...I love his competitiveness but...
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David (New York City): Randy, my friend Brian is a die-hard Giants fan. But he has become very despondant with the team. Reports are the players hate their coach, and what good is a franchise QB without a line... could you shed some light on the situation, or is it bleak?

Mueller: (12:15 PM ET ) I think you'll see the players who are poping off about the coach be 'gone" this offseason. I've never heard of more whineing and complaining from a team who needs change and discipline. Tom Coughlin isn't going anywhere and the smart players realize that...he's not going to change although in Jax after the first couple of years he lightened a bit...I think the future is bright in NY but only after Tom continues his house cleaning after this season...
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Rob-Princeton, NJ: Randy, Can Nick Saben handle his dual role? Who are some of the likely personnel guys out there he might hire? What do you think of AJ Feely?

Mueller: (12:20 PM ET ) Good question. I think Nick knows what he can and can't do. The hire he makes is the most important one, even more so then his coaching staff. It can't be a guy who will rubber stamp anything he wants but rather needs to be an inovative thinker who has savy for making deals....they have alot of needs and very few draft picks so they will have to manufacture a deal or two to get better. Hopefully Nick hires an experienced guy who is not afraid of disagreeing...You've probably already seen the list of candadate...Phil Savage, Tim Ruskell,etc...Nick and his agent will find a guy who fits with what they want...I think Feely has skills and probably will be the guy through default for one more year. he'll be better next year and if they can rebuild that O'line and get a RB he'll have a better chance to susceed.
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Duncan (Londonderry, NH): Hey Randy, do you think the Colts could go into New England or Pittsburgh and win?

Mueller: (12:22 PM ET ) I think they would stand a decent chance in New England...I think the Steelers are a bad matchup for them . The Colts have shown that vs NE they can score and give Brady some fits with their defense scheme. I don't think they have an answer for Pit's physical running game and that will mean Peyton Manning standing on the sideline more than usual...
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Matt (Bham, AL): randy, I am a big 49ers fan. Is Erickson out after the season? Who do the niners look to take with the 1st pick? And with the lack of production at WR what are the odds that Rice returns?
Mueller: (12:25 PM ET ) They need to speed some money in free agency and upgrade the over all talent level of the team. It can't compete with the players they currently have. If Dennis leaves, and I don't have any insight on that don't be surprised if Mike Holmgren makes a play for the job. Everyone knows he's not happy in Seattle and he and his wife would love to get back to the bay area...
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Kevin (St. Louis, MO): Randy, do you think the Rams will cut Faulk in the offseason now that it looks like Stephen Jackson is the man? And where do you think Kurt Warner will go? My guess is to Chicago to battle for the job w/Grossman after he heals.

Mueller: (12:26 PM ET ) I don't see the Rams cutting Faulk but I do see his role being reduced...Stephen Jackson is a big time player and deserves to carry the ball 25-30 times a game...Warner could end up in several places with Chicago being one...also maybe Dallas or Cleveland who both have un-settled QB spots.
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Bob (Phoenix, AZ): Randy -- If you were AJ Smith and had the QB dilemma - do you think he is actively looking to trade Brees when his value is high or do you think he'll be kept.

Mueller: (12:28 PM ET ) I don't think he's looking to trade him nor will he trade him in the offseason. He'll use the franshise tag on him for one more year and keep him. I think you'd be surprised how little compensation you'd get for him or how much money he would get9if free on the open market)...people are still a bit sceptical of Brees even though he has had a great year.
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Jonathan (Buffalo): Mr Mueller, First i hope you have a happy new year, and do you think the Bills can get anything for travis henry?
Mueller: (12:30 PM ET ) Maybe a 3rd or 4th round pick, but thats about it...He lacks top notch speed and acceleration but is a very solid back. RB's seem to be getting de-valued in the NFL and personnel guys think they can find them in the middle rounds therefor they won't get a bunch for him.
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Mike (New Orleans, LA): Hey Randy, simple question. If you were the new GM of a franchise, would you rather Aaron Brooks or Jake Delhomme as your QB?

Mueller: (12:32 PM ET ) I'd rather have Jake Delhomme without a doubt. His leadership and competitiveness is tops and he is very accountable personnally as a player...that gets respect in the locker room. having said that I think Aaron Brooks can still be a top notch player in this league but has been mis-managed in New Orleans...
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Alex (St. Louis, MO): Mr. Mueller-DO you believe that Mike Martz will be able to pound the ball with Stephen Jackson against the Jets this Sunday; and if he does, do the Rams stand a chance.
Mueller: (12:33 PM ET ) I believe he could, if he wanted too...thats the bigger question, does he want to?
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Peter (NY): Randy--I'm a diehard Jets fan, and am really worried about this game vs. the Rams in Saint Louis. It's going to be a great game. What do you think of the Bills and Bronco's chances against teams that are likely to bench starters? Do you think it likely we could "sneak" into the playoffs with a loss from one of these two?

Mueller: (12:35 PM ET ) Sorry Peter, I think your going to need a win...Your Jets have the most presure on them of any team in the NFL, at present...how they will respond is anybodies guess...the QB has to play better and I'm not sure his arm is going to let him...he seems less than %100 to me...they will probably attack the Rams with the running game and if sucsessful should win the game...
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Pat (NY): What are the chances we'll see a trade in the offseason between the Vikings and Raiders? I think Micheal Bennett for Phillip Buchannan makes sense for both teams. What do you think?

Mueller: (12:39 PM ET ) You may be on to something there. Bennett does make sense because of his "speed' and Al Davis's afinity for such...The Vikings need a corner but I think Philipp Bucanahan will stay...they would like to get rid of Ray Bucanahan though and the Viks might just bite...
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Jeremy (Spokane, wa): Randy- Does Jim Haslett deserve some credit for keeping his players from giving up when the media and fans where already picking his replacement? By the way answer my question and I will buy you a drink at the Pepperdine.

Randy Mueller: (12:42 PM ET ) Good one Jeremy...I do think Haslett should get some credit, especially after the front office thru him under the bus in week 5 and the owner's comments about them being a high school team...they have gone back to running the ball on offense, which is what they should have done 2 years ago and Jim has put his imprint on the defense the last 4 weeks...he'll probably survive it all and be back for another run next year...
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Sam Malone (New Orleans): Randy, early prediction...Rohan Davey will be Nick Saban's starter in Miami next year. Rohan was impressive in NFL Europe, Saban knows how he can play from his LSU days, and he's from the Miami area. Plus, Davey's never going to see the field in New England. Seems like a fit, doesn't it?

Randy Mueller: (12:43 PM ET ) It does, but how do you get him away from a division rival?...that might not be so easy.
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Asad (Orlando, FL): Randy- Who do you think deserves the NFL MVP this year?
Randy Mueller: (12:43 PM ET ) Slam Dunk...Peyton Manning!
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Darius (Oakland): Randy, How many Jets FA's will Parcells make a run at this offseason? How many will he get?

Randy Mueller: (12:46 PM ET ) I can think of one who he could really use but he'll have lots of competition for him...DT, Jason Ferguson. He makes the Jets run defense "go"...without him they get small in a hurry and we all know Bill like big physical guys...sounds like a no brainer to me.
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Dave (Flagstaff, AZ): Being a former GM over Kyle Turley, could you go to bat for him and defend his character, or do you at all agree with Mike Martz's comments on him not being committed to the team?

Randy Mueller: (12:48 PM ET ) Nobody can question Kyle competitiveness but he also is not known for being accountable. He seldom takes blame when it's his fault and is sometimes irrational. I do think he's a solid player in the league, not great, but solid...He'll probably have to pack his stuff and head to another team if he wants to contnue his career. His back issues are legit so it's going to be a risk for however decides they want him.
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Brian (Weston, FL): Any chance of Butch Davis being a head coach in the NFL next season? He might not be a bad fit in St. Louis if Martz is fired.

Randy Mueller: (12:50 PM ET ) I think the chances would be "slim or none"...Butch showed no ability to work with others and the job is to big to do it all yourself...I think he'd be better off in college where he can be "his own boss"...he's already made it clear that he will never work for a GM or at a place where he can't have full authority...won't happen for him in the NFL.
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Kevin (Cincinnati): Randy do you see the bengals being able to resign Rudi Johnson and TJ Hushmanzadah and maybe restructure some contracts so the bengals can make some offers to some defensive free agents?

Randy Mueller: (12:51 PM ET ) I don't think there will be a giant market for either...they are solid players but i don't see a team over-paying to get them...the bengals should be able to sign both...I think they will have cap money to continue to improve their defense...they need to get bigger and stronger at the point of attack...
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Romeo Crennel (Boston, MA): Randy- If you get the job in the job in Cleveland are you going to hire me please?

Randy Mueller: (12:53 PM ET ) Keep plugging Romeo...your day is coming and it just might be this year...in all seriousness there will be a surprise firing or two where Crennell would also be an excellent fit.
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Reid (spokane washington): Randy, Any chance to get you back in Seattle as the General Manager. You built a strong foundation in New Orleans and Seattle the first time around. I was hoping they would get you last year when Holmgren gave up his GM duties. Instead they chose to get the GM from Arizona? I don't know anything about him, but I do wonder why an organization would pass on someone with your reputation of gathering talent to bring in a man from a team that has been near the bottom of the league for years.
Randy Mueller: (12:54 PM ET ) Reid..thanks for the note, but I turned the job down...just not the right time and place for me...there just might be more changes in Seattle this year so stay tuned...
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Steve (St. Louis): Randy, will the Falcons play to win against Seatle? Though Mora Jr. says they will, will they attempt to end Seatle's divisional hopes?
Randy Mueller: (12:56 PM ET ) It's easy to say we are going to play to win...it's another thing to actually sacrifice your body, heart and soul for a game that means nothing...i see the Seahawks winning this game in a "walkover"...The Falcons can not afford to get Vick hurt and therefore can't play him more than a quarter...they have no chance to win a playoff game without him and therefore have to pick their posion...
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John: (Fairfax, VA):: Randy, do you think LaVar Arrington is overrated? How does he compare to other OLBs like Derrick Brooks?

Randy Mueller: (12:57 PM ET ) He's bigger,faster and more athletic but doesn't play as smart and lacks Brooks heart to finish plays...he's good tjhough and should develope into an MVP candidate if he can ever stay healthy...
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Brian (Weston, FL): Who do you think had the better year, James Farrior or Ed Reed?
Randy Mueller: (12:59 PM ET ) I think james farrior will be the Def MVP of this year when it's all said and done...some has to do with the Steelers Def playing at a top notch level but I think Ed Reed is the best saftey in the game at present...

Randy Mueller: (1:00 PM ET ) Thanks to all for participating...Happy New Year!...I'm not sure what the schedule is for next

week so stay tuned.