WoodysGirl
12-27-2006, 01:12 PM
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Good morning and (almost) Happy New Year. Crazy year, crazy month. Let's talk about it.
Lee (Phoenix,AZ): Will teams force the Broncos to release Jake Plummer or will there be a team that wants to make sure they get him by trading for him? Can the Broncos get a first day pick for him?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It's possible they could get a first day pick (third round?) but he has contract issues that would have to be worked out; otherwise, he could be released.
Will (Missouri): Hey Mort! Do you see the Falcons trading Michael Vick soon if he continues to be inconsistent?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I think a decision will need to be made on Vick after next (07) season.
Todd, DC: With Philly hot, hot, hot,winning 4 on the road and 3 against division, is it time to consider them a possibility to represent the NFC in the SB?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Why not? Who's healthy and hot at the end of the season is one of the formulas for identifying a Super Bowl contender. The Eagles are there, especially with Garcia playing so well and Brian Westbrook healthy. I am almost tempted to pick them.
Mike (FL): It's clear that Hufnagel is out, and it looks like Coughlin can start packing his bags too (assuming the G-Men dont win at least 1 playoff game), so who are the Giants looking to snag as their next HC? I've been hearing Charlie Weis, but I dont think he'd leave ND. How about Jim Johnson at HC and David Cutliffe at OC to turn Eli around? Any chance this happens?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I think firing Coughlin would be a mistake. I do believe Coughlin has to make the hard decisions on staff changes (both sides of the ball) and he just did so with Hufnagel. That's not going to be a popular opinion - and I'm not sure what the Giants owners are going to decide. It's never as simple as "Fire the head coach and all will be well." That's naive.
Will (Missouri): Can Romo really lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl? I mean, he hasn't even played a full season.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Romo hasn't led the Cowboys over big home games against the Saints and Eagles, so why even discuss the Super Bowl? Their problems are big - defense and O-line. Why it got exposed so late is cause for scrutiny.
AJ (Phoenixville,PA): Mort forget stupid questions like trading Vick, i wanna know if owners like blank and ford listen to fans when they protest and take out ads in newspapers proclaiming thier lack of enthusiasm in thier team? Also which coaches and/or coordinators are going to get the "blame" and the pink slip that goes along with it in the ATL after another terrible pitfall?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I'm just going to answer part of it: Owners should NEVER listen to fans or media, especially when deciding on a coach that has been on the job less than five years.
Vinnie (NYC): I disagree. I think firing Coughlin must happen. Three stupid personal fouls Sunday (in addition to numerous penalties all season long) and he has not yet found a way to calm down Plaxico and Shockey. The guy has no control over the team.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Here's what guys like Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells and the great ones basically believe: The only way to legislate over stupid, repetitive penalties is to get rid of the players that do those things. The idea that you can change that behavior by doing a lap or extra pushups or fining players is ridiculous. Burress and Shockey are never going to change, no matter who the coach is. Has T.O. changed? Has Randy Moss changed?
Arlene (SoCal): Mort, do you think Eli would like to rethink that whole, "I don't wanna play for San Diego," theory again.... I for one wish him well in the JV league!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: When Eli made that decision, I laughed because my personal preference would be to play in San Diego, not New York. But here is what went behind that decision: The Chargers had a history of protracted contract holdouts with their top draft picks. Sign late as a quarterback and you're in trouble. Guess what? Phillip Rivers signed late and sat for two years and would still be sitting if Drew Brees had not gotten hurt at the end of last season.
Bill (PDX): While the Seahawks lost on Sunday, the game has to be a "moral" victory - finally they played very well overall. With a solid win over TB this weekend, does that make Seattle dangerous again?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I wouldn't use "dangerous" but I think they have as solid shot because of the playoff field. But if I were seeding it, I'd probably go with Bears, Eagles, Saints & Seahawks, in that order.
Soren (LA): Mort: There was some scenarios from the Lelie/Ducket/draft pick deal in which the Broncos would get to swap first round picks with the Redskins. Is there any chance the Broncos get to make that swap?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: No, I think it's pretty much decided: Broncos get Redskins' 3rd round pick this April and a 4th rounder in '08.
pete(nyc): Has there been a precedent of a team like Colts.. with the worst possible run defense .. winning it all?.. one n done again?? and they put the *choke* label on Manning!!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Anybody with common sense could not put the "choke" label on Manning. You must have a very good to great defense to win a Super Bowl. They have put too much pressure on the offense to pull this thing out.
Eric (Iron City, PA): Hi Mort, any insight to the Cowher situation? I hate to see him go, but after hugging Ray Lewis and showing little emotion for this entire year, it seems like the writing is on the wall. No one seems to talk about it, but if the Rooney's threw a big enough offer at him, would he be back?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I don't know. I'm like you - I expect that he will sit out a year. Then again, if the Rooneys said we'll pay you $8 million a year - that's a lot of love...maybe it would get his attention.
Mike (San Diego): Mort, regarding the Eli Manning and the Chargers not dealing well with 1st round picks...wouldn't you like to be paid $20MM to hold a clip board? I think I could handle that.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Athletes are driven by their competitive heart. They want to play. Even Rivers hated it.
Kelly (Indianapolis, IN): people in INDY want Dungy gone! will he be back next year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: This is a great example of what I'm talking about - fans and media should never have a say about a coach.
Travis (Canada): Mort, Saints basically had no chance according to a lot of the so-called experts this year and yet no one has admitted their mistake, so why are the media types not held more accountable/responsible since the clubs and coaches they write about are?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I have heard almost all the "experts" or media admit they were wrong in projecting the Saints. I made a mistake. I thought they'd win two games. But predicting/projecting is not a serious part of our business. That's all conjecture and fun and once a season begins, a lot of things change.
Kyle (raleigh, NC): Gibbs has said he's open to potentially hiring a GM this offseason. Do you think this will happen? I'd love for them to grab Tom Donahue, think they'd be a potent combination considering how his picks in Buffalo are panning out.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Yeah, if anybody is looking for a great personnel guy, Donohoe is a great pick-up. The Bills' roster is full of talent and promise for the future if the owner will re-sign the right guys.
Jason(Ind): Mort, i acknowledge that us fans can be carried away.. but for a coach with the defensive *skillset* of Dungy... his team to be ranked 32nd in defense is glaring.. and quite a statement.. is he *unblamable*?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: No, he deserves some blame. He would tell you that. But now the idea is for Tony and Bill Polian to address the problems, especially with personnel. The scheme does call for too many undersized guys in my opinion but there's no question that the phase in which the Colts lost some very good defensive players to free agency in order to keep the offense in tact as hurt them. They also have had injuries.
Walter (Flagstaff, AZ): Who do you see replacing Denny Green? A big name/high price guy or a 2nd tier/lower paid guy?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I don't know. The Bidwill style has varied. Do you go after Pete Carroll and give him the world, or do you go out and hire the next Lovie Smith or Sean Payton? Good discussion.
Matty (Chicago): I know he is only a restricted free agent, but I dont think is value could ever be higher. What are the Chargers off-season plans for Michael Turner. Any idea where he might end up?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Running backs don't have exceptional value in this league but he is interesting. I suspect he'll remain in San Diego.
Steven: Vince Young just wins football games
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: That's way too simple. He makes plays. He is tall and he is accurate on most of the throws he has to make. Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow gets a lot of credit for identifying Vince's strengths and weaknesses and then designing an offense to his strengths. Sounds simple but it's a little more than simple.
Scott (Albany, NY): Mort - during the game on Monday Al Michaels and John Madden both agreed that either T.O or Parcells would not be back next year. Do you agree and who do you think woill be gone?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I agree and I would lean towards Parcells not coming back.
Chris (Bozeman, MT): Any chance the Vikes make a play for Moss in the offseason?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: No.
Brad, VA: Do all the guys on espn's pre-game get along off set??? Tom Jackson, Ditka, Young, Boom, Yourself, Irvin, Jaws????
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Yes, we get along and we get along extremely well.
Charles (Miami): Mort - Do you know if a CB has ever won defensive MVP? Could Champ win it this year? In my opinion, it's between him, J. Taylor, and maybe Urlacher.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Deion Sanders won it. I agree that it's between Champ, Taylor and Urlacher.
Biff (Cleveland): Chris, this is a sorry state of affairs for Cleveland football. Winslow is hated by everyone in the league, Braylon Edwards is hated by his teammates and coaches, we have the worst qb's in the league 1-3. Is there ANY light at the end of the tunnel?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It doesn't matter that Winslow is "hated" around the league, if that's true. Edwards has to shape up but he has talent. And they do need to find a QB (I think Anderson with talent around him could be pretty good). But the common theme of all teams where the offense has struggled is the offensive line. They had ridiculous amounts of injuries on the O-line. Your QB, passing game and run game all looks inconsistent to pathetic when that happens.
CC (Atlanta): Who does Blank fo after as coach? I can't see him going after someone who has not been a HC before after this Mora debacle.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I am not advocating firing the coach, but let me throw these names out at you: Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Lovie Smith, Brian Billick... none had been head coaches before they got this job. Bill Belichick had been arguably "failure" in his first head coaching job in Cleveland. Parcells took the Giants to two Super Bowl titles without prior head coaching experience. Same for Joe Gibbs with the Redskins and I believe Bill Walsh with the 49ers. Oh, and Vince Lombardi...
Mike (Philadelphia): Why is Brian Dawkins getting no consideration for defensive player of the year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I'm glad you mentioned him. I always consider Dawkins to be one of the most valuable players in this league.
Jamey (Albany): Would Philip Rivers be as highly touted if he didn't have LT in his backfield? Who are your top 5 young (under 26) qb's?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I would have to give it more thought but I would put Jay Cutler & Vince Young ahead of any of the young guns.
Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ): Eric Mangini coach of the year? Yes or No?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: My coach of the year would look like this: 1. Sean Payton; 2. Eric Mangini; 3. Brian Billick; 4. Marty Schottenheimer; 5. tie between Andy Reid and Bill Belichick.
Raul (Albuquerque, NM): Shouldn't T.O.'s actions on the field dictate wether he goes to the pro bowl not his actions off the field, last time i checked he has over 1,000 yards and leads the league in touchdown receptions.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Statistics can deceive. Just watch all the games, week in and week out. He was not a Pro Bowl WR this year.
Jeff (Charlotte, NC: What is your take on Jason Campbell so far? And what happens to Brunell next year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I like Campbell a lot. You see really good skills and he has a chance to be a playoff quarterback. I would think Brunell is an ideal guy to have as a veteran QB backup.
Geoff West Chester, PA: What has changed in the past couple of weeks for Parcells to think about not coming back?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I have always noted that Parcells would be week-to-week in looking at his future. I think the combination of the team's fade and, perhaps the bigger issue, that at 65 years old the job takes too much out of him to give it another go. We'll see.
Mike (Henrietta): Jeff Fisher not even on your top 5 for coach of the year???
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Wow, I guess I'd slip him in that Schottenheimer, Reid & Belichick group. You're right.
Joe(Boston,MA): Do you think Reggie Bush lived up to all the hype this year? Who do you think should win Rookie of the Year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I will cast my vote for Vince Young. I think Reggie has been closer to living up to the hype than not.
Jeremy (Bellevue): Mort: in your young Qb list where is Palmer he has shown that he has the potential to be the top Qb in the league, he has at least shown more then Culter and Young!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Sorry, I guess I'd have to check his age. If he qualifies, he would be at the top.
Vinnie (NYC): Why did so many teams give up on Garcia? I will admit, I didnt think he would play at the level he is playing at right now, but I always felt he could be a starting QB in this league.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It looks like it takes the old guard West Coast guys to make it work with him. But the most popular theory is that Garcia would physically wear down over the course of a 16-game-plus season. He's 5-11 1/2, 187 lbs and plays with reckless abandon. I've made the case that he was the toughest player in the league, not Brett Favre or Ray Lewis, or whoever.
Ben (Denver): Carson is 27, thus eliminating him from the under 26 question.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: There you go
Mel (dallas): Why vote Vince Young ROY? Why not Marcus JD or Colston?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It's the best rookie class for impact players that I can remember. Vince has had the greatest impact at the toughest position but there are a bunch of worthy guys, including Jones-Drew and Colston.
Jeremy (Bellevue): Palmer turned 27 today
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Happy Birthday, Carson!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Happy Birthday, Carson!
Brad (NM): Hey Mort..what was your take on Jauron not kicking the field goal completely ending all our fans hopes of going to the postseason? Heavy wind or not I think you have to try that field goal.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I thought he had to try it, even though I was not in the stadium Sunday.
Justin (PA): They say wait a few years to judge a trade so looking at it now, huge mistake to trade Champ for Portis
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: This is a good reminder. Plus, I believe the Broncos got a second round pick, too.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: The hour has flown fast! Thanks for the great questions and points of view....Happy New Year and God Bless!
Lee (Phoenix,AZ): Will teams force the Broncos to release Jake Plummer or will there be a team that wants to make sure they get him by trading for him? Can the Broncos get a first day pick for him?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It's possible they could get a first day pick (third round?) but he has contract issues that would have to be worked out; otherwise, he could be released.
Will (Missouri): Hey Mort! Do you see the Falcons trading Michael Vick soon if he continues to be inconsistent?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I think a decision will need to be made on Vick after next (07) season.
Todd, DC: With Philly hot, hot, hot,winning 4 on the road and 3 against division, is it time to consider them a possibility to represent the NFC in the SB?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Why not? Who's healthy and hot at the end of the season is one of the formulas for identifying a Super Bowl contender. The Eagles are there, especially with Garcia playing so well and Brian Westbrook healthy. I am almost tempted to pick them.
Mike (FL): It's clear that Hufnagel is out, and it looks like Coughlin can start packing his bags too (assuming the G-Men dont win at least 1 playoff game), so who are the Giants looking to snag as their next HC? I've been hearing Charlie Weis, but I dont think he'd leave ND. How about Jim Johnson at HC and David Cutliffe at OC to turn Eli around? Any chance this happens?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I think firing Coughlin would be a mistake. I do believe Coughlin has to make the hard decisions on staff changes (both sides of the ball) and he just did so with Hufnagel. That's not going to be a popular opinion - and I'm not sure what the Giants owners are going to decide. It's never as simple as "Fire the head coach and all will be well." That's naive.
Will (Missouri): Can Romo really lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl? I mean, he hasn't even played a full season.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Romo hasn't led the Cowboys over big home games against the Saints and Eagles, so why even discuss the Super Bowl? Their problems are big - defense and O-line. Why it got exposed so late is cause for scrutiny.
AJ (Phoenixville,PA): Mort forget stupid questions like trading Vick, i wanna know if owners like blank and ford listen to fans when they protest and take out ads in newspapers proclaiming thier lack of enthusiasm in thier team? Also which coaches and/or coordinators are going to get the "blame" and the pink slip that goes along with it in the ATL after another terrible pitfall?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I'm just going to answer part of it: Owners should NEVER listen to fans or media, especially when deciding on a coach that has been on the job less than five years.
Vinnie (NYC): I disagree. I think firing Coughlin must happen. Three stupid personal fouls Sunday (in addition to numerous penalties all season long) and he has not yet found a way to calm down Plaxico and Shockey. The guy has no control over the team.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Here's what guys like Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells and the great ones basically believe: The only way to legislate over stupid, repetitive penalties is to get rid of the players that do those things. The idea that you can change that behavior by doing a lap or extra pushups or fining players is ridiculous. Burress and Shockey are never going to change, no matter who the coach is. Has T.O. changed? Has Randy Moss changed?
Arlene (SoCal): Mort, do you think Eli would like to rethink that whole, "I don't wanna play for San Diego," theory again.... I for one wish him well in the JV league!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: When Eli made that decision, I laughed because my personal preference would be to play in San Diego, not New York. But here is what went behind that decision: The Chargers had a history of protracted contract holdouts with their top draft picks. Sign late as a quarterback and you're in trouble. Guess what? Phillip Rivers signed late and sat for two years and would still be sitting if Drew Brees had not gotten hurt at the end of last season.
Bill (PDX): While the Seahawks lost on Sunday, the game has to be a "moral" victory - finally they played very well overall. With a solid win over TB this weekend, does that make Seattle dangerous again?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I wouldn't use "dangerous" but I think they have as solid shot because of the playoff field. But if I were seeding it, I'd probably go with Bears, Eagles, Saints & Seahawks, in that order.
Soren (LA): Mort: There was some scenarios from the Lelie/Ducket/draft pick deal in which the Broncos would get to swap first round picks with the Redskins. Is there any chance the Broncos get to make that swap?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: No, I think it's pretty much decided: Broncos get Redskins' 3rd round pick this April and a 4th rounder in '08.
pete(nyc): Has there been a precedent of a team like Colts.. with the worst possible run defense .. winning it all?.. one n done again?? and they put the *choke* label on Manning!!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Anybody with common sense could not put the "choke" label on Manning. You must have a very good to great defense to win a Super Bowl. They have put too much pressure on the offense to pull this thing out.
Eric (Iron City, PA): Hi Mort, any insight to the Cowher situation? I hate to see him go, but after hugging Ray Lewis and showing little emotion for this entire year, it seems like the writing is on the wall. No one seems to talk about it, but if the Rooney's threw a big enough offer at him, would he be back?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I don't know. I'm like you - I expect that he will sit out a year. Then again, if the Rooneys said we'll pay you $8 million a year - that's a lot of love...maybe it would get his attention.
Mike (San Diego): Mort, regarding the Eli Manning and the Chargers not dealing well with 1st round picks...wouldn't you like to be paid $20MM to hold a clip board? I think I could handle that.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Athletes are driven by their competitive heart. They want to play. Even Rivers hated it.
Kelly (Indianapolis, IN): people in INDY want Dungy gone! will he be back next year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: This is a great example of what I'm talking about - fans and media should never have a say about a coach.
Travis (Canada): Mort, Saints basically had no chance according to a lot of the so-called experts this year and yet no one has admitted their mistake, so why are the media types not held more accountable/responsible since the clubs and coaches they write about are?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I have heard almost all the "experts" or media admit they were wrong in projecting the Saints. I made a mistake. I thought they'd win two games. But predicting/projecting is not a serious part of our business. That's all conjecture and fun and once a season begins, a lot of things change.
Kyle (raleigh, NC): Gibbs has said he's open to potentially hiring a GM this offseason. Do you think this will happen? I'd love for them to grab Tom Donahue, think they'd be a potent combination considering how his picks in Buffalo are panning out.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Yeah, if anybody is looking for a great personnel guy, Donohoe is a great pick-up. The Bills' roster is full of talent and promise for the future if the owner will re-sign the right guys.
Jason(Ind): Mort, i acknowledge that us fans can be carried away.. but for a coach with the defensive *skillset* of Dungy... his team to be ranked 32nd in defense is glaring.. and quite a statement.. is he *unblamable*?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: No, he deserves some blame. He would tell you that. But now the idea is for Tony and Bill Polian to address the problems, especially with personnel. The scheme does call for too many undersized guys in my opinion but there's no question that the phase in which the Colts lost some very good defensive players to free agency in order to keep the offense in tact as hurt them. They also have had injuries.
Walter (Flagstaff, AZ): Who do you see replacing Denny Green? A big name/high price guy or a 2nd tier/lower paid guy?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I don't know. The Bidwill style has varied. Do you go after Pete Carroll and give him the world, or do you go out and hire the next Lovie Smith or Sean Payton? Good discussion.
Matty (Chicago): I know he is only a restricted free agent, but I dont think is value could ever be higher. What are the Chargers off-season plans for Michael Turner. Any idea where he might end up?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Running backs don't have exceptional value in this league but he is interesting. I suspect he'll remain in San Diego.
Steven: Vince Young just wins football games
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: That's way too simple. He makes plays. He is tall and he is accurate on most of the throws he has to make. Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow gets a lot of credit for identifying Vince's strengths and weaknesses and then designing an offense to his strengths. Sounds simple but it's a little more than simple.
Scott (Albany, NY): Mort - during the game on Monday Al Michaels and John Madden both agreed that either T.O or Parcells would not be back next year. Do you agree and who do you think woill be gone?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I agree and I would lean towards Parcells not coming back.
Chris (Bozeman, MT): Any chance the Vikes make a play for Moss in the offseason?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: No.
Brad, VA: Do all the guys on espn's pre-game get along off set??? Tom Jackson, Ditka, Young, Boom, Yourself, Irvin, Jaws????
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Yes, we get along and we get along extremely well.
Charles (Miami): Mort - Do you know if a CB has ever won defensive MVP? Could Champ win it this year? In my opinion, it's between him, J. Taylor, and maybe Urlacher.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Deion Sanders won it. I agree that it's between Champ, Taylor and Urlacher.
Biff (Cleveland): Chris, this is a sorry state of affairs for Cleveland football. Winslow is hated by everyone in the league, Braylon Edwards is hated by his teammates and coaches, we have the worst qb's in the league 1-3. Is there ANY light at the end of the tunnel?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It doesn't matter that Winslow is "hated" around the league, if that's true. Edwards has to shape up but he has talent. And they do need to find a QB (I think Anderson with talent around him could be pretty good). But the common theme of all teams where the offense has struggled is the offensive line. They had ridiculous amounts of injuries on the O-line. Your QB, passing game and run game all looks inconsistent to pathetic when that happens.
CC (Atlanta): Who does Blank fo after as coach? I can't see him going after someone who has not been a HC before after this Mora debacle.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I am not advocating firing the coach, but let me throw these names out at you: Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Lovie Smith, Brian Billick... none had been head coaches before they got this job. Bill Belichick had been arguably "failure" in his first head coaching job in Cleveland. Parcells took the Giants to two Super Bowl titles without prior head coaching experience. Same for Joe Gibbs with the Redskins and I believe Bill Walsh with the 49ers. Oh, and Vince Lombardi...
Mike (Philadelphia): Why is Brian Dawkins getting no consideration for defensive player of the year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I'm glad you mentioned him. I always consider Dawkins to be one of the most valuable players in this league.
Jamey (Albany): Would Philip Rivers be as highly touted if he didn't have LT in his backfield? Who are your top 5 young (under 26) qb's?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I would have to give it more thought but I would put Jay Cutler & Vince Young ahead of any of the young guns.
Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ): Eric Mangini coach of the year? Yes or No?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: My coach of the year would look like this: 1. Sean Payton; 2. Eric Mangini; 3. Brian Billick; 4. Marty Schottenheimer; 5. tie between Andy Reid and Bill Belichick.
Raul (Albuquerque, NM): Shouldn't T.O.'s actions on the field dictate wether he goes to the pro bowl not his actions off the field, last time i checked he has over 1,000 yards and leads the league in touchdown receptions.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Statistics can deceive. Just watch all the games, week in and week out. He was not a Pro Bowl WR this year.
Jeff (Charlotte, NC: What is your take on Jason Campbell so far? And what happens to Brunell next year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I like Campbell a lot. You see really good skills and he has a chance to be a playoff quarterback. I would think Brunell is an ideal guy to have as a veteran QB backup.
Geoff West Chester, PA: What has changed in the past couple of weeks for Parcells to think about not coming back?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I have always noted that Parcells would be week-to-week in looking at his future. I think the combination of the team's fade and, perhaps the bigger issue, that at 65 years old the job takes too much out of him to give it another go. We'll see.
Mike (Henrietta): Jeff Fisher not even on your top 5 for coach of the year???
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Wow, I guess I'd slip him in that Schottenheimer, Reid & Belichick group. You're right.
Joe(Boston,MA): Do you think Reggie Bush lived up to all the hype this year? Who do you think should win Rookie of the Year?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I will cast my vote for Vince Young. I think Reggie has been closer to living up to the hype than not.
Jeremy (Bellevue): Mort: in your young Qb list where is Palmer he has shown that he has the potential to be the top Qb in the league, he has at least shown more then Culter and Young!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Sorry, I guess I'd have to check his age. If he qualifies, he would be at the top.
Vinnie (NYC): Why did so many teams give up on Garcia? I will admit, I didnt think he would play at the level he is playing at right now, but I always felt he could be a starting QB in this league.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It looks like it takes the old guard West Coast guys to make it work with him. But the most popular theory is that Garcia would physically wear down over the course of a 16-game-plus season. He's 5-11 1/2, 187 lbs and plays with reckless abandon. I've made the case that he was the toughest player in the league, not Brett Favre or Ray Lewis, or whoever.
Ben (Denver): Carson is 27, thus eliminating him from the under 26 question.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: There you go
Mel (dallas): Why vote Vince Young ROY? Why not Marcus JD or Colston?
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: It's the best rookie class for impact players that I can remember. Vince has had the greatest impact at the toughest position but there are a bunch of worthy guys, including Jones-Drew and Colston.
Jeremy (Bellevue): Palmer turned 27 today
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Happy Birthday, Carson!
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: Happy Birthday, Carson!
Brad (NM): Hey Mort..what was your take on Jauron not kicking the field goal completely ending all our fans hopes of going to the postseason? Heavy wind or not I think you have to try that field goal.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: I thought he had to try it, even though I was not in the stadium Sunday.
Justin (PA): They say wait a few years to judge a trade so looking at it now, huge mistake to trade Champ for Portis
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: This is a good reminder. Plus, I believe the Broncos got a second round pick, too.
http://espn-ak.starwave.com/i/sn2.gif Chris Mortensen: The hour has flown fast! Thanks for the great questions and points of view....Happy New Year and God Bless!