Buzzmaster: Matt just called. We're experiencing some tech difficulties, but hang in there. I think we've got them solved!
Chris (Cali): Matt, need your insight on the Cowboys!!! I've been second guessing the Cowboys draft the last two years!!! Why do we draft 2 straight LB's in the first round and a second round LB in Burnett to be backups??? I know the 3-4 is based on LB depth, but you don't use that many high picks on depth at one position. Maybe a DB would have been nice, maybe a DT like Branch....... One more thought, the Cowboys basically drafted Fasano over McNeil???? I know hindsight is 20/20, but I thought that was pure stupidity at the time!!!! Looks like that two TE set is looking great!!! Thoughts and help please!!!!!!
Matt Mosley: Sorry for the slight delay. Oh, what's this? How did a Cowboys question sneak past JD the moderator? Chris, it's easy to second guess drafs, and that's why I love doing it. Parcells was choosing between Ware and Merriman in 2005, and quite frankly, I think those were the best players on the board. I don't have a problem with that pick. Bill may have led with his heart on that Bob Carpenter pick, though. He's shown some versatility, but he's still not a starter, and you don't draft guys to sit on your bench. Yes, I realize McNeil is better than Fasano, but Bill and his staff were deadset on that two tight-end offense, and they thought they had tackle addressed.
Brahm (montreal): Pick one of the three that I should start at RB2 Adrian Peterson (min)
Julius jones, Jerious Norwood
Matt Mosley: You have go with Julius early because he's the only one starting. But be ready to jump ship when Peterson gets it going. Always look at those matchups. I think Norwood is running behind a better line than Peterson. Keep me posted on how it goes.
Jeremy (Union, KY): I have the Bengals tabbed with 9 wins. Would that be enough to get them in the playoffs this year? Do you see the record being any different?
Matt Mosley: Man, I'm struggling with this team. I'll be in Cincy this weekend, so I may have a better feel next week. I think Palmer will have a huge season, and I'm not too worried about Henry being out. That defense scares me, though. I think nine wins is about right, and I don't think that gets your boys in.
kiran(philly): Eagles are only 3 point favorites over Green Bay. Should I be worried?
Matt Mosley: Kiran: I need you to stick around and keep track of all the teams I hit. I'll reward you with a bonus question later in the chat. Don't worry about that point spread. Our friends in Vegas are simply getting started. Green Bay actually has a pretty solid defense, and that should keep them in a lot of games. This will be a great game for us to see if Donovan really is full recovered.
Jarrod, Baltimore: Does Joe Gibbs take the Skins to the playoffs this year? I really think Joe is rallying the troups together to make the playoffs this year and push even further next year in the last year of his deal. What are your thoughts Matt?
Matt Mosley: I'm a lot more optimistic about the Commanders than I was a month ago. Part of that is based on thinking their defense has too much talent to have another miserable year. Teams already feared Sean Taylor. With LaRon Landry forming Area 51, receivers are going to be think twice about going over the middle. A lot of this hinges on how Campbell does at quarterback. I like him more and more, but I haven't seen enough to convince me he'll get it done. I did hear that Al has trimmed 200 pages off that playbook.
Justin (Valparaiso, IN): Why is it that the Colts keep replacing everyone they lose in FA, and everyone still says that they're going to be in trouble. Meanwhile, the Pats do the same thing, and there's never a doubt that "Brady will find a way." Shouldn't Manning be considered the same way?
Matt Mosley: Interesting question, Justin. Tell Homer Drew I said hello by the way. Regarding the Pats, they brought in some serious talent on both sides of the ball. I think it has to do more with the Patriots letting the right guys go. I don't think the Colts are in serious trouble, but you had to hate that Booger injury. I think that's the one that worries me the most. Peyton gets the ball out too quickly for me to worry over Ugoh that much. Can't wait to see what the CBs look like tonight.
Sam (NJ): What do you think about the giants 10-6?
Matt Mosley: Folks, Werder just called from Indy so I'll have some good nuggets later in the chat. Or check out the award-winning Hashmarks blog when we're done here. No, the Giants aren't going 10-6. I love their new DC Spagnuolo. Great guy, and the defense will be much-improved. But I don't trust Eli, and I'm not sold on Jacobs either. Much more to come on that if you're interested.
Jonathan (NOLA): Jammal Brown news? What Jammal Brown news? What late breaking Jammal Brown news??!!?
Matt Mosley:
Dear Jon in Nola: Werder has asked me to embargo that story until he finishes his afternoon TV appearances. Let me just tell you that the Saints all-pro is ready for Dwight Freeney...so it's positive news...Actually, it's more of an intriguing anecdote. Watch Ed. He got a new haircut yesterday, and he's not feeling great about it.
Tommy (FT. Meade): Any shot Rex Grossman wins the MVP this year?
Matt Mosley: If this happens, I promise to blog for 24 consecutive hours from Halas Hall. You can put that in 16-point type!
Samuel (Fort Worth, TX): Bills Question: Losman + Evans + Dallas DB's = Toast. Any questions or comments?
Matt Mosley: Samuel, it's nice of you to stop by. If Newman's on the field, he should be able to hold Evans in check. I think Losman has shown signs of being a pretty effective quarterback, but his main focus needs to be protecting the football. Marshawn Lynch could have a huge season by the way. No Newman, the Cows are toast.
Jon (DC): Two years ago Sean Salisbury said he'd walk naked to DC from Bristol if the skins made the playoffs (they did). Which city will you walk naked to if their team makes the playoffs in '07?
Matt Mosley: Has Sean made good on that bet, Jon? It's not really a great bet since about thee actually live in Bristol proper. Don't sleep on that Residence Inn, though. Have a great free buffet from 6-8 p.m.
David (KY): Start 4...Addai, Brown, Caddy,
B. Jacobs, Jordan
Matt Mosley: Sit Lamont early. But if Lendale starts eating up all the carries, go back to him.
Brian (Bossier, LA): With the addition of Adrian Peterson, do the Vikings stand a chance in the NFC North?
Matt Mosley: Sure, they stand a better chance. We've worried so much about Tavarious that we've ignored the fact they have a pretty solid defense. If he can stay healthy, Peterson could be the rookie of the year. I know he runs a little high, but then so did Dickerson.
Kace (Austin, TX): What up Mosley, who ya got tonight and by how much?
Matt Mosley: Kace: The Colts will win this thing 28-24.
Bill (Pomona California): Hey M-squared, easy question: Do the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, JETS! pull off the upset and send the Patsies home crying? Thanks!
Matt Mosley: I think the intelligence Manginious gathered from one Artrell Hawkins wil put them over the top! The only reason I think it might happen is that Brady might not have his chemistry down with his receivers yet. I need Maroney to absolutely go off, though. Uh, but I remain impartial to the outcome.
Paul (Trenton, NJ): If you are L. Kiffin, would you take Culpepper or McCown based on what you have seen thus far in the pre-season?
Matt Mosley: Paul, I think it's going to be McCown. In fact, Michael Smith's already reported that. You can't tell your entire team without something getting out. I'd personally go with Culpepper. I like what I've seen from him in the preseason.
sam caine (whitewater, wi): is priest holmes going to see much action this season?
Matt Mosley: I would be shocked if Priest saw any action. How sad is it to watch him run those shadow drills during "Hard Knocks." I missed last night's episode. Was it good?
Roadhiker (Lewiston, Idaho): Do you expect any unconventional plays coming out of the Jet playbook with Brad Smith as the QB or in a unusual route formation (ie: trick play). If so, would they unveil such a play in week one?
Matt Mosley: Nothing's off the table when Mangini takes on his mentor. I think the Jets started to feel like they were putting too much on Smith's plate recently and sort of pulled back a little bit. That said, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see him at quarterback for a couple of plays.
Anthony (Massapequa Park, NY): Who would you start Sunday, Eli Manning or Romo?
Matt Mosley: Anthony: I think both quarterbacks could put up huge numbers. The only reason I might lean toward Eli (sacrilege!) is Terence Newman's injury. If the Cowboys have Anthony Henry and Jacques Reeves back there, Eli could have a huge game. He certainly enjoys playing at Texas Stadium. But Madison's banged up too...Oh go with Romo.
Jake (VA Beach): Will you explain why you are down on Jacobs when there appears to be so many fans of him this season?
Matt Mosley: Jacobs is a lot faster than people give him credit for. But he's not the kind of guy with "sudden" speed. He sort of rumbles and then turns it on. I'm not convinced that offensive line will give him the holes he needs to put up big yardage. By the way, have you seen this Bradshaw kid? Jerry Reese loves the kid. Great change of pace guy.
Matt (Boulder, CO): What do you think about the Broncos this year? Will Culter have a good season?
Matt Mosley: For some reason I've drawn the ire of Broncos Nation, so let me say a few positive words. I think Jay Cutler and Javon Walker will be great together. You never like it when you're having to bring in 33-year-old defensive linemen right before the season. Do I think the Broncos can make it to the playoffs? Absolutely. But it will all come down to how that defense responds. Henry, Cutler, Walker, Marshall, etc. will all be fine.
Paul (AZ): Two questions: #1 - Some areas of ESPN.com were blocked by IT at work. Should I quit my job? #2 - Benson or F. Taylor to start as my flex player this week?
Matt Mosley: If Hashmarks is blocked, give your two weeks' notice immediately. Start Benson.
Sean (Philly): Are you on the Kitna bandwagon? I have him in 3 out of 4 leagues, and my projected starter in two of them.
Matt Mosley: Sean:
I've been on that bandwagon ever since I watched him annihilate the Cowboys' defense last December. You may have gone a little overboard by putting him in three leagues though. The guy throws a lot of interceptions. If you get penalized for those, you may want to consider some recourse.
MIke (houston): Hey Matt.... give it up for my boy Jacoby... can you say Calvin who ?
Matt Mosley: I saw the kid in person recently. Good hands. Tall. Unbelievable speed. I'm still not ready to call him this year's Colston, but the Texans were obviously onto something. All the experts who called this a reach have checked out for a little while.
dave (chicago): Are you one of the smart people picking the Bears to get back to the Super Bowl or one of the foolish media lemmings taking the Saints? Much like the NFC Championship game last year....
Matt Mosley: Lemming
Jon (Austin): What happened to your Baylor Bears last weekend? Will Guy Morriss survive another year? Can Baylor win more than 3 games this year?
Matt Mosley: Never fear, Jon. We've had some Rice dog tags made up, and the TCU game is ancient history. Guy can get six wins out of this team. As the great Grant Teaff once said, I Believe! Now someone get Singletary on the phone.
Bryan (US NAVY): Matt - I love your blog on broncos.com...who do you lie: calcin johnson, santonio holmes or v jackson in week one?
Matt Mosley: Since my late grandfather was a Navy man, you get the last word, Bryan. Holmes is the sure thing. I like VJ, but the Bears have a great secondary.
dave detroit: HELP i just made a trade and everyone is killing me for it...please give me my sanity back. I traded Gore and Benson for LJ and Brandon Jackson (Jackson and Benson is a wash to me) and I don't like Gore's injury history
Matt Mosley: Sorry, I'm back. Dave, start making out that check right now.
Phil (Syracuse, NY): Who has a better fantasy year, Bell or Betts?
Matt Mosley: I've got inside knowledge on Bell. Go that direction. Hey, sorry I didn't get to all of you. Meet me over at Hashmarks, and I'll try to respond to a few more questions. Have a great time watching the game tonight.
