Doomsday101
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Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi everyone. Hope you're still excited about that great game Sunday. Ready to talk about whatever's on your mind...
Mark H, Memphis TN12:02 PM ET
Mr. Brandt, how legendary will that decision to onside kick be? I mean, it's the gutsiest call I've seen in a Super Bowl. Can you think of any Super Bowl play calls that rank with it? Thanks.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Mark, it was a gutsy call. Sean Payton spoke to Bill Parcells a few times last week leading up to the Super Bowl, and one thing Parcells told him was that he should go ahead roll the dice. So yet again, Parcells helped out one of his star pupils.
Not saying that the idea of an onside kick ever came up. that was strictly Payton's call. and it was impressive.
Dan, England12:06 PM ET
Hey Gil. What do you think about Jimmy Clausen as a draft prospect? I think if Notre Dame had even an average defense this year, they'd have won 10 games and Clausen would be talked about as the likely no.1 overall pick for the Rams - your thoughts?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dan, first off Clausen did really improve this year -- he had 28 TD passes and only four interceptions. He'll definitely be a first-round selection. His plus is that he directed a pro-style attack at Notre Dame. But I don't think he will be the first QB to be drafted, let alone the first player.
Tyler, Hungary12:08 PM ET
When will the media realize Manning is not the best ever, and he isn't a choker either? They call him the best ever first, then, when he fails to live up to their delusions, they call him a choker.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tyler, in my estimation, Peyton Manning is the best QB to play the game. I know others have him in the top three or four, but I think what he has done against tough defenses, leading his team to double-digit wins almost every year... Teams do everything they can to stop him and they can't. That's why he is at the top of my list.
Travis, Arizona12:10 PM ET
Is the buzz about Anquan true about going to the Dolphins? If so, will there be a trade with Joey Porter?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Travis, there's no question Miami is interested in a wide receiver. Boldin is a logical choice based on his ability and production. I can't speak for the Dolphins, but if I had an opportunity to make that trade I would do it -- it could help both teams.
Sergio, Toronto12:13 PM ET
If you were running the Commanders, who would you take with the #4 pick and why?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sergio, I believe I would take Sam Bradford -- if he's healthy. I look at what he did as the Oklahoma QB in 2008 -- 4,720 yards, 68 percent completion rate, 50 TDs and only 8 interceptions -- he got hurt in the first game of the 2009 season. If he's healthy, he's the best QB in this draft.
He's got good size and good accuracy. And after seeing him at the Super Bowl last week, I think he's filled out in his upper body as well.
Big AL, London, UK12:15 PM ET
Hey Gil, Mike Mayock suggested that Gerald McCoy may be a slightly better DT prospect than KingKong Suh. What do you think, and who would you take with #1 overall???
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Big Al, this might be the best crop of defensive tackles that I can ever remember. Both Suh and McCoy are about the same size, weight and speed. I've got Suh ranked just a little higher than McCoy -- but McCoy is also a top five pick.
There could be as many as six DTs picked in the first round.
Spencer, St Louis12:17 PM ET
Do you think with Tim Tebows poor performance at the Senior Bowl, he has fallen out of the first round?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Spencer, I applaud Tebow for going to the Senior Bowl -- a lot of times players try to dodge a spotlight like that. His performance in Mobile wasn't great, but he does have some ability and he'll receiver a lot of opportunities at the combine, Pro Day and individual workouts to impress scouts. One thing I haven't seen discussed: Tebow was a little sick during Senior Bowl week.
Michael, Lancaster, UK12:20 PM ET
Hi Gil, what do you see the Packers biggest free agency/draft concerns being this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Michael, the Packers probably can help themselves most with a cornerback and an offensive left tackle. Chad Clifton is getting old. Both corners are also over 30.
Nicholas, Maryland12:21 PM ET
Hey Gil,do you think Tracy Porters interception was great play by Tracy Porter or a bad choice by Peyton Manning?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Nicholas, it was a little of both. Porter is becoming a very good CB in this league and he made a very good play. Manning's throw was a little bit off. But Porter gambled -- Wayne is famous for double moves, and if Wayne had made a double move on him there, he'd have been gone.
For the record, I spoke to Melvin Bullitt last night and he didn't think Reggie Wayne was hurt in the game. But whatever it was, Wayne just didn't look right sunday.
Zach, Salt Lake12:25 PM ET
Gil, say Favre does play again. What can the Vikings possibly do to get better other than teaching Adrian Petersen to hold on to the ball?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Zach, the Vikings could probably get a little better on defense. Mainly in the defensive secondary, as the front seven is pretty solid. No weaknesses on offense.
Tyler Shives, Avon, IN12:26 PM ET
The colts secondary just got absolutely mowed over by Drew Brees. With that being said, what are you feelings that Bob Sanders is ever going to stay healthy? And If he can't, is it time to let him go? Losing Marlin Jackson on the season didn't help either. Do you feel the Colts need to draft another physical DB/ Coverage OLB?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tyler, you are right about Sanders. I'm not sure he'll ever be healthy for a full season. I do think Bullitt is an adequate safety to fill his shoes. They have two good young CBs in Powers and Lacey (though Lacey is a little short). They can stand to improve the DBs. But even moreso, they need to improve their pass rush. I know Freeney was injured in the game, and Jon Stinchcomb did a good job on Robert Mathis. But it couldn't hurt to add a third pass-rush specialist. Those are hard to find, but there are some available in this year's draft.
Matt, Canada12:30 PM ET
Gil, I am in a dilemma. I am a huge Saints fan and there is tons of Championship stuff on NFL.com that is wicked to buy. What things do you recommend I buy?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Matt, there is a ton a great stuff on NFLShop.com. My recommendation: Buy a little of everything!
Austin, olympia12:31 PM ET
Will the Cardinals be able to do the same things without Kurt Warner? What about the Anquan Boldin rumor? Are they still the favorite in the NFC west, or can the 49ers take it?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Austin, I am going to make the 49ers my favorite to ein that division. they have some good young players -- and two first-round picks this year (13th and 16th).
I think the Cards will be okay with Leinart and Steve Breaston will be an adequate replacement if Boldin is gone. And as long as they have Larry Fitzgerald, the passing game will be dangerous.
Dragan, Split,Croatia12:34 PM ET
Hi Gil.Two questions;if Brandon Marshall was traded to the Rams,which round pick would Broncos get,also do you know if Isaac Bruce is retiring?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dragan, I would imagine Isaac Bruce will retire. He's had a great career, but explosion was his game and he doesn't have that anymore.
I think it's hard to imagine a team giving up more than a third-round pick for a guy like Marshall given his off-field issues. New England gave up a fourth-round pick for Randy Moss when the Raiders were having a hard time with him, so maybe that's a good example.
Kevin Waugh, London, England12:38 PM ET
What are your thoughts on a 17 game regular season and 2 game pre-season? Is this the way forward for playing games in other markets such as Europe as well as in the US and America's by having 8 home, 8 away and 1 neutral game for all teams?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kevin, I just don't think there are enough neutral sites for what would be 16 neatral-site games. Maybe Mexico City, London... Depending on how far you travel, you need to schedule the bye week after that. I might be in favor of an 18-game schedule with 9 home, 9 away. We'll see.
Mark Eckblad, Madison WI12:41 PM ET
Gil, Drew Brees is considerably smaller than the average NFL QB. Do defenses try to find ways to exploit that?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Mark, if they try to exploit that, it's not working! Brees has the amazing ability to get rid of the ball quickly and see the passing lanes. He does not have many passes blocked. After what he did after the second series in the Super Bowl -- completing 29 of 32 passes -- it's clear his lack of height doesn't bother him.
Mike, Yankton, SD12:43 PM ET
With all the talent the Colts have at receiver (ie, Wayne, Gonzalez, Clark, Garcon, Collie) do you think they will release or trade any of these players to strengthen another position?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
No, Mike, I think they will keep those players and fill needs through the draft -- and find undrafted free agents, as they've been so famous for. They just went to the Super Bowl with three starting offensive linemen who were undrafted free agents that had originally signed elsewhere. Bill Polian is great at scouting and finding these players.
You mention Anthony Gonzalez -- but he was hurt all year. That's why you don't want to get rid of any of these receivers. You never know when injuries can deplete what seemed like great depth.
Bob, Massachusetts12:47 PM ET
Will the the Colts or Saints be back in the super bowl next year? Which one has a better chance? How likely does a rematch seem?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Bob, I don't think we'll see a rematch. There's a good chance both teams will be back in the playoffs, and obviously there's a chance at that point. But it's been so hard in recent years -- as we've seen with teams like Pittsburgh this year -- for Super Bowl teams to even get back to the playoffs. So the chance of both teams getting back is pretty hard.
If one of these teams were to get back to the Super Bowl, I'd guess it might be New Orleans. They have a lot of free agents to re-sign -- Darren sharper most notably.
Kevin, Pennsylvania12:51 PM ET
What offseason move should the Raiders make that would help them get out of this 7 year losing streak the most?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kevin, I think the Raiders have a pretty good defense in place. The thing that can help them the most is if they can get a QB to play well for them. I am not sure JaMarcus Russell is the guy, but we'll see what happens. I like the hiring of Hue Jackson to help Russell. It remains to be seen how much that will help.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Okay, gotta run. Thanks again for the great questions. We'll do it again next week.
http://chat.nfl.com/front/archived_chat/763
Hi everyone. Hope you're still excited about that great game Sunday. Ready to talk about whatever's on your mind...
Mark H, Memphis TN12:02 PM ET
Mr. Brandt, how legendary will that decision to onside kick be? I mean, it's the gutsiest call I've seen in a Super Bowl. Can you think of any Super Bowl play calls that rank with it? Thanks.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Mark, it was a gutsy call. Sean Payton spoke to Bill Parcells a few times last week leading up to the Super Bowl, and one thing Parcells told him was that he should go ahead roll the dice. So yet again, Parcells helped out one of his star pupils.
Not saying that the idea of an onside kick ever came up. that was strictly Payton's call. and it was impressive.
Dan, England12:06 PM ET
Hey Gil. What do you think about Jimmy Clausen as a draft prospect? I think if Notre Dame had even an average defense this year, they'd have won 10 games and Clausen would be talked about as the likely no.1 overall pick for the Rams - your thoughts?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dan, first off Clausen did really improve this year -- he had 28 TD passes and only four interceptions. He'll definitely be a first-round selection. His plus is that he directed a pro-style attack at Notre Dame. But I don't think he will be the first QB to be drafted, let alone the first player.
Tyler, Hungary12:08 PM ET
When will the media realize Manning is not the best ever, and he isn't a choker either? They call him the best ever first, then, when he fails to live up to their delusions, they call him a choker.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tyler, in my estimation, Peyton Manning is the best QB to play the game. I know others have him in the top three or four, but I think what he has done against tough defenses, leading his team to double-digit wins almost every year... Teams do everything they can to stop him and they can't. That's why he is at the top of my list.
Travis, Arizona12:10 PM ET
Is the buzz about Anquan true about going to the Dolphins? If so, will there be a trade with Joey Porter?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Travis, there's no question Miami is interested in a wide receiver. Boldin is a logical choice based on his ability and production. I can't speak for the Dolphins, but if I had an opportunity to make that trade I would do it -- it could help both teams.
Sergio, Toronto12:13 PM ET
If you were running the Commanders, who would you take with the #4 pick and why?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sergio, I believe I would take Sam Bradford -- if he's healthy. I look at what he did as the Oklahoma QB in 2008 -- 4,720 yards, 68 percent completion rate, 50 TDs and only 8 interceptions -- he got hurt in the first game of the 2009 season. If he's healthy, he's the best QB in this draft.
He's got good size and good accuracy. And after seeing him at the Super Bowl last week, I think he's filled out in his upper body as well.
Big AL, London, UK12:15 PM ET
Hey Gil, Mike Mayock suggested that Gerald McCoy may be a slightly better DT prospect than KingKong Suh. What do you think, and who would you take with #1 overall???
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Big Al, this might be the best crop of defensive tackles that I can ever remember. Both Suh and McCoy are about the same size, weight and speed. I've got Suh ranked just a little higher than McCoy -- but McCoy is also a top five pick.
There could be as many as six DTs picked in the first round.
Spencer, St Louis12:17 PM ET
Do you think with Tim Tebows poor performance at the Senior Bowl, he has fallen out of the first round?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Spencer, I applaud Tebow for going to the Senior Bowl -- a lot of times players try to dodge a spotlight like that. His performance in Mobile wasn't great, but he does have some ability and he'll receiver a lot of opportunities at the combine, Pro Day and individual workouts to impress scouts. One thing I haven't seen discussed: Tebow was a little sick during Senior Bowl week.
Michael, Lancaster, UK12:20 PM ET
Hi Gil, what do you see the Packers biggest free agency/draft concerns being this year?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Michael, the Packers probably can help themselves most with a cornerback and an offensive left tackle. Chad Clifton is getting old. Both corners are also over 30.
Nicholas, Maryland12:21 PM ET
Hey Gil,do you think Tracy Porters interception was great play by Tracy Porter or a bad choice by Peyton Manning?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Nicholas, it was a little of both. Porter is becoming a very good CB in this league and he made a very good play. Manning's throw was a little bit off. But Porter gambled -- Wayne is famous for double moves, and if Wayne had made a double move on him there, he'd have been gone.
For the record, I spoke to Melvin Bullitt last night and he didn't think Reggie Wayne was hurt in the game. But whatever it was, Wayne just didn't look right sunday.
Zach, Salt Lake12:25 PM ET
Gil, say Favre does play again. What can the Vikings possibly do to get better other than teaching Adrian Petersen to hold on to the ball?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Zach, the Vikings could probably get a little better on defense. Mainly in the defensive secondary, as the front seven is pretty solid. No weaknesses on offense.
Tyler Shives, Avon, IN12:26 PM ET
The colts secondary just got absolutely mowed over by Drew Brees. With that being said, what are you feelings that Bob Sanders is ever going to stay healthy? And If he can't, is it time to let him go? Losing Marlin Jackson on the season didn't help either. Do you feel the Colts need to draft another physical DB/ Coverage OLB?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tyler, you are right about Sanders. I'm not sure he'll ever be healthy for a full season. I do think Bullitt is an adequate safety to fill his shoes. They have two good young CBs in Powers and Lacey (though Lacey is a little short). They can stand to improve the DBs. But even moreso, they need to improve their pass rush. I know Freeney was injured in the game, and Jon Stinchcomb did a good job on Robert Mathis. But it couldn't hurt to add a third pass-rush specialist. Those are hard to find, but there are some available in this year's draft.
Matt, Canada12:30 PM ET
Gil, I am in a dilemma. I am a huge Saints fan and there is tons of Championship stuff on NFL.com that is wicked to buy. What things do you recommend I buy?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Matt, there is a ton a great stuff on NFLShop.com. My recommendation: Buy a little of everything!
Austin, olympia12:31 PM ET
Will the Cardinals be able to do the same things without Kurt Warner? What about the Anquan Boldin rumor? Are they still the favorite in the NFC west, or can the 49ers take it?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Austin, I am going to make the 49ers my favorite to ein that division. they have some good young players -- and two first-round picks this year (13th and 16th).
I think the Cards will be okay with Leinart and Steve Breaston will be an adequate replacement if Boldin is gone. And as long as they have Larry Fitzgerald, the passing game will be dangerous.
Dragan, Split,Croatia12:34 PM ET
Hi Gil.Two questions;if Brandon Marshall was traded to the Rams,which round pick would Broncos get,also do you know if Isaac Bruce is retiring?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Dragan, I would imagine Isaac Bruce will retire. He's had a great career, but explosion was his game and he doesn't have that anymore.
I think it's hard to imagine a team giving up more than a third-round pick for a guy like Marshall given his off-field issues. New England gave up a fourth-round pick for Randy Moss when the Raiders were having a hard time with him, so maybe that's a good example.
Kevin Waugh, London, England12:38 PM ET
What are your thoughts on a 17 game regular season and 2 game pre-season? Is this the way forward for playing games in other markets such as Europe as well as in the US and America's by having 8 home, 8 away and 1 neutral game for all teams?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kevin, I just don't think there are enough neutral sites for what would be 16 neatral-site games. Maybe Mexico City, London... Depending on how far you travel, you need to schedule the bye week after that. I might be in favor of an 18-game schedule with 9 home, 9 away. We'll see.
Mark Eckblad, Madison WI12:41 PM ET
Gil, Drew Brees is considerably smaller than the average NFL QB. Do defenses try to find ways to exploit that?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Mark, if they try to exploit that, it's not working! Brees has the amazing ability to get rid of the ball quickly and see the passing lanes. He does not have many passes blocked. After what he did after the second series in the Super Bowl -- completing 29 of 32 passes -- it's clear his lack of height doesn't bother him.
Mike, Yankton, SD12:43 PM ET
With all the talent the Colts have at receiver (ie, Wayne, Gonzalez, Clark, Garcon, Collie) do you think they will release or trade any of these players to strengthen another position?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
No, Mike, I think they will keep those players and fill needs through the draft -- and find undrafted free agents, as they've been so famous for. They just went to the Super Bowl with three starting offensive linemen who were undrafted free agents that had originally signed elsewhere. Bill Polian is great at scouting and finding these players.
You mention Anthony Gonzalez -- but he was hurt all year. That's why you don't want to get rid of any of these receivers. You never know when injuries can deplete what seemed like great depth.
Bob, Massachusetts12:47 PM ET
Will the the Colts or Saints be back in the super bowl next year? Which one has a better chance? How likely does a rematch seem?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Bob, I don't think we'll see a rematch. There's a good chance both teams will be back in the playoffs, and obviously there's a chance at that point. But it's been so hard in recent years -- as we've seen with teams like Pittsburgh this year -- for Super Bowl teams to even get back to the playoffs. So the chance of both teams getting back is pretty hard.
If one of these teams were to get back to the Super Bowl, I'd guess it might be New Orleans. They have a lot of free agents to re-sign -- Darren sharper most notably.
Kevin, Pennsylvania12:51 PM ET
What offseason move should the Raiders make that would help them get out of this 7 year losing streak the most?
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Kevin, I think the Raiders have a pretty good defense in place. The thing that can help them the most is if they can get a QB to play well for them. I am not sure JaMarcus Russell is the guy, but we'll see what happens. I like the hiring of Hue Jackson to help Russell. It remains to be seen how much that will help.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Okay, gotta run. Thanks again for the great questions. We'll do it again next week.
http://chat.nfl.com/front/archived_chat/763
