Chris Mortensen: I am so sorry for being late...one of the great things about my job is having some fascinating conversations with coaches, players, execs, owners, league folks, etc...and I got into one that I lost track of time. So, let's go...
Matt, Milwaukee Wisconsin : Can the Packers be considered a contender or even consistently win without any kind of a running game?
Chris Mortensen: Ultimately, I think they will get a more effective run game once they get their backs healthy. Plus, Brett favre has been so effective throwing that defenses will play them honest again. And it doesn't hurt to gave a defense to take the pressure off. They are a contender, legit in the NFC.
Zac (Bay Area): I think Lane has got the Raiders on the right track. Might not win more than 5 games this year, but he is building a foundation for the future. Thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: No question, I think I said it on one of our earlier chat sessions. Lane Kiffin hired a heck of an offensive staff. The Raiders will be competitive in many, many games this year and win five or six, I think. He has great pedigree - boy, his father, Monte Kiffin of the Bucs, is one of the great coaches of this era.
Evan (NJ): Mort - Is sundays game in AZ an ambush waiting to happen for the Steelers? I can just see the AZ coaching staff treating this game like their SuperBowl to make a statement to the Rooneys.
Chris Mortensen: It's one that has my attention for those very reasons! As you know, the Rooneys passed over Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm to name Mike Tomlin as their head coach. I understood the reasoning but it does give this game intrigue. Can't wait to see it.
Richard (Baton Rouge): Do you think Deuce's career may be coming to an end? Do you see him suiting up for the Saint's again?
Chris Mortensen: No, I think he will come back. Athletes are coming back from ACL injuries remarkably well and in briefer time spans. The Saints certainyl will insure themselves by bringing in another back, though.
Jake (pittsburgh): Are you surprised by the steelers dominance so far? Also can Parker and Miller keep this pace up? If willie does should he be considered for mvp?
Chris Mortensen: Bill Parcells got my attention the other day when he said, "Willie Parker's starting to win me over." Parker is proving to be an effective inside runner. If the durability and production is there all year and the Steelers win, sure he'll be in the MVP discussions. As for their dominance, maybe a little. I wasn't sure what to expect but I am impressed.
Adam (Spokane): Mort, can you explain why the hit by Adrian Wilson on Todd Heap was illegal? It sure seemed like a 'legal' big hit to me and the ref got carried away because of the ferocity of it. That call may have lost the game for Zona.
Chris Mortensen: I tend to agree with you but the league has warned players about launching themselves even when it isn't helmet to helmet. The officials felt the hit could have been effective without the launch. I think you're right.
Todd (Tucson): Mort, I was surprised how easily Warner, Boldin and Fitzgerald shredded the Ravens defense in the 4th quarter. Were Boldin and Fitz getting open routinely during the game and Leinart was missing them?
Chris Mortensen: Leinart is struggling with a lot of things; remember he's learning a new system. The Cards felt you can be more effective against Baltimore when you spread 'em out and it doesn't hurt when you can spread 'em out with that kind of talent at receiver.
JC (Nashville): How far do you see the Titans going this year? Do they have a chance to go deep into the playoffs? Their only losses in their last 10 games have been to the Colts and Pats.
Chris Mortensen: I think the Titans will be a playoff team and not just because of Vince Young. Their defense is way improved. D-line is outstanding and they have a great coaching staff on both sides of the ball. I think the only team they would struggle with is New England. The Pats' style of play and matchups probably don't work for Tennessee.
Chad (Miami): Mort, With all the injuries to the Texans, I see Atlanta getting their first win. Your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: I thought the Falcons would get their first wina gainst Carolina and may have done it if DeAngelo Hall hadn't imploded. I kind of like the Falcons in this one; some of it because of injuries but Joey Harringtonplayed very well last week. The Texans still create some problems for Atlanta - the Houston D-line matches up well with the Atlanta O-line.
Adam (Spokane): Is the league looking into changing kickoff rules, etc. to help protect players? While there haven't been as many signifcant injuries in years past, the injuries of the last 3 weeks show that the kickoff is currently the most dangerous play in the game.
Chris Mortensen: Player safety always gets top priority when the competition committee meets every year. I have no doubt the kickoff issue will be reviewed. You get these incredibly fast, powerful players who are young and hungry to prove themselves, make their mark, and it is dangerous. I don't know what the exact answer will be but it's frightening sometimes to see the collisions on kickoffs and I'm not just talking about the two near-paralysis hits in the first three weeks.
Adam (Indy): I know everyone likes the Pats to represent the AFC in the superbowl, but please show the Colts some love. We've looked very impressive this year so far. What do you think the chances are of us knocking off the Pats (again) and going back to the SB?
Chris Mortensen: The Colts are the only team I see right now as a legit threat to the Pats. But the Pat's offense loaded up with new weapons (Moss, Welker, Stallworth) just to ensure that if it's ever a scoring match with the Colts, it's a level playing field. I liked the Patriots before the season and nothing's changed my mind but I definitely give the Colts a shot.
Alan (OH): if the Bengals fall to 1-3 monday night, are they done? the AFC is too deep to fall too far behind, even if it is only week 4.
Chris Mortensen: They aren't done because the AFC North isn't quite as strong as I first thought. But they have to settle down on the O-line, get Rudi Johnson back, Chris Henry at mid-season and the defense play better to make it happen. Carson Palmer deserves better - that's the shame of it. There has to be an urgency to fix these things.
Craig (Tampa, Fl): Do you see David Carr or Jake Delhomme starting this week against Tampa Bay?
Chris Mortensen: I have to believe it will be Carr. I know they say day-to-day on Jake but when a quarterback grabs his arm after a throw like he did Sunday and doesn't return to the game, it's a problem.
Joel (East Longmeadow, MA): I love Colts fans. They beat the Pats in one meaningful game and they refer to it as "knocking off the Pats again." Anyway, are the Patriots getting a little lucking right now considering they've given up 5 TDs in 5 opportunities in the red zone? Will Rodney change that?
Chris Mortensen: yeah, that's the one flaw and Bill Belichick expressed concern about it. Yes, Rodney Harrison being back will help the Pats in the red zone and I'm sure the same will go for whenever Richard Seymour returns. That's the scary part about the Patriots - how good will they be with Harrison and Seymour?
Mike (Anaheim): Mort....where does Favre go down in quarterback history?
Chris Mortensen: If he continues this late-career resurgence (and without great weapons), the Packers make the playoffs, etc., I really believe he belongs in the argument with Elway, Montana, Marino, Unitas and anybody else you want to throw in there. Can you imagine what Brett would be like with the weapons that Peyton Manning has, or that Tom Brady now has in New England? The other thing is how many quarterbacks have brought as much joy to the game as Brett? It is a privilege to watch him play. Enjoy it. I am.
Ted (Tampa): Chris,Whenever espn starts to talk about vick i'll changed the channel.
Chris Mortensen: You have company.
Charlie ( Charlotte): Do you plan to pick against Carolina again this week? What is their biggest issue?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, I will pick the Bucs against the Panthers. I did pick 'em against Houston and where did it get me? I just wonder why the defense isn't more dominant? I wonder if the running game can be consistely good each week so Delhomme or Carr don't have to do more than they're capable.
Joey (Rochester, New York): Mort, When talking about the greatest quartbacks of all time how come Otto Graham ALWAYS gets left out. For 10 straight years he led his team to the Championship game, winning several of them. I don't care what Era of Football that is, that's unmatched. Agree?
Chris Mortensen: You are right. I acually like to include Otto Graham in that argument and I know Peter King does, too. I think it was seven out of 10 years they won the title.
Fernando (Monterrey, Mexico): Funny... when Green Bay was losing, it was never Favre's fault, despite his numerous, almost record-breaking interceptions, it was his surrounding cast. Now that Thompson and McCarthy have turn their defense around and picked a couple of good receivers, it is Favre who gets all the glory.
Chris Mortensen: I hear you but you have to give favre credit for adapting to the talent around him. It's very difficult for a very established QB with his legacy to change the way he plays. He has done it.
Jeff(MD): Any chance that norv turner gets fired again as coach of the chargers and returns the 49ers as their offensive coordinator? We sure miss him!!
Chris Mortensen: Well, I don't wish that on Norv but I have to admit that watching the 49ers struggle on offense with Alex Smith not progressing has made me think again about what a loss that was for the 49ers. It's early, though.
Ben (Chicago): The Bears will be missing Tillman and Vasher this week, in addition to Tommie Harris. Do you think they'll be able to stop Detroit's offense?
Chris Mortensen: It will be an interesting game. I would expect the Lions to score enough points. The key will be whether the Lions can protect Kitna (even with Harris out) and whether the Bears' offense can get some points on the board. the Bears need a big game from Cedric Benson or Adrian Peterson at RB.
Mike (az): Mort, Whiz on a few occasions has said leinarts footwork needs major improvement. Have you watched film from all 3 games? Was his footwork different in weeks 1 and 3 than it was in week 2 when he looked pretty decent? I have always shook off the "hollywood" problems that people relate to matt, and im not jumping onthe KW ship, but i am concerned b/c this defense is playing sneaky good.
Chris Mortensen: Actually, I did not like the way Leinart looked in week 2 even when he threw for almost 300 yards. I didn't say anything but then somebody on another team that watched that game tape mentioned it to me, too. I think this must be a transition for Leinart, new system, etc. Some people thought it was telling when we heard Leinart was "working harder" after week one. That's a red flag but I'm sure it'll settle down.
Tim (San Diego): Mort, one more Chargers question... Can they right the ship and win the division. And will they, in your opinion?
Chris Mortensen: I do think the Chargers will win the division. The Broncos have problems on defense and too many "moving parts" althought I haven't ruled Denver out.
Miguel (San Diego): Hey Mort, I personally think as a Charger fan, Norv is less of a worry as is Defensive Coordinator Ted Cotrell. He has been downright awful and lacks aggressiveness. First, any chance him being out of the NFL last year has made him lose his feel for the game. COULD WE POSSIBLY SEE RON RIVERA TAKE OVER CALLING THE D?
Chris Mortensen: Miguel,
I had heard one of the reasons Chargers GM AJ Smith finally got his way when he forced Marty out is that he wanted Cottrell to replace Wade Phillips, who left for Dallas. Ted has had some success in this league but things haven't really come together on either side of the ball. Let's give it more time. They're adapting to something like six or seven new coaches on both sides of the ball.
Graham (Richmond, VA): In addition to Otto Graham never getting mentioned, Sammy Baugh doesn't either. The man lead the league in passing 6 times, and helped revolutionize the NFL into a league in which passing was valued. Add to that he was playing top notch defense and was perhaps teh best punter in the NFL's history. Too many fans forget about the older players these days.
Chris Mortensen: Right again. Ditka mentions Sammy Baugh's name all the time when we have this discussion.
Steffen, Copenhagen (Denmark): Do you think the reason Maroney is sharing a good deal of his carries with Morris is because of the sort of easy wins the Pats have had? In closer game do you think they would rely on him more?
Chris Mortensen: Yeah, I think Maroney is young, coming off shoudler surgery and it's just smart not to get him beat up early in the season when it isn't necessary. I would think in a close, must-win game that you would see more Maroney.
Mark (Orlando): Are kidding me with some of these questions that are being posted?!!! who cares about otto graham and sammy baugh and the old days.
Chris Mortensen: Well, if it's fair and top[ical to ask about the greatest quarterbacks ever and we're mentioning the modern-day guys, then it's fair to remember the old guys. We don't ignore Jim Browm when talking about running backs, do we?
Rick, Toledo: Mort, out of the big 3 last year, Vince Young is looking very good. Agree?
Chris Mortensen: Out of the big three, it is Young, Cutler and Leinart in that order. The first two have been very promising and Leinart should be OK.
Shawn (Orlando, FL): Mort, is there any hope for the Dolphins? The last five years seem to be repeats.
Chris Mortensen: The Dolphins are paying for the past sins of failed drafts. That's why the draft is so important. I did think the Dolphins looked better on offense against the Jets.
T.J. (St. Louis): Hey Mort? What do you feel the resaons are for all of the season ending injuries this season? Thanks.
Chris Mortensen: Injuries happen in this game. Next, I would say that the reluctance to have real training camps and preseason is a factor. The other is I think teams have gotten soft in the weight room....too many machines. But the game is brutal which is why, again, we should never complain about the money these guys make.
Tony(Indy): Where is the Love for the Cowboys, they beat up the Bears Defense, cause Rex alot of trouble, yet they won't because the bears were injured, and Rex lose the game...come on Cowboys are playing great Football
Chris Mortensen: I hardly think the Cowboys are lacking for love.
Dustin (Dayton, OH): Monday night seems like the perfect upset situation.. Bengals have a bad taste in their mouth. Patriots have been told by everyone how great they are.. Its at Paul Brown...
Chris Mortensen: The Bengals also have played the Patriots well in recent years. Maybe it can be a game but I just can't see the Bengals defense slowing down that offense. Don't think for a minute that the Patriots will gett he big heads. They are on a focused mission and they traditionally have been the best week-to-week no-letodwn team in this decade.
Dan, Boston: Do you think the Raiders might have miscalculated by drafting Russell? Culpepper has looked good, and the kid not only held out, but showed up out of shape. Not very encouraging.
Chris Mortensen: No, they had to get a young one to develop to combat the Chargers with Rivers and the Broncos with Cutler. he did show up weighing almost 280...Culpepper has the same problems and he has looked OK for half a game. But that's a good problem to have if he gets better.
Bonner (Montgomery, AL): Should the Falcons punish D'Angelo Hall or is everyone making to much of his actions?
Chris Mortensen: They have punished him...believe he was fined more than $100,000. His actions were deserving of the penalty.
Paul (New York): Mort, if the Giants dont up turn their season around and contend, Couglin is probably gone, who are the likely candidates for head coach? Martyball meets Eli? Who might Jerry Reese target?
Chris Mortensen: Paul, you keep sending this question. And I ask, why worry about that now, coming off a big win and another big game against the Eagles coming up? That's a question for later.
Otto LA, CA: Mort, have you heard anything about the time table for Jamarcus to play his 1st game?
Chris Mortensen: Depends on how the Raiders are playing, how well he's doing, and whether they can keep him away from the Thankgiving table.
Mark (New Jersey): whats your opinion about whats goiing on with the Buffalo Bills I know all the injuries haven't helped also your opinion on dick jauron as a coach
Chris Mortensen: I think Dick Jauron is a good coach. I have always thought that the Bills, when they turned over the front office, over-reacted by getting rid of too many solid players on defense. They haven't reallocated their money properly and, of course, the injuries are very unfortunate for a team that should make progress this season.
Aby,Dallas: Mort, How much credit for succes of this cowboys team will go to bill than wade ?..As I believe its bill's team with laid back approach..
Chris Mortensen: Parcells deserves a lot of credit. As he did in New England, NY (Jets), he left Dallas in a lot better shape personnel-wise than we he came in. Parcells also identified Romo has having some potential and patiently developed him behind the scenes. The offense lst year was foruth ins coring and a field goal away from being No. 2. Wade Phillips has a different personality but he is not a soft coach. He's a good coach. He wants to prove he's a great coach.
Paul (Baltimore): Mort, have your feelings and those in the NFL changed toward Kyle Boller as the Ravens' QB? I know a majority of fans here want to see him starting every week now.
Chris Mortensen: That's pretty funny, huh? Boller has calmed down. He was a victim of those first-round expectations, like a lot of quarterbacks. Think about this - Boller, Tony Romo and Rex Grossman came in during the same draft. Boller and Grossman were first rounders and Romo went undrafted. Grossman and Boller caved to expectations and weren't given time to develop..and maybe they shouldn't have been first rounders. Romo is the rising quarterback among those three but maybe Boller will resurrect his career.
Tony (Mankato, MN): Mort, Love ya on The Countdown, Do my Vikes have any chance against those cheeseheads this sunday?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, the Vikes have a chance. Some decent matchups but how are they going to score? Maybe on defense.
Mark, Chicago: Mort, who were you talking to before the chat and what were you talking about. Give us the scoop.
Chris Mortensen: I was talking to.... oops, time's up. Thanks again for the great questions. Catch us on Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 am ET and Parcells, Keyshawn and myself on ESPN Radio Primetime on Friday at 7 pm ET....we'll talk about a lot of this stuff and advance the ball, we hope. God Bless!
