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Braden (Austin, Tx)
Have Matt Forte's struggles so far been the beginning of a sophomore slump, or does the O-line need time for the new starters to gel a bit more?
Chris Mortensen (11:03 AM)
I think this is a byproduct of 2 things: Everyone getting acclimated to the offense with Jay Cutler; Steelers defense last week. Little too early to think Forte won't be a major factor.
John (San Diego)
Mort, any chance if Snyder makes a bye week (week 8) coaching change he gets a Shanahan or Gruden or are they going to wait until the offseason to see all of the openings?
Chris Mortensen (11:05 AM)
If Snyder ever did make a change, I would think DC Greg Blache would be promoted. I would be shocked if one of the "unemployed" coaches would be hired or jump in there.
Joe (Jersey)
Which 0-2 team is most likely to make the playoffs?
Chris Mortensen (11:08 AM)
I would say the Tennessee Titans are the best bet of the 0-2 teams. I think they probably beat the Jets this week - Chris Johnson can make those blitz teams pay dearly.
Asfand Shahab (Detroit)
What will the Detroit Lions need to do to win when they play the Commanders this sunday??
Chris Mortensen (11:11 AM)
The Lions' defense needs to create a couple of scores by turnovers and Matthew Stafford needs fewer mistakes to beat the Commanders. The 'Skins defense was No. 4 in the NFL last year and still a top-5 caliber defense so while we can suspect Lions finally steal a win, easier said than done.
Jordan Worley (Poplar Bluff, MO)
Mort, when will the Rams finally bench Marc Bulger and prepare for a future without him?
Chris Mortensen (11:12 AM)
The Rams don't have a "future" QB on their team so they will play best guy they think can win. Maybe Kyle Boller gets a shot but their future QB is probably in next year's draft.
Travis (Michigan)
Is steve Slaton washed up, or was it matchups that have made him look so bad?
Chris Mortensen (11:13 AM)
Washed up? Seriously? First game, Jets D. He had some production vs. Titans D. He will have some good games. These guys don't run for 100 every week.
Marc (Gulfport, MS)
Mort, even with how well Brees is playing, Monday night's game further established Peyton Manning's hold on the best QB in the game. To score like they did with less than 15 min of possession is astounding. Your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen (11:16 AM)
I think Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL; I believe Brees is playing better than any other QB. Confusing? No QB has been hotter than Breese over last season and first 2 games. But if you had to pick a QB between the two, you'd probably take Manning. Peyton was terrific Monday night but he was facing a bad Dolphins secondary.
Sam (Saint Paul)
Can Adrian Peterson lead the vikings to a division title, even without Favre throwing the deep ball?
Chris Mortensen (11:17 AM)
Considering Peterson led the Vikings to a division title last year, of course he can do it again. Favre will get some deep balls, I'm sure. But this is Peterson's team.
Dave (RI)
Mort, I know Brady was off last week but how much of it was not having welker? And shouldn't Belichick be running the ball more to help get Tom more comfortable? 100 passes in two games is alot!
Chris Mortensen (11:19 AM)
Yes, I agree the Patriots should be committed to run more but I don't know if they can turn it on and off. My guess is they worked so hard this off-season getting Brady as comfortable as possible in the passing game that they have neglected the run part.
Burt (Sacramento)
Do you think the Jets will be convicted of tampering with Crabtree? If so what are the possible penalties and if not what are the possible penalties for the Niners?
Chris Mortensen (11:21 AM)
Generally, tampering is difficult to improve. One of few teams to get nailed was 49ers less 2 years ago and it cost them a 5th round pick in '08 draft, plus they had to swap 3rd round slots with the Bears, for tampering with Lance Briggs. There is no penalty on 49ers for asking the NFL to investigate.
T-bagnus (Upper Penninsula)
MORT!.. Buccaneers are 0-2, how far do you see this plight going? Lions 2008 bad?
Chris Mortensen (11:23 AM)
No, not as bad as Lions but when I looked at Bucs' schedule, I had a difficult time finding a win in their first 7 games. The offense has a chance to be good.
Mike (PA)
Chris, love the Tweets. As a Cowboys fan, I can't decide if I should look at Sunday's game from a glass half full perspective or glass half empty. The Cowboys gouged the Giants D for 251 yards rushing and shut down their run game and basically lost because of 3 bad bounces (INT off the foot, the bobbling catch in the end zone and still catching the pass Ratliff deflected on the final drive)...however, Romo was terrible, no turnovers or sacks on D and bad pass defense. How should I look at it?
Chris Mortensen (11:24 AM)
I would be encouraged because Romo won't play that poorly every week. The Giants protected beautifully and once in awhile you have to credit your opponent. Still took a last-second FG to beat Cowboys.
Terry (Atlanta)
Talk to me about Pac-Man Jones. I think the Falcon's could use him because the secondary is young and in my view the weakest part of the defense. Agree or disagree.
Chris Mortensen (11:26 AM)
Disagree on Jones. They have beefed up secondary. It still has some youth but talent is there and takes some time. Remember, all the rules in the league are set up for teams to have success throwing the football. The key is to hurry the QB.
Pablo (Miami)
Is Colt Mckoy or Sam bradford worthy of being the number 1 pick in the draft with the Rams most likely having the first pick?
Chris Mortensen (11:28 AM)
There are going to be 3-to-5 teams "battling" for that No. 1 pick. Bradford will be in the mix as a top 5 QB; McCoy won't because of size. The guy to keep an eye on is Jake Locker of Washington - he may be the best QB prospect of all- big, big arm, athletic, great intangibles.
Joseph (Ft Worth)
Mort, I have read the explainations for the Dolphins running the ball on 3-6 and 3-7 when already in FG position. I do not buy it. Don't defenses want an offense to run the ball in that situation? Also, isn't Chad Pennington playing because he will not do dumb things like cost FG position? Do you think the Dolphins offense is too conservative to beat good teams (I know that seems strange considering they on the cutting edge of the Wildcat
Chris Mortensen (11:29 AM)
Dolphins seem conservative because they don't have enough big-play threats. They actually are very creative. Ted Ginn Jr. had a chance to catch winning TD - top 10 picks are supposed to make that catch.
Ben (Sandy, UT)
Does Aaron Rodgers need to get severely injured before the Packers start looking at someone like Jon Runyan for the OL?
Chris Mortensen (11:31 AM)
Considering everyone is always looking for one more good offensive lineman, and teams have brought in Runyan for a look, it should tell you a lot that he hasn't been signed yet. Wait and see.
Joe (Michigan)
What is your outlook for some of the rookie running backs (McCoy, Moreno, Wells, D. Brown) for the rest of the season? Do you see any of them taking over the starting spot this year?
Chris Mortensen (11:34 AM)
Moreno is going to be the starter in Denver; the other guys will split time for the most part although Wells need to hold onto the ball after 2 fumbles last week.
Pink (TX)
Why doesnt Adrian Peterson ever get flagged for taking his helmet off after a big play? Ive seen him do it 3 times since the beginning of last season with none called. Im sorry but if that was T.O. he may have been tossed from the game, suspended, and banned from the NFL.
Chris Mortensen (11:36 AM)
I thought there have been a couple of times where he should have been flagged but let's not confuse him with TO. And nobody has ever been ejected, suspended or banned from the NFL for removing their helmet.
Eric (Camarillo, CA)
Ted Ginn's a bust
Chris Mortensen (11:37 AM)
Bust is a big word. He had double-digit catches and over 100 yards vs. Colts. He just isn't a true difference maker yet.
Chris (Columbus, OH)
Left tackle is considered one of the premier positions in the NFL, and the good ones get paid nearly as well as QB's. How can an offense that has one of the best LT's in the game, Joe Thomas, have only one garbage-time TD in the last 8 games? I can't imagine him staying motivated if this ineptitude continues.
Chris Mortensen (11:40 AM)
Joe Thomas has too much integrity to ever not be motivated. The Browns should be better but running game
Tom (Buc Nation)
Hey Mort do you not think after the two pathetic games by this defence that Derrick Brooks couldn't help. Damn at this point I'd settle for Mel Brooks. I know when I speak for a number of Buc fans when I say I am very afraid the new regieme (coach and GM) are in over their heads.
Chris Mortensen (11:42 AM)
I can only measure whether a guy like Derrick Brooks would truly make a difference based on the amount of teams that lined up to sign him. He is still unemployed (well, he's working at ESPN!).
Ben Russell (Nova Scotia)
Yo Mort! How about Fast Freddy? How do you see the split between Marshawn and Fred breaking down next week and onward?
Chris Mortensen (11:43 AM)
I liked Fred Jackson last year. Lynch and Jackson should be a really good combo for the Bills.
Dave (San Diego)
It seems that the Chargers are ALWAYS getting hurt early in the season for the past 3 years, which coincides directly with Norv Turner's tenure- how much of their injuries is a reflection of perhaps Norv's softer persona and training camps, or are these injuries just complete flukes?
Chris Mortensen (11:44 AM)
You always examine a trend. I would look at the strength, core and conditioning program. Are they hitting enough in camp? Then again, injuries happen in football.
shanard (slc,ut)
Mort, does jason garrett take over the coaching gig next year what ever happens to the team this year.
Chris Mortensen (11:46 AM)
I believe the Cowboys are 1-1 and came within 4 seconds of beating a Giants team that some have projected as a Super Bowl team. Too early to speculate like this.
nick (des moines)
Will Favre be back next year? Maybe to groom a young, high draft pick? Could he re-structure his contract to make it worth while for the Vikings?
Chris Mortensen (11:47 AM)
As you know, Brett is capable of anything.
Kevin D (Cleveland)
Hi Mort, what are your thoughts on Laurent Robinson. Can he continue what he's done in the first two weeks despite the ineptitude of the Rams offense as a whole?
Chris Mortensen (11:50 AM)
Rams are fairly high on Robinson. That's why they traded for him. Looked very promising as a rookie in 2007 with the Falcons.
Liam (Pleasanton, California)
Colt Mcoy strikes me as a Drew Brees type. Underated out of college because of size, but is a winner and had all of the intangibles. Do you think he can be a good QB in this league?
Chris Mortensen (11:52 AM)
I have been saying I think McCoy has a chance but he doesn't throw it as well as Brees did at Purdue. They do have size (6-0) in common. Most NFL people believe he's a 2nd round guy but that's what Brees was, too.
Zach (Denver)
Watch out for Denver's D - new attitude, new leadership in the locker room (Davis and Dawkins) - it's not a fluke...right?
Chris Mortensen (11:54 AM)
I think Brian Dawkins was a great pick-up and Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator was a smart hire by Josh McDaniels. remember, this team had some talent on offense. A fluke? Too early to tell. They have a chance to make it 3-0 this weekend at Oakland but schedule gets a lot tougher.
Greg (Rochester, NY)
Cedric Benson has seemingly turned around his career in Cincy, running hard and making people miss. Why the sudden success?
Chris Mortensen (11:56 AM)
Cedric Benson showed us this ability last year when the Bengals signed him. I think when you see production like this you have to remember that he was the fourth player taken in his draft, by the Bears. He was consensus first rounder. So, this is one chance the Bengals took that may pay off.
Hank (Denver)
On that Denver note - will Buckhalter have another big game? We love him here in the mile high - or is it a fluke with the sporadic big gain runs?
Chris Mortensen (11:57 AM)
Buckhalter is a vastly underrated runner and one who deserves a lot of admiration for the way he overcame some knee injuries early in his career.
Chris Mortensen (11:57 AM)
Buckhalter is a vastly underrated runner and one who deserves a lot of admiration for the way he overcame some knee injuries early in his career.
Chris Mortensen (11:59 AM)
I have to run now. Well, walk (had a little knee surgery yesterday). Thanks for the questions. I will be available on Twitter @mortreport for some questions throughout the rest of the week. But watch us Sunday from 11-1 ET on NFL Countdown. God bless!
Have Matt Forte's struggles so far been the beginning of a sophomore slump, or does the O-line need time for the new starters to gel a bit more?
Chris Mortensen (11:03 AM)
I think this is a byproduct of 2 things: Everyone getting acclimated to the offense with Jay Cutler; Steelers defense last week. Little too early to think Forte won't be a major factor.
John (San Diego)
Mort, any chance if Snyder makes a bye week (week 8) coaching change he gets a Shanahan or Gruden or are they going to wait until the offseason to see all of the openings?
Chris Mortensen (11:05 AM)
If Snyder ever did make a change, I would think DC Greg Blache would be promoted. I would be shocked if one of the "unemployed" coaches would be hired or jump in there.
Joe (Jersey)
Which 0-2 team is most likely to make the playoffs?
Chris Mortensen (11:08 AM)
I would say the Tennessee Titans are the best bet of the 0-2 teams. I think they probably beat the Jets this week - Chris Johnson can make those blitz teams pay dearly.
Asfand Shahab (Detroit)
What will the Detroit Lions need to do to win when they play the Commanders this sunday??
Chris Mortensen (11:11 AM)
The Lions' defense needs to create a couple of scores by turnovers and Matthew Stafford needs fewer mistakes to beat the Commanders. The 'Skins defense was No. 4 in the NFL last year and still a top-5 caliber defense so while we can suspect Lions finally steal a win, easier said than done.
Jordan Worley (Poplar Bluff, MO)
Mort, when will the Rams finally bench Marc Bulger and prepare for a future without him?
Chris Mortensen (11:12 AM)
The Rams don't have a "future" QB on their team so they will play best guy they think can win. Maybe Kyle Boller gets a shot but their future QB is probably in next year's draft.
Travis (Michigan)
Is steve Slaton washed up, or was it matchups that have made him look so bad?
Chris Mortensen (11:13 AM)
Washed up? Seriously? First game, Jets D. He had some production vs. Titans D. He will have some good games. These guys don't run for 100 every week.
Marc (Gulfport, MS)
Mort, even with how well Brees is playing, Monday night's game further established Peyton Manning's hold on the best QB in the game. To score like they did with less than 15 min of possession is astounding. Your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen (11:16 AM)
I think Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL; I believe Brees is playing better than any other QB. Confusing? No QB has been hotter than Breese over last season and first 2 games. But if you had to pick a QB between the two, you'd probably take Manning. Peyton was terrific Monday night but he was facing a bad Dolphins secondary.
Sam (Saint Paul)
Can Adrian Peterson lead the vikings to a division title, even without Favre throwing the deep ball?
Chris Mortensen (11:17 AM)
Considering Peterson led the Vikings to a division title last year, of course he can do it again. Favre will get some deep balls, I'm sure. But this is Peterson's team.
Dave (RI)
Mort, I know Brady was off last week but how much of it was not having welker? And shouldn't Belichick be running the ball more to help get Tom more comfortable? 100 passes in two games is alot!
Chris Mortensen (11:19 AM)
Yes, I agree the Patriots should be committed to run more but I don't know if they can turn it on and off. My guess is they worked so hard this off-season getting Brady as comfortable as possible in the passing game that they have neglected the run part.
Burt (Sacramento)
Do you think the Jets will be convicted of tampering with Crabtree? If so what are the possible penalties and if not what are the possible penalties for the Niners?
Chris Mortensen (11:21 AM)
Generally, tampering is difficult to improve. One of few teams to get nailed was 49ers less 2 years ago and it cost them a 5th round pick in '08 draft, plus they had to swap 3rd round slots with the Bears, for tampering with Lance Briggs. There is no penalty on 49ers for asking the NFL to investigate.
T-bagnus (Upper Penninsula)
MORT!.. Buccaneers are 0-2, how far do you see this plight going? Lions 2008 bad?
Chris Mortensen (11:23 AM)
No, not as bad as Lions but when I looked at Bucs' schedule, I had a difficult time finding a win in their first 7 games. The offense has a chance to be good.
Mike (PA)
Chris, love the Tweets. As a Cowboys fan, I can't decide if I should look at Sunday's game from a glass half full perspective or glass half empty. The Cowboys gouged the Giants D for 251 yards rushing and shut down their run game and basically lost because of 3 bad bounces (INT off the foot, the bobbling catch in the end zone and still catching the pass Ratliff deflected on the final drive)...however, Romo was terrible, no turnovers or sacks on D and bad pass defense. How should I look at it?
Chris Mortensen (11:24 AM)
I would be encouraged because Romo won't play that poorly every week. The Giants protected beautifully and once in awhile you have to credit your opponent. Still took a last-second FG to beat Cowboys.
Terry (Atlanta)
Talk to me about Pac-Man Jones. I think the Falcon's could use him because the secondary is young and in my view the weakest part of the defense. Agree or disagree.
Chris Mortensen (11:26 AM)
Disagree on Jones. They have beefed up secondary. It still has some youth but talent is there and takes some time. Remember, all the rules in the league are set up for teams to have success throwing the football. The key is to hurry the QB.
Pablo (Miami)
Is Colt Mckoy or Sam bradford worthy of being the number 1 pick in the draft with the Rams most likely having the first pick?
Chris Mortensen (11:28 AM)
There are going to be 3-to-5 teams "battling" for that No. 1 pick. Bradford will be in the mix as a top 5 QB; McCoy won't because of size. The guy to keep an eye on is Jake Locker of Washington - he may be the best QB prospect of all- big, big arm, athletic, great intangibles.
Joseph (Ft Worth)
Mort, I have read the explainations for the Dolphins running the ball on 3-6 and 3-7 when already in FG position. I do not buy it. Don't defenses want an offense to run the ball in that situation? Also, isn't Chad Pennington playing because he will not do dumb things like cost FG position? Do you think the Dolphins offense is too conservative to beat good teams (I know that seems strange considering they on the cutting edge of the Wildcat
Chris Mortensen (11:29 AM)
Dolphins seem conservative because they don't have enough big-play threats. They actually are very creative. Ted Ginn Jr. had a chance to catch winning TD - top 10 picks are supposed to make that catch.
Ben (Sandy, UT)
Does Aaron Rodgers need to get severely injured before the Packers start looking at someone like Jon Runyan for the OL?
Chris Mortensen (11:31 AM)
Considering everyone is always looking for one more good offensive lineman, and teams have brought in Runyan for a look, it should tell you a lot that he hasn't been signed yet. Wait and see.
Joe (Michigan)
What is your outlook for some of the rookie running backs (McCoy, Moreno, Wells, D. Brown) for the rest of the season? Do you see any of them taking over the starting spot this year?
Chris Mortensen (11:34 AM)
Moreno is going to be the starter in Denver; the other guys will split time for the most part although Wells need to hold onto the ball after 2 fumbles last week.
Pink (TX)
Why doesnt Adrian Peterson ever get flagged for taking his helmet off after a big play? Ive seen him do it 3 times since the beginning of last season with none called. Im sorry but if that was T.O. he may have been tossed from the game, suspended, and banned from the NFL.
Chris Mortensen (11:36 AM)
I thought there have been a couple of times where he should have been flagged but let's not confuse him with TO. And nobody has ever been ejected, suspended or banned from the NFL for removing their helmet.
Eric (Camarillo, CA)
Ted Ginn's a bust
Chris Mortensen (11:37 AM)
Bust is a big word. He had double-digit catches and over 100 yards vs. Colts. He just isn't a true difference maker yet.
Chris (Columbus, OH)
Left tackle is considered one of the premier positions in the NFL, and the good ones get paid nearly as well as QB's. How can an offense that has one of the best LT's in the game, Joe Thomas, have only one garbage-time TD in the last 8 games? I can't imagine him staying motivated if this ineptitude continues.
Chris Mortensen (11:40 AM)
Joe Thomas has too much integrity to ever not be motivated. The Browns should be better but running game
Tom (Buc Nation)
Hey Mort do you not think after the two pathetic games by this defence that Derrick Brooks couldn't help. Damn at this point I'd settle for Mel Brooks. I know when I speak for a number of Buc fans when I say I am very afraid the new regieme (coach and GM) are in over their heads.
Chris Mortensen (11:42 AM)
I can only measure whether a guy like Derrick Brooks would truly make a difference based on the amount of teams that lined up to sign him. He is still unemployed (well, he's working at ESPN!).
Ben Russell (Nova Scotia)
Yo Mort! How about Fast Freddy? How do you see the split between Marshawn and Fred breaking down next week and onward?
Chris Mortensen (11:43 AM)
I liked Fred Jackson last year. Lynch and Jackson should be a really good combo for the Bills.
Dave (San Diego)
It seems that the Chargers are ALWAYS getting hurt early in the season for the past 3 years, which coincides directly with Norv Turner's tenure- how much of their injuries is a reflection of perhaps Norv's softer persona and training camps, or are these injuries just complete flukes?
Chris Mortensen (11:44 AM)
You always examine a trend. I would look at the strength, core and conditioning program. Are they hitting enough in camp? Then again, injuries happen in football.
shanard (slc,ut)
Mort, does jason garrett take over the coaching gig next year what ever happens to the team this year.
Chris Mortensen (11:46 AM)
I believe the Cowboys are 1-1 and came within 4 seconds of beating a Giants team that some have projected as a Super Bowl team. Too early to speculate like this.
nick (des moines)
Will Favre be back next year? Maybe to groom a young, high draft pick? Could he re-structure his contract to make it worth while for the Vikings?
Chris Mortensen (11:47 AM)
As you know, Brett is capable of anything.
Kevin D (Cleveland)
Hi Mort, what are your thoughts on Laurent Robinson. Can he continue what he's done in the first two weeks despite the ineptitude of the Rams offense as a whole?
Chris Mortensen (11:50 AM)
Rams are fairly high on Robinson. That's why they traded for him. Looked very promising as a rookie in 2007 with the Falcons.
Liam (Pleasanton, California)
Colt Mcoy strikes me as a Drew Brees type. Underated out of college because of size, but is a winner and had all of the intangibles. Do you think he can be a good QB in this league?
Chris Mortensen (11:52 AM)
I have been saying I think McCoy has a chance but he doesn't throw it as well as Brees did at Purdue. They do have size (6-0) in common. Most NFL people believe he's a 2nd round guy but that's what Brees was, too.
Zach (Denver)
Watch out for Denver's D - new attitude, new leadership in the locker room (Davis and Dawkins) - it's not a fluke...right?
Chris Mortensen (11:54 AM)
I think Brian Dawkins was a great pick-up and Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator was a smart hire by Josh McDaniels. remember, this team had some talent on offense. A fluke? Too early to tell. They have a chance to make it 3-0 this weekend at Oakland but schedule gets a lot tougher.
Greg (Rochester, NY)
Cedric Benson has seemingly turned around his career in Cincy, running hard and making people miss. Why the sudden success?
Chris Mortensen (11:56 AM)
Cedric Benson showed us this ability last year when the Bengals signed him. I think when you see production like this you have to remember that he was the fourth player taken in his draft, by the Bears. He was consensus first rounder. So, this is one chance the Bengals took that may pay off.
Hank (Denver)
On that Denver note - will Buckhalter have another big game? We love him here in the mile high - or is it a fluke with the sporadic big gain runs?
Chris Mortensen (11:57 AM)
Buckhalter is a vastly underrated runner and one who deserves a lot of admiration for the way he overcame some knee injuries early in his career.
Chris Mortensen (11:57 AM)
Buckhalter is a vastly underrated runner and one who deserves a lot of admiration for the way he overcame some knee injuries early in his career.
Chris Mortensen (11:59 AM)
I have to run now. Well, walk (had a little knee surgery yesterday). Thanks for the questions. I will be available on Twitter @mortreport for some questions throughout the rest of the week. But watch us Sunday from 11-1 ET on NFL Countdown. God bless!
