Chris Mortensen: Good morning....never seen a busier opening week... plenty to talk about, obviously, so let's get started.
Moline (Indianapolis): Mort, After Chris Brown's stellar performance this pas weekend has he won the starting spot?
Chris Mortensen: He had an excellent training camp and preseason so I think he's probably the lead guy. But the light also has come on for Lendale White. Now some of those holes they opened Sunday in Jacksonville were impressive and I have heard praise from NFL folks who have looked at the tape for the offensive design by Norm Chow. Also, there's no question that Vince Young's presence and his ability to execute the bootleg has had the same effect that Michael Vick's presence did for the Falcons' running game.
Todd (Pgh PA): Would Goodell seriously think that taking a few draft picks would be a just punishment for the Pats' cheating? He has been harsh penalizing players with multiple off the field issues, but as a fan, the Pats cheating incident is far more disturbing because it seriously questions the integrity of the league and a championship team known for winning with strategy rather than talent. This is a potential disaster for the NFL if Goodell is not careful -- the trust of the fans is at stake -- and taking a few draft picks is a slap on the wrist.
Chris Mortensen: It will be very interesting to see what the comissioner does...I'm sure as he has contemplated some of these very same thoughts, he will have an appropriate, measured sanction. Gamesmanship has always occurred in sports and, yes, the NFL. But technology has advanced and the competitive advantages are more significant...how Goodell balances all the issues will be as big a story as the incident itself.
Matt (CT): Whats the GUT tell you? Eli playing this week or not?
Chris Mortensen: Eli feels pretty good for a guy who suffered a second-degree separation. Could he play this week? Sure. Phil Simms once played the final 10 or 11 games of a season with a torn labrum. The propblem is if the joint hasn't healed, and Eli gets hit awkwardly Sunday, does he risk the season with a bigger injury? I think he probably misses one game at the least but he wants to play.
Paul (DC): Why do all the QBs have a lime green dot sticker on the back of their helmets? I did not see these in the past seasons.
Chris Mortensen: That is to make it easy for the game officials to identify the quarterbacks with a coach-QB transmitter in the helmet. Only one is allowed on the field at at time. As we see more versatile athletes, like the Jets' Brad Smith who played quarterback in college and who could line up behind center on occasion, the NFL wants to ensure no team has a competitive advantage. Only one of those helmets with a sticker - for the quarterback - is allowed on the field on any given play.
Travis, SLC: The Broncos produced 475 yards of total offense and only scored one offensive touchdown. What do the Broncos need to improve on to finish these drives?
Chris Mortensen: Teams that can run the ball inside the red zone have a lot of success in coming away with six points instead of three. But with a young quarterback (Jay Cutler), you get a bad interception like the one he had Sunday, and that doesn't help.
Alan (NY, NY): As a Jet fan I hope that Goodell decides that the Patriots must forfeit the game to the Jets. Is that likely?
Chris Mortensen: I wouldn't count on that, at all. The camera was confiscated relatively early in the game and certainly wasn't deciphered. The Patriots have a pretty good team. I think they can beat most anybody without the aid of stealing signals and what-have-you...and that's the shame of putting things at risk. The players don't deserve to have their excellence and achievements tainted. Again, I don't see a forfeit.
David(New Orleans): What does the Saints'defense need to work on after disappointed game againsted the Colts?
Chris Mortensen: They just have some personnel/talent issues that sometimes you overcome and sometimes you don't. Heck, it was a 10-10 game at halftime. I think the Saints are like a lot of teams - nobody has a perfect roster. And about the time you think you're getting there, you lose somebody to free agency or injury. That's why the draft and the art of building a 53-man roster is so important.
Brad(NM): How do you think the Bills will respond in Pittsburgh now after the great news about Everett being able to move his arms and legs?
Chris Mortensen: I don't know if we can attach game significance to this, but certainly it weighs easier on the mind of Bills players if, in fact, there is encouraging news. But this is the Steelers' home opener and it was never going to be an easy one for Buffalo.
Jeremy (Bellevue, Wa): Most impressive team in the NFC in week 1 was? Who you got Mort? The favorties Chi and NO lost, so someone musta impressed.
Chris Mortensen: I'd say the Colts & Patriots were the two most impressive teams.
In the NFC, I thought the Cowboys, Packers and Panthers were probably the most impressive. (I'm sure I'm leaving somebody out!)
Andrew (Toledo): The Browns look to be a lost franchise. Did they trade a top 3 pick in 08 for Quinn?
Chris Mortensen: Maybe, but don't over-reach. They ARE better and they are not a lost franchise. They have a plan. There's more talent. But when a QB (Charlie Frye) puts you in a 17-0 hole right away, it tends to make things worse than it is. Even if it is a top pick that Dallas owns, the Browns would have been looking for a quarterback and Quinn is as good as any coming out next year...plus you have him a year early.
Stacey (Granton, WI) : How is Marion Barber not the starter in Dallas, every time he touches the ball good things happen.
Chris Mortensen: They have debated it but determined so far that Julius Jones has his upside and that Barber does a great job coming off the bench. Barber is the more complete back. I guess it wouldn't surprise me if he emerged as the solid starter but if you score 45 points, why mess with it?
Bob (Glendale, AZ): Is there hope for the Cardinal franchise despite their starting the season with another heart-breaking loss behind a poor performance by their "star" QB?
Chris Mortensen: I was taught this a long time ago: Even the great quarterbacks have about four stinkers or "average" games a season. Leinart has some limitations but he'll have a lot of Sundays when you see that he is going to be a very successful quarterback in the NFL. Again, don't over-react. It's a process - at least he has a lot of weapons to help him in that process.
Steve (Boston, MA): How were the Packers impressive? they won because of 2 muffed punts.
Chris Mortensen: Their defense was very impressive. When you have a defense that good, you have a chance.
Brian (New York, NY): Lamont Jordan looked great last week. Do you think it was a fluke or will he continue his comeback in Denver?
Chris Mortensen: If he stays healthy, I think the run scheme installed by Greg Knapp (o-coord) and Tom cable (line coach) is going to make Mr. Jordan pretty impressive this year.
Adam (OH): Sticking with the Browns talk do you see them making a move in the offseason to get a draft pick to grab a top RB like Mcfadden (if he declares), Hart, or Slaton??
Chris Mortensen: It will be a pretty good draft for running backs and a good one should be available in the second round. McFadden could be the top pick - I've said the Cowboys could go after him hard because of their two first rounders, including the one they got from Cleveland.
Ken (Minneapolis, MN): Why didn't the Raiders start Culpepper Sunday?
Chris Mortensen: Because Josh McCown has been better in practice. Culpepper closed the gap but McCown go a jump on him. Heck, he was 30-of-40 on Sunday. He also has a little more mobility than Culpepper and he has a good grasp of their protections and adjustments they have to make on the fly. But Culpepper should catch up and I think we'll see him at some point, not to mention Jamarcus Russell down the stretch if the Raiders are out of the playoff picture.
Mike (DC): Really? It was impressive how Dallas's defense (the strength of their team) allowed 35 points at home to the Tiki-less Giants?
Chris Mortensen: Any "impressive" NFC team has disclaimers.
Wayne (Kansas City): ESPN has given the Chiefs a 30 in the power rankings. Are we really that bad Mort? Is a top 5 pick a possibility here?
Chris Mortensen: I would be prepared for a top 5 pick, yes. Possible.
Rick (Pittsburgh): Mortimer, Tomlin seems to have the Steelers playing at full throttle. Lebeau and Arians are both running packages never before seen in Pittsburgh and it looks like Tomlin has done more than give lip service to his special teams like Cowher did, he actually went out and got good special teams players. What do you think about their chances this year in taking the AFC North?
Chris Mortensen: Well, I like 'em. I could see them winning the AFC North but I want to see more as they get some adversity.
Jerry (TX): After the Sunday night game, Madden was joking around with Tiki about coming back this year, what do you think about that?
Chris Mortensen: It was just that - a joke.
BK, Boston: Mort, What's the probability that 50-75% of the teams do the same thing the pats did? Whats' the big deal? in baseball, it's part of the game to create code and disguise your signals so the other team can't decipher your play?
Chris Mortensen: Again, I know there is gamesmanship in the NFL, and all sports. The problem is that the technological advances in 2007 make this a little trickier than in the past. I don't think the Patriots are exclusive to the club but I know there is a lot of information out there on how extensive their "gamesmanship" works. And, don't forget, it is against the rules. Don't get caught if it's that important to you. Or, better yet, don't do it.
Oscar, Phoenix: Will the acquisition of Frye let the Seahawks put Seneca Wallace on the field somewhere other than QB? Or is that still too big of a risk given Frye's start to this season?
Chris Mortensen: Frye has to learn the system and if you get to your third QB, you're in trouble. But, yes, the Seahawks have had a desire for a couple of years to utilize Senca Wallace's skills. They were hoping David Greene would develop enough to become the No. 2 guy but it didn't happen.
Michael (Pittsburgh): Mort, are you hearing anything on Ray Lewis' status?
Chris Mortensen: I have not heard definitive Ray Lewis news. The severity of the triceps injury will determine whether he's out for the year. if there's any chance, he will try to tough it out. He puts some much work into his game and he has Super Bowl hopes for the Ravens. At his age, I know he has to be very reluctant to give up a season.
Greg NY: Does Mangini's knowledge equal past participation in this illegal activity?
Chris Mortensen: Good question. But the head coach is the head coach.
Michael (Atlanta): What do the Dolphins need to do to have success on offense? Is Ronnie just not good enough to be a starting back in this league? Trent seems to be okay... He wasn't stellar, but he didn't commit any turnovers. How can they get the offense moving?
Chris Mortensen: Well, everyone knows the O-line is limited with talent. So they have to use a quick passing game. Obviously, the line's limitations affect Brown but I have seen great backs make great O lines. Also, the Commanders' defense is much improved. They need Chris Chambers and Ted Ginn, along with Brown, to be playmakers and hope the line gives him enough opportunities.
Bailey (Atlanta): Mort, Is Eli Manning trying to convince people he's not as hurt as he is because he wants to play? If so, is that heroic or stupid?
Chris Mortensen: There's a fine line there and that's what makes it a complicated issue. Eli has never really been hurt like this before, even going back to college, I think. The should hurt some but it feels fairly good considering the injury. He has a brother (Peyton) has only missed one game in his career. Peyton has played with a broken jaw wired shut and we know what Archie endured in his career. So there's that toughness gene in the family. The problem is if he plays with a shoulder joint that's not fully healed, does he risk a season-ender. This game comes with risk.
Brad(NM): Peterson, Lynch, and Johnson all scored the first week. Who do you think will have the better season and which of those guys is more vital to their team's success?
Chris Mortensen: I think all those guys are vital to the success (and hope) for the Vikings, Bills and Lions. Adrian Peterson is a big-play back. Marshawn Lynch is a tough, tough runner. He looked really good vs. Denver. And Calvin Johnson has a chance to be a big star. I'd say Peterson is probably the most critical to his team for now because the Bills and Lions both have other explosive weapons on offense. The Vikings don't.
Richard, EL Segundo, Ca.: If and when the Pats have to surrender draft picks, do the Jets get them?
Chris Mortensen: No. If the commissioner takes that action, I believe it's because the Patriots have been specifically warned about this activity. The Jets would be the beneficiary here.
Joe (AZ via Chicago): MORT - Cedric Benson can be a battering ram at times, but he sure ran like he was afraid to get hurt on Sunday... was this an aberation against a tough run defense, or is this a sign of things to come this year for Chicago?
Chris Mortensen: Cedric Benson has a lot of people in the league wondering whether he has the right stuff. But let's see what happens over the 16 games, or more.
Jesse (Jacksonville, FL): Mortimer, big fan! Anyway, how bad will the Bucs be this year? And who will replace Gruden if he gets fired?
Chris Mortensen: I've been of the mindset that the Bucs will be fairly improved this year and I still believe that for now. I don't have any clue who the Bucs would look at if Gruden is gone after the year. It's early but I'm sure we'll hear the rumblings.
Danny (Austin): All that talk about the Cincy defense being terrible and they take the ball away 6 times and win the game on Monday night. Are they better than experts have said or was it a fluke?
Chris Mortensen: need to see more. Chuck Bresnahan, who's really a good defensive coordinator, felt they would be better and he stresses ball takeaways. I don't know that they'll be a great defense but if they can get near the top 15 (30th last year), then they will be a handful every week. Now they have to get their O-line settled down - they had three injuries during the game and it clearly affected Carson Palmer in the second half.
Brian (Brooklyn): What is a worse infraction, spying on the other team in week 1 or winning the Super Bowl when you starting safety was on HGH?
Chris Mortensen: The evidence says that Rodney Harrison didn't use HGH until he was severely injured. he wasn't playing then.
bryan (dallas): how much did Dallas allowing 35 points have to do with Terrence Newman being out?
Chris Mortensen: It had to be a contributing factor. Newman is one of the best corners in football. But you may have to get used to this - newman's foot injury may affect him all seaosn even when he can play. The other corner spot has issues and the two safeties (Williams and Hamlin) are more renown for the physical play than their coverage skills. The key for the Cowboys' defense is whether they can stop the run and apply pressure on the quarterback.
Andrew (Indiana): I realize that what the Pats did was against the rules, and even if it hadn't been, would have been considered "bush league." However, isn't Mangini selling out the secret almost as low? Funny how the Pats probably do this for every opponent, and yet they're playing the Jets when they're caught. Almost as funny as the people calling for a forfeited game -- as if watching signals assisted Moss in outrunning 3 defenders, or helped Hobbs run 108 yards for the TD.
Chris Mortensen: First, it was NFL security that confiscated the camera and probably was on the lookout for it because of the Patriots' reputation in league circles. They have that reputation because of prior incidents against other teams than the Jets. The Packers caught them last year but didn't get the camera and tape. Same thing happened with Houston or Detroit.
Nick, Stl, Mo: Why Chris every year, when the Rams have a decent preseason, they start getting touted as having an explosive offense like they did in their heydays with Kurt Warner, I've yet to see them score more than 30 points in any meaningful game during the regular season. They have enormous upside I think this year, but I havent seen any of that promised potential yet. They have another home game I believe. Whats the deal with them?
Chris Mortensen: The Rams may be an enigma. Actually, their offense never once had a significant spark in pre-season but that could be attributed to the philosophy of not getting your "stars" hurt. But the downside is your stud running back (Steven Jackson) loses two fumbles because he hasn't had any real contact in almost a year. Then you lose on of the best left tackles in football for the season. So, I'm like you. I want to see it.
JD (Baton Rouge): Mort, 2 quickies. (1) Why didn't the Saints take at least one or two shots w/ Devery Henderson? (2) Didn't they panic a bit early and get away from the winning formula (Deuce 2/3 Bush 1/3 Rushing + Bush 5 - 6 receptions)?
Chris Mortensen: I thought the Saints did panic in the third quarter and the game got away from them. That can happen against the Colts.
David (Miami): Why is there such a big commotion now over the Pats when Zach Thomas practically openly admitted that the Dolphins were stealing signals from the Pats last year? Is it simply because the Pats got caught, while the Fins didn't?
Chris Mortensen: Yes, and what's interesting is that Thomas let it slip that the Dolphins had gotten some TV audio that helped them decipher some audibles and line calls. of course, Nick Saban and Bill Belichick have coached together and are bosom buddies, so it was ironic that the Dolphins shut out the Patriots that day...and Belichick never complained. The word is that this particular tactic involves wiring some interior D-linemen with microphones against a divisional opponent and matching up the video so the next time you play, you might have a big competitive advantage. I believe the Dolphins' incident was one of the reasons why the commissioner sent a stern warning to all teams.
Johnny(Queens): Do you think the Bills should have beaten the Broncos on Sunday? What do you think went wrong for the Bills?
Chris Mortensen: The Bills didn't get the "explosive" plays on offense that you might expect with Losman & Lee Evans. Parrish did give them the great return. I wouldn't worry about the Bills' offense. They're pretty good on that side. But give Broncos' d coord Jim Bates a lot of credit - he unveiled his new scheme and he has a corner like Champ Bailey to do a lot of things.
Chris Mortensen: I have to go now. I can tell this Patriots story has touched a lot of nerves and has a lot of life. But there's great football to look forward to, as well. Remember, Bill Parcells, Keyshawn Johnson and myself will be breaking it all down on Friday's on ESPN Radio Primetime at 7 pm ET (also simulcast on ESPNEWS) and then we do it again on Sunday NFL Countdown at 11 am ET. Until then...God bless.
except the star is on the brick wall