 |
|
|||||||
|
Cowboys Chat:
0 user(s) online
|
|
|
|
Home
|
Fan Zone
|
News Zone
|
Draft Zone
|
Off-topic Zone
|
Forum Rules
|
Chat
|
** Change Graphics **
|
|
|
Display Modes | Thread Tools |
08-25-2004
|
#1 | ||||
|
Senior Member
|
Mort's chat from ESPN
Chris Mortensen: Good morning! I had to sneak in a little early because I'm hitting the road again....let's talk.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff from Boston: Hey Mort! I know you can't read too much into preseason games, but I'd like your thoughts on a couple of surprising developments: Man, did the Bengals make the Pats look bad. Is Palmer going to do better than Manning in his first year as starter? Also, the Jags were my sleeper team to pull off a Carolina Panthers season from last year, but they don't look like they're ready from what I've seen. Do they still have a shot? Thanks! Chris Mortensen: The preseason game had the smell of a set-up. The Patriots and Bengals play in week 14. I think Belichick wanted to get Palmer cozy. I could be wrong, but that's what I think. Palmer has a chance to have a better "first" year than Manning because he sat a season and Peyton played right off the bat. But, again, I'm not sure. Physically, Palmer is more gifted than about 90 percent of the QBs in the NFL. He is surrounded with talent and a good O-line. As for the Jags, I think people are too excited about them but they will play defense and that's a big thing. Plus, their division is very tough. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jamond (McDonough, Georiga): Who do you think the opening day starter at RB will be for the Bills? Is the window of opportunity for the Colts slowly closing? Chris Mortensen: Travis Henry will be the starter, barring a major injury. I don't see the window closing for the Colts at all. They've got Manning under contract basically forever and I'm assuming Tony Dungy will get the defense right one day if they can keep their young players signed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan, Boston: Do you think it is selfish for a player like peyton manning to take such a large signing bonus when he has to know in the long run that the team will suffer? Chris Mortensen: It's a good debate. Bottom line, the Colts blew it when they didn't get the deal done two years ago. And the contract did lower his salary cap figure, despite the huge bonus. I think the answer comes later. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Boston Brown (Boston, Massachusetts): Good afternoon Mort! I think the Browns can really turn it around this year. Suggs looks good and I think Garcia is an extremely underrated player. Can you see the Browns finally turning the corner and taking the division? Chris Mortensen: I still like the Ravens, but I agree with you on Garcia. I'm a big fan of his. Suggs does look good and I think they have a star in Winslow. What about the O-line? What about the defense? Those questions need to be answered in order to win the AFC North. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Danny (Woodland HIlls): Mort, I believe the AFC West will be a two team race between the Raiders and Chiefs...I really think Denver will struggle w/out a solid running game (minus Portis and Alex Gibbs)...do you think the Raiders can top the Chiefs Chris Mortensen: I think the Raiders will be in the mix and I may agree with you about the Broncos, but on a different point. They will run the ball. It's their passing game that looks shaky. Rod Smith is the ultimate pro but Ashley Lelie still looks shaky...Sharpe is gone...and Plummer has to overcome that. The Chiefs are my pick but I'm very interested in seeing the Raiders - they will get Charles Woodson in next week. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alex (Philly): Mort, why is everyone so down on the Eagles this year? They've been to the NFC championship the last 3 years, have one of the best records in the NFL over that span, and have added T.O. and The Freak this year. Yet, the only thing you hear is whom they lost. What gives? Chris Mortensen: It's probably a backlash or some fair analsysis. Wheny ou lose proven, quality players like Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, there's going to be some scrutiny. Plus, Duce Staley and Emmons. But Andy Reid is smart and he has always had a plan. It's hard for me to pick against the Eagles. T.O. makes 'em better and Kearse does, too. Plus, I think rookie Shawn Andrews will be a Pro Bowl player at RG this year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nick, Boston: Okay, I'm not from Boston but answer my question anyway. What's the deal with Miami and the running game? Do you see them making a deal sometime soon and for who? Chris Mortensen: They are studying about eight or nine backs and I think they'll make a move after this weekend. The third-round pick they picked up in the Bears deal gives them a little ammunition. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RJ - Appleton WI: So what do the Packers do with Tim Couch? Chris Mortensen: I think they may have to cut him. Here's one thing that bothers me about Couch: His sore arm problems have been pretty chronic. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adrian(Nashville, Tn): Why wasnt quincy carter tested by the league if he has a so called substance abuse problem? Chris Mortensen: He has been tested. Both positive tests since he entered the league have been administered by the league. He will lose four game checks (but not suspended) to start this season. He has been in treatment twice in the past 20 months, including right before training camp this year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J Train (Hanover, PA): It seems that everyone assumes Jamal Lewis will be acquitted in November but these are serious charges. I believe you live down in Atlanta. Any insight? Chris Mortensen: Only that Jamal has hired the best attorney (Ed Garland) in Atlanta and one who is very confident of acquital. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tim (Buffalo, NY): Mort, hows it going? Do you think the Losman injury motvates Donahoe to pursue a FA quarterback, or will they go with Bledsoe and Brown until he returns? Chris Mortensen: Travis Brown was going to be the No. 2 to start the season - the Bills like him - si maybe they pick up another guy until Losman gets back. I know they're not concerned about Brown as the No. 2, at all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tim: (Middletown, NJ): Mort, is it conceivable that the Giants can slip in as the final wild card in the NFC if a few things go their way. The schedule isn't tough, and if they can take advnatge of the Dallas QB situation and what looks like Washington's acclimation period to the Gibbs offense, they could sneak into 2nd in the East. Your thoughts? Chris Mortensen: Anything is conceivable in the NFL and I can see why you could make a case. But I don't see anybody beating out the Eagles and then it's a wild-card chase. I see the Giants falling short. I think you're overreacting to the QB situation in Dallas - the Cowboys should be better this year. I'm very anxious to see the Redskins. I have some doubts, too. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris (NY, NY): Mort...even if jamal lewis is acquitted in the end, do you think his performance will suffer this year because of all his legal troubles on his mind? Chris Mortensen: Did Kobe Bryant's performance suffer? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason Roe, Louisville, KY: Mort, was wondering what your thoughts are on TJ Ducket and this upcoming season. Do you think he'll have a breakout year? Chris Mortensen: In a way. I think he'll be better. I don't see him ever as a 1,500-yard back, but 1,000 to 1,200 is possible, although they still have Warrick Dunn. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason (Bloomington, IN): Mort.....Will Edgerrin James be a Colt next year? Marvin Harrison? Chris Mortensen: Harrison, yes. James, no. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ben (Bentonville, AR): Hello Mr. Mortensen How does Philip Rivers's late signing affect the Chargers and does he start, since I have heard that Drew Brees has played better than in the rest of his career? Thanks! Chris Mortensen: I expect to Rivers to start not later than midseason and maybe by October. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pete from New York: Hey Mort, what are your thoughts on Chris Simms? He's looked great so far in the preseason. Do you think he could possibly start this year if Brad Johnson and the Bucs stumble out of the gate? Thanks. Chris Mortensen: I believe Simms will be the starter sooner than later, but especially if the Bucs stumble early. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christian, Nashville: Hey Mort! will McNair have another MVP worthy season? and will Calico and Chris Brown be big playmakers for the Titans this year? Chris Mortensen: I don't see why McNair won't have an MVP type season. He's established. Chris Brown will have a very big year if he can stay healthy and that is the biggest issue with him. Calico will score about 10 TDs, but he'll still be the third guy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe in Jersey: Which New York QB will have a better year; Pennington or Manning? Chris Mortensen: I'd have to go with Pennington. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rockville, Maryland: Hey Mort, will Bledsoe bounce back this year? Also who is the 2nd WR in Buffalo? Chris Mortensen: I think Bledsoe does bounce back. Josh reed may be the No. 2 but Lee Evans looks good. Reed looks like he'll bounce back in this system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason (Philadelphia): Are the Eagles really happy w/ D. Levens being the number 2 RB? Any chance a decent back will be released before the seasno? Why didnt miami ask for A. Thomas in the trade w/ the bears? Chris Mortensen: remember, the Eagles used a three-headed backfield last year - Westbrook averaged about 9 carries, Buckhalter 7 and Staley 6. As for the Dolphins, I don't think they've ruled out Thomas, but the Bears aren't necessarily dealing him. Let's see what happens this weekend. Chris Mortensen: Another note on Eagles: Westbrook's work will be increased. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James (Dakota Dunes, SD): Mort, 49ers neeeeed some love! Tell me that we can compete this year and are not the worst team in football. Chris Mortensen: I think the Chargers and Cardinals will remain as the worst teams... as for your 49ers, I don't see them playing .500 ball. The good news: I have been wrong many times. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mike, Michigan: Hey Mort, love your chat, very insightful. First, do you think the Lion's offensive line is strong and deep enough to support their offense for an entire season now that they have all the playmaking postions locked in? Second, on defense, do you perceive their only weeknesses as being their decimated LB corps and the fact that the d-ends, can't get any pressure on the QB? Do you see any other weaknesses on this up-and-comming team? Chris Mortensen: I think the offense has almost all the pieces in place, including the O-line. It is the defense - exactly what you're talking about with the LBs and DEs. That's why I see this being one step forward instead of two steps this year. This offense is going to be something once all the young guys get acclimated. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tom, Charlotte, NC: Mort, should the 49ers start Dorsey this year as it looks like he is going to be the QB of the future for them or are they going to let Rattay start and play this season because they feel that they have no shot of winning Chris Mortensen: Besides his arm, Dorsey has some fairly serious back problems. Rattay will be the guy and he's not as bad as you think. certainly better than Dorsey. I think they will need to get another QB next offseason. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gregory (Austin): Mort, what do the Saints have cooking down there? Playoff Gumbo? Superbowl Jambalaya? Chris Mortensen: The Saints are the best "quiet" team in the NFL going into the season. The thing I've always wondered about with them - aside from their secondary - is their character. They always seem to have five key guys or more who are borderline character and I don't think you can win like that. But I do think they will be in the playoff hunt. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bargefest: Mike Martz recently stated that if Bulger learned anything from Warner, that would mean the coaches weren't doing their jobs... Doesn't this imply that the guy has no concept of teamwork? I found these remarks to be disturbing. Thoughts?.... Chris Mortensen: Mike has a way of putting things. But, basically, he's saying that the coaches and the system, along with Bulger's talent and hard work, have produced a very viable starting QB. I believe him. Mike Holmgren once said that the biggest lie in football is that veteran QBs "mentor" younger QBs. But a young guy can always benefit from watching a successful vet work. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chris J (Sacramento): Hey Mort. Any news on Julian Peterson's holdout in SF? Also, don't you think fans are getting tired of players who hold out this long? Chris Mortensen: It's always troubling for fans, but remember that under this system only one player gets franchised and blocked from becoming a free agent - so Peterson is perfectly within his rights. He is not under contract. He will be in there soon to sign the franchise tender, I'm sure. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rootland,Charlotte,NC: Phillip Rivers was a great college QB...as a professional He will fail miserably due to his lead feet, mollases arm, and the offense Chris Mortensen: OK. I've heard that analysis from proven football people (you put it a little less delicately)...and I've heard other proven personnel men say they love him. I think the biggest problem is the team around him, although he has arguably the best back in football - L. Tomlinson - behind him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kevin (North Bend, OR): With Mark Fields playing again and looking dominant, is the Carolina defense even more intimidating than last year? Chris Mortensen: I think it is. Fields gives them another elelment of speed to go with that great front four. I think the secondary is still suspect but all-in-all the Panthers defense is probably the best in football - along with the Patriots. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phil from NYC: No offense to you Mort, but do you think we could get a live chat with Melissa Stark one of these days? Chris Mortensen: I'll work on that. Do you mean live, in person. She's in Greece. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- shawn - providence: can the jets give the pats a run for there money for the afc east crown?pennington looks like hes back to his 2002 form Chris Mortensen: Jets fans seem to be worked up after the Colts game. I think you have to be careful. I see the Jets as a 9-7 to7-9 team. I do love Pennington. The defense is younger but I think there will be growing pains. Chris Mortensen: That's it for today. I have to pack quickly and head to the airport. Thanks and we'll do it again next week. God bless! |
||||
|
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#2 | ||||||
|
Defense Wins Championships
  |
Good stuff.
|
||||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#3 | ||||||
|
Senior Member
|
i'd like to do much more than chat with mellisa stark!
:P [FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]** is it 4:20 yet? **[/FONT]
|
||||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#4 | |||||
|
Dark Days
 Years Donated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
|
Quote:
Call me crazy but that sounds like a major reach.  |
|||||
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#5 | |||||
|
Senior Member
|
Quote:
Preseason isn't a time to show numerous coverages or blitzes and stunts. Keep things basic and thats probably what they did. |
|||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#6 | ||||
|
Banned
|
is melissa stark working again? I always thought she was pretty
|
||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#7 | ||||
|
Senior Member
|
that is good stuff...
i don't know if he's all that informed about all these particulars, but ultimately they're just his opinions anyway. for anyone who saw the Chiefs game, and who recognizes the name dick vermeil - we know who's going to be representing the AFC in the Super Bowl, don't we? for some unknown reason i've always been a KC fan, and the way Martz & Co. got embarrassed was - well, it was just fun to watch!! if i had to pick a coach other than parcells, it would be vermeil. the chiefs will carve up the nfl this season... and you heard it here first!
|
||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#8 | |||||
|
Senior Member
|
Quote:
Before we got George, I was all worried about our RB depth; now I'd be happy to ship him away. Do I have too much faith in Lee & co.? Last edited by pancakeman : 08-25-2004 at 05:50 PM. Reason: typo |
|||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#9 | |||||
|
Dark Days
Years Donated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
|
Quote:
But teams do that with EVERY pre-season game...Mort is making it out like the pats did it this time just to get a leg up on Palmer in week 14...in other words he thinks the pats went out of their way to make palmer look better then he is ....instead of just playing vanilla defenses like every team does in the pre-season. Now if he would have said it is just pre-season and most teams keep things simple then I would have no problem....but he is making it sound like the pats are just doing this for the bengals and palmer. I just think it is a reach. |
|||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#10 | |||||||
|
Senior Member
Years Donated 2004
 |
Quote:
Duane: "Mellisa if you want to cyber type 123." |
|||||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#11 | |||||
|
Senior Member
|
Quote:
the pats did nothing out of the ordinary for a pre-season game. |
|||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#12 | |||||
|
Dark Days
Years Donated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
|
Quote:
Who knows...it could have just been a major braincramp like the Pats had in the first game of last season vs the Bills. Man the pats looked horrible in that game and the bills looked all world....well we know how both of those teams faired later in the season. |
|||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#13 | |||||||
|
He Made the Difference
Years Donated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
|
Quote:
Even when he does the same thing everyone else does, it's a sign of genius. |
|||||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#14 | ||||
|
The Grand Poobah
Years Donated 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
|
Thanks BZ very interesting read. Keep up the good work my good man.
Cowboy Fan since 1960.......You young-uns stay outta my yard.  |
||||
|
|
|
08-25-2004
|
#15 | |||||
|
Dark Days
Years Donated 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
|
Quote:
Anytime they say that Little Bill is a genius you should be happy....because in the end he learned it from Big Bill. |
|||||
|
|
|
|
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
Linear Mode
|
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:35 AM.