Chris Mortensen: (11:03 AM ET ) Good morning... one-quarter pole for most teams... interesting first month, huh? Let's talk.
Brent from San Diego, CA: Die hard chargers fan for over thirty years now. This week we go into Denver where we struggle historically. Another loss puts us at 1-4 and pretty much out of the playoffs. Can you give the charger faithful something to be optimistic about?
Chris Mortensen: (11:05 AM ET ) I don't think that even a loss this Sunday puts the Chargers out of it because the AFC West is still a mystery. The Broncos have a lot of moving parts and U believe it will be late November before they pull it together. The Raiders are better, the Chiefs competitive but I still think the Chargers can pull through this.
Tim (Cleveland): How surprised are you with the way the Browns Offense and specifically the O-Line are Playing? No sacks in three games will give you a chance to will at least half your games.
Chris Mortensen: (11:07 AM ET ) I am not shcoked and probably not surprised. The O-line is solid and gets depth nopw with Tucker back. Joe Thomas is already right there with Adrian Peterson as the best offensive rookie of the firsy month. And Derek Anderson is getting theball out. Also, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow are playing at a very high level and Jamal Lewis is running tough. They are a factor.
Pat (SF): What's the real story with Alex Smith? Did Nolan lie when he said Smith wouldn't need surgery?
Chris Mortensen: (11:09 AM ET ) As I learned with the Eli Manning injury, medical reports are tricky. Everybody is different and that appears to be especially true with shoulder injuries. That's why you see doctors with differing opinions. We'll see.
Mike (Portland): Mort, do you think Ronnie Brown has figured it out in Miami, or is his success due to weak opponents?
Chris Mortensen: (11:10 AM ET ) I give a lot of credit to Cam Cameron and new running back coach Bobby Jackson. They took off the kid gloves with Brown and, to his credit, he has responded. I think the question now is can he sustain that toughness?
Travis,Canada: Mort, Please answer this one, is Jake D. done for the season, I need to know fantasy wise? Thanks and God Bless!
Chris Mortensen: (11:12 AM ET ) This is back to that injury question. originally, when I saw Delhomme grabbed his elbow in pain after a throw...it was no different than the baseball pitcher you see on the mound. Usually, that's not good and surgery is needed. Jake's elbow had some issues that went unpublicized last year. They cut down some practice time for him to give it rest. I would not risk him fantasy-wise.
Tony (Brooklyn, NY): All bets off for Giants or are they still doomed to 6 to 7 wins? Thanks!
Chris Mortensen: (11:14 AM ET ) I never had them "doomed" to six or seven wins. I can't tell how good they are but the defense is bound to get better as they learn the new scheme and Strahan works himself into football shape. I still have questions about secondary. They should be in a fight for a wild card spot with the Commanders.
Erica (Boston): Mortimer, what do you think will be the Steelers record this year? How disappointing was the team's performance in Arizona?
Chris Mortensen: (11:16 AM ET ) Well, it was dissappointing but the Cardinals have a pretty fair amount of talent, too. The Steelers should win the division. I like mostly what I see from them. Like Mike Tomlin suggested, i think they might even lose another game this year!
Gary(minnesota): Mort any advice on what I should plant this season?
Chris Mortensen: (11:16 AM ET ) In Minnesota, plant popsicles..
Lezlie: ( Snake River Plains ):: Love your chats Mort. Jason Taylor D player of the year, what is his problem this year?
Chris Mortensen: (11:18 AM ET ) Can't tell. I think that the Dolphins may have made a mistake letting Kevin Carter go (now with Bucs, doing a good job). Taylor is getting plenty of attention but it's still a bit of a mystery, just as Julius Peppers is in Carolina.
Tim (Rochester, NY): At what point does the Patriots running up the score become unsportmanlike? I've never seen a team pass so much while winning in the 4th quarter. I don't get the motivation for intentionally running up the score every week, besides the statistical motivation.
Chris Mortensen: (11:19 AM ET ) No, disagree bigtime with that. First of all, it's the NFL and weird things happen. When a team puts 8 or 9 guys in the box, you have to respond. You also risk injury to your backs if you don't counter by throwing. If an opposing team wants to pull its defensive starters and wave the white flag, then maybe you could say something. But you still play the game the right way and every rep (& recognition) is important to the team.
woody (NYC): Mort ? How can you cite the Bengal?s 57 rushing yards (3.8 YPC) against the Pats on Monday as justification for saying NE is not as impressive as Indy (who gave up 226 yards rushing, 6.1 YPC, to Denver on Sunday)? Do you even realize NE played a 6-man front to take 84 and 85 out of the game?
Chris Mortensen: (11:22 AM ET ) yeah, when I said that on Mike Tirico's show Tuesday, I meant that with three or four receivers threatening the Pats - as the Colts can do, and as the Bengals could if Chris Henry were in the lineup - then I see vulnerabilities. It's nit-picking but I saw some weaknesses and I guarantee you Bill Belichick has pointed them out to his team. of course, with Rodney Harrison coming back this week and Richard Seymour later, we know the Patriots will be very tough to beat for anybody.
Derek Pa : Mort, Why is it the media keeps bringing up that Dallas has only beat Bad teams and yet the Pats have only beat bad teams and no one ever brings it up about them? I know they have Brady and Moss but Romo is playing Great ball and this TO guy is just as good if not better than Moss.. So what is the deal here?
Chris Mortensen: (11:24 AM ET ) I didn't know the media was doing that, The thing that intrigues me about the Cowboys is how that defense will look if Greg Ellis returns to form. I would not say TO is better than Moss when they are both playing their best football. Romo is playing great ball but, come on, Tom Brady is Tom Brady.
Andy (Denver): Charger fans are calling for Ted Cottrell's head, but Broncos fan seem ok with Bates and his defense that could stop a nose from running. Are Denver fans just more forgiving and patient?
Chris Mortensen: (11:26 AM ET ) It might be track records. Bates is disappointed that it's taken longer for the players to adapt to the new scheme. And the Broncos are breaking in a lot of young player along that def. front and I don't care what anybody says, losing Al Wilson to that neck injury late last year was a big blow.
Mike (Georgetown, KY): Marvin Lewis was supposed to be a defensive genius, so what went wrong?
Chris Mortensen: (11:28 AM ET ) Well, he was hired as a head coach, to lead his team. And his defensive coordinator, Chuck Bresnahan, is a good coach. I thought the Bengals played better defensively before they caved. Having only four healthy linebackers that dressed for the game is inexcusable. That's an organizational issue. And they still have to get better in the draft, even though the injury to David Pollack hurt. Believe it or not, I'm not counting the Bengals out this season, yet, either.
Sarah (Raleigh, NC): Is John Fox really on the hot seat? Or will that big extension he signed be enough to save him?
Chris Mortensen: (11:30 AM ET ) Well, at $5 million a year with three years left after this, the owner, Jerry Richardson, won't be anxious to fire John. You have to determine why it's been less than expected. Did some of the "experts" over-rate their talent? (possible). Sometimes, it's best to fix things with the people on board, or make the necessary adjustments. Maybe they should hire a consultant - there are some pretty darn good execs who are available, guys like Tom Donohoe, Floyd Reese, Ron Hill, etc., to consult with.
Dan - Scottsdale AZ: Mort, I agree with you that the Pats are vulnerable espescially on a fast track in a dome against Indy. Is Indy vulnerable to anything the Pats can throw at them if the game is in Indy? Is the winner of the Pats/Colts indoor game at Indy going to be Super Bowl champs?
Chris Mortensen: (11:32 AM ET ) The Patriots' offensive line - speaking of great assistant coaches, Daunte Scarnecchia is one - can neutralize that Colts defense. The Patriots should be able to run on the Colts, who do a good job of not giving up big pass plays. It should be a great game. That will have the anticipation of a Ali-Fraizer championship bout.
Pierre, Owings Mills MD: I live in Raven country and all I hear is 'we aren't playing Raven football". Maybe they are going downhill and can't Lewis is not what he was, no pass rush etc. Your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: (11:33 AM ET ) Your thoughts have been echoed by some football people around the league.
Moe (Lansing, MI): Why didnt Millen bother to build an OL? Kitna is being hit too many times.
Chris Mortensen: (11:36 AM ET ) I think the effort has been there to build it. There have been questions about the Lions' strength program, which Millen himself implemented, but remember that Mike Martz's quarterbacks do get hit and that's why they have to be tough. A running game would slow some of that stuff down, too. Maybe with Kevin Jones back, it will get better but Martz has such a go-for-the-jugular approach that it hasn't been his history.
Scott (Louisville): Is the Packers for real? Without a rushing attack, how long can they last?
Chris Mortensen: (11:37 AM ET ) Well, I think once they get Brandon Jackson and Vernand Morency back, you will see more of a commitment to the run game.
Tim (Lakeland, FL): If it had been Moss & Brady yelling at each other on MNF, ESPN would have declared an emergency, true?
Chris Mortensen: (11:37 AM ET ) Probably.
Mike(Dallas): Mort, a lot of people say that the NFC representative in the SuperBowl will be dominated by the Pats or Colts. But if the Cowboys defense keeps improving dont you think the have shot at those two teams?
Chris Mortensen: (11:37 AM ET ) Yes, I would say it'll provide some suspense to the Super Bowl if it plays out that way. The Cowboys did beat the Colts last year.
Raymond Mitchell, (Los Angeles, California): Is the QB that big of a problem or does it have something to do with the way Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner system runs?
Chris Mortensen: (11:38 AM ET ) QB is a big problem, the O-line is getting shoved around and Cedric Benson is a disappointment. That'll make any offensive coordinator look bad. I don't think the problem is Ron Turner.
Jimmy (Washington D.C.): Please answer this one Mort. Do you think the Skins have what it takes to surprise Dallas come mid-november as long as the Skins are relatively healthy and at the very least get a wild card birth this year?? Hook it up Mort please!
Chris Mortensen: (11:40 AM ET ) I think there's a chance of that. Jason Campbell will have a year's worth of starts under his belt by them. The Skins' defense is improved. I just wonder about the Skins' explosiveness on offense.
Joey (Rochester, New York): IF Adam Jones is reinstated by Roger Goodell after 10 Games this season what will the Titans do as to there Cornerback situation? I like what they have right now.
Chris Mortensen: (11:40 AM ET ) He won't be reinstated, based on the people I have spoken with.
Troy (Antioch, CA): If Daunte contiunes to play well, when do you see Jamarcus Russell playing?
Chris Mortensen: (11:44 AM ET ) I think it depends on the Raiders' win-loss record...how long will they stay in the divisional race? Daunte was 5-of-12 for 75 yards so it's premature.
Daniel (Chi-Town): When do you think we'll be able to count on Cutler getting the ball in the end zone when they are inside the 20. They are terrible inside the red zone!!! I think it's because of Cutler's inexperience but I could be wrong.
Chris Mortensen: (11:46 AM ET ) Part of it could be Cutler's inexperience. I think they need to get the tight end involved more but there is a lot of concern about the O-line's ability tro proect so those TEs are staying in more, too.
Ron (Cleveland, OH): Do you see Brady Quinn starting this year?
Chris Mortensen: (11:48 AM ET ) Good question. Derek Anderson is really a talened guy. Honest. Internally, the Browns have no problem with Anderson playing all year, as long as they remain competitive, which I think they will. Carson Palmer and Daunte Culpepper sat a full year. Phillip Rivers sat two. Matt Schaub sat three (or was it four?).
Byron C. Brown(Los Angeles, CA): They are saying Norv Turner is under fire! Will the Chargers give him a chance to pull it through or if the losing continues will he be in the chopping block. Alot of Charger fans I know are call for Bill Cowher to step in! And for A.J. Smith to leave. Your thoughts!
Chris Mortensen: (11:49 AM ET ) I would be shocked if Bill Cowher is the next coach of the Chargers. Firing a coach in mid-season never works. Let the thing play out. If it's still bad at the end, there will be changes. The speculation first will lead to Pete Carroll before it leads to Cowher, who I don't believe would take the job anyway.
Billy (Louisville, KY): The St. Louis Post Dispatch just broke news that Gus Frerotte will be starting this week for the Rams and possibly next week. As battered and broken as my Rams are right now, can they rise and respond to Gus this week?
Chris Mortensen: (11:51 AM ET ) Yes. I knew from talking to Scott Linehan (Rams coach) late last week that he wasn't afraid to ride Gus for awhile to let Bulger heal up. Gus still has a great arm and he did a really good job in Miami. But not having Steven Jackson doesn't help.
Farley (Ossian, IN): Should Viking fans be optimistic, or pessimistic?
Chris Mortensen: (11:52 AM ET ) I can't figure the Vikings. Their O-line isn't that good. Ultimately, their receivers should blossom and Adrian Peterson is a stud. I think it's really important to play Tavaris Jackson as soon as he's healthy so the organization can determine whether he's the guy the truly want to build around.
Jarric (Kansas): Short question. What are the chances Jared Allen and the Chiefs come to terms on a contract? Or has Carl Peterson burnt those bridges?
Chris Mortensen: (11:53 AM ET ) I don't know but money can mend a lot of bridges. I'd get him signed. Heck of a player.
mark (new york, new york: hey mort! love you man. quick question. Its been burning a lot when I pee lately so I was wondering what your thoughts were on the New york Jets making the playoffs this year?
Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) I didn't think the Jets would make the playoffs before the season. They're going to be a work in progress this year. It will get better before it gets worse. The defense has some things to shore up and ultimately they will need to make a decision at QB.
Mike (Kansas City, MO): We all know the late Lamar Hunt was a big backer of Carl Peterson. That being said, is Peterson now on the hot seat more than ever?
Chris Mortensen: (11:56 AM ET ) I thought the Chiefs just beat the Chargers in San Diego to go 2-2? Look, Peterson probably got caught a little in meeting Dick Vermeil's needs, which meant veteran players. Those guys got old. They are going through a one-step back to take two steps forward stretch. I would be very encouraged by the defense and encouraged by a young breakout WR in Dwayne Bowe. Now they have to find out about Brodie Croyle and fix the O-line.
Eric (Chicago): Chris, gimme a solution for the Bears. Please dont say Kyle Orton. Is this one on management for drafting poorly, coaching, injuries to the defense, all on the QB's, or is it actually a combination of all those?
Chris Mortensen: (11:58 AM ET ) It's a combination of things. Kyle Orton probably is the best answer at QB this year, but I'd make him shave and get a haircut before I'd send him out there. What amde the Bears special last year? The defense, Devon Hester and Thomas Jones. Only Hester remains the same.
Frank (Pell Lake, WI): Mort, if Vince Young continues to show improvement as he has this season, do you see teams in the offseason making a push to sign Norm Chow as head coach?
Chris Mortensen: (11:59 AM ET ) Norm Chow's body of work should be screaming at college or pro teams to look at him as a head coach.
John (Cincinnati): Chris, I know you mentioned added depth for the Browns with Tucker returning. However, could you see the Browns possibly trading Shaffer to TB given what happened this past weekend? If so, would that be wise and what do you think Shaffer's value is in terms of a draft pick?
Chris Mortensen: (12:01 PM ET ) I don't think so. Teams need depth on the O-line. The Browns are in it to win, believe it or not. Their fans deserve the best right now. I don't think Shaffer would command a high pick, anyway.
Hater: Wait a minute? You argued with Tuna and Ditka the other night, saying JaMarcus would be in by Thanksgiving...just admit it...you're a Raider HATER!!!
Chris Mortensen: (12:02 PM ET ) Why would predicting Jamarcus in by Thanksgiving make me a Raider hater? I'm one of the few guys who predicted they would be competitive in every game this year, that they could win at least six games. I praised Kiffin and the offensive staff he hired. I was just pushing buttons with the coaches. Relax.
ben, sacramento: Will the 49ers go out and get a Qb through a trade because dilfer does not look like he should be on the field
Chris Mortensen: (12:04 PM ET ) The 49ers think Smith will be back. Again, injuries are funny. But no QB is going to look good there until they get Gore cranked up and I'd say Vernon Davis back in the lineup. Trent is as good as anybody you could hope to get, probably better.
Ryan Atl: Mort, what are the Bucs going to do in the backfield with Caddy in the shop for the rest of the season? Is Graham this years version of Jones Drew?
Chris Mortensen: (12:06 PM ET ) No, Graham and Pittman are identical, tough-yard backs. What the Bucs need is somebody who has some speed, which is why they checked on Melwelde Moore in Minnesota. Ken Darby might be a little bit of that. I'd be interested to seeif they would get in the Ricky Williams' derby if Williams gets reinstated.
Chad (San Jose, Ca): How far do you see Green Bay going this year? I'm still wating for the meltdown.
Chris Mortensen: (12:07 PM ET ) The Packers should be in this thing to the end. They've won a couple of games I thought they'd lose. I think they're legit. A playoff team.
Cole (Kansas City): Will Priest Holmes have any trade value?
Chris Mortensen: (12:08 PM ET ) Hmmm, good question. Didn't think about that. Of course, he's on PUP right now, but let's see what happens in a couple of weeks.
Clay (Dallas): why are the cowboys waiting to resign Romo? We cant have him getting upset and leaving after this year.
Chris Mortensen: (12:10 PM ET ) He's not leaving. I think it's only prudent to make him go 16 games as a starter before you give him the big money. He's got three starts to go, right? If all goes well in the next couple of weeks, I think they have a great shot to get the deal done by the end of the month or early November. If they don't get a deal done by next February, he'll be franchised. I say they get it done.
Jeff (Syracuse, NY): Mort, do you think the Pats go undefeated? If not, who do you see beating them??
Chris Mortensen: (12:11 PM ET ) I don't want to talk about the Patriots going undefeated until they beat the Colts in Indy. If, that is, they beat the Colts and they are unbeaten at the time. They're really good. I picked 'em to win the Super Bowl but let em play.
KG (Seattle): The Seahawks Defense has improved, and their offense is stable (need Shaun to get that killer instinct back) - do they look like the 2005 Super Bowl team to you?
Chris Mortensen: (12:13 PM ET ) Well, the Seahawks are one of the teams in the NFC you have to consider but I really question whether Alexander will ever play as hungy as he did in his MVP season? That, to me, will determine their Super Bowl hopes.
Sammy (Niagara Falls, Canada): Another Marty Shottenheimer supporter. His playoff record may not have been great but look at the Hall of Fame Quarterbacks he lost to: Marino in 85, Elway in 86,87 & 89, Warren Moon in 88, Jim Kelly in 93 and Future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in 06'. Thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: (12:15 PM ET ) I am a big Schottenheimer guy. You can win 200-plus games in this league and not be a bad coach. You make great points. Other times, i'm sure Marty himself would question things he did at times. Buit I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty at the end of the season if there was a team that is looking for a coach. I believe all his teams went on to have losing records in the years after he left.
Chris Mortensen: (12:16 PM ET ) I have to go make some calls. Thanks again, Hope all your teams win! Reminder: ESPN Radio Primetime from 7 to 9 ET on Fridays with Parcells and Keyshawn and myself. Sunday Countdown at 11 am ET and we're all day on Mondays. Until then, God Bless.
Oh how the un-mighty have fallen...further....
