Chris Mortensen: Good morning. This will be a little different chat because I have to be on the phone with somebody in the league 30 minutes into the chat...then I'll come back about 15 minutes later and take as many questions as I can. Let us begin...
Kevin, Cleveland: Mort, i look foward to these chats every wednesday. Of the browns front 7 on D---how much turnover should we expect next year?
Chris Mortensen: That will be the focal point of the off-season. Really, the D-line needs beefing up with a free agent or two, as well as doing it through the draft. The Browns have really surprised me because they're improving on defense. That's a credit to coaching and to players whon have maintained their own focus.
Clay(Kerrville, Texas): Hey, Mort! What are your thoughts on keys and outcome of the Cowboys-Packers tomorrow?
Chris Mortensen: I think this game hinges a lot on the Cowboys' defense's ability to handle the 4 and 5 WR sets...and whether they can get pressure on Favre. On the flip side, the Packers may have to overcome the loss of 3-to-5 starters, including Charles Woodson. Can they? Do they have the safeties to contain Jason Witten?
Jake (Tempe, AZ): What is the deal with the Cards D? They were dominated by a terrible SanFran offense. Will they fare any better this week?
Chris Mortensen: The Cardinals were playing short-handed and not having a healthy Adrian Wilson - one of the best defensiove players in the league - was huge. The 49ers ran the ball very well, too. I thought it was a bad loss for the Cards, a big win for the 49ers.
Pete (Conway, AR): Rumor has it around here that Lane Kiffin may be unhappy in Oakland and could have interest in the vacancy at the University of Arkansas, any truth to that? If he did go to Arkansas, would Monte come with him (if he doesn't end up at Nebraska)?
Chris Mortensen: I don't know that Kiffin is unhappy in Oakland. I know he's done a really good job, despite the record. They have been in every game with inferior talent on offense. I do think he would be a great college head coach and it wouldn't surprise me if he eventually went that route. I do not think Monte will leave the NFL but he is a "free agent" at the end of the year and will be in great demand.
Keith (Iowa): Are you a believer in the Vikings? With the Lions, Bears, 49ers, Commanders, and Broncos left; all winnable in my opinion, do you think the Vikings make the playoffs? Thanks!!
Chris Mortensen: I don't think the Vikes will make the playoffs but I know Brad Childress was preaching his team going into the Giants game that they had a great opprotunity because they had 5 NFC teams on the schedule. He really thinks Tavaris Jackson is getting better and with Adrian Peterson coming back, you never know.
Mike, Philly: Mort, if you're Andy Reid, who do you start: Donavon McNabb or AJ Feeley?
Chris Mortensen: I think Andy will handle it perfectly. McNabb is unlikely to be healthy enough to meet Reid's "near 100 percent" threshold. So I believe Feeley starts and McNabb will go when he is ready. I thought Feeley played terrific vs. the Pats, except for the 2nd int. I even forgave the first one returned by Samuel for a TD but Feeley threw and played like, well, Tom Brady. Let's see if he can do it again.
Daniel: Dallas, TX: Do u think at this point the cowboys should just hold Terry Glenn out until the playoffs to get close to 100% and to not give other teams a chance to study him and our formations with him in the lineup?
Chris Mortensen: I think the Cowboys will play Glenn as soon as he says he's ready. Nothing to it more than that.
Peter (Spain): What do the Browns do with Anderson? Trade Quinn to Dolphins for number one pick? The Browns coudl elarn a loy from the chargers who gave away Brees in favor of Rivers, after many productive years form Brees. I think they regret it.
Chris Mortensen: The Browns will give this at least another year before they do anything, I think. There's no need to, unless somebody blows 'em away with an offer for Quinn, which i doubt happens. If they make the playoffs with Anderson and he keeps playing well, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to sign him to a long-term deal after the season.
Matt (CT): Chris, Do you think people are making too much of Eli's game sunday? I mean Palmer threw 4 picks the week before and nobody says anything bout that. I think the only reason Eli gets pounded when he plays poorly is the Giants moved up to get him and he is a Manning!
Chris Mortensen: I always believe we over-react week-to-week. Let the season play out. That's a good point about Carson Palmer. I do think Eli played poorly but quarterbacks don't ace it every week. So, on to the next game, and the next one, and the next one, etc.
Matt (TX): Hey Mort! More Cowboys-Packers!!! The word is Dallas secondary is the weak link. True that it's the weakest part, but not necessarily weak. Newman @ Henry are getting healthy, 3rd CB Reeves is getting better. Wade is moving roy up to LB at times and OFF the field at times. Overall D is continuing to get better with Wades 3-4.
Chris Mortensen: Yeah, I see Wade Phillips making some really interesting and productive adjustments because of Roy Williams' liability as a safety. I am really anxious to see what Wade does the rest of the way with the D.
Tim (Madison): How big of a blow is the Colvin lose to Pats D, How do you invision them filling hole at OLB? Does this create major matchup problem in a potiental rematch against the Colts?
Chris Mortensen: I think it's a blow for the Patriots but it's something I expect that they will recover from.
Mark (Bangor, PA): I watched a lot of Winslow on Sunday. If he hadn't been so stupid on that motorcycle he might actually been as good as he said he was. He might have the best hands since Freddy Stick'em Bilitnekof
Chris Mortensen: Kellen Winslow is a great player. Who knows how great he would have been if not for that accident. But I have a lot of admiration for him. Terrific hands and still pretty good speed. He also is as physically tough as anyone in the league.
PT (Franklin, NC): Will Jamarcus really see playing time this week against the Broncos, or are the rumors now proven wrong?
Chris Mortensen: All I can tell you is what I know to be true: The Raiders circled this coming Sunday on the calendar as the time to get Jamarcus up and running. The only thing that would delay it is Culpepper's performance. Now Daunte played well and he beat KC, so he could get another start but even if he does, I'll bet that Russell is the No. 2 with a chance for playtime.
Chris Mortensen: All right, I need about 10-15 minutes to make this call..and I promise I'll be back and answer a bunch of questions...hang with me.
Chris Mortensen: Thanks. That took less time than I thought. Appreciate your patience if you hung in there.
Keith (Chicago): Mort, if Anderson doesn't get a long term deal this year, and they only sign him for one, then he can be totally free at the end of next year. Everyone says this will "shake out" in a year, but if it's not resolved this offseason, DA can go anywhere he wants.
Chris Mortensen: That's why teams have a franchise tag.
Vincent (Chicago): Mort, it is well-documented that the Pats prefer to draft later in the first round for better value. If they can't trade down with SF's pick, what would stop them from intentionally not turning in their draft card and letting other teams jump in front of them until they find a player in a slot they like? I recall that the Vikings did this a few years back (though unintentionally).
Chris Mortensen: I hadn't thought about that scenario but I do think the Patriots are in a great position. They could always trade back and recoup two No. 1 picks (plus some) or they could beef up their D-line with Chris Long or O-line with Jake Long.
Mike (Cleveland): Will the NFL finally force the Rooney's to install field turf? That field was unacceptable on Monday Night.
Chris Mortensen: That won't happen this year. It takes more time than a few days to do a proper installation of field turf. The Patriots did it with a bye week. The Steelers have had their bye week.
Joey (Ocala, FL): Are the Raiders viewing Justin Fargas as the back of the future, or are they just riding the wave until the draft?
Chris Mortensen: Fargas has done really well and they have Michael Bush (former Louisville) who should be ready to go next year. Bush would have been a first or second rounder if he had not broken his leg last season.
Matt (Farmington,CT): Do you see the 49ers trading for a quarterback this offseason? Alex Smith does not seem to be the answer?
Chris Mortensen: I'll be surprised if the 49ers at least don't bring in another quarterback through free agency to compete for the job or to secure it better in case Smith just isn't the guy.
Daniel (Chicago, IL): Die-hard Broncos fan here. I really think the loss in Chicago last week was pretty final to the Bronx season. I think if they wanted to stay in the hunt they had to win that game. It just seems they've had too many hardships this year to overcome. Your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: Well, that's a natural reaction but this league is a funny league - and not a very good one except for a few teams at the top - so nothing is over for the Broncos. They have had a lot of injuries to overcome but I see some good things, too.
Rob , Scranton PA: Why did the league not declare the field in Pittsburgh unsafe, similiar to what was done in Philly a few years ago, and reschedule the game until it was safe enough to play?
Chris Mortensen: The Eagles' game was in the preseason vs. the Ravens it it was on a really bad artifical surface with bad seams and other baseball-related problems. It was more "dangerous" than Monday night. That was a disagrace, I admit, but I don't know how unsafe it was. Unplayable maybe. But postponement would have been a bad idea.
Brett (Denver): Mort, what's going to happen to Travis Henry?
Chris Mortensen: Don't know. I think the fact he wasn't suspended on Monday or Tuesday was a good sign but that's just an instinct, not based on information. If he's not gone by next Tuesday, it tells me he may have a real shot to win the appeal, or may have won it. But they don't usually announce these things unless there is a suspension.
brian (lagrange, ohio): Did you see when Ricky Williams got stomped on the other night, looked blatant to me that the guy went out of his way to step on him, now he's out for the year. Is the league looking into that or am I just reading too much into it?
Chris Mortensen: I don't think it was intentional. A guy slopping around after a loose ball is what I saw. And who could forecast a torn pec muscle based on that particular mis-step?
Jeff Louisville, KY: Hi Mort, How does ESPN choose their games for the season? Do FOx and CBS protect their games and they get the leftovers? It seems pretty unfair that NBC gets to switch games while ESPN has some very boring games coming up in December.
Chris Mortensen: Write the NFL. The MNF schedule is set in stone with no part of the flexibility plan. We paid much more money than NBC and it's ridiculous to have it set this way. I'd say that even if I didn't work at ESPN.
Durbs (Oklahoma): If the bears look to trade to upgrade at QB, who would be better Losman or Anderson?
Chris Mortensen: There's no shot at Anderson. Losman needs a change of scenry and I have a feeling he's going to make somebody a pretty good starter.
Jason (Iowa): Mort, help me out here. I'm in the final 3 of a survivor league, and I have to pick one team to lose. Is Cincy a safe bet this week in Pittsburgh?
Chris Mortensen: Absolutely not. They play the Steelers well and they have played well in Pittsburgh.
Robert - Las Vegas: Seeing that there is a high probability the Chargers will make the playoffs, if Norv wins in the wildcard (to Jags or Browns) do you think it justifies hiring Norv? I honestly have no problem with Norv - it's Teddy who I think should go, and be replaced by Rivera.
Chris Mortensen: Forget about whether hiring Norv was justified. The firing of Schottenheimer was one of the biggest jokes I've seen in covering this league. That is the opinion of a whole bunch of football people, too. But they are very capable of rallying for some playoffs wins.
Anthony Copeland (Virginia Beach, Virginia): Will the Thursday game this week be available to view online anywhere?
Chris Mortensen: NFL.com will make available certain "look-ins" but otherwise you're shut out if you don't have the network feed.
Kyle (Fort Wayne, IN): I have noticed that you have picked against the Packers for about three weeks in a row. Why?
Chris Mortensen: I have explained this before, but I have been doing a Packers fan a favor by picking against them. It also stems from the fact that even though I believed the Packers would surprise people this year, I didn't see them as a 10-1 team so I was working the law of averages with some road games. This week, I'm picking the Packers. Sorry about that!
Eric (Tampa): C'mon Mort. Isn't it a little early to say that Alex Smith isn't the answer? It's clear to anyone that has seen the 49ers this year that the offensive line has taken a step back and that Frank Gore's injury issues have effected them, not to mention Smith's own injuries. The guy is the youngest starting QB in the NFL. Shouldn't we at least give him one more season to see if he's worth it? Too many teams give up on guys too fast.
Chris Mortensen: I didn't say give up on him. I said I expect them to beef up the position in case he isn't the guy when they resume playing in 2008.
Terrence ( Charlotte): Mort, does Fox and Hurney get a pass this year with Jake Delhomme being out?? It seems other teams do just fine without their starting QB...
Chris Mortensen: I have a growing feeling that Fox and Hurney have seats getting hotter every week. 0-5 at home don't get passes - it's one reason why owner Jerry Richardson was willing to pay $3 million for a backup like David Carr. Somebody made that recommendation.
Rob , Scranton PA: Hey Mort, do you see the steelers paying Roethisberger
something similar to the "Romo" deal? They are not ones for giving big salaries?
Chris Mortensen: Romo's deal with be palatable for the Steelers but I don't think Roethlisberger will accept it. I could be wrong but I'm sure he isn't going anywhere.
Tim (Athens): The broadcast team on NBC (Madden,Michaels) is 100x better than the ESPN crew(Jaws,Korneheiser-what a joke), that's why they get the good games.
Chris Mortensen: Regardless of your feelings, that is not a factor in the TV contracts.
Pon (Jax, FL): I think Matt Moore should start over Carr, what do you think, Mort?
Chris Mortensen: I agree with you but Vinny Testaverde will start as long as he's able.
Luis (Corcoran): I think the Giants should stop drafting wr,cb and rb... They need to start drafting a good quaterback so when Eli messes up they can bench him? What do you think?
Chris Mortensen: No, I wouldn't draft a quarterback, not high in the draft. Eli is good enough to win. The Giants need to continue to beef up the defense. There also would be nothing wrong with getting another QB with experience to backup up Eli.
Justin, CT: Mort, Can the Steelers fix their O-line problems mid-season or will it require roster changes?
Chris Mortensen: There's nobody out there that you can bring in. They have to get better in pass protection for the most part. Otherwise, it needs to be an off-season priority but they have a great personnel leader in Kevin Colbert to do it.
Rob , Scranton PA: Hey Mort, would you ever think about joining the booth of MNF if they asked?
Chris Mortensen: I believe two men in the booth is enough.
Mike (Cleveland): Sans Adrian Peterson, would you give the ROY to Joe Thomas. I think he gave up one sack the first week against the Steelers but 0 since. Pretty amazing, especially at his position.
Chris Mortensen: Joe Thomas should be the rookie of the year if Adrian Peterson doesn't make it back to form. It's been a long time since we have seen a left tackle come in as a rookie and play this well, and the Browns are in playoff contention because of it.
Coop (Phx, AZ): AZ news just reported that Cards Adrian Wilson is out for remainder of season (joining DB Green who was put on IR recently). Cards season is over, they may not win another game this season.
Chris Mortensen: That is a huge blow for the Cardinals. They may win some games but I think it damages their playoff chances greatly. Adrian Wilson really is one of the best players in the NFL.
Joe (Appleton, WI): Will Mike McCarthy have Charles Woodson return punts the rest of the season, since he got hurt last Thursday?
Chris Mortensen: I think Woodson would have to be a 100 percent healthy for McCarthy to consider irt. Or maybe you just do it in certain critical spots.
Joey (Rochester, New York): Mort, I'm concerned about the Titans. They've lost 3 games in a row. Their Red-Zone Offense is lost and there Defense has forgotten how to tackle despite Haynesworth being out. Can Tennessee turn the tide this week or are we destined for another 8-8 season?
Chris Mortensen: I wouldn't count out the Titans. Haynesworth will make a big difference when he's back. Jeff Fisher teams are very capable of finishing strong and I think they'll find a way to beat the Texans. Big game.
John(DC): Mort, A whole chat and not taking any questionns of even commenting on the death of Sean Taylor? In my opinion your network has done a poor job of covering it.
Chris Mortensen: I haven't watched everything we've done but it seems to be getting considerable attention. I believe strongly in respecting those who have passed on. I don't like discussing the football ramifications in the immediate wake of his death. I know the Commanders really loved Taylor and felt he was growing up. He came into this league as a 20-year-old and at 24 he was showing positive signs of maturation. I feel for all who are affected by it.
Ryan (Vegas): Do you think the Skins can rally behind the death of Sean Taylor and make a playoff run? I have heard that if you had a coach in this position, you would want it to be Joe Gibbs! Thoughts
Chris Mortensen: Along with Tony Dungy in the league, I believe Gibbs is very well equipped to lead his team through this tragedy.
Jason (Iowa): With that news, how about I take Arizona to lose this week. Is that a better option?
Chris Mortensen: Jason, you're begging...you gotta figure it out on your own.
Jay (CT): Mort, have you seen Brandon Marshall lately? The guy makes plays even when he doesnt get thrown the ball! Will the Broncos lock him up long term?
Chris Mortensen: The Broncos believe Marshall has some Terrell Owens-like qualities. They want him to mature before they go crazy with a contract but I don't think he's going anywhere.
Mark (Bangor, PA): Does the improvement in the Browns this year demonstrate the need for patience? Romeo hasn't changed has he? I mean the coach needs time to implement his system and when Romeo took over that roster had been decimated by Butch.
Chris Mortensen: Amen about the need for patience. I believe the lack of patience is one reason this league has become less than what it's capable of. That's on the owners, the media and the fans for pushing the panic button. Romeo was perfect because the Browns situation demanded patience and give a lot of credit to Phil Savage for building the roster. (Now Butch Davis did draft Kellen Winslow!).
Mo (Atlanta): Hey Mort, It seems like Seattle has finally realized what they do best - throw the ball. Do you think there recent play indicates that this is a team that can make a run at the NFC championship? Thanks!
Chris Mortensen: Maybe. I like how they play but it's difficult to win that way in December and January. You also realize they were very fortunate to have beaten the Rams this past Sunday, right?
Brad(NM): Hey Mort. I'm glad the flip has been flopped and Edwards is back in the driver's seat. What kind of a game do you think we'll see in Washington given the tragic circumstances?
Chris Mortensen: I have no idea how the Commanders will play the Bills this week. As for Edwards, he is a very good short-game passer and with Lynch probably out maybe that's the way to manage things better. But can the Bills score enough with Edwards? That remains to be seen, as is how the Commanders respond this week.
Derek ( New Orleans,LA): Mort, thanks for taking time to chat with us. Can the Saints catch the Bucs in the NFC South? I feel that if somehow the Saints can make the playoffs that they could make a run? Thanks again!
Chris Mortensen: I went into Thanksgiving believing the Bucs will win the NFC South but the key is going to be Jeff Garcia's health. His back is a problem right now. The Saints have to win this game and then show some consistency. It's possible.
John Bradenton,FL: It seems to me that many anaylists think that Green Bay can't hold Dallas's run game to a minimum. They held LT, LJ, A.Peterson below 100 in the 2nd game. What do you see differently in which Dallas CAN run on Green Bay?
Chris Mortensen: I think the Packers can do that, although they have lost two defensive tackles.
Mike (Cleveland): Mort please tell me your Butch Davis remark was a little Sarcastic? I mean, he did draft Gerard Warren over LT. Josh Cribbs has to make the pro-bowl, right?
Chris Mortensen: It was a little sarcastic but Butch also made the playoffs as a coach. I thought the mistake he made was drafting Warren over Richard Seymour. And, yes, Josh Cribbs has to make the Pro Bowl!
Frank(Stratford, CT): Mort, do you think with that 4 interception game, that Eli Manning will man up and play the way he knows how, or will he fold under pressure and live up to the Giant second half meltdown?
Chris Mortensen: I expect him to come back and play well. I think it's essential for him to steady the ship. That's true for Eli and coach Coughlin.
Chris Mortensen: I have to run now. Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving...we have a lot to be thankful for! God Bless!
