Doomsday101
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Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hello everyone. Glad to be with you again today, thanks for joining me for the live chat. Might as well get right to it.
KB, Baltimore 12:04 PM ET
Do you think Laron Landry of the Commanders is becoming a top 5 safety in the nfl?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think that Landry is definitely a top 5 safety. He's just 25 years old and was a Pro Bowl alternate last year, the second-leading tackler on that team. He has everything you need to have to be a good safety -- speed, tackling, the ability to play the pass. Another one of my Playboy All-Americans!
David, Dc 12:06 PM ET
Do you see Donald Brown surpassing Joseph Addai on the Colt's depth chart? Addai didn't do well last year, and Brown looks pretty good.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi David. I don't think you'll see Brown surpass Addai on the depth chart. I semi-agree with you, in that Addai didn't look great last year. But he was injured a lot. I think Addai will get about 55-60 percent of the playing time, with Brown getting the rest. But Brown will make more big plays of 20 yards or more than Addai, but Addai will score more touchdowns. Brown will probably catch more passes -- the role that Rhodes had last year. Addai will get more carries, Brown more receptions.
Brady, Montrose, PA 12:08 PM ET
Hey Gil, always great to hear from you and get your take on everything. Felix Jones has looked awfully impressive thus far for the Cowboys. Seems like every time he touches the ball he makes something big happen. Do you see him becoming the starter by the end of the year and Marion Barber going back to being the best closer in the game? And where do you think Tashard Choice falls into this whole Cowboys running back situation? Thanks for taking the time Gil, always a pleasure!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, I don't think Felix Jones will be ahead of Barber on the depth chart. Jones averaged 8.9 ypc last year, the best average by a running back in 15 years with a minimum of 20 carries. I agree, everytime Jones touches the ball something happens. He's very fast, and he's also a very good receiver you can flank out wide and he's very good at running screens. I think the Cowboys will pound the ball inside with Barber and use Jones as a change of pace. Jones is also an excellent kick returner, and I see him in that role.
Jacob, Schenectady, NY 12:10 PM ET
Hey Gil! How well do you think Vincent Jackson will perform for the Chargers this year? He seems to get much better every year, and he is still very young. What are your thoughts?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Jacob. I think Jackson has a chance to be a Pro Bowler this year. He's caught 100 passes the last two years for 10 TDs. He's a big target that is basically just learning how to play the position, because he played at a small school in Northern Colorado that didn't throw a lot. Look for Jackson to be active on the goal line, where teams like to throw play-action passes to tight ends. I think you'll see a few to him.
Manuel, Buffalo 12:12 PM ET
What is holding Trent Edwards back from being a top-flight QB in Buffalo?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, they don't have a very good O-line, and they're starting two rookies. I don't think Edwards will ever be a franchise-type QB, but I do think he'll be a good QB. He'll be the type of guy who can help get you into the playoffs, providing his surrounding cast is good enough. He's not a Manning or a Brady, who can beat you by themselves. I think he's smart and has good talent, but not great talent. What you see is what you get with Edwards.
mike, uk 12:14 PM ET
Do you think that Edgrin James is a good fit for the seahawks? What do you think his numbers will be like this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, I think James last year at the end of the season proved he was a good RB. He wasn't the Edge of old. I guess you make a move like that if you feel you have a chance to win a division or a conference championship. I don't think you make that move if you think you're going to win six games, because you're just slowing the progress of someone else.
Mike Sing. , Santa Clara 12:16 PM ET
What do you think of Shaun Hill? Is he the right man for the job?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Mike. I think, after watchign the 49ers in person a few weeks ago, I think Smith probably has more ability, but Hill is one of those guys that gets the job done. He's been an underdog out of high school, when no one recruited him and he went to a JC, and was finally recruited by Maryland. You look at him, and you may think he's not very good, but then he won seven games.
I think he's probably better-suited for the system the 49ers will have under Jimmy Rae, who is an outstanding football coach. He's also a pretty good golfer.
Buz, NC 12:18 PM ET
Is this the year Steven Jackson bounces back under Spags renewed attention to the running game or does the lack of significant wide reciever talent mean he'll be limited by seeing 8 in the box week in and week out?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's true, because the Rams best WR Avery is now out. The Rams don't really have a good receiving core after the departure of Holt, either. Jackson will catch a lot of passes. They have a new RT Smith, and then Barron moved to LT. The Rams are a team, because of their inability to draft well in 2004-06, is really showing up to hurt them now. Another tough year for Jackson.
tony, norfolk, VA 12:21 PM ET
Does it not make sense for the Commanders to give some playing time to Chase Daniel and Colt Brennan with the first stringers, against a first string defense? Sure Daniel plays awesome with third stringers in there, but thats just like college all over again for him, there is no exceptional talent on EITHER sides of the ball. I have stuck with JC up until the game against Pittsburg but I'm about done. Are either Chase Daniel or Colt Brennan the answer? Todd Collins is old and hardly the future. HAIL! Tony
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think so Tony. Chase Daniel did a pretty good job at Missouri, and he can move around and has a stronger arm then Brennan. I do like him better than Brennan. But I don't think he's a guy who could start 16 games for you and you'd have a good seaosn. Remember that the coaching staff sees Daniel and Brennan in practice every day. But sometimes games bring out the best in guys, and Daniels does fall into that category.
Isaac, MA 12:25 PM ET
Is there a specific reason why trading players for players is so rare in the NFL?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
There's a number of reasons Isaac. For a long time, before teams knew how to manage the cap, there was a cap problem in trading players. But most of the time in trading players today, and they have to go into a new system, it's very, very difficult. Look at the Roy Williams trade last year. It's very difficult for a QB and a WR to get on track with the offense and the terminology.
Bill, Denver, CO 12:28 PM ET
Hi Gil, Thank you for your insightful views. Commanders question: In Your opinion, is the Commanders lack of offensive production a result of Jason Campbell, an old and non-competitive offensive line, poor play calling by Jim Zorn, or another reason you think is the issue and is not listed here?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I do think this -- Zorn is a good play-caller. I think the offensive line, with the exception of the Pro Bowler Samuel, leaves something to be desired. The Commanders were an older team last season, and after six games they were 6-2, but went downhill. The problems on offense are probably a combination of all the things you mentioned. Don't forget the receiving corps wasn't that strong last year, they expected help from Thomas and Kelly and didn't get it.
Shawn, MA 12:31 PM ET
hey Gil, Whats your thoughts on Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy? Are they at the top in the league as of GMs and coaches? They have drafted well and it seems to be showing so far
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First off, I think extremely highly of Ted Thompson. I felt bad for him for what he had to go through last year with Favre. I think they have drafted well. I was there last week, and they have some very good young players, and some very good depth. I think Thompson is on par with any of the top people in the league.
McCarthy is a good coach, and I think he'll be a better coach this year, because Capers will help on defense. McCarthy is a good play-caller, and Green Bay is a sleeper this year. Aaron Rodgers looks great. I think Jamichael Finley is going to be a player - I was blown away by him in practice. He'll be a matchup problem for defenses.
Isaac, Massachusetts 12:34 PM ET
How good will the Carolina D be this year? Great work on NFL.com, Gil!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Carolina's defense will really be the offenses' ability to run the ball - the more Carolina runs, the more time comes off the clock ... making DeAngelo Williams a great fantasy pick this year. Keep your eye on Goodson too.
Carolina's problems started when they lost Maake Kemoeatu. He's a very good player. They have cap problems, making it difficult to go out and get someone. Everette Brown is a DE, and they really need someone on the inside.
James, Ireland 12:37 PM ET
Hi Gil, I hope you answer my question. How do you think the Giants will do this season. They looked good in the first pre-season game, but not so good at the weekend
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, you're right James. Not so good last weekend against the Bears. I personally think the Giants will win the NFC East and be the Super Bowl team from the NFC. They have defensive linemen, and one of the things that wins games in this league is the defensive line. I really like Kenny Phillips too. It's also a very well-coached football team.
The Giants aren't the best at linebacker, they tried to get Boley to help there, and they did pick up the rookie Sintim. One player who I think will surprise is Bryan Kehl. We also have to see how Bill Sheridan reacts as the new defensive coordinator.
Corey, Green Bay 12:41 PM ET
How can you say Thompson is one of the top GM's? I can give you one name to prove he isn't - Justin Harrell. How do you justify drafting a guy in the 1st round that was injured most of his senior year? And he's been hurt ever since. Why can't Thompson just come out and admit he made a mistake drafting him?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, what takes place is that everybody has their trainers and team doctors give an evaluation of a player. Harrell passed the physical. You're right, he did have back problems his senior year, but I think they thought they were draftign a very good athlete, which he is. The medical staff had to have approved him, otherwise they wouldn't have drafted him -- or drafted him later.
With the Cowboys, we never drafted a player unless our medical staff said he was OK. Then again, or medical staff rejected Randy Gradishar, and he played 12 years for the Broncos.
Everyone gets one pick wrong. I know how well Green Bay does things, and I admire them for that. Don't judge a GM on one pick.
Corey, GB 12:46 PM ET
Second time asking - which defense was better over the weekend: Packers or Ravens?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The Packers made some big plays. The Ravens defense was probably better, but I do think the Packers defense will be among the most improved from last year.
Chris Stephens, Maine 12:47 PM ET
Last season the nfl was lacking a truely dominant team. Do you think that will change this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think it will change Chris. Of all the teams I visited this year, I thought every team was better than they were last year. In saying that, I think the difference between the fourth place team (Detroit) and the first place team (Minnesota) is smaller. Just using the NFC North as an example. This is a QB-driven league, and you have to have a dominant QB to be a dominant team. That's usually the difference maker when teams seperate themselves from the pack.
ciaran, ireland 12:49 PM ET
Hey Gil,hope you answer my question,how do you see the NFC North panning out this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Prior to training camp, I thought the Bears would win, followed by Minnesota, Green Bay and Detroit. But after seeing the Packers, I think they have a very good chance of winning the North. It will be a big game in Week 1 when the Bears and the Packers meet. We hear all this talk about Cutler, but I'll tell you what -- Rodgers is really good.
John, Tempe 12:51 PM ET
Hi Gil, Percy Harvin has had a lot of good things said about his potential talent, what should fans expect from this young man?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Right now, Harvin will end up being Rookie of the Year. He has great speed, and the Vikings can use him in the Wildcat, he can catch passes, and he's an all-around player who excels because of his speed and quickness. Harvin plays 10 games on turf this year, and that makes fast guys faster. Expect to see him all over the field, and the Vikings will find ways to get the ball in his hands.
Jason, Canada 12:53 PM ET
Hi Mr. Brandt. Is there any other weaknesses you see in the New England Patriots after the signing of Burgess? Thanks
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think so Jason. Burgess is an outstanding pass rusher, and in 2007 I think the Patriots felt that if they had a pass rusher in the Super Bowl against the Giants, they probably wouldn't have lost. The pass rush was their most glaring weakness, and Burgess is pretty good.
Tom, Michigan 12:55 PM ET
After seeing Stafford play, will he be an impact this season, or will he "slow" the team down.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I guess I'm a poor judge of watching players, because I watched Stafford last week in practice and he was really good ... then on Saturday night his first pass was picked and returned for a TD! I think Stafford has everything you need to be successful though -- he's smart, has a good rapoire with teammates, is athletic, has a veery strong arm.
But history tells us how tough it is for rookie QBs. We talk alot about what Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did last season, but they joined solid teams that didn't have impressive records the previous season.
Patrick, Hemet, Ca 12:58 PM ET
Gil, Tell me how the 49ers will do this season please
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I have them picked to win the NFC West Patrick. Watching them, they're much-improved on defense and will be helped by Jimmy Rae's scheme on offense. They're a playoff team.
Shawn, MA 01:00 PM ET
So, you think the Giants will take the NFC. In your opinion, which team will take the AFC?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That would be New England.
Jason, KS 01:01 PM ET
Many people ask about sleeper teams, but my question is what are a couple teams that were strong last year that may disappoint?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's a great question Jason. If history means anything, Arizona will be a team that disappoints. Teams that lose the Super Bowl have a track record of not making the playoffs. So Arizona is one. I don't think the Jets will have a record like they did last year. Not sure people are expecting that or not. But off the top of my head, the Cardinals and Jets.
Joe, Washington 01:03 PM ET
Do you see Jason Campbell improving during his second year with Jim Zorn?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I do. I'm one of those people who likes Jason Campbell. I know what he did in high school and at Auburn. I thought he played pretty well the first half of last season. He didn't play well the second half, like the rest of the players on that team. I think he's better than what people give him credit for.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hey everyone, unfortunately, my time is up. I really appreciate your questions -- they're very well thought out, and you guys do a great job. I always look forward to answering them.
I will be back tomorrow for a live chat, as we're holding a special four-hour fantasy football chat starting at Noon ET. Fantasy editor Michael Fabiano, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks and myself will be taking your questions on everything fantasy football. I'll be on live to chat at 3 p.m. ET. Look forward to your fantasy questions then.
Hello everyone. Glad to be with you again today, thanks for joining me for the live chat. Might as well get right to it.
KB, Baltimore 12:04 PM ET
Do you think Laron Landry of the Commanders is becoming a top 5 safety in the nfl?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think that Landry is definitely a top 5 safety. He's just 25 years old and was a Pro Bowl alternate last year, the second-leading tackler on that team. He has everything you need to have to be a good safety -- speed, tackling, the ability to play the pass. Another one of my Playboy All-Americans!
David, Dc 12:06 PM ET
Do you see Donald Brown surpassing Joseph Addai on the Colt's depth chart? Addai didn't do well last year, and Brown looks pretty good.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi David. I don't think you'll see Brown surpass Addai on the depth chart. I semi-agree with you, in that Addai didn't look great last year. But he was injured a lot. I think Addai will get about 55-60 percent of the playing time, with Brown getting the rest. But Brown will make more big plays of 20 yards or more than Addai, but Addai will score more touchdowns. Brown will probably catch more passes -- the role that Rhodes had last year. Addai will get more carries, Brown more receptions.
Brady, Montrose, PA 12:08 PM ET
Hey Gil, always great to hear from you and get your take on everything. Felix Jones has looked awfully impressive thus far for the Cowboys. Seems like every time he touches the ball he makes something big happen. Do you see him becoming the starter by the end of the year and Marion Barber going back to being the best closer in the game? And where do you think Tashard Choice falls into this whole Cowboys running back situation? Thanks for taking the time Gil, always a pleasure!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, I don't think Felix Jones will be ahead of Barber on the depth chart. Jones averaged 8.9 ypc last year, the best average by a running back in 15 years with a minimum of 20 carries. I agree, everytime Jones touches the ball something happens. He's very fast, and he's also a very good receiver you can flank out wide and he's very good at running screens. I think the Cowboys will pound the ball inside with Barber and use Jones as a change of pace. Jones is also an excellent kick returner, and I see him in that role.
Jacob, Schenectady, NY 12:10 PM ET
Hey Gil! How well do you think Vincent Jackson will perform for the Chargers this year? He seems to get much better every year, and he is still very young. What are your thoughts?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Jacob. I think Jackson has a chance to be a Pro Bowler this year. He's caught 100 passes the last two years for 10 TDs. He's a big target that is basically just learning how to play the position, because he played at a small school in Northern Colorado that didn't throw a lot. Look for Jackson to be active on the goal line, where teams like to throw play-action passes to tight ends. I think you'll see a few to him.
Manuel, Buffalo 12:12 PM ET
What is holding Trent Edwards back from being a top-flight QB in Buffalo?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, they don't have a very good O-line, and they're starting two rookies. I don't think Edwards will ever be a franchise-type QB, but I do think he'll be a good QB. He'll be the type of guy who can help get you into the playoffs, providing his surrounding cast is good enough. He's not a Manning or a Brady, who can beat you by themselves. I think he's smart and has good talent, but not great talent. What you see is what you get with Edwards.
mike, uk 12:14 PM ET
Do you think that Edgrin James is a good fit for the seahawks? What do you think his numbers will be like this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, I think James last year at the end of the season proved he was a good RB. He wasn't the Edge of old. I guess you make a move like that if you feel you have a chance to win a division or a conference championship. I don't think you make that move if you think you're going to win six games, because you're just slowing the progress of someone else.
Mike Sing. , Santa Clara 12:16 PM ET
What do you think of Shaun Hill? Is he the right man for the job?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Mike. I think, after watchign the 49ers in person a few weeks ago, I think Smith probably has more ability, but Hill is one of those guys that gets the job done. He's been an underdog out of high school, when no one recruited him and he went to a JC, and was finally recruited by Maryland. You look at him, and you may think he's not very good, but then he won seven games.
I think he's probably better-suited for the system the 49ers will have under Jimmy Rae, who is an outstanding football coach. He's also a pretty good golfer.
Buz, NC 12:18 PM ET
Is this the year Steven Jackson bounces back under Spags renewed attention to the running game or does the lack of significant wide reciever talent mean he'll be limited by seeing 8 in the box week in and week out?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's true, because the Rams best WR Avery is now out. The Rams don't really have a good receiving core after the departure of Holt, either. Jackson will catch a lot of passes. They have a new RT Smith, and then Barron moved to LT. The Rams are a team, because of their inability to draft well in 2004-06, is really showing up to hurt them now. Another tough year for Jackson.
tony, norfolk, VA 12:21 PM ET
Does it not make sense for the Commanders to give some playing time to Chase Daniel and Colt Brennan with the first stringers, against a first string defense? Sure Daniel plays awesome with third stringers in there, but thats just like college all over again for him, there is no exceptional talent on EITHER sides of the ball. I have stuck with JC up until the game against Pittsburg but I'm about done. Are either Chase Daniel or Colt Brennan the answer? Todd Collins is old and hardly the future. HAIL! Tony
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think so Tony. Chase Daniel did a pretty good job at Missouri, and he can move around and has a stronger arm then Brennan. I do like him better than Brennan. But I don't think he's a guy who could start 16 games for you and you'd have a good seaosn. Remember that the coaching staff sees Daniel and Brennan in practice every day. But sometimes games bring out the best in guys, and Daniels does fall into that category.
Isaac, MA 12:25 PM ET
Is there a specific reason why trading players for players is so rare in the NFL?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
There's a number of reasons Isaac. For a long time, before teams knew how to manage the cap, there was a cap problem in trading players. But most of the time in trading players today, and they have to go into a new system, it's very, very difficult. Look at the Roy Williams trade last year. It's very difficult for a QB and a WR to get on track with the offense and the terminology.
Bill, Denver, CO 12:28 PM ET
Hi Gil, Thank you for your insightful views. Commanders question: In Your opinion, is the Commanders lack of offensive production a result of Jason Campbell, an old and non-competitive offensive line, poor play calling by Jim Zorn, or another reason you think is the issue and is not listed here?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I do think this -- Zorn is a good play-caller. I think the offensive line, with the exception of the Pro Bowler Samuel, leaves something to be desired. The Commanders were an older team last season, and after six games they were 6-2, but went downhill. The problems on offense are probably a combination of all the things you mentioned. Don't forget the receiving corps wasn't that strong last year, they expected help from Thomas and Kelly and didn't get it.
Shawn, MA 12:31 PM ET
hey Gil, Whats your thoughts on Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy? Are they at the top in the league as of GMs and coaches? They have drafted well and it seems to be showing so far
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First off, I think extremely highly of Ted Thompson. I felt bad for him for what he had to go through last year with Favre. I think they have drafted well. I was there last week, and they have some very good young players, and some very good depth. I think Thompson is on par with any of the top people in the league.
McCarthy is a good coach, and I think he'll be a better coach this year, because Capers will help on defense. McCarthy is a good play-caller, and Green Bay is a sleeper this year. Aaron Rodgers looks great. I think Jamichael Finley is going to be a player - I was blown away by him in practice. He'll be a matchup problem for defenses.
Isaac, Massachusetts 12:34 PM ET
How good will the Carolina D be this year? Great work on NFL.com, Gil!
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Carolina's defense will really be the offenses' ability to run the ball - the more Carolina runs, the more time comes off the clock ... making DeAngelo Williams a great fantasy pick this year. Keep your eye on Goodson too.
Carolina's problems started when they lost Maake Kemoeatu. He's a very good player. They have cap problems, making it difficult to go out and get someone. Everette Brown is a DE, and they really need someone on the inside.
James, Ireland 12:37 PM ET
Hi Gil, I hope you answer my question. How do you think the Giants will do this season. They looked good in the first pre-season game, but not so good at the weekend
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Well, you're right James. Not so good last weekend against the Bears. I personally think the Giants will win the NFC East and be the Super Bowl team from the NFC. They have defensive linemen, and one of the things that wins games in this league is the defensive line. I really like Kenny Phillips too. It's also a very well-coached football team.
The Giants aren't the best at linebacker, they tried to get Boley to help there, and they did pick up the rookie Sintim. One player who I think will surprise is Bryan Kehl. We also have to see how Bill Sheridan reacts as the new defensive coordinator.
Corey, Green Bay 12:41 PM ET
How can you say Thompson is one of the top GM's? I can give you one name to prove he isn't - Justin Harrell. How do you justify drafting a guy in the 1st round that was injured most of his senior year? And he's been hurt ever since. Why can't Thompson just come out and admit he made a mistake drafting him?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
First of all, what takes place is that everybody has their trainers and team doctors give an evaluation of a player. Harrell passed the physical. You're right, he did have back problems his senior year, but I think they thought they were draftign a very good athlete, which he is. The medical staff had to have approved him, otherwise they wouldn't have drafted him -- or drafted him later.
With the Cowboys, we never drafted a player unless our medical staff said he was OK. Then again, or medical staff rejected Randy Gradishar, and he played 12 years for the Broncos.
Everyone gets one pick wrong. I know how well Green Bay does things, and I admire them for that. Don't judge a GM on one pick.
Corey, GB 12:46 PM ET
Second time asking - which defense was better over the weekend: Packers or Ravens?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The Packers made some big plays. The Ravens defense was probably better, but I do think the Packers defense will be among the most improved from last year.
Chris Stephens, Maine 12:47 PM ET
Last season the nfl was lacking a truely dominant team. Do you think that will change this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think it will change Chris. Of all the teams I visited this year, I thought every team was better than they were last year. In saying that, I think the difference between the fourth place team (Detroit) and the first place team (Minnesota) is smaller. Just using the NFC North as an example. This is a QB-driven league, and you have to have a dominant QB to be a dominant team. That's usually the difference maker when teams seperate themselves from the pack.
ciaran, ireland 12:49 PM ET
Hey Gil,hope you answer my question,how do you see the NFC North panning out this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Prior to training camp, I thought the Bears would win, followed by Minnesota, Green Bay and Detroit. But after seeing the Packers, I think they have a very good chance of winning the North. It will be a big game in Week 1 when the Bears and the Packers meet. We hear all this talk about Cutler, but I'll tell you what -- Rodgers is really good.
John, Tempe 12:51 PM ET
Hi Gil, Percy Harvin has had a lot of good things said about his potential talent, what should fans expect from this young man?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Right now, Harvin will end up being Rookie of the Year. He has great speed, and the Vikings can use him in the Wildcat, he can catch passes, and he's an all-around player who excels because of his speed and quickness. Harvin plays 10 games on turf this year, and that makes fast guys faster. Expect to see him all over the field, and the Vikings will find ways to get the ball in his hands.
Jason, Canada 12:53 PM ET
Hi Mr. Brandt. Is there any other weaknesses you see in the New England Patriots after the signing of Burgess? Thanks
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I don't think so Jason. Burgess is an outstanding pass rusher, and in 2007 I think the Patriots felt that if they had a pass rusher in the Super Bowl against the Giants, they probably wouldn't have lost. The pass rush was their most glaring weakness, and Burgess is pretty good.
Tom, Michigan 12:55 PM ET
After seeing Stafford play, will he be an impact this season, or will he "slow" the team down.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I guess I'm a poor judge of watching players, because I watched Stafford last week in practice and he was really good ... then on Saturday night his first pass was picked and returned for a TD! I think Stafford has everything you need to be successful though -- he's smart, has a good rapoire with teammates, is athletic, has a veery strong arm.
But history tells us how tough it is for rookie QBs. We talk alot about what Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did last season, but they joined solid teams that didn't have impressive records the previous season.
Patrick, Hemet, Ca 12:58 PM ET
Gil, Tell me how the 49ers will do this season please
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I have them picked to win the NFC West Patrick. Watching them, they're much-improved on defense and will be helped by Jimmy Rae's scheme on offense. They're a playoff team.
Shawn, MA 01:00 PM ET
So, you think the Giants will take the NFC. In your opinion, which team will take the AFC?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That would be New England.
Jason, KS 01:01 PM ET
Many people ask about sleeper teams, but my question is what are a couple teams that were strong last year that may disappoint?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
That's a great question Jason. If history means anything, Arizona will be a team that disappoints. Teams that lose the Super Bowl have a track record of not making the playoffs. So Arizona is one. I don't think the Jets will have a record like they did last year. Not sure people are expecting that or not. But off the top of my head, the Cardinals and Jets.
Joe, Washington 01:03 PM ET
Do you see Jason Campbell improving during his second year with Jim Zorn?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I do. I'm one of those people who likes Jason Campbell. I know what he did in high school and at Auburn. I thought he played pretty well the first half of last season. He didn't play well the second half, like the rest of the players on that team. I think he's better than what people give him credit for.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hey everyone, unfortunately, my time is up. I really appreciate your questions -- they're very well thought out, and you guys do a great job. I always look forward to answering them.
I will be back tomorrow for a live chat, as we're holding a special four-hour fantasy football chat starting at Noon ET. Fantasy editor Michael Fabiano, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks and myself will be taking your questions on everything fantasy football. I'll be on live to chat at 3 p.m. ET. Look forward to your fantasy questions then.
