Chris Mortensen: Good Wednesday to everyone! This is the first of our weekly chats during the season and I'm looking forward to all of them. I can't wait to talk about football...let's get started.
wayne, Binghamton,NY: Hey Chris, are you as down on the Bills' this year as everyone else seems to be. Is 8-8 a possibility considering their brutal schedule?
Chris Mortensen: "Down" on the Bills is not the way to describe it. I like their offense - especially the passing game - but the defense can be physically overpowered....at least that's the perception going in. I do believe 8-8 is possible.
Richard (Baton Rouge): I'm predicting the Saints-Colts game tomorrow night to be a shoot-out with very little defense. Will I be correct?
Chris Mortensen: I'm predicting that Christmas will be on December 25th, too....yes, I expect you are right.
Mark (NC): Chris, the Panthers were less than impressive in the pre-season, is that defense living off it's reputation or is there still something there?
Chris Mortensen: Well, preseason is preseason. My biggest question probably is about the offense...it's a different scheme. No matter what anybody thinks, the Panthers cut loose some pretty good assistant coaches, including Dan Henning. Will they run the football better? That's the key and it may be a key to their defense. The knock on the Panthers' defense is that as the game wears on, they get tired of tackling. Sounds simple but I've heard it from opposing coaches. Is that a matter of heart, technique, scheme? I am curious to see them in the regular season.
Connin (Myrtle Beach): MORT PLEASE READ THIS. How did the league and Steelers keep quiet what happened with Russ Grimm in Pitt? He was offered the job and told to inform his family. That night the league office called immediately followed by the hiring of Tomlin. The Rooneys have always pushed for minority hirings and got pushed into this. This has resulted in the Grimm family, who are life long Steeler fans, into abandoning the team that they always loved. Why was this not reported. I know this for fact Mort.
Chris Mortensen: A lot of that was reported by the Pittsburgh media. The version I heard (which has been reported) is that Art Rooney offered Grimm but Dan Rooney wanted Tomlin. Dan has superiority and seniority as owner/president and he got his way. It was not done well and I do feel for the Grimms.
nick (ohio): how do you think the browns will do this year?
Chris Mortensen: I have a fairly good conviction that the Browns will be one of the most improved teams in the NFL. I just haven't put my finger on what that means in terms of a record especially because they play in arguably the best division in football. Plus, we know Brady Quinn will get his shot sometime, probably after the October bye week. But if Charlie Frye can pull off an upset Sunday vs. Steelers, maybe it gives this team a confidence boost and they finish 6-10 to 8-8. Maybe.
Jarric (Kansas): What's going to happen to leftwich?
Chris Mortensen: Most people, including myself, believe he will wind up in Baltimore - perhaps next week. I can see Troy Smith being cut and signed to the practice squad. Kyle Boller will be gone after this year and Steve McNair is year-to-year now. And we know the Ravens coveted Leftwich when he came out of Marshall.
Carty (SF): How do you see Jay Cutler handling a full season in a tough division?
Chris Mortensen: I think Cutler will do very well. I didn't like the way he was throwing when I visited in camp but he was having a tendon problem in his throwing wrist. But if he gets a healthy Travis Henry, with Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall (maybe a T.O. type), Branbdon Stokley with TEs Graham and Scheffler going all year, then it should be pretty good. The problem is an O-line I'm not sure about in pass protection and a shaky Denver defense that could put a lot of pressure on Cutler.
Oz (DC): Chris, What are your thoughts on the Skins going into the year? Can the defense get gack to it's '04 form when Antonio Pierce was roaming the middle?
Chris Mortensen: The Commanders have a little cat-swallowed-the-canary demeanor right now, which means they think they're a lot better than most people think. So, yes, with London Fletcher at MLB, and rookie safety Laron Landry combined with a freak-athlete safety in Sean Taylor, plus Fred Smoot back at corner, they should be more competitive. Maybe a sleeper.
Ryan (Halifax): Do you see the Raiders scoring enough points to help thier defense have a decent season?
Chris Mortensen: I do see the raiders much more competent on offense. The coaching on that side of the football was a mess last year and players were confused and eventually demoralized. if the defense can play like they did last year, then I can see the Raiders winning six games and being competitive in almost all of them.
Joe (Wisconsin): Does Brett Favre have anyone to throw to? Will Driver's heel be an issue all season?
Chris Mortensen: Good question about Driver. They think he'll be OK but I gotta see it. As for Favre, he looked great in preseason. It is a shame they haven't done more with weapons at WR and TE because the Packers' defense has a chance to be exceptional. Mike McCarthy wants Favre to be a 62-65 percent passer so you'll see the short game more, because of talent and design.
Tim Atl, ga: Mort please answer. Whats up with the Falcons not picking up Culpepper or Leftwich. Is it a situation where the ugly racial divide down here over MV7 is causing them to be gun shy on another African American QB. Harrington make a great backup but has NEVER WON IN THE NFL. The other qb's have.
Chris Mortensen: Well, it's not racial. Culpepper wasn't seen as a good fit for what they do but it was more about his health and desire for a straight 1-year contract. With Leftwich, everything has to be so perfect around him to work because of his lack of mobility and long release. I haven't totally ruled him out. Now ask me if I think Tom Brady would have won in Detroit. Harrington will not be the reason the Falcons fall short of the playoffs this year. Oh, they fell short the past two years, didn't they?
mike (seattle): excellent interview with goodell last nite mort on SC. do u think he is gonna get to the point of total frustration with all the off-field issues that he has had to deal with since taking office?
Chris Mortensen: yeah, I think he could get to that point if it persists. But Goodell was such as great fit for the job because he had a 24-year apprenticeship and he's still young. So he has the energy to work through this and he hopes - as Takeo Spikes said this week - that his policies are swaying players to walk the walk.
Ed, NY: Some experts are jumping off the Patriots bandwagon just because of Harrison and Seymour being out early. Do you still see them as the team to beat early on or are you off their bandwagon too Mort?
Chris Mortensen: I'm still picking the Patriots, but the status of Seymour especially should concern everyone in New England. There's a mystery there about how serious his knee injury/recovery is. Harrison is a loss but they will manage until he's back. He's a great player, leader and, regardless of what happened with his use of HGH, I know Rodney is a great person, too.
Gary (Dallas): Why are so many experts anti Rex Grossman? It was his first full season and well, he did take his team to the Super Bowl.
Chris Mortensen: Gotta pick on someone, I guess. If you play quarterback, and you play quarterback on a team that has a championship defense, then you will be scrutinized, especially in a large market.
dan (new orleans): how good can jon beck be, and would you rather have him over brady quinn??
Chris Mortensen: John Beck has a chance to be like Drew Brees. That's pretty good. I think Brady Quinn is going to be a very good pro, too. I talked to some pretty good QB evaluators who liked Beck over Quinn in the draft but Quinn sure looked good to me. And Charlie Weis swore to me that he thought Quinn would be a top-10 QB very early in his career.
Paul (San Diego): Mort, tell me I am not the only one who thinks the G-men could be a surprise team this year, expectatins are low, Eli looks confident and if the D-line brings the pressure, turnovers can be expected...Your thoughts?
Chris Mortensen: You're not the only one who thinks that. I believe Eli will play very well and your point about the D-line is probably true. But what about those times when the D-line isn't applying pressure. The secondary looks shaky and, on offense, Brandon Jacobs has to "show me."
Ross (CA): While on QB's, do you see Alex Smith having a breakout season this year? Seems like the pieces to the puzzle are coming together quite nicely.
Chris Mortensen: I was pretty impressed with Smith the pre-season. You know, the thing about Alex is that he was very young (20) when the 49ers drafted him. He's played a lot. Mike Nolan hasn't blinked when Smith was shakey early on. He's matured physically. he's smart. He has Vernon Davis at TE, but the WRs are just OK...if Gore has a big year again at RB, Smith's performance will rise signficantly.
san antonio, tx: Pending on what the Browns do this season, do you see the Cowboys jump up with their two #1 picks and get the overall #1 pick in 2008 draft?
Chris Mortensen: Possible and it will be Darren McFadden of Arkansas. I saw this guy in person on Saturday night and he is unlike any player in the nation. I believe what Pat Dye said about him - he is another Bo Jackson or Herschel Walker.
Ian (Boston): Mort - with the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft the Atlanta Falcons select. . . Brian Brohm/Colt Brennan? Conventional wisdom says Brohm cause of Petrino but would you consider that a lock?
Chris Mortensen: I don't think the falcons will be picking first. I would not call Brohm a lock if that scenario unfolded. Petrino's familiarity could help or hurt Brian. The key is Brohm has to show he can stay healthy the whole season. But Matt Ryan of Boston College is in the QB mix, too.
Jarric (Kansas): While you're on the subject of QBs, do you think Croyle will ever be a quality starting qb in the NFL? I'm not sold on the guy, but it seems Herm and Peterson are.
Chris Mortensen: Conventional wisdom on Croyle was that he would need to sit two years. He has to get physically mature (stronger). But he has a very good arm, he is smart and he has good leadership qualities. Just be patient. Is there such a thing any more?
Nick, Kaplan, La: What do you think about the Saints, Colts game? Everyone knows it's going to come down to offenses, but I think Sean Peyton is going to Shred the Colts defensive line using Reggie and Deuce right between the tackels. I cant wait its going to be a great game.
Chris Mortensen: I am VERY excited about the Colts-Saints game. I'm picking the Saints just for the fun of it. Brees has had some very good games in Indy when he was with the Chargers. So I agree that the Saints could shred the Colts but I am still trying to figure out how the Saints will stop the Colts. They won't. How about a 45-41 opener? Maybe that's fantasizing too much.
Greg (RI): Mort, do you think Mike Tomlin can do what Bill Cowher did in his first year, and get the Steelers back into the playoffs? And was last years Big Ben performance showing his true form, or is it closer to what he did in their Super Bowl run?
Chris Mortensen: I think it's possible. I also believe Roethlisberger will be better than the Super Bowl year but what about the team? Is the defense the same?
Drew (Detroit, MI): Mort, what is your opinion on the job Rod Marinelli has done in changing the attitude and culture of the team. I have listened to him speak many times and he has me ready to suit up and run through a wall. Do you think that he will be able to turn this team around?
Chris Mortensen: I do believe that. I always have. However, I'm not buying the 10-win predictions. I still didn't see the O-line protecting very well this summer. And the defense will be better, but not great (I don't think). Now, in 2008, I say watch out but they should be more enjoyable to watch this year for you well-deserving Lions fans.
Nick (Gainesville, FL): The 49ers beat the Seahawks twice last year and they (arguably) added more talent than anyone else in the NFC West. Why are most experts still picking Seattle to win the division?
Chris Mortensen: I'm still trying to figure out who the experts are...I have picked the Rams, but I can't say with great confidence. I love the NFC West from top to bottom, maybe the most competitive in football this year. That means I give 'em all a shot - including the 49ers and the Cardinals and the Seahawks...oh, and the Rams, my pick.
Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): I'm kind of surprised that so many people are down on Cedric Benson. To me he showed flashes of brilliance his first two years. What do you think?
Chris Mortensen: I can't wait to see. I have always allowed that Benson could turn out like Larry Johnson - on the sideline a lot for two years then break out big-time. I just didn't see it in preseason but, again, I'm not putting a lot of stock in that.
bill (boston): is selvin young going to take henry's spot?
Chris Mortensen: Travis Henry is the man. If he is healthy for 16 games, mark him down for 1,500-to-1,800 yards.
egami (iowa): Mort, can Norv win the big one in SD? He's be an attrocity as a head coach, but he has arguably the most talented team in the NFL at his disposal.
Chris Mortensen: I'm not going to get into dissecting Norv's previous stints in Washington and Oakland (they did at least look like a team under Norv). I do agree the Chargers are as talented as any but I have serious questions about a coaching staff that lost so many good people, and I'm not just talkiing about the head coach and coordinators.
I am curious to see if Ted Cottrell's 3-4 defense is as aggressive as Wade Phillips'.
Kyle (Cleveland, OH): Why doesn't the NFL have guaranteed contracts like the NBA?
Chris Mortensen: Ah, I have been waiting for this question to shatter some myths: Except for first-round rookie contracts, the NBA and Major League baseball are NO different than NFL player contracts. Each player has a right to independently negotiate his own guarantees. Major Legaue and NBA contracts are NOT automatically guaranteed by their labor agreements. It's just that their sports owners know they have lesser risk from an injury-standpoint and are willing to do it. But I will say that about 60 eprcent of the money now being paid out in the NFL is guaranteed through those individual negotiations.
Steve (Austin): What are the chances of the Titans going 8-8 or even 9-7? Their schedule doesn't look that bad. I think their D helps them win games this year, in addition to VY. Any player on the Titans poised for a breakout year on Off or Def?
Chris Mortensen: I just studied the Titans schedule the other day and I agree with you - they could be right there fighting for the playoffs. Defensively, they will be better...but they were pretty abd last year. Watch Albert Haynesworth have a Pro Bowl year. VY will be better and it looked like the light was coming on for Lendale White late in camp.
Waheed (Columbia): Mort, how good is Laron Landry? Is he a strictly "in the box" safety or can he cover downfield as well?
Chris Mortensen: He can do both - really good athlete. He just has to get adapted to the NFL game, which can make a rookie safety's head spin.
Chris (Orlando, FL): Which rookie will have the bigger impact, Marshawn Lynch or Adrian Peterson? What do you expect out of them this year?
Chris Mortensen: I believe Peterson will have more of an impact...a guy who will be making some of the top plays highlights all year long.
Steve (Aylmer, Quebec): Mort, How long is Pennington's leash? With the tough schedule the Jets may get out of the blocks slowly and get into building for the future mode by mid season. What do you think of that?
Chris Mortensen: I have a hunch that Kellen Clemens will be playing at some point.
Henry (Columbus): What kind of chances do my Bengals have? If the D is just average, they should at least get a playoff berth right?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, if the Bengals can play "average" defense, they should be a playoff team. I know Chuck Bresnahan, who is a pretty solid defensive coordinator, thinks the talent has been upgraded. They were just missing a lot of people in preseason.
Kyle Denny : Who do u think who will be the rookie of the year this year my pick is Micheal Bush from Oakland he is a fast power back
Chris Mortensen: Michael Bush is on PUP, meaning he won't play for at least the first six weeks. I hope that he does recover well from his broken leg because he can be a force. My offensive rookie of the year probably would be Adrian Peterson or Calving Johnson.
chris, colorado: What impact will Simeon Rice have on the Denver defense?
Chris Mortensen: I don't think it will be much of an impact until later. He has a lot of weakness in his shoulder (from surgery) . But if he can just get the QB on the ground in big passing situations, it will be a big pick-up.
Jeremy (Union, KY): Willis McGahee has had less than a stellar preseason. do you see him shaking this funk and tearing it up in the regular season?
Chris Mortensen: I'm not sure. I think he's a good back but he inherited a problem in baltimore that he had in Buffalo - an O-line that is just so-so. And I'm not sure Jonathan Ogden is going to play (this week, anyway). Another thing that will hurt or help McGahee is that opposing defenses probably will make Steve McNair beat them deep, meaning you'll see more defenders in the box, so to speak.
Lenny (ATL): What do you predict Jerious Norwood will do this year?
Chris Mortensen: He'll have 1,500 yards rushing and receiving and about 12 TDs.
Chris Mortensen: Well, I'm past the hour. Thanks ...had lot of good questions and couldn't get to the majority. Just to plug a few things - catch me, Bill Parcells and Keyshawn Johnson on our new ESPN Radio Primetime on Fridays at 7 p.m. ET (also ESPNews)...and I'll do an hour after that. Plus, here comes Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 a.m. ET - are we fired up! God Bless.
