Chris Mortensen: (11:14 AM ET ) A little late here. Tuna fishig...let's see what we can get done here.
Dave (Greensboro, NC): Mort Is Tomlin too "laid back" for the Steelers smash mouth style of football? Do they need someone spitting mad to get them motivated to play better??
Chris Mortensen: (11:16 AM ET ) Tomlin is not laid back. Really, they have a few personnel issues. The O-line needs half-fixing. Losing Aaron Smith hurts a lot. Big Ben has not played well for a stretch (regardless of stats) based on people I've spoken with who have studied the game films. How good were they last year? But they still can have some sort of impact on the playoffs.
Pat(DC): Mort, Do you think the Dolphins could get a top 12 pick for Ronnie Brown? Then they draft McFadden #1 and have an additional first rounder to go after a OL or DT?
Chris Mortensen: (11:17 AM ET ) They don't have 12 rounds any more...just kidding. No, Ronnie Brown would not fetch a first round pick at all, especially coming off knee surgery.
Kyle Minneapolis: Mort, whats the word on Reggie Bush, is he going to play?
Chris Mortensen: (11:19 AM ET ) They are going to see how he holds up. I kind of doubt it. But they have at least gotten through the mental part with Reggie - that players do play with this injury. In fact, he had played with it, but letting it heal a little more wouldn't hurt. They have done well with Aaron Stecker, so I don't know how much urgency there is, except that they are obviously battling for a wild card spot.
Sean (Denver): Mort, Lane Kiffin has been very careful and picky of when to play and how much to play JaMarcus Russell. What's the consensus around the league about how he's handled that? Personally, I think it's smart, due to the horrid line play of the Raiders at times.
Chris Mortensen: (11:20 AM ET ) I think it's smart, too. The Raiders are very spotty at both offensive tackle spots. You get the guy some time on the field and you stay as competitive as you can with McCown, who has some mobility. I like the way Kiffin has coached this team all year.
Eric (Charlotte, NC): Is it just me or are the Panthers actually a lot worse than their 6-8 record? With Fox and Hurney "joined at the hip" with personnel decisions, is it likely they will both be gone at the end of the season? Cowher has NC connections...any rumors about him possibly coming to Carolina?
Chris Mortensen: (11:21 AM ET ) There are going to be a lot of rumors about Cowher and while he will talk to any owner than wants to talk to him, his mindset is to sit one more year. I don't know that Fox will be fired. I really don't. I think Jerry Richardson is unhappy but I don't know that he's axnious to turn things over right now, especially if a guy like Cowher is not available.
Dave (Greensboro, NC): Mort, what about the Tuna? Can he turn the Falcons around better than if he was on the sidelines? What is it about him and why he can't stay away? Honestly, I'd rather see him on the sidelines. I miss his press conferences!!
Chris Mortensen: (11:24 AM ET ) Bill's strength might be in personnel evaluation right now. I don't think he has the mental stamina to deal with the demands of coaching. But he has always done a great job in personnel and he'll work with a new GM and coach to right the franchise. If they finalize this, it's clear Arthur Blank is buying credibility with his fan base and that's something the owner takes very seriously. It's one reason why Jerry Jones turned to Parcells after three straight 5-11 seasons in Dallas.
Tim (San Diego): Mort, do you think the Chargers will make a deep run into the playoffs?
Chris Mortensen: (11:25 AM ET ) If they get their defense back to a higher level with some injured guys like Luis Castillo on the mend, then they are certainly good enough to do it. My concerns; Phillip Rivers and the defense. But they are capable, yes.
Alan (Atl, GA): Mort, talk about Christmas come early for us Falcons fans with the Tuna coming to Atlanta!! Would a new coach follow within the next couple of weeks? What happens with McKay?
Chris Mortensen: (11:26 AM ET ) Blank wants McKay to stay on as president in an executive capacity. I don't think McKay will do that, and the owner would have to pay off the remaining two years of his contract for an approximate sum of $6 million, according to my understanding.
Jason (Allentown, Pa): Are Big Ben's struggles really his fault? I watch every game from start to finish and all I see him doing is running for his life. I think it has more to do with him not being willing to throw the ball away as he always has and that the coaches refuse to keep tightends or two backs in to protect him. So I think the lack of talent at Wide Reciever and on the O-line are more to blame than anything. Plus throwing 35 times a game doesn't bode well for anyone in Pittsburgh especially since Parker only needed 15 carries to get over 100 yards.
Chris Mortensen: (11:28 AM ET ) I kind of thought like you but when I spoke with some really good football people I respect, they were surprised to see how many bad reads Ben has made, not seeing wide open receivers, etc. But your point about running the ball more is logical.
Rich (syracuse): Hey Mort, As a Pats fan having the Tuna joining the Falcons and looking for a GM scares me. How can his short list not include his Son in Law - Scott Pioli??
Chris Mortensen: (11:29 AM ET ) That would surprise me. Working with an son-in-law may not be the healthiest thing for all involved.
John ( Phx,AZ): So what is your grade on Wisenhunt so far? I know there have been a lot of injuries, are the Cards heading in the right direction?
Chris Mortensen: (11:29 AM ET ) I like what I see from Whisenhunt in his first year. The injuries have been significant but I can see them really getting over the hump next season.
Mike (Cleveland): Mort, if you were Phil Savage, would you re-sign Jamal Lewis, or go after Michael Turner? Also, do the Browns clinch the wild card on Sunday?
Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) I would see if Lewis would sign another one-year deal with incentives and draft another RB in the second or third round.
Jon (Boston): Mort, Regarding Pioli. That would be a lateral move to Atlanta since Pioli would not have final say. The Pats likely would not grant permission to the Falcons.
Chris Mortensen: (11:31 AM ET ) You're right. The Pats wouldn't grant permission. But, remember, Pioli doesn't have final say in NE. All power belongs to Belichick.
Sean (Denver): If Parcells, does take the VP / GM role, who are early logical candidates to become the head coach?
Chris Mortensen: (11:32 AM ET ) Parcells will not be the GM. He will help re-organize the football operations and he will hire a GM, and the two of them will pick a coach. I don't have a list of candidates.
Jon (Grand Rapids, MI): Who dislikes who the most: Parcells-Billichek or Billichek-Mangini?
Chris Mortensen: (11:33 AM ET ) Parcells and Belichick mended their differences a few years ago. They are friends and stay in touch.
Wayne in Bakersfield, CA: Do the Falcons draft McFadden or go after Turner in FA?
Chris Mortensen: (11:35 AM ET ) I can almost guarantee now that the Falcons will not draft McFadden. It is against Parcells' philosophy to draft a RB that high and he also will be reluctant to take a QB that high unless he and the GM have an absolute conviction about somebody. I could see them doing a deal with the Cowboys, though, that would allow Dallas to get McFadden with maybe Barber going to Atlanta. But that's my speculation, nothing more.
Ryan (WI): Do you see the Packers biggest need this coming draft at the CB position? I know they have two studs (but aging), but there are NO solid 3rd CB's on the roster, they get torched all day by slot receivers and tight ends.
Chris Mortensen: (11:36 AM ET ) Yeah, I think GM Ted Thompson will address that. You're right. They will have a trouble again vs. Cowboys and Pats or Colts if they play in Super Bowl. But trust Thompson. He has done a great job and you can't fix everything overnight.
Mike (San Diego): Mort, any truth to what I've read about McKay, and nobody really wants to work with him? Also, if he quits, why would he still get paid $6M?
Chris Mortensen: (11:37 AM ET ) McKay is a good guy. He would get paid because his contract specifically calls for him to be the general manager and head of football operations.
Jon (DC): As a Hogs fan, what are your thoughts on Petrino? Do you have any insight from being an NFL insider as to how you think he will play out in Arkansas?
Chris Mortensen: (11:39 AM ET ) I think Petrino was a tremendous hire. Leaving was messy but it was messy with Saban, who stayed to the end of the season. I also have now spoken with a couple of Falcons players, two execs and some assistants and they admit that Petrino was not the ogre as portrayed and that they think highly of him as a coach.
Adam (DC): Mort love you work. Pro Bowl question -- Wasn't Joe Thomas absolutely robbed? I understand that these selections are somewhat of a popularity contest, but Jonathan Ogden hasn't played half the season and hasn't been very effective when he has. As much as I would have loved to see Winslow and Steinbach in the Pro Bowl, the people that got selected ahead of them are at least worthy.
Chris Mortensen: (11:41 AM ET ) I think Thomas belong on the Pro Bowl team, ahead of Ogden. That was a reputation pick. Tennesse's guy, Michael Roos, also deserved a spot ahead of Ogden. But that's how these things go. I agree with you on Steinbach and Winslow, although Gates and Gonzales both have had outstanding seasons. Personally, I don't see why they vote this early. It's stupid.
JJ(MD): Who do I need to complain to about Fred Taylor not getting in the Pro Bowl?
Chris Mortensen: (11:42 AM ET ) Try your congressman. No, it's the timing of when they cast ballots. It was done before the Pittsburgh game. I have no doubt Taylor would have made it if the balloting was this week or next. It's a shame.
Tom (Westlake Village, CA): Mort- I read something that said that players that have served an NFL suspension can't be elected to the Pro Bowl in the same season. In that case, how did Jared Allen make it? Wasn't he suspended the first 2 games this year?
Chris Mortensen: (11:43 AM ET ) That only pertains to performance enhancing drug suspensions.
Steve (Rochester, NY): Is Rob Ryan's job safe? The Raiders defense has disappointed somewhat this year and there has been some speculation that Monte Kiffin may join his son's staff.
Chris Mortensen: (11:44 AM ET ) I think Lane Kiffin would love to bring on his dad as defensive coordinator but so would 30 other teams. I think Al Davis is a Rob Ryan guy and Al controls the staff.
Eric Fremont, Nebraska: Mort, do you think Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron get another year in Miami? If not, is Marty Schottenheimer a possibility, given his connection with Shula?
Chris Mortensen: (11:47 AM ET ) Mueller and Cameron seem like they'll be back but it's still and iffy proposition. The Dolphins did have discussions with Parcells, which tells you they're thinking about change. And Huzienga was still busy Tuesday moving ahead with the sale of his franchise. Is the a full sale or part sale? That could determine a lot, although the finalization of these transaction take time so it may not affect Cameron this off-season.
Jonathan (NY,NY): Mort, How about one Jets question this chat? What type of value does Jonathan Vilma bring back in a trade? Will he fetch a first rounder?
Chris Mortensen: (11:47 AM ET ) He would not fetch a first or 2nd rounder and probably not a 3rd, either. He has a serious knee injury.
john, atl: Hi Mort- does Jerry Jones fire Wade Phillips in order to keep Jason Garrett? Long term this seems like a no brainer
Chris Mortensen: (11:48 AM ET ) Interesting question if other teams come after Garrett (it won't happen with Atlanta). I think Jerry probably will convince Jason to stay, give him a huge raise and have a succession plan ready to go by 2009.
Dan (Chicago): Hey Mort, What do you think of John Beck as a QB? I hear a lot of differing opinions on his abilities, his rough stretch is what will happen from time to time and I don't think that in anyway someone could judge his work and say he'll be the man or is a bust. Just curious of your thoughts on the subject.
Chris Mortensen: (11:50 AM ET ) I like him. A lot of people around the league do. That was the problem with playing him. Parcells said it on our radio show - when you throw a young guy out there withlittle supporting case, you can mis-evaluate him, thinking `oops, he's not the guy.' I agree with that.
Alex (Reno, NV): Here's one you've never heard before: Will Brett Favre return next season?
Chris Mortensen: (11:52 AM ET ) I would say yes, but you never know. If Brett should reach the Super Bowl, I could see him bowing out. But he has to be excited about the future in Green Bay.
shannon (Indy): Mort, What is the REAL status regarding Marvin Harrison? Will he be back for the playoffs?
Chris Mortensen: (11:53 AM ET ) I don't know. I think Dungy is being honest. They want to play him at least in the final game. They would love for him to play this week. But it remains a mystery.
Bobby(Baltimore,MD): How can Haloti Ngata or Kelly Gregg not get recognition over Wilfork oe Jamal Williams? As a Ravens fan, I also agree Ogden did not deserve his selection.
Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) I can't address every snub - we have 'em every year - but Kelly Gregg absolutely should have been on the Pro Bowl team...Wilfork absolutely belongs, too.
Bobby(Baltimore,MD): Mort, Who should finish out the season as the Ravens QB? Boller or Troy Smith? Both need reps, but who is the future?
Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) I get the feeling the Ravens don't feel either guy is the future. Both will play, I think, with Boller getting the starts.
Ben (Sydney):: Marty Schottenheimer has made a career out of coaching moribund franchises back to respectability. Wouldn't he be perfect for the Falcons? Or is he finished?
Chris Mortensen: (11:55 AM ET ) I think Schottenheimer would be a great candidate for the coaching job. He and Parcells also have a lot of respect for each other but I'm not sure if he would consider it or whether Parcells is considering him....IF Parcells finalizes this thing.
John (C-bus): Mort, if the Cowboys do have a succession plan for Garrett wouldn't that violate the Rooney rule and cost the 'Boys a high draft pick?
Chris Mortensen: (11:56 AM ET ) Well, they wouldn't announce it, I don't think.
Jeff (Mahanoy Plane, PA): Mort- What's wrong with the G-men? Is Eli having troubles because of bad/injured receivers or is this the best we can expect from him? Can this team get any better in the near future and make a true Super Bowl push? And will Coughlin get another extension at the end of the year if they go one or two and out in the playoffs?
Chris Mortensen: (11:58 AM ET ) With that question, you could work for ESPN! First of all, they are 9-5...better than most people thought. They have a receiver in Burress who doesn't practice and when you run the sophisticated pass scheme that Kevin Gilbride does, it hurts a lot. The other receivers are just guys. Brandon Jacobs can't catch the ball. That's where they miss Tiki. As for Coughlin, why should he get fired for taking a team to the playoffs that nobody believed in?
john, atl: Hi Mort- i told my buddy at work you answered my question. He wants me to ask you why the Jets stink so bad. Thanks.
Chris Mortensen: (12:00 PM ET ) My condolences to you. I work with some Jets fans, too. Last year obviously was a little bit of a mirage. But they went through a quarterback transition. Their O-line and WRs still need upgrades. Their defense isn't there, yet, but the pickup of two great rookies like Revis and Harris is a start.
Jim (Rancho Cucamonga, CA): If a team in the top 15 of next years draft signs Derek Anderson to a contract, giving the Browns a first and 3rd round pick, do the Browns match the offer, or take the picks? Hard to pass up those picks with Brady Quinn on the bench and the help they need on that D-line...
Chris Mortensen: (12:00 PM ET ) The Browns are not stupid. They will not let Derek Anderson go anywhere. This is not a fluke.
Chris Mortensen: (12:03 PM ET ) Obviously, I have a lot of work to do today. But you can catch Parcells, myself and Keyshawn on ESPN Radio Primetime on Friday night 7-9 ET. Sunday Countdown on TV at 11 ET and Parcells back on the studio for Monday Countdown. Should be interesting. Life is never boring with Parcells! I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season! God Bless.
