Chris Mortensen: (11:00 AM ET ) Good morning... I was hoping this week would be only about football... but here comes McNabb and his comments...plus OJ is in court this am...if you wonder why OJ is still news, we are talking about a Hall of Famer and in my mind the first African-American athlete to transcend race in the area of marketing opportunities...and, for me, a deep personal disappointment because he was one of my sports models when I was in my teen years...oh, well, let's try to talk football.
Bill Tuskin (St.Paul, Minn): I am a huge Oakland Raiders fan and wanted to know if you thought they would finally get there first win thnis Sunday. They should have won last week if it wasnt for that phantom time out?
Chris Mortensen: (11:02 AM ET ) Sure, the Raiders have a shot. I said beforew the year they had a chance to win 6 games this year but that they would be competitive in almost every game. But it wasn't phantom time out. It was within the rules and within the boundaries of gamesmanship. If the competition committee wants to address it, fine. But Janikowski had the chance to make it and he didn't.
Shawn (Kansas City): How long before we see Croyle replace Huard? I say after week 4 in San Diego. Do you like the Chiefs over the Vikings?
Chris Mortensen: (11:05 AM ET ) We'll see Croyle relatively soon but I wouldn't recommend a division road game against the Chargers as the time and place. I'm not sure how I feel about the Vikings-KC game. If the Chiefs don't win a home game against the Vikes, what are we looking at this year? The Chiefs defense is better and when LJ gets cranked, they'll win some games. OK, I give the Chiefs a win this week...maybe.
Dave Young (State College, PA): Good Morning Chris, I am a big skins fan, and was shocked at the deep ball call at the end of the game, not very Gibbs like. Is this a sign of things to come, does he trust Jason Campbell more then we know? I am fired up about him, I think he looked excellent the other night.
Chris Mortensen: (11:07 AM ET ) I disagree. It is very Gibbs like. He plays smassh mouth and takes his shots down the field with max protection. That's how he became a Hall of Fame coach. You should be fired up about Campbell. I always had a feeling the Skins would be better, maybe much better, than last season. They added London Fletcher, Laron Landry and Fred Smoot to that defense. LaDaell Betts and Portis? Pretty darn good. If the QB keeps progressing, don't be surprised if they grab a playoff spot.
Jason (DC): Mort -- A football question for you: are the Lions for real? I believe so -- 10 wins minimum!
Chris Mortensen: (11:08 AM ET ) I'm not so sure. The defense is playing hard. The offense has some problems, I think. O-line just OK and running game isn't very effectivive, which puts a lot of pressure on QB. But for Lions fans, I hope they get a winning season.
Jeren (Columbus, OH): Morning Chris, I am a long time Bengals fan. What do you think is going on there with the Defense and is there a chance to turn it around? Was the Browns game just a fluke?
Chris Mortensen: (11:11 AM ET ) The defense looked solid against the Ravens. I think that was a difficult bounce-back. The Browns are not as bad as their opening loss to Steelers. They have weapons - Braylon Edwards was the third player taken in the draft, Kellen Winslow was the 6th player taken, Jamal Lewis was the 5th player chosen by the Ravens, Joe Jurevicius is pretty good...amnd the O-line has two first rounders...plus Derek Anderson can wing it....So the Bengals aren't as bad as they were Sunday but that have to be better and I expect them to be better.
heather (seattle): Any hope for the dolphins chris???? do you think they should trade jason taylor and zach to get younger??
Chris Mortensen: (11:13 AM ET ) I don' t think you trade your two franchise players away and I don't know how many teams would trade, say, a first rounder. Teams are very reluctant to do that - the Broncos would be intrigued, I think. Taylor and Zach aren't the problem. You have to be competitive and remove them and it's not even worth watching. Let's see what happens.
Kyle (Lake George NY): Hey Chris. What is your take on the rumors that Mangini could possibly be the one most hurt by the videogate scandal?
Chris Mortensen: (11:15 AM ET ) Baloney. First of all, the Patriots were caught last year by four or five teams not named the Jets. The difference this time is that NFL security confiscated the evidence (the tape). This wasn't a secret around the league but after the commissioner issued a warning on Sept. 6, everybody was on notice.
Greg (The U, Miami): Morning Chris its sunny here in MIA your best in the business. What do you make of Chicago and Cedric Benson getting better and will Griese come in lead this offense back to Arizona!
Chris Mortensen: (11:16 AM ET ) I have to believe Griese will be playing soon unless there is dramatic, consistent improvement from Grossman. Back to the Super Bowl? It's possible but, yes, Benson has to become a force.
Cotton, OH: Hi Chris, I want to know if you see a major difference in what the 49ers did in violating the salary cap in the 90's to what Bill Belichick did. My friend says the Niners did wasn't technically cheating. Do you consider what they did "cheating "?
Chris Mortensen: (11:17 AM ET ) I know that there were teams around the league that considered it cheating.
Jon (DC): Mort, as a skins fan the Tank Johnson signing by Dallas really excites me! If Parcells was the coach, I would say "oh no," but Phillips is not the type of guy who is going to be able to control Tank "Disaster-Waiting-to-Happen" Williams.
Chris Mortensen: (11:20 AM ET ) Parcells took Johnson's name off the draft board, I think, when he was coming out of college. There are two schools of thought on Johnson - that he has it in him to turn his life into a positive...or that he is a con man. But Jerry Jones prides himself on providing the type of support system that can help these guys. He tried it with Quincy Carter and it didn't work but he has had success with some other players.
Ed, NY: Could the Patriots go 16-0? I am just asking because they don't seem weak in any area and Bill Belichick may go out of his way to show that a camera means nothing to him. Imagine what that would do to the nay sayers.
Chris Mortensen: (11:23 AM ET ) It wouldn't surprise me. They have great players. They have a great coach. They have a mission...and that was before this incident. But you do understand that the "cheating" has been more extensive than the just videotaping opposing teams hand signals, right? And many players and assistant coaches have little idea about the operation but when you take into fact that the Patriots are the best-prepared team in football with a great coach, quarterback and players...and owner...only the Colts have a shot to beat them.
Stuart (Brooklyn, NY): Hey Mort. With the injuries to Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden, how will the stats of SJax and McGahee be affected?
Chris Mortensen: (11:25 AM ET ) I'm not sure on Jackson because he was a monster when Pace missed half the season last year. The problem is that two other O-line starters were missing by the second half vs. 49ers. I think the Ravens' O-line without Ogden is a bit troubling for McGahee.
Tyler (Bmore): The Ravens can't beat the Pats at home?? Come on Mort
Chris Mortensen: (11:26 AM ET ) Not with that offense. Gotta see more.
Justin (Denver): So, waht can teams do to stop the Patriots? Do they have to outscore them, or blanket their receivers and get to Tom Brady.
Chris Mortensen: (11:26 AM ET ) You have to get to Brady and they do a great job of protecting him.
wes jacksonville, fl: Chris, a couple of years ago you wrote a great article on Matt Jones. He has not developed yet. Whats the problem and do you think he will develop?
Chris Mortensen: (11:29 AM ET ) Matt Jones showed signs in his first two years. He was the third receiver taken in the draft and he was the third most productive WR of that group in his first two years. However, Jones' practice habits (including his off-season) has turned a lot of people off. You can't just be a game-day player in the NFL because you don't build the confidence of your QB or coaches. I addressed that issue origianlly but it's a disappointment that Matt hasn't shed that trait. Until he makes a full, every-day commitment, he will not be what I said he would be.
Ian (Boston): Mort - I know a lot of people are fawning over how good a pick-up Moss has been this year for the Pats, but after watching that Chargers game what are the odds Adalius Thomas turns out to be the biggest off-season pick up. Its amazing to have a LB on the Pats with his speed and agility.
Chris Mortensen: (11:31 AM ET ) That's a point we should never forget - the Patriots had a tremendous off-season and Adalius Thomas the best free-agent addition in the NFL. Moss might turn out to be the second best. That's why this other stuff is disappointing - it detracts from a lot of great things and great players.
Omid (El Dorado Hills, CA): Do you ever see Alex Smith living up to his #1 overall draft pick status? What current or past QB would you compare him to in terms of likely potential?
Chris Mortensen: (11:34 AM ET ) Alex was very young (20?) when he was the first pick. He doesn't have a rifle arm but it's no less than that of a guy like Phillip Rivers or Matt Leinart. So, if you surround him with good weapons and a good system, he'll be a good starter. Sometimes we think that No. 1 status means Elway or Manning...that's not the case with most QBs coming into this league. Carson Palmer is the only other No. 1 pick QB in that class.
Joe (NY): Hey Mort you do a great job, I am a big Jet fan and I admire Chad's toughness and heart, but I really believe Kellen can really take the offense and the team to a new level, what's your take?
Chris Mortensen: (11:36 AM ET ) There's a process to how this takes place. The coaches see these guys every day. They are in this business to win. If they play Pennington, then they believe he gives them the best chance to win but I personally believe that the move to Clemens will take place at some point this year. But I would need to see more from both guys.
Bill Belichick: Mort, You said that the Patriots cheating " goes past videotaping signals ". There isn't any evidence proven that they have engaged in any illegal activities beyond that. So, you can't say that they are doing more when it hasn't been proven.
Chris Mortensen: (11:37 AM ET ) Sure, coach. Anything you say. (ha!)
Greg (Rochester, NY): Carson Palmer single handedly kept Cincy in the game against the Browns - I think he's #3 in the league behing Manning and Brady...also is a stand up guy and has become a great leader - your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: (11:39 AM ET ) No question that there is Brady, Manning and Palmer...and a HUGE gap between them and the next guys in this league,although I'd like to see Brett Favre with their weapons (yes, even now). Palmer has now matured as a leader and he has command of the game. And, physically, he is even better than Manning and Brady. If there were a scouting combine with all the NFL QBs, I wouldn't be surprised if Palmer would be the first pick, and I'm including the "intangibles." He's a Super Bowl away from a legacy.
Matt (Boston): Is the best quarterback debate over? Brady is finally showing what he can do when he has real receivers. Manning never would have won 3 super bowls with the receivers Brady had.
Chris Mortensen: (11:41 AM ET ) Matt, I understand your point. Brady with these weapons is scary. But it is a team game and Brady did benefit from a great defense, too. However, I've always said I hate to see any nastiness to this debate because we have so few great quarterbacks in the league...can't we just enjoy those few?
Al, ATL: Hey is Byron Leftwich a stopgap for us or could he be our qb for the foreseeable future. I believe he has the talent to be. How do you see it playin out Mort?
Chris Mortensen: (11:42 AM ET ) They have to fix the offensive line. You can't do that overnight (or one year). Petrino likes bigger bodies so he can drop back and throw it. That's a problem for Harrington or Leftwich but Byron has a strong arm and he loves the game.
Pete (Kansas City): I get sick of this debate over Brady or Manning! Why cant we all just sit back and realize we are seeing 2 of the best QB's EVER in the NFL , that come around once every 10-15 years?
Chris Mortensen: (11:43 AM ET ) Even more succinct than I was...thanks.
Mike(Dallas): How much longer before Tony Romo joins that elite group of Qbs?
Chris Mortensen: (11:43 AM ET ) Tony has to have a consistent year and then he would be in that next class (Brees' group).
Jon (Phoenix, AZ): Mort, Edgerring James seems to be a lot more productive this year. Is that because he is just hitting the holes harder or is Russ Grimm finally shoring up an offensive line that has been the worst in the league since about 1962
Chris Mortensen: (11:44 AM ET ) Both...he has confidence to hit it harder now because Grimm is whipping that O-line into shape.
Lee, Dallas: Tank Johnson will be the biggest steal of the year over Randy Moss and Adalius because he is 25 and can be a beast with Wades defense. I am calling that right now!
Chris Mortensen: (11:45 AM ET ) Hold on. Tank is a good DT. He hasn't been a great DT. I do like the move, though.
Kevin (Honolulu): Mort, you are the best! Will anyone's head ever roll in Green Bay for not pulling the trigger on the Moss for a fourth rounder trade, and will Favre ever forgive them?
Chris Mortensen: (11:47 AM ET ) Great question! If the Packers get to the playoffs, and fall short because they lack another weapon for Favre, it will be a point of discussion. I do think the packers were willing to give up a fourth but Moss was more cooperative with the Patriots on a contract, I think. Give GM Ted Thompson a lot of credit for building a potential championship-caliber defense.
Mark (NC): URGENT Mort, Here in Charlotte we are putting out an Amber Alert for Julius Peppers. Have you seen him anywhere?
Chris Mortensen: (11:48 AM ET ) Yeah, I saw him rip off Orlando Pace's arm and put one of the best OT in football out for the season. This guy gets double and triple teamed. Every offense's gameplan is around him. The other guys need to step up so it will lessen some of that attention.
Kramer (Cleveland): Hey Chris, don't you mean Brady, Manning, Palmer, and Anderson...then a HUGE gap? LOL
Chris Mortensen: (11:49 AM ET ) Well, don't expose me.
Chuck (NYC): like i said, its ok to do it in the coaches booth but not on the sidelines? also, give it up....like other teams dont jam headsets or use homefield to their advantage...everyone wants to hate the pats for being so good.
Chris Mortensen: (11:52 AM ET ) First of all, it's NOT ok to do it in the coach's booth. And you can steal signals if you do it the conventional way. You are also right that a few other teams probably vioplate the rules...and you are right that the Pats are the envy of this league. I do not envy them. I admire much of what they do...and I can tell you that I have seen Bill Belichick coach on the practice field and he is absolutely the best. he's also a great talent evaluator. So, he doesn't need to do some of the stuff, in my opinion.
Chris (Broadview Heights, OH): How much time did Derek Anderson buy himself with that outstanding performance on Sunday?
Chris Mortensen: (11:53 AM ET ) I think though the bye week...he has a heck of a schedule ahead of him in terms of defensive units to play. But he's a very gifted guy. People shouldn't be shocked when he has days like Sunday.
Mike (san jose CA): Will vernon Davis have a breakout year? or will he do nothing special as weve seen so far
Chris Mortensen: (11:54 AM ET ) I'm beginning to wonder about the guy a little. But it's early and he missed some time last year so let's be more patient with Vernon Davis.
Jorge (NYNY): The Jets - will thy be fined? Doesn't seem like a huge deal to me.
Chris Mortensen: (11:55 AM ET ) You're talking about the simulated cadence on defense, right? There won't be a fine. There's a rule and a penalty is supposed to be called and is called occasionally in this league.
Dustin (Kansas City): I made a prediction before the season that Detroit and Houston would make the playoffs this season. How come people are surprised Kubiak is one of the best minds in the game a huge part of Denvers SB teams, Kitna has been a great leader and very good QB since he was in Seattle, Millen is GM of the year.
Chris Mortensen: (11:57 AM ET ) I'm glad you said something about Kubiak. He was so low-key as an assistant that I think we never paid enough attention to him. I don't know if the texans get in this year but they have also used a lot of good first round picks on defense (yes, including Mario Williams) and they will get there one day. As for Kitna, he is a wonderful guy. I don't quite see the playoffs this year but at least the Lions are in the NFC so there's always hope.
Samuel (Fort Worth, TX): Hey Mort! Which team has the best chance to finish second place in the AFC East? The Bills look bad right now, but they also have the most upside. Agreed?
Chris Mortensen: (11:58 AM ET ) The Bills have a lot of upside on offense but not on defense. They turned over too many players on defense in the past two years.
Craig (Boston): Is the penalty that the Belichick & Pats received just for the Jets game?
Chris Mortensen: (11:59 AM ET ) Not really. But it's the first time the tape was secured by the league. Belichick admitted in his conversation with the commissioner that it has been his standard practice based on his interpetration that it was OK as long as it wasn't used on that particular day. However, there wasn't any gray area as far as anybody else in the league was concerned, especially the commish.
Mike (Utica): Do you think the Texans made the smart move in getting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. Bush looks average at best and Mario was all over Delhomme this past week.
Chris Mortensen: (12:02 PM ET ) It will be discussed frequently this season...on our ESPN Radio Primetime show Friday night with Bill Parcells and Keyshawn Johnson (former Trojan, like Bush).
Parcells is one of the few coaches on record as saying he would have taken Williams. Tune in.
Shawn (Pittsburgh): Hey Mort, In this league, the QB is judged on wins and losses. With that in mind how can you claim that Carson Palmer is an elite QB? His team has went to the playoffs once and he has yet to win a game in the playoffs. Why don't we wait until he actually wins a playoff game before we annoint him the greatest? Lets remember in that Cleveland game, he threw an int on what could have been the winning drive.
Chris Mortensen: (12:03 PM ET ) That "wins and losses" thing is true but short-sighted. Also, if you throw 50 times, you are going to throw picks, especially when you're behind.
Kyle (Lake George NY): Hey Chris, with what the Partiots did was absolutely wrong, I find fault with the NFL now leaking the tape. Not very professional. Thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: (12:04 PM ET ) You are assuming the NFL leaked the tape. They're upset about it and puzzled. I suspect there was a window of opportunity for a copy to be made Sunday when there was a very lengthy debate taking place inside the stadium security office.
Thomas - St. Louis: Hey Mort, As a Rams fan what do they need to do to improve there chances of making the playoffs if at all possible and do you think Coach Linahan is on the hot seat? His play calls are terrible.
Chris Mortensen: (12:05 PM ET ) Linehan does not call plays. he gave i up at mid-season last year. I think they ahve to stabilize the O-line with all the injuries. The defense is playing good enough to win. They never clicked on offense in preseason. Maybe they went too easy in camp and preseason because all you fans worry about injuries so much.
Sean (CA): I think Palmer is the 3rd best QB in the league, but I feel he is closer to Brees & Co. than Brady/Manning. To say he is a good leader is a mistake. His team is full of guys who can't behave themselves. Brady/Manning wouldn't let that happen, they are truly good leaders. Do you agree?
Chris Mortensen: (12:07 PM ET ) No, I don't, If the Colts and Patriots were drafting and signing bad character guys, then we'd see the ame problems. Then again, I see a lot of good character players on the Bengals, too. Carson has become a great leader, in my opinion. I have a ton of respect for him.
Al (Boston): You don't think it's a good assumption that the NFL leaked the tape when the commissioner's wife, Jane Skinner, works for Fox, the very outlet the tape was leaked to? Right.
Chris Mortensen: (12:07 PM ET ) It's a silly assumption.
Ryan, Boston, MA: Why do Howie Long and Jimmie Johnson think what the Pats did was part of the game and Peter King, yourself, and Cris Collinsworth think its close to a felony?
Chris Mortensen: (12:09 PM ET ) I think people are on all sides at varying degrees. I also am on record as saying I don't believe that it taints the Patriots' three Super Bowls. I'm not in that gang unless somebody proves to me differently.
Todd (Tampa, FL): I promise I won't ask about McNabb. What do the Eagles need to do to get back on track? Can they turn this thing around?
Chris Mortensen: (12:10 PM ET ) McNabb has to play better. That's pretty obvious when you watched the first two games. That's the difference. They can turn it around if that happens.
Chris Mortensen: (12:12 PM ET ) All right, I've gone over my allotted time. Thanks again. i really do enjoy these chats. Again, catch us on radio this Friday (7-9 pm ET) and on Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 am ET...oh, and Monday...later, and God Bless!
