Chris Mortensen: Good morning. This will be something like a 20-to-30 minute chat today so let's get rolling.
Bud (HB, CA): Hi Mort, Do you think that the Chargers will struggle stopping Joseph Addai?
Chris Mortensen: I think it's just a struggle to stop the whole Colts' offense, probably as versatile as ever with Addai. But he's obviously a key component.
Chad PA: Don't you think it is funny that everyone in NY loves Eli after playing a couple of solid games? I can't wait to see what happens to him when he doesn't play superior against the Cowboys.
Chris Mortensen: I'm sure they'll skin him, torch him, whatever. It's all silly. The guy is a good quarterback. He's not his brother. How many are? He has had more than just a couple of solid games and, remember, the guy played through injury all year, too.
Sam (Chicago): What are you hearing about Pete Carroll? Does he really want to leave one of the top college programs for an NFL team in complete turmoil?
Chris Mortensen: I'm not sure. I know Pete has some intrigue with another run in the NFL and people tend to forget he was not a true failure as an NFL head coach. Pete may be tempted if he can run his own football operation, which he learned the joys of at USC. So I wouldn't rule out anything but I guess the better read will come if he decides to interview.
Tim (BTR): How will LT do against the colts will he bouce back after a poor performance against Tennesse
Chris Mortensen: Well, the Titans defense did a great job against LT and that is a big part of this game. I would think he would have more success and Rivers also will probably enjoy throwing in a dome.
Pete (New Brunswick, NJ): How high do you think Ray Rice will go in the draft and where could he do the most good?
Chris Mortensen: I'm hearing early on that the best Rice can hope for is late 2nd round and he should be ready to drop. But he'll have a chance to prove he can run faster than what he's shown on the college level.
Ed (PA): I just can't imagine why Pete Carroll would want to leave that gig under any circumstances. Hasn't it dawned on him that he won't have an athletically superior player at 90% of the positions compared to his opponents with any NFL team?
Chris Mortensen: Oh, I'm sure that's dawned on him. The challenge sometimes is too alluring.
Mike (Boise): Why isn't anyone giving San Diego a chance? they beat Indy already this year! In that game they did nothing offensively sure Manning threw 6 picks but Rivers looked terrible as well, and the offense has been much better since.
Chris Mortensen: I give the Chargers a chance.
Kiran(philly): What WR could the Eagles conceivably pick up to accomodate McNabb's Blog wish list?
Chris Mortensen: Randy Moss would be one. He is a free agent at the end of the year, although I'm sure the Patriots will make a strong effort to sign him.
Bryan (Poteau, ok): How do you think frank gore and the 49ers will handle mike martz as the new oc.
Chris Mortensen: It's going to be an interesting hire. A good portion of the same terminology is in place (via Norv Turner's year there) and I think Nolan has covered that ground (no pun intended) that Gore has to be the central figure in their attack.
Evan, Dallas: How come everyone is picking the Cowboys to lose this week? After their last bye they reeled off 7 wins and were very crisp. Has Eli's hype started to catch up to his ability?
Chris Mortensen: I am almost sure the Cowboys will be picked by more "experts" than the Giants by the time we get to the weekend.
Jeremy (OH): Your response about Martz may be accurate. But how long is it going to take NFL teams to realize he only is going to throw the ball? Can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Chris Mortensen: You may be right because Frank Gore is a lot different than Faulk. This will be interesting to watch because I believe Nolan will insist on it.
Isaac (Colorado): Has there been any news as to who will replace Jim Bates from the Broncos?
Chris Mortensen: Bob Slowik, the "secondary" coach who already had the title of defensive coordinator, will take it over.
Brad(NM): Hey Mort, I haven't heard much out of Buffalo's camp regarding their GM/OC hunt. Do you have any inside info you could divulge?
Chris Mortensen: The GM job is not as critical, inasmuch Marv Levy really was more of a PR hire while the duties were handled more specifically by people already in place with Dick Jauron having a major voice. The OC and now O-line coach hires are critical but I haven't heard names yet. Too much going on but we'll try to keep you posted.
Rob (Toledo): Mort, I know you can't answer this in depth, but generally what do you think the Lions need to do to turn this franchise around? It's getting hard to get excited abour my Lions.
Chris Mortensen: Well, if you can just look at this year's recored as real progress, then I'd say keep the hope for '08. I think you let Marinelli keep buiilding this thing.
Ed (PA): Names heard in Wash. are Cowher (says he doesn't want to coach now), and greg Williams (not a stellar track record) don't seem realistic to me, don't you think Russ Grimm would be a great hire there?
Chris Mortensen: Grimm is a name I expect to hear for obvious reasons - he's a Commander legend, so to speak. I don't know if that's a match but we'll see how the process goes.
Mike (Boca Raton): any consensus around the league regarding the job Mike Tomlin did in his first season as steelers head coach?
Chris Mortensen: That he did a good job and probably learned a lot from some mistakes, like most first-year coaches do.
Chris Mortensen:
Cory (Oklahoma): Alright Mort. Your prediction for the Boys vs. Giants game.
Chris Mortensen: Let's see...Cowboys 31, Giants 24...or something like that.
matt (the chi): Most mock drafts suggest that the seahawks will draft rashard mendenhall in the first round. Do they really need another running back?
Chris Mortensen: I wouldn't pay attention to mock drafts yet but they could use another RB, though I'm not sure in the first round.
Mark, Chicago: Do you find it a little disturbing that the Bills are considering promoting the QB coach of an offense that scored 20 TDs last season. There is a ton of coachign talent available.
Chris Mortensen: I will repeat: They were playing with a rookie QB.
felix miami, fl: Whats the word Marvin Harrison this week?
ben (boston): If the pats win the super bowl, is it more likely than not that belichick will retire from coaching?
Chris Mortensen: I have a hard time imagining Belichick not coaching but I'm always prepared for that kind of surprise.
Tommy Danville va.: Mort, Are you pretty sure Jason garrett will stay in dallas for another year?
Chris Mortensen: I believe Garrett will stay even though Atlanta and Baltimore are very high on him and could offer him their jobs.
Mike (NH): Hi Mort, If you were a road team this weekend, which team would you want to be and why?
Chris Mortensen: Well, maybe San Diego because they are a wam weather team and they will play in a controlled climate in Indy. Then again, maybe being the Giants isn't bad if TO is hurting. And Seattle has much more playoff experience than GB.
Chris Mortensen: Sorry, but I have to run to work on some stories. Catch us on ESPN Radio Primetime on Friday at 7 ET to follow the adventures of Keyshawn and the playofs. Saturday and Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 ET. God Bless!
