- Messages
- 79,281
- Reaction score
- 45,652
James Donovan (New Castle, De): How good do you think the Washington Commanders will be this year? I see them as the biggest question mark in the NFC East.
Matt Mosley: (4:03 PM ET ) Good afternoon and welcome to the chat. We're going with the rapid-fire approach today so hang on tight. And James, I wouldn't get your hopes up about this Commanders team. I'm not thrilled with their quarterback situation and they took some hits on defense. I've got them going 7-9 at this point.
Jeff (Iowa): Alright, Matt, first off...love the blog. It's been a great read. Got a question regarding the TO write up though. With Wade in town, and a more relaxed atmosphere, couldn't think be making a mountain out of a mole hill at this stage of the game?
Matt Mosley: (4:05 PM ET ) Jeff: Let's get this out of the way early. When we broke this story on Hashmarks (thanks for the kind words), we mentioned that T.O. and Terry Glenn were not alone in missing some of the OTAs. But they did miss almost all of them, and I think your two top receivers missing voluntary workouts under a new regime is a story. And yes, I realize people think we beat T.O. into the ground. That doesn't mean we shouldn't report it when news breaks.
Jon (DC): Cowboys fan doesnt like the 'skins this year... shocker
Matt Mosley: (4:07 PM ET ) Cowboys fan would not be correct phrase. Used to cover the team, but that doesn't mean I root for them. Look at where the Commanders landed in our power rankings. I think it was in high 20s if I'm not mistaken. I'm not alone on this one.
Mac, Tampa: The Bucs oline has been horrible the last five years. Will youngsters Sears, Buenning, Joseph, Trueblood develop into one of the league's best in the next couple of year?
Matt Mosley: (4:08 PM ET ) You know, I'm a huge fan of B.C. offensive linemen, but it does seem like your Bucs are cursed at that position. I think Tampa Bay will be among the worst teams in the league this season, but you'll see a little improvement in the line. I just don't like their receiving corps out all.
ben (boston): Matt, you're a breath of fresh air compared to other ESPN former-NFL-players turned-moronic-analysts who shall remain nameless. My question is: are we over-rating the patriots off-season? Its been very good, but i feel not beefing up the linebacker depth could cause the same problems as last season.
Matt Mosley: (4:11 PM ET ) Yes, not many folks remember my days in the league so that plays to my advantage. Regarding your Pats, I'm not too worried about the linebacker position. Belichick has more firepower with Thomas now and Brady's not going to know what to do with himself with all those receivers. If you want to worry about something, worry about the depth at DB.
Jason (Wilmington,OH): What kind of numbers do you think Travis Henry can put up in Denvers offens this year?
Matt Mosley: (4:12 PM ET ) I don't see any reason why, in that system, he couldn't end up with 1,200 yards.
Sal, Allentown: What do you think of the Eagles offseason? J.Johnson has said Bunkley is like a new player, Considine has added 15 pounds of muscle, and Takeo gives us one of the league's strongest OLBs.
Matt Mosley: (4:14 PM ET ) Jim Johnson is always going to come up with great plans. You know they've had trouble against the run for a couple of years and I think someone like Takeo will shore that situation up. I loved Considine when he was coming out of college. And that's good news on Bunk. The talent's always been there.
Aaron (Boston): How do you see the Niners WR situation playing out? It seems like they have 300-400 guys for 6 or so spots but none of them are really early pick type studs that the team feels pressured to play. Assuming DJ is a lock for that #1 spot, how do things shake out between Battle, Lelie, Hill, Williams, Jacobs, Gilmore, and this kid Maxwell (who was leading Europa in TD catches)?
Matt Mosley: (4:16 PM ET ) Never based your fortunes on the leading receiver in NFL Europa. Battle's a decent possession guy, but the Niners need some speed to go with D.J. I just don't think Lelie is a guy you can expect a whole lot from. The ultimate tease.
Jeremy (Pittsburgh): How many games are the Steelers going to win this year?
Matt Mosley: (4:16 PM ET ) 11
Rich(Cleveland,Ohio): any cleveland browns love in here?
Matt Mosley: (4:17 PM ET ) Sure if you come up with a question.
Matt Leinart, Arizona: OK, I'm the full-time starter now. That combined with Whisenhut and Grimm coming to desert, is that enough for us to actually live up to the hype this year?
Matt Mosley: (4:18 PM ET ) It depends on what you're talking about. If you're talking about staying in a lot of games and reaching .500, you bet you have a chance. Too early for the playoffs, though. Al Johnson will help you quite a bit on that line, but it still has some holes.
Vern, Wheeling, IL: Which coach is on the hottest seat heading into the season? I'd guess Coughlin. What would he have to accomplish this season to save his job? Win the division? A few playoff games?
Matt Mosley: (4:20 PM ET ) Anything short of at least one playoff win and I'm afraid we have to say goodbye to Tom. Not exactly sure why they stuck with him - and I think Giants fans share my beliefs.
Jason (Wilmington,OH): Is Marvin Lewis in danger of being fired if Cincy misses the playoffs again?
Matt Mosley: (4:20 PM ET ) absolutely
rick (raleigh, nc): Where will Gallery end up playing this year? Is he a bust? And are you buying into Lane Kiffin's hype?
Matt Mosley: (4:22 PM ET ) I never buy into those "offseason wonders" stories, Rick. Until I see Gallery out there being productive, he's a bust.
Mike Harden (Pasco, WA): Am I the only niners fan really worried about the departure of Norv Turner? Although an average (at best) head coach, he is an exceptional offensive coordinator and I think Alex Smith and the rest of the O is going to really suffer.
Matt Mosley: (4:23 PM ET ) I talked to one of the San Fran offensive assistants two days ago, and while he hated to see Norv go, the staff's not worried about any regression for Smith.
Jeff (Iowa): Matt, what am I missing here? SD fired a coach that struggles in the post-season for a coach that just plain struggles? Is this his last HC job?
Matt Mosley: (4:25 PM ET ) Since a lot of wrote that Dallas is the last team he could ever coach, I hate to say never. It is highly unlikely that he would ever be an HC again, though. San Diego would've hired Wade Phillips if Marty had been fired earlier. I'm about 98 percent convinced of that.
Paul (Chicago): Do you think Benson will be able to carry the load this year?
Matt Mosley: (4:26 PM ET ) I think that team will really miss Thomas Jones because his quickness and speed complemented Benson. Who's backing up Benson? Peterson? Oh my.
Brendhan (Austin): Why is it Jeff from Iowa gets questions on your chat and I've submitted a ton without a single response?
Matt Mosley: (4:28 PM ET ) Dang it, you wasted your opportunity.
DC (NC): What is the over/under for how many games Dan Morgan will play & when David Carr will replace Jake as the starter?
Matt Mosley: (4:29 PM ET ) Stop trying to bench my guy Jake. He'll be fine.
Tony, Cornish, NH: The Patriots have the best defensive line in football, but Warren and Wilfork will UFAs in the next couple of years. Which one will they keep?
Matt Mosley: (4:29 PM ET ) Wilfork
BJ Carmel, NY: Matt, dont be gunshy, call those guys Whiney MCWhinersons...I know you want to.
Matt Mosley: (4:30 PM ET ) He said it.
Ben (Los Angeles): Hi Matt, love th blog, entertains all day. What do you think Denver's chances are this year?
Matt Mosley: (4:31 PM ET ) Finally, a question I can sink my teeth into. I think the Broncos will definitely challenge for a playoff spot. I'm anxious to see what progress Cutler makes. I see that team going 10-6 and grabbing a wildcard
Dave (Boston): Matt, as a Saints fan, last year was the best it has ever been. People are very excited in New Orleans and have high expectations for '07. Will the Saints offense be able to perform at such a high level this year without "sneaking up" on anyone, and have they done enough in the off-season to help their thin LB and DB corps? In short, are the Saint for real or was last year just an abberation?
Matt Mosley: (4:33 PM ET ) This thing could go either way, Dave. I'd like to think that Meachem could step in and contribute immediately. Wasn't happy to hear about his weight issues though.
Those smallish linebackers have to be a concern, but Shanle, Fujita and Co. held up well last season. Gibbs does a great job of patching things together.
Jason (Los Angeles, CA): Don't know if 4 have been asked, but do you think Tony Romo is overrated as a QB?
Matt Mosley: (4:36 PM ET ) Guys, help me out here. Is this the second or third Cowboys question? We lost any sense of perspective when Tony blew up in his first five games. That's why we were more shocked than we should've been when things tailed off. He's one of the most confident guys I've ever been around. I think he'll eventually live up to the hype. But he needs to tone it down a tad this offseason - and start calling folks back.
Jeff............VT: Is this Bill B. last year with PATS? Thanks for your time.....
Matt Mosley: (4:36 PM ET ) Nope. He has four more left in him.
Bryan (Westbury, NY): How can you call Robert Gallery a bust? He's been injuried his entire NFL career and has played two different positions. Not to mention the fact that Oakland's O-Line has been shuffled around more than the cast of "ER"
Matt Mosley: (4:37 PM ET ) "ER" references are a bit dated. Let's go with "House" from now on. Even when he was healthy, he wasn't showing up. I wish him well, though.
Jason (Wilmington,OH): Do you think Randy Moss and Tom Brady are best friends yet?
Matt Mosley: (4:38 PM ET ) I think Tom's got his hands full right now.,
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Why do people overestimate QBs based on such as small sampling of work? Romo and Grossman are the latest, but it seems like people have been doing it forever (Kordell, Quincy, etc.)
Matt Mosley: (4:39 PM ET ) Because it's the most scrutinized position in sports, and fans - and some writers - aren't always blessed with the gift of perception.
Nate (Buenos Aires): Is there any rivalry in the making that has the chance to top Colts/Pats as the most important in the NFL in the coming years?
Matt Mosley: (4:39 PM ET ) Cowboys-Bills?
Sweet (Buffalo): Matt, great chat (sorry about the rhyme scheme...) My Bills...8 years removed from a playoff appearance, I know they're not on anyone's list to be the cinderella team this year, but c'mon, do you see ANY hope that they could be surprising some critics this year?
Matt Mosley: (4:40 PM ET ) I like your Bills, and I think J.P.'s making some strides. But with that schedule, I'm hardpressed to find eight wins.
Daniel (Richmond, VA): How do you think Philadelphia will do this season without one of its go to receivers in Donte Stallworth? What do you see there record being?
Matt Mosley: (4:42 PM ET ) Unleash my guy Reno! No, just keep tossing it to Baskett and the fellas and everything will be fine. I'm starting to sense 12 victories. Let me ponder...No, let's go with 11.
Kyle (SD): Which, if any, current RB has a legitimate shot at taking down Emmitt's career rushing record?
Matt Mosley: (4:44 PM ET ) Let's see how long your guy L.T.'s career plays out.
Jeff (Iowa): Matt, has Detroit finally done something right this year? Decent off-season moves, good draft...they are a few positions away from being "good" it seems.
Matt Mosley: (4:46 PM ET ) I like Marinelli because he still had his team playing long after it was over last season. They took one of the best players to come out in the past 20 years and they're matching him up with the dynamic Roy Williams. Still a little hazy at quarterback, though.
Josh (Irvine, CA): Matt, we know that an already good RAMS offense was only improved with the additions of McMichael/Bennett/Hall/Leonard, but did they improve their defense enough by adding Carriker/Hall/Draft to make some noise this year? I think they have just as good of a shot to take the improving NFC West as any one else. Thoughts?
Matt Mosley: (4:47 PM ET ) Yeah, I've really overlooked your Rams. I see no reason why they couldn't be in the mix. The team's still very explosive on offense. Steve Jackson is an excellent runner, but I'm a little worried about the injuries. The defense is better, but not quite good enough to challenge for the division yet.
Eezy E (Austin): Only 2 Cowboys questions but you've answered a cornicopia of everybody's favorite bandwagon, the Pats. You're down to 15 teams though.
Matt Mosley: (4:48 PM ET ) Thanks you, sir. I've got 12 minutes to hit 15 teams. I'm about to start scrolling.
Josh (Washington, DC): Matt, do you think the Chargers have better options at WR with the addition of Craig Davis? Who will be Rivers' prime targets?
Matt Mosley: (4:50 PM ET ) Put Parker out there with Davis. I talked to one of the scouts earlier this week, and he said the Chargers were blown away by what Davis did on his first day of minicamp. I also think this Chandler kid at TE might open up things even more for Antonio. This team should be riding high.
PaulieP (Scottsdale): After taking the NFC Champs to overtime with an injured squad, it seems like everyone is ready to write off the Hawks. Big mistake?
Matt Mosley: (4:52 PM ET ) Yes, it's a mistake. That secondary was ugly late last season. You get all those guys healthy and there's no reason you can be right there. Definitely still the team to beat.
Stan (West Des Moines, IA): The Browns open with 3 division games in the first month. Have they added enough to win at least one of them?
Matt Mosley: (4:53 PM ET ) Yes, at least one of those games. I like the direction the Browns are headed in, but tap the brakes a bit. This is not even a .500 team. Maybe 7-9. If that happens, it's a success.
B-Doc (Vikingville): Exciting time to be a Vikes WR, huh?!
Matt Mosley: (4:54 PM ET ) Yeah, I hear you. All I know is that Tarvaris has a very strong arm and can move in the pocket. But my expectations for that passing game aren't that high.
Jamal (Wisconsin): Are you suprised at all that Torry Holt got no love in the best WR poll?
Matt Mosley: (4:55 PM ET ) He's a great receiver. I just think it came down to Marvin's body of work. But Chad Johnson, Steve Smith and Holt are all right there.
Vern, Wheeling, IL: Let me try to cover some of your missing teams....Packers and Vikings: any headway vs. the Bears this season? Dolphins: will Ginn start the season? Chiefs: rebuilding mode?
Matt Mosley: (4:58 PM ET ) Vern, this is quite helpful. Things look a little bleak for the Packers right now and the Vikings are trying to break in some young players at key spots. I don't know if Ginn will be ready to go. He needs to be so the fans don't competely turn on them. It does appear that the Chiefs are rebuilding - especially if you see Croyle in there at some point. You still have one of the best RBs in the league, though. We'll see.
Vinny, Brooklin: Playoffs for the J-E-T-S?
Matt Mosley: (4:58 PM ET ) Why yes, Vinny.
Carlos, Denver: Your colleague, KC Joyner, wrote an article last summer that listed Jason Witten as having the 4th best hands in the NFL. Now that Parcells is gone will the Cowboys actually throw to him near the goaline?
Daniel (Richmond, VA): Hey Matt another question for ya buddy. If Micheal Vick does get charged with being involved with the dog fighting and is found guilty. What do you think the punishments from Roger Goodell will be like? And if bad how bad do you think?
Matt Mosley: (4:59 PM ET ) Half a season at least.
Brad, Texarkana: Over/under on Titans wins.
Matt Mosley: (4:59 PM ET ) Nine
wes jacksonville, fl: The Jags new reciever coach says no player is safe. would the Jags really cut one of there 1st round picks and how do you see the passing game this year?
Matt Mosley: (5:01 PM ET ) That's just a tough situation. Leftwich has never felt comfortable in Jacksonville and it's not like Garrard has always been able to save the day. And Williams, Wilford and Jones don't scare a lot of folks, so yes I belive the coach.
Mike, Cornish: You posted Carlos' Witten question, but not your retort.
Matt Mosley: (5:02 PM ET ) Mike, thanks for bringing this to my attention. I think Bill liked throwing to Witten down near the goal line. In fact, I seem to recall a play like that in Seattle during the playoffs. Witten's among the top tight ends in the league, but I'm not sure even he would agree that he has the fourth best hands in the league.
Peter, New York, New York: How do you think Culpepper will perform this year? Will Ted Ginn benefit?
Matt Mosley: (5:03 PM ET ) Don't think he fits in Cam's plans.
Eezy E (Austin): 3 left. Texans, Colts, and Ravens.
Matt Mosley: (5:06 PM ET ) OK, I think Mario and DeMeco will both have nice seasons. Actually,; DeMeco is already one of the top linebackers in the league. Schaub's not going to have an easy time because that line needs to get fixed...Colts are sick of hearing that the Patriots are the team to beat. Even more incentive, I expect 12 wins. And Ravens? With that defense, you'll always be in games. Don't have a good feeling at quarterback though. Is that it???
Mike cleveland: I heard you say on the Hot list that Derrick Anderson was currently the leader in the clubhouse at Browns camp. Was this true or a joke?
Matt Mosley: (5:10 PM ET ) Mike, it's hard to know with the deadpan, but I was kidding. Frye has the best shot at starting. If it makes you feel any better, I just scrolled down and read all your questions...You guys have been great. Sorry we don't have more time. I encourage you to spend at least eight hours per day on ESPN.com's runaway hit, Hashmarks. Have a wonderful weekend.
Ed (FL): Do you got Simms or Garthia starting for the Bucs?
Matt Mosley: (5:11 PM ET ) Garcia
B-Doc: Baylor-TCU is 1-1 going in the 7th.
Matt Mosley: (5:11 PM ET ) Where can I see this game?
Jeff (Iowa): Alright, Matt, first off...love the blog. It's been a great read. Got a question regarding the TO write up though. With Wade in town, and a more relaxed atmosphere, couldn't think be making a mountain out of a mole hill at this stage of the game?
Jon (DC): Cowboys fan doesnt like the 'skins this year... shocker
Mac, Tampa: The Bucs oline has been horrible the last five years. Will youngsters Sears, Buenning, Joseph, Trueblood develop into one of the league's best in the next couple of year?
ben (boston): Matt, you're a breath of fresh air compared to other ESPN former-NFL-players turned-moronic-analysts who shall remain nameless. My question is: are we over-rating the patriots off-season? Its been very good, but i feel not beefing up the linebacker depth could cause the same problems as last season.
Jason (Wilmington,OH): What kind of numbers do you think Travis Henry can put up in Denvers offens this year?
Sal, Allentown: What do you think of the Eagles offseason? J.Johnson has said Bunkley is like a new player, Considine has added 15 pounds of muscle, and Takeo gives us one of the league's strongest OLBs.
Aaron (Boston): How do you see the Niners WR situation playing out? It seems like they have 300-400 guys for 6 or so spots but none of them are really early pick type studs that the team feels pressured to play. Assuming DJ is a lock for that #1 spot, how do things shake out between Battle, Lelie, Hill, Williams, Jacobs, Gilmore, and this kid Maxwell (who was leading Europa in TD catches)?
Jeremy (Pittsburgh): How many games are the Steelers going to win this year?
Rich(Cleveland,Ohio): any cleveland browns love in here?
Matt Leinart, Arizona: OK, I'm the full-time starter now. That combined with Whisenhut and Grimm coming to desert, is that enough for us to actually live up to the hype this year?
Vern, Wheeling, IL: Which coach is on the hottest seat heading into the season? I'd guess Coughlin. What would he have to accomplish this season to save his job? Win the division? A few playoff games?
Jason (Wilmington,OH): Is Marvin Lewis in danger of being fired if Cincy misses the playoffs again?
rick (raleigh, nc): Where will Gallery end up playing this year? Is he a bust? And are you buying into Lane Kiffin's hype?
Mike Harden (Pasco, WA): Am I the only niners fan really worried about the departure of Norv Turner? Although an average (at best) head coach, he is an exceptional offensive coordinator and I think Alex Smith and the rest of the O is going to really suffer.
Jeff (Iowa): Matt, what am I missing here? SD fired a coach that struggles in the post-season for a coach that just plain struggles? Is this his last HC job?
Paul (Chicago): Do you think Benson will be able to carry the load this year?
Brendhan (Austin): Why is it Jeff from Iowa gets questions on your chat and I've submitted a ton without a single response?
DC (NC): What is the over/under for how many games Dan Morgan will play & when David Carr will replace Jake as the starter?
Tony, Cornish, NH: The Patriots have the best defensive line in football, but Warren and Wilfork will UFAs in the next couple of years. Which one will they keep?
BJ Carmel, NY: Matt, dont be gunshy, call those guys Whiney MCWhinersons...I know you want to.
Ben (Los Angeles): Hi Matt, love th blog, entertains all day. What do you think Denver's chances are this year?
Dave (Boston): Matt, as a Saints fan, last year was the best it has ever been. People are very excited in New Orleans and have high expectations for '07. Will the Saints offense be able to perform at such a high level this year without "sneaking up" on anyone, and have they done enough in the off-season to help their thin LB and DB corps? In short, are the Saint for real or was last year just an abberation?
Those smallish linebackers have to be a concern, but Shanle, Fujita and Co. held up well last season. Gibbs does a great job of patching things together.
Jason (Los Angeles, CA): Don't know if 4 have been asked, but do you think Tony Romo is overrated as a QB?
Jeff............VT: Is this Bill B. last year with PATS? Thanks for your time.....
Bryan (Westbury, NY): How can you call Robert Gallery a bust? He's been injuried his entire NFL career and has played two different positions. Not to mention the fact that Oakland's O-Line has been shuffled around more than the cast of "ER"
Jason (Wilmington,OH): Do you think Randy Moss and Tom Brady are best friends yet?
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Why do people overestimate QBs based on such as small sampling of work? Romo and Grossman are the latest, but it seems like people have been doing it forever (Kordell, Quincy, etc.)
Nate (Buenos Aires): Is there any rivalry in the making that has the chance to top Colts/Pats as the most important in the NFL in the coming years?
Sweet (Buffalo): Matt, great chat (sorry about the rhyme scheme...) My Bills...8 years removed from a playoff appearance, I know they're not on anyone's list to be the cinderella team this year, but c'mon, do you see ANY hope that they could be surprising some critics this year?
Daniel (Richmond, VA): How do you think Philadelphia will do this season without one of its go to receivers in Donte Stallworth? What do you see there record being?
Kyle (SD): Which, if any, current RB has a legitimate shot at taking down Emmitt's career rushing record?
Jeff (Iowa): Matt, has Detroit finally done something right this year? Decent off-season moves, good draft...they are a few positions away from being "good" it seems.
Josh (Irvine, CA): Matt, we know that an already good RAMS offense was only improved with the additions of McMichael/Bennett/Hall/Leonard, but did they improve their defense enough by adding Carriker/Hall/Draft to make some noise this year? I think they have just as good of a shot to take the improving NFC West as any one else. Thoughts?
Eezy E (Austin): Only 2 Cowboys questions but you've answered a cornicopia of everybody's favorite bandwagon, the Pats. You're down to 15 teams though.
Josh (Washington, DC): Matt, do you think the Chargers have better options at WR with the addition of Craig Davis? Who will be Rivers' prime targets?
PaulieP (Scottsdale): After taking the NFC Champs to overtime with an injured squad, it seems like everyone is ready to write off the Hawks. Big mistake?
Stan (West Des Moines, IA): The Browns open with 3 division games in the first month. Have they added enough to win at least one of them?
B-Doc (Vikingville): Exciting time to be a Vikes WR, huh?!
Jamal (Wisconsin): Are you suprised at all that Torry Holt got no love in the best WR poll?
Vern, Wheeling, IL: Let me try to cover some of your missing teams....Packers and Vikings: any headway vs. the Bears this season? Dolphins: will Ginn start the season? Chiefs: rebuilding mode?
Vinny, Brooklin: Playoffs for the J-E-T-S?
Carlos, Denver: Your colleague, KC Joyner, wrote an article last summer that listed Jason Witten as having the 4th best hands in the NFL. Now that Parcells is gone will the Cowboys actually throw to him near the goaline?
Daniel (Richmond, VA): Hey Matt another question for ya buddy. If Micheal Vick does get charged with being involved with the dog fighting and is found guilty. What do you think the punishments from Roger Goodell will be like? And if bad how bad do you think?
Brad, Texarkana: Over/under on Titans wins.
wes jacksonville, fl: The Jags new reciever coach says no player is safe. would the Jags really cut one of there 1st round picks and how do you see the passing game this year?
Mike, Cornish: You posted Carlos' Witten question, but not your retort.
Peter, New York, New York: How do you think Culpepper will perform this year? Will Ted Ginn benefit?
Eezy E (Austin): 3 left. Texans, Colts, and Ravens.
Mike cleveland: I heard you say on the Hot list that Derrick Anderson was currently the leader in the clubhouse at Browns camp. Was this true or a joke?
Ed (FL): Do you got Simms or Garthia starting for the Bucs?
B-Doc: Baylor-TCU is 1-1 going in the 7th.
