Chris Mortensen: Good morning. Finally feels like fall where I'm at. Hope all you affected by the fires in my original home state of California are safe and well. Let's get started today...
Daniel (Athens, Ga): Grady Jackson is still respected around the league. If the Falcons had tried to trade him last week, do you think they could have gotten some draft pick from a team that needs a run-clogger?
Chris Mortensen: That's a fair question. I believe they did make him available but there are a couple things in play. First, he's not a run clogger. That's why the Falcons cut him because he refused to play within their scheme and be a run clogger. He wanted to get upfield, which he is good at. The other problem is that a team would be trading a draft pick for 10 games because his contract probably isn't acceptable for most teams. I do expect him to get claimed on waivers today.
Dave: The Dolphins obviously have tons of needs and have find out if Beck is the guy or if they should consider drafting a QB like Brohm or Woodson. But what can he possibly show with the inexperience and lack of talent surrounding him? How do you see this playing out? Thanks!
Chris Mortensen: It presents either a dilemma or predicament, which is why Beck must play down the stretch, regardless of the talent around him. They need to do more evaluating on him. My first thought is they need to use the top pick or top three pick on an impact player, not necessarily a quarterback. The Michigan LT is getting real high grades. Darren McFadden of Arkansas may be the highest rated guy. He's a RB. They need a defensive impact player.
Cole (Kansas City): Any chance the Chiefs start Croyle any time soon?
Chris Mortensen: Not right now, at 4-3 with Huard playing well. I'm not sure how Huard will hold up physically, though.
Brad(NM): I'm glad Jauron named Edwards as the starter indefinitely. He seems much more poised when under pressure and gets into a more smooth rhythm. Do you feel coach Jauron made the best decision?
Chris Mortensen: Well, I'm not there but Losman was something like the 11th rated quarterback in the league last year, completed more than 60 percent of his passes, has greater mobility, a more explosive arm and he embraced the Buffalo community. So, this feels like an owner/money related decision, not only to me but to others in the organization, including players. Edwards was a good pick, though. I liked him coming into the league. I just think it's the wrong decision at this time.
Jo (Colorado): Do Steeler fans have any reason to be concerned by the lackluster and rather unemotional performance seen Sunday night against a fired up Broncos squad?
Chris Mortensen: Maybe it was a bit of a trap. The Steelers went into the game healthy for the first time in a while. The Broncos were coming off a bye, a bad loss to Chargers, Javon Walker, Tom Nalen and Champ Bailey were out. And it was in Denver. So, maybe it was an ambush.
mike cincy: do you just make your stories up? No one in Cincy is saying Chad is going anywhere.
Chris Mortensen: Yes, I make 'em up. No, and I think the Cinci papers did an accurate portrayal of what I said. The last part - about a trade - was my clear conclusion to information given to me my somebody I trust in the organization...that depending on how this season finishes, there MAY be a crossroads discussion about Chad's future and whether they should trade him.
Ryan (San Diego): Mort, what do you think of the Steelers gameplan against Denver, to come out throwing so much against the worst rush defense in the league when your own offensive line has trouble pass blocking? Is Tomlin justifiably taking a some heat?
Chris Mortensen: First of all, they ended up scoring 28 points, which is supposed to be enough. The Broncos stacked eight and nine men in the box. Throwing the ball was a natural counter. It did produce four TDs.
Shaun (Miami): I hear that the Dolphins might trade Jason Taylor so that he can win a Super Bowl. That true?
Chris Mortensen: Even if the Dolphins do shop him in the off-season, they will trade him to the team that gives them the best deal.
James (Dallas): I notice that you said that the Giants are the best team in the NFC. Let see, they beat the Commanders, Falcons, Jets and other teams who arent going the playoffs? Dont you think thats a disrespect to the Cowboys who beat the Giants. But I know, you are going to say because the Patriots beat them bad.
Chris Mortensen: I don't know where you're coming from. I have said that other than the Cowboys, the Giants may be the best team. I have said that if the Giants continue to improve on defense, they could become the best team. Neither the Giants or Cowboys are a great team. Both good teams.
Mike (NY): So how much did ESPN pay the NFL to alter the format of day 1 of the draft?
Chris Mortensen: I would think ESPN opposed it.
Rob(NY): Mort, Is the NFL worried about effecting the itegerty of the game? I've been to Europe a couple of times it takes a couple weeks both ways. a team could lose 3 in a row just for going there. It happens in baseball with Japan both teams come back and go 2-8.
Chris Mortensen: It's going to be studied by the competition committee. But even though there's a five hour time difference in London, it's not the same as going to Japan. Trust me. I've been there.
Andy (Mt.Airy, NC): Mort Give us the scoop on Travis Henry...when will he be out of the lineup? How many games this year and next year will he miss? Thanks
Chris Mortensen: Henry's appeal will be heard by the league on Nov. 5. If he is unsuccessful, I would expect the suspension to kick in almost immediately and it will extend for at least a year on the 12-month calendar.
Steve (Chicago): What do should we expect from LaMont Jordan for the rest of the season? It seems to me that his number have declined every week.
Chris Mortensen: Jordan has been banged up and the Raiders have had to scale back their playbook with Culpepper, so defenses have adjusted accordingly. I don't know what that means the rest of the year.
Bach (Boston, MA): Hey Mort, don't you think the page 2 article calling the Patriots "evil" is a little overboard? I understand there not being liked (success breeds jealousy) but outside of Bill's infraction this is still the ultimate team, where guys take less money to play together, and a group of humble guys who just want to win ? GO SOX!
Chris Mortensen: I would hope that's a parody. The Patriots have a bunch of good guys as you suggest. Now, don't buy into too much of the "take less money" stuff. Randy Moss took a pay cut and Ted Bruschi may have taken less. But Tom Brady's deal paid him almost the identical money that Peyton Manning and Michael Vick were getting paid in terms of guaranteed money. In fact, Brady's deal eats up more space on the salary cap, I think. But I get your point.
Carl (VT): Is the NFL close to having a test for HGH? If all kinds of baseball players are on the stuff, wouldn't it be likely that NFL players are on it too?
Chris Mortensen: the NFL and players union have invested a lot of money in trying to find a viable HGH test. There is none (viable), no matter what you read or hear. But these state and federal investigations are proving pretty effective. I have no doubt that we will hear about more NFL players,
Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ): If you were Mangini, would you make the move to Clemens this week? I understand Chad has not been the "sole" reason the Jets are 1-6 but this offense has struggled all season long.
Chris Mortensen: I think that until Thanksgiving, you play the QB that gives you the best chance to win. Then if you determine that the playoffs are definitely out of the question, you get the young guy in there. Of course, they may determine Clemens gives them the best chance to win now.
Sandro (Miami via Boston): Mort, staying along the 'evil' patriots topic, what is your opinion of the patriots running up the score on teams this season? i do not see it that way and would think that if they just lay down for the last quarter or play it's almost more of an insult to the other team, not to mention anything can happen in the NFL and no lead is necessarily safe
Chris Mortensen: I agree. I thought the questions about Belichick re-inserting Brady were off-base. If the other team takes all its starters out as a concession, then maybe we can have a different discussion. But that was a 21-point game with more than 10 minutes left and the Dolphins were still playing their starters. No problem from me on it.
Ron (Hoboken NJ): Will having Chris Chambers benefit Antonio Gates?
Chris Mortensen: He doesn't need a benefit. He's already the leading TE. The benefit will be for Chambers.
Matt (Chicago): Mort, clearly Cedric (The Defensive Tackle Magnet) Benson is not the answer in Chicago, and Brian Griese playing catchup every week isn't good. With Benson still unfortunately under contract for a few years, do you see the Bears going after Michael Turner or maybe drafting another RB, or is Angelo too stubborn and afraid to admit his mistake in trusting Benson?
Chris Mortensen: I think Angelo will do what's best for the team. He always has that on his mind when he makes decisions. The trading of Thomas Jones was just him keeping his word from the season before. But I don't like what I see from Benson if it continues the rest of the year, I would expect Angelo to adjust.
Bill (Ypsilanti MI): Mort Do you think we will see more of Calvin Johnson in the offense for the Lions since we seen what he how explosive he is.
Chris Mortensen: The Lions would be crazy if they don't get Calvin the ball at least a dozen times a game.
Andrew (Toledo): With the Browns at .500 and Anderson playing well, is there any (non-injury) chance that Quinn plays before the end of the year?
Chris Mortensen: It would take Derek Anderson to play poorly over a three-game stretch with the Browns losing those games. The Browns are content with the situation. Anderson could end up being a heck of a story and the good thing is, they're not financially strapped with Quinn.
Vitor (são Paulo, Brazil): Hey Mort, love your work! If you were a GM from a team desperately needing a QB (like the Vikings) which young vet would be more inclined to pursue in the offseason? Derek Anderson, JP Losman or Grossman? Thanks!
Chris Mortensen: the scheme probably fits best with Losman, who has the mobility that Childress likes.
SprungOnSports (Long Island): What do you see happening in the Packers-Broncos game? That seems like a really interesting one.
Chris Mortensen: It really is. The Packers are fresh off a bye and the Broncos made some nice adjustments during their bye week. I probably would lean toward the Broncos on this one, especially if Champ Bailey is healthy at CB for Denver.
Chris (New Hampshire): Pats/Skins...trap game for new england or just another tune-up heading into INDY?
Chris Mortensen: The Commanders don't have the firepower to compete with NE.
John.C(Bethlaham Park): Mort, If the NFL does end up reinstating Ricky Williams? Don't you think the Dolphins really should put all their questions asides on him and just let him play out the season? Maybe he does well and they can trade him in the off-season?
Chris Mortensen: I would agree with you. Let him finish the season with the Dolphins and then see if there's any interest.
Hank (The ATL): Wouldn't Grady Jackson be a good fit for the Bears D? They need a proven run stopper with Harris not 100% and Walker injured. Do you think there could be a fit there, and would the Bears be interested?
Chris Mortensen: As I have pointed out, Jackson is not your classic big-body (even though he has a big body), eat up space, run stopper. He does fit the Bears scheme because he loves getting upfield.
Mike (Cleveland): If he continues to play well what type of shot do you give Derek Anderson of making the Pro Bowl?
Chris Mortensen: There's a spot open after Brady and Manning. Sure, if he plays at this rate, he would deserve a shot.
SprungOnSports (Long Island): Why would Brad Childress only run Adrian Peterson 12 times with Jackson as the QB? The same thing happened in KC, and they started winning after pounding LJ 20+ times a game.
Chris Mortensen: After catching so much heat for this past week, I would bet Peterson gets 20-plus carries. But he can't lose a fumble inside his own red zone and expect to be rewarded.
Amir Zadeh (Dana Point, CA): If the Packers somehow make it to the Super Bowl this year, do you think Brett Favre will be back next year?
Chris Mortensen: I would think Brett could be influenced by a Super Bowl appearance...a nice way to go out. But if the team is young and promising, and he's healthy and having fun, why retire?
Richard (Music City): Do you feel as VY has regressed this season? What do you hear about his willingness to study and not just rely on his athletic ability?
Chris Mortensen: Vince has worked harder than he did as a rookie. He has done a good job of playing from the pocket first. He's definitely a better passer but it takes time to become a polished NFL quarterback.
Sean (Philly): Not that I think he deserves it, but when McNabb is ridden out of town as the Eagles Scapegoat this year, what can we expect in return? Two number ones? A number one and Devin Hester?
Chris Mortensen: No and no.
Scott (Albany NY): Any news on Tank's suspension?
Chris Mortensen: He will be playing after the eighth game, as has been reported.
Craig (NJ): Mort, when you say a lot of money, don't you really mean a nominal amount to forestall talk of avoidance. In reality, the dollar amount is well underneath .001% of the yearly income for the league. A real investment would be in the 10-15 million dollar range over 4-8 years.I dare you to post this and answer
Chris Mortensen: I don't know what topic instigated this question. But you dared me. My answer would be, "don't you know I'm an idiot when it comes to anything that has a decimal point in it?"
sam(MA): Do you think that Brandon Marshall will receive a suspension for his latest incident? Thanks
Chris Mortensen: It depends on the outcome of the case. Or if he's in the nfl's substance abuse program (which i don't know), then he subject to disciplinary action. But I'll be a little surprised if something happens this year in that regard.
Louie ( Detroit ): Mort, can you name the only team Peyton manning has not beat in his career?
Chris Mortensen: Florida.
Brick (San Diego): Does Carolina stand a chance vs Indy this week?
Chris Mortensen: Sure. The Panthers are 4-2 and they have won three dome games (Rams, Falcons and Saints). I don't expect them to win this one. Oops, they're at home so I really don't give them a chance because they're 0-2 in Charlotte. Anything can happen, as we all know.
Jon (DC): If the salary cap is supposed to create parity, and we have two teams who are clearly far superior to the other 30, isn't it time to say the salary cap ain't doing what it supposedly does?
Chris Mortensen: That's why it isn't just the salary cap. The draft, scouting, acquiring talent and DEVELOPING talent are still big keys to success. Oh, and find a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.
Mike (Cleveland): Mort, please, before you go. Chances Browns make the play-offs? Their schedule is pretty easy. Like Buckeyes easy. And that offense is on schedule to break the franchise points record.
Chris Mortensen: Don't get crazy. I liked the Browns more than most coming into the year but I need to see more before I talk playoffs. Their defense is not a playoff defense yet.
Josh (Sarasota, FL): Hey Mort how is everyone calling the Indy and Pats game the game of our lifetime when the colts are 0-2 in there lasts meetings with Carolina
Chris Mortensen: That's it. The Colts and Panthers are the game of the year, folks.
Chris Mortensen: Time to roll. Have a good rest of the week. God Bless.
