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Bernardo (Chapel Hill, NC): OK Matt, let's get this one out of the way. Is Jerry just stalling with Ellis because he knows he has drafted behind him and only wants him as a stopgap this year? Is locker room leadership undervalued?
Matt Mosley: Greetings from Valley Ranch. But don't let that scare you away. We can talk about anything today. First of all, let me say that Greg Ellis is one the best human beings in the league and he continues to help out the guy who'll be replacing him, Anthony Spencer. That said, this is the second consecutive offseason he's spent whining about his role on the team. In his mind, the leverage comes from how poorly the team performed when he went down last season. But Jerry doesn't have any reason to extend an aging guy who's coming off an injury. Jerry Jones wants him to show up and play, and if healthy, he will
CJ (San Jose, CA): News out of 49ers OTA's is that 3rd round pick Jason Hill has been very impressive. Can crack the starting lineup this season? If not, will Ashley Lelie or Arnaz Battle be the likely #2 receiver going into the season? Have the 49ers given thought to splitting Vernon Davis wide at all?
Matt Mosley: I woudn't make the mistake of expecting too much from Lelie. He's the ultimate tease. And yes, I'm hearing similar things about Jason Hill. I think he could definitely settle in as the second receiver. Vernon Davis at wide? Not yet
Justin (St John): Any more word on the Upshaw - retired players controversy. Will Upshaw keep his job through all this? Does Goodell have an opinion?
Matt Mosley: Everyone I talk to says the guy's bullet proof. It was a silly statement that he made, but that's not what will get him fired. You'd have to have a lot of the current players turn on him. And though I hear rumblings, I don't think a lot of guys coming out saying things. And the owners really like him. That might be the worst criticism I could have about him.
egami (iowa): Matt, enjoying the blog, any news on why Culpepper was escorted off the practice field? Are they boxing his belongings as we chat? Where do see him going?
Matt Mosley: Thanks, sir. I've been attending Cowboys minicamp today, so I haven't followed that situation. The Dolphins are in a very touchy situation there because if he gets injured, they'll owe him more than $5 million for this season. He's going to make this very interesting. It's fun watching players represent themselves.
Ryan, Ohio: Matt, Browns fans want to know what is the scoop with LeCharles Bentley -- any chance he suits up in 2007?
Matt Mosley: Hey, who's keeping score on how many teams I get to today? I really thought he was one of the outstanding centers in the league before the injury. I don't think we'll ever see the same player again.
Matt,MPLS : Did the vikes screw up on not bringing in a vet to compete with Tavaris at QB?
Matt Mosley: Matt, that is definitely going to be an interesting situation. I sure would've wanted to go into the season with someone like Brad Johnson instead of Bollinger. But Henson's back there waiting in the wings.
Cyrus: (Wash DC): Hey Matt, help me figure out the saints this year. Are we going to go over or under 10-6? Also how far in the playoffs are we gonna go? Will R. Meachem help this year, or looking more like next year? Has our Defense steped up? GO HASHMARKS!
Matt Mosley: Cyrus:
I don't think that was a fluke, so I think 10-6 would be reasonable to expect. Not ready to go Super Bowl, though, as some others have. I think Robert Meachem will eventually be a nice addition. It hasn't gone well so far, but he has tremendous ability. And despite what you might be reading, he's a great competitor. No excuse for showing up overweight though. None at all.
Patrick (denver, CO: Hey Matt true or false Broncos win the west.
Matt Mosley: false
BJ Carmel, NY: Showing your versatility today Matt...With Detroit going 3 wide alot this year, will we see their RBs average more yards per carry?
Matt Mosley: If Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson get it going, there's no reason Kevin Jones couldn't have a nice season. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Martz isn't going to pound it between the tackles.
Mikey(Bethlaham Park,NY): Matt, Do you think Paul Posluszny will be just as good or better than London Fletcher was for the Bills?
Matt Mosley: Mikey, it's way too early to try to compare him to Fletcher. I think he can be a solid player in the league, but let's get a training camp under his belt before we start the comparisons.
billy( atlanta): ok i must be the only Atlanta Falcon fan that wants Joey harrington to start. Im a believer in systems and i saw what coach P did to lefluers and redman and an overrated Brohm. (plus im a huge U of M fan and they killed that D last year). I know joey has struggled but hes played on sorry teams...i forone think Vick is done. He was done before Doggate broke out. What you think, can joey prove his worth with coach P?
Matt Mosley: Billy: Joey Harrington made the best of a bad situation in Miami last season. I think we're still a long way from seeing the end of Vick, and Harrington is definitely not the long-term answer. He can be a valuable backup. But I saw too many Lions games to think he can be a full-time starter.
Vivek(Chicago): Seriously matt you need to start a T.O contravercy down in Dallas. Whats the word about anthony spencer?
Matt Mosley: I bumped into T.O. just a few minutes ago in the locker room, but I wasn't able to stir up any controversy. And regarding Spencer, I'll be writing about him on the blog soon. He's coming along nicely, and has been watching a lot of San Diego tape. He's not Merriman yet, but he does look pretty quick in this minicamp.
Josh (Lincoln, NE): How do you think Brandon Jackson will perform for Green Bay this year?
Matt Mosley: OK, I have to speed up my pace. I saw Jackson play twice during college and he's got deceptive power. You'd see him go into a pile and assume he was down, and then he'd pop out the other side. Of course, this was against Baylor, so take this with a grain of salt. I actually think he's a nice player, though.
David (Chicago,IL): What kind of numbers will Thomas Jones put up in NY?
Matt Mosley: I think that was a great addition for the Jets. Put me down for 1,200 and 40 catches. He'll fit in nicely there. The Bears are going to miss him.
Jamal (Wisconsin): Would be interested to here updates about how the Feds getting involved with Vick's case may or may not affect the speed that it gets resolved.
Matt Mosley: Man, I don't have time to lay all this out. I need to refer to my old legal books, but I wouldn't simply assume that the feds will speed all this up. I think Vick will start the season, but it will tough playing with this constant cloud over him.
Mike(Buffalo): Matt, Would you agree that the Patriots have the best cast of LB's in the NFL? They got Adailius Thomas,Tedy Bruschi,Mike Vrabel,Rosevelt Colvin, and Junior Seau. Thats scary!
Matt Mosley: Mike: It's a prett salty bunch indeed. I'm anxious to see what teams like the 49ers and Chargers will look like with some young linebackers. Also want to see Takeo Spikes in an Eagles uniform. You talk about a guy who will flourish.
Mark: Seaside California: I say Hashmarks easily replaces The Sopranos as the "true representation of excellence." Thanks for the transition and timing.. Does Tony die in the last episode? What NFL team has management like Tony's gang?
Matt Mosley: Mark: I'm sworn to secrecy on the final episode, and the chatting community would kill me if I said something. I have a couple of owners who remind me of Sil, but I better keep that to myself. Paulie Walnuts?
DL, NYC: I just wanted to here how the quarterbacks for Dallas are doing. I have some reservations about Romo, but hope he proves to be a star. B. Johnson is a known commodity, but what about Baker and the two free agent kids? I know one of the free agents is not around (right?), but what about the kid that is there? They won't take five quarterbacks to camp, so who would you guess makes it?
Matt Mosley: OK, I'm having some major technical difficulties right now. Bear with me. I like this Bartel kid as a free agent, but since they spent some money on Matt Moore, I'm not sure how much of a chance he'll have. Romo will be find. Let me get this thing figured out.
Tim (Brielle, NJ): What's going on with this whole Jets-Asante Samuel rumor? I don't see the Jets getting him, it would cost them two first round picks.
Matt Mosley: Man, I'm sorry guys. I'm now seeing some sort of wild screen. I'll log off and try it again. Stay with me...Regarding Jets-Samuel, they're not going to give up two first-round picks. They're setting something up for down the road.
Jeremy, Houston: What about Culpepper, couldn't he go somewhere like Detroit and give Kitna a run, or Cleveland and start, or what about as a insurance policy for Houston, I'm not sold on Schaub, I just think there would have to be somebody that's got a shaky QB situation like Chicago, Detroit, or Houston, willing to take a chance, right?
Matt Mosley: OK, someone at Valley Ranch is attempting to sabotage this chat. We may have to cut our losses. Culpepper might be a decent fit in
Detroit. Send him somewhere that doesn't require a quick delivery. I could see him being to help Houston or Detroit. And no, he's not headed to Dallas
Joe(Cleveland): Do you think Jamal Lewis can prove alot of his critics wrong that his career is over? He has a good O-line now with Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley etc...?
Matt Mosley: OK, looks like we're up and running again. I think Jamal Lewis is in a good situation as long as he's not required to pound the ball 25 times per game. I think he still has some ability. Give him about 950 yards this year.
Eric (Wheeling, WV): Any thoughts on Tomlin's influence on the Steelers? Can Big Ben rebound this year? Will our defense be great or average? Finally, can Davenport, Barlow, or Haynes step it up and provide some power running behind Parker that we've been missing since The Bus began to slow down?
Matt Mosley: I think Tomlin is a good change of pace, and I smell a big year from Big Ben. He's about to get a huge contract and I think he'll respond favorably. Barlow can be good in flashes, but you don't want to depend too much on him. Let Parker have 16 carries per game and pound with Davenport. I honestly think the Steelers can bounce back with 10 wins.
Mikey(Lackawanna,NY): Do you think Bill Polian whos been here in Buffalo alot so far this summer will eventually come back home here to Buffalo and help our Bills back to domininance?
Matt Mosley: I don't know. I think he'd rather be more of a consultant at this point in his life. But Ralph Wilson does like to go old school on you.
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Deon Branch, DJ Hackett, Bobby Engram, is this a receiving corps to fear or even just respect?
Matt Mosley: Hackett will drop some balls on you. I think Engram is a decent possession receiver but he's nothing special. Branch can still play, but yes, you shouldn't be blown away by this crew. Ran into your old wideout Jerheme Urban today, by the way.
Greg (Denver, CO): One more try. What is your take on R. Gallery? Is he pretty much a bust at this point or will a real OL coach, a return to zone blocking, and a better offensive system help him get back to the expectations that were placed upon him comiing out of Iowa?
Matt Mosley: I'm getting the Gallery question quite a bit these days. I want to see what he can do if he's completely healthy. But when I start hearing about how great guys look in OTAs, I'm always skeptical. More to come on this issue. And thanks for sticking with me, folks. Thought I was going to lose you earlier.
Diane(NYC): Matt, I love the chats buddy. Do you think Willis McGahee will finally show off the talent that he has in Baltimore? Or do you think he is overated?
Matt Mosley: I think he's very happy in Baltimore. Better nightlife and I think he'll get to show more of his versatility. The Ravens need to use him in the passing game, and I think they will. I do not think he's overrated.
Shawn (Montgomery, AL): Do you think the Commanders now have the hardest hitting starting secondary with Taylor, Landry, Rogers and Smoot?
Matt Mosley: Ahh. The Commanders. I do think Taylor and Landry could end up being the best safety tandem in the league at some point. I kept hearing how Landry was one of the "sure-things" in the draft, and I do think he's a special talent. Not sold on Rogers, but yes, they can hit you.
FRED (MIAMI): LOVE YOUR WORK MATT IF TH DOLPHINS TRADED CULPEPPER WHAT KIND OF VALUE COULD THEY GET FOR HIM
Matt Mosley: Based on his injury and tough start last season, not a whole lot. Might be doing well to get a fifth or sixth.
Todd(Hamburg,NY): MM, How do you think the Bills new RB Marshawn Lynch should do in the NFL?
Matt Mosley: I think this is the guy Packers fans actually wanted heading into the draft. I watched him a few times in college, and I think he may end up having a better season than Peterson in Minnesota. Will he be the better NFL back? I'm not going that far.
Sean (Seattle): An ESPN poll today asked which team would win the NFC West, and the majority said... the Niners!! Are you kidding, Sportsnation? It's so cute that everyone has hope this time of year. What do you think, Matt?
Matt Mosley: Sean: I've been in the passener seat on the Niners bandwagon, but I'm not ready to hand it to them quite yet. I would still go with Seattle at this point.
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Urban was one of my favorite Hawks that no one ever knew about, will he catch on somewhere?
Matt Mosley: yeah, he's here in Dallas. And with T.O. and Terry Glenn only stopping by occasionally, he's getting a ton of reps.
Steven, Denver,CO: Who in the world is going to be the emotional leader on the Dallas D? We havn't had anyone since Teague left!! We need a hard arse player that will get in everyones grill!!!
Matt Mosley: I think LB Bradie James has appointed himself that guy, but Terence Newman also does a nice job in that regard. I would look for DeMarcus Ware to be a lot more vocal. Let me remind you that the Hashmarks Blog will by your place for exclusive Cowboys minicamp talk this afternoon.
Jonathan, Santa Barbara: Magical Matt: News from Niners OTA's is that Alex Smith and Vernon Davis are connecting several times a day for big plays. With this progression, the Inconvenient Truth in the backfield, and the amazing offseason moves I see the Niners being more that serious playoff contenders with at least 12 wins (considering easiness of schedule). Is this realistic, or am I just getting too excited? How could you not be rollin wiht Nolan?
Matt Mosley: Jonathan, you've only tried this question 78 times during this chat, so let's get it out of the way. Some good material here. From what I've read, Vernon Davis has made some great strides this offseason. He's picked up on a lot of defensive tendencies, and he and Smith seem to be on the same page. Behind what should be a much-improved line, I think the 49ers will be in good shape.
Josh(KY): Thanks for not taking 1 question on SB Champ Colts and answering numerous questions about terrible teams like the Bills...
Matt Mosley: No problem, Josh. Did you have a question in mind?
Will (NYC): I have a fantasy draft on Saturday and I was wondering, what do you think about me rolling the dice with Randy Moss? He was atrocious last year and I could steal him in the late rounds. I've spoken to my league mates and they have displeasure in him and I could get him last year. What do you say?
Matt Mosley: No one should hold a fantasy draft this early in June. But if you must, I would think of Moss as a third receiver. He'll help that offense but I don't see a lot of 50-point games from him.
Josh (KY): Do you think Bob Sanders is the best Safety in football?
Matt Mosley: How long you guys want to go? I'm about to have to break away and blog for a few hours. I like Sanders a lot, and you saw how much better that defense played when he came back last season. But for my money, Eddie Reed's still the best safety. And the Polamalu's pretty strong, too.
DANIEL(LAS VEGAS): M&M WHATS UP MAN LOVE THE BLOG RIDDLE ME THIS HOW LONG UNTIL JAMARCUS RUSSELL STARTS I WANT TO SEE HIM IN ACTION MAN IM SURE THE WHOLE RAIDER NATION DOES WE DONT WANNA SEE JOSH MCCOWN EXCEPT ON THE BENCH AS THE #2 APPRECIATE IT
Matt Mosley: I think the Raiders wouldn't mind letting him watch for an entire season, but they won't be able to do that. Week 6, he's the starter.
Jay, Jackson MS: Do you think Eli Manning can evolve into a franchise QB for the Giants or would he be more successful in a smaller market? Thanks!
Matt Mosley: I know you guys are killing me about too much 49ers and Cowboys, so let me spread the love for a little bit. Unless something happens this season, I have a hard time seeing Eli lasting that long in New York. Could he do better in a small market? In this day and age, you never escape the attention. Either you can play or you can't.
Jason (Newport, MI): Will the Lions once again be one of the worst teams in the NFL?
Matt Mosley: Jason: The Lions will win six games this season.
Brett (LA): How much do you think Sam Adams and Jimmy Kennedy will help in the broncos new scheme?
Matt Mosley: Brett: I definitely think Sam Adams can help out. He's an enormous guy who still has some athletic ability. Little long in the tooth, but if he's rotated properly, he can get the job done. The Broncos have a great shot at making the playoffs. I just don't like them to win the division.
Samantha Proctor (Orange County CA): Hey Matt LOVE YOUR CHATS! I've been starting to hear some stuff about this new football league coming out, and people wondering whether or not it could work. I was wondering if they could have a rule to take highschool players, that want to get paid openly (as opposed to behind the scenes with boosters) and have them play there for three years before going to the pros. In that sense they could have a very potent group of young players to jump start their league
Matt Mosley: OK, we're into OT here. This is the last one. You guys have been unbelievable. If I didn't get to your question, try to forgive me someday. Regarding the UFL, I think they've definitely thought about the fact they could get a great player after his sophomore year. But it's not like basketball. A lot of these kids aren't NFL quality. And if you're building a league on the final 20 guys who get cut from the roster, I don't not what to think about that. Have a great weekend.
Kipp (Erie PA): Matt, just wondering if all those people who said Brady Quinn had accuracy problems where right, or is he just a rookie in a new system??
Matt Mosley: Way, way too early on Quinn.
CJ (San Jose, CA): News out of 49ers OTA's is that 3rd round pick Jason Hill has been very impressive. Can crack the starting lineup this season? If not, will Ashley Lelie or Arnaz Battle be the likely #2 receiver going into the season? Have the 49ers given thought to splitting Vernon Davis wide at all?
Justin (St John): Any more word on the Upshaw - retired players controversy. Will Upshaw keep his job through all this? Does Goodell have an opinion?
egami (iowa): Matt, enjoying the blog, any news on why Culpepper was escorted off the practice field? Are they boxing his belongings as we chat? Where do see him going?
Ryan, Ohio: Matt, Browns fans want to know what is the scoop with LeCharles Bentley -- any chance he suits up in 2007?
Matt,MPLS : Did the vikes screw up on not bringing in a vet to compete with Tavaris at QB?
Cyrus: (Wash DC): Hey Matt, help me figure out the saints this year. Are we going to go over or under 10-6? Also how far in the playoffs are we gonna go? Will R. Meachem help this year, or looking more like next year? Has our Defense steped up? GO HASHMARKS!
I don't think that was a fluke, so I think 10-6 would be reasonable to expect. Not ready to go Super Bowl, though, as some others have. I think Robert Meachem will eventually be a nice addition. It hasn't gone well so far, but he has tremendous ability. And despite what you might be reading, he's a great competitor. No excuse for showing up overweight though. None at all.
Patrick (denver, CO: Hey Matt true or false Broncos win the west.
BJ Carmel, NY: Showing your versatility today Matt...With Detroit going 3 wide alot this year, will we see their RBs average more yards per carry?
Mikey(Bethlaham Park,NY): Matt, Do you think Paul Posluszny will be just as good or better than London Fletcher was for the Bills?
billy( atlanta): ok i must be the only Atlanta Falcon fan that wants Joey harrington to start. Im a believer in systems and i saw what coach P did to lefluers and redman and an overrated Brohm. (plus im a huge U of M fan and they killed that D last year). I know joey has struggled but hes played on sorry teams...i forone think Vick is done. He was done before Doggate broke out. What you think, can joey prove his worth with coach P?
Vivek(Chicago): Seriously matt you need to start a T.O contravercy down in Dallas. Whats the word about anthony spencer?
Josh (Lincoln, NE): How do you think Brandon Jackson will perform for Green Bay this year?
David (Chicago,IL): What kind of numbers will Thomas Jones put up in NY?
Jamal (Wisconsin): Would be interested to here updates about how the Feds getting involved with Vick's case may or may not affect the speed that it gets resolved.
Mike(Buffalo): Matt, Would you agree that the Patriots have the best cast of LB's in the NFL? They got Adailius Thomas,Tedy Bruschi,Mike Vrabel,Rosevelt Colvin, and Junior Seau. Thats scary!
Mark: Seaside California: I say Hashmarks easily replaces The Sopranos as the "true representation of excellence." Thanks for the transition and timing.. Does Tony die in the last episode? What NFL team has management like Tony's gang?
DL, NYC: I just wanted to here how the quarterbacks for Dallas are doing. I have some reservations about Romo, but hope he proves to be a star. B. Johnson is a known commodity, but what about Baker and the two free agent kids? I know one of the free agents is not around (right?), but what about the kid that is there? They won't take five quarterbacks to camp, so who would you guess makes it?
Tim (Brielle, NJ): What's going on with this whole Jets-Asante Samuel rumor? I don't see the Jets getting him, it would cost them two first round picks.
Jeremy, Houston: What about Culpepper, couldn't he go somewhere like Detroit and give Kitna a run, or Cleveland and start, or what about as a insurance policy for Houston, I'm not sold on Schaub, I just think there would have to be somebody that's got a shaky QB situation like Chicago, Detroit, or Houston, willing to take a chance, right?
Detroit. Send him somewhere that doesn't require a quick delivery. I could see him being to help Houston or Detroit. And no, he's not headed to Dallas
Joe(Cleveland): Do you think Jamal Lewis can prove alot of his critics wrong that his career is over? He has a good O-line now with Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley etc...?
Eric (Wheeling, WV): Any thoughts on Tomlin's influence on the Steelers? Can Big Ben rebound this year? Will our defense be great or average? Finally, can Davenport, Barlow, or Haynes step it up and provide some power running behind Parker that we've been missing since The Bus began to slow down?
Mikey(Lackawanna,NY): Do you think Bill Polian whos been here in Buffalo alot so far this summer will eventually come back home here to Buffalo and help our Bills back to domininance?
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Deon Branch, DJ Hackett, Bobby Engram, is this a receiving corps to fear or even just respect?
Greg (Denver, CO): One more try. What is your take on R. Gallery? Is he pretty much a bust at this point or will a real OL coach, a return to zone blocking, and a better offensive system help him get back to the expectations that were placed upon him comiing out of Iowa?
Diane(NYC): Matt, I love the chats buddy. Do you think Willis McGahee will finally show off the talent that he has in Baltimore? Or do you think he is overated?
Shawn (Montgomery, AL): Do you think the Commanders now have the hardest hitting starting secondary with Taylor, Landry, Rogers and Smoot?
FRED (MIAMI): LOVE YOUR WORK MATT IF TH DOLPHINS TRADED CULPEPPER WHAT KIND OF VALUE COULD THEY GET FOR HIM
Todd(Hamburg,NY): MM, How do you think the Bills new RB Marshawn Lynch should do in the NFL?
Sean (Seattle): An ESPN poll today asked which team would win the NFC West, and the majority said... the Niners!! Are you kidding, Sportsnation? It's so cute that everyone has hope this time of year. What do you think, Matt?
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Urban was one of my favorite Hawks that no one ever knew about, will he catch on somewhere?
Steven, Denver,CO: Who in the world is going to be the emotional leader on the Dallas D? We havn't had anyone since Teague left!! We need a hard arse player that will get in everyones grill!!!
Jonathan, Santa Barbara: Magical Matt: News from Niners OTA's is that Alex Smith and Vernon Davis are connecting several times a day for big plays. With this progression, the Inconvenient Truth in the backfield, and the amazing offseason moves I see the Niners being more that serious playoff contenders with at least 12 wins (considering easiness of schedule). Is this realistic, or am I just getting too excited? How could you not be rollin wiht Nolan?
Josh(KY): Thanks for not taking 1 question on SB Champ Colts and answering numerous questions about terrible teams like the Bills...
Will (NYC): I have a fantasy draft on Saturday and I was wondering, what do you think about me rolling the dice with Randy Moss? He was atrocious last year and I could steal him in the late rounds. I've spoken to my league mates and they have displeasure in him and I could get him last year. What do you say?
Josh (KY): Do you think Bob Sanders is the best Safety in football?
DANIEL(LAS VEGAS): M&M WHATS UP MAN LOVE THE BLOG RIDDLE ME THIS HOW LONG UNTIL JAMARCUS RUSSELL STARTS I WANT TO SEE HIM IN ACTION MAN IM SURE THE WHOLE RAIDER NATION DOES WE DONT WANNA SEE JOSH MCCOWN EXCEPT ON THE BENCH AS THE #2 APPRECIATE IT
Jay, Jackson MS: Do you think Eli Manning can evolve into a franchise QB for the Giants or would he be more successful in a smaller market? Thanks!
Jason (Newport, MI): Will the Lions once again be one of the worst teams in the NFL?
Brett (LA): How much do you think Sam Adams and Jimmy Kennedy will help in the broncos new scheme?
Samantha Proctor (Orange County CA): Hey Matt LOVE YOUR CHATS! I've been starting to hear some stuff about this new football league coming out, and people wondering whether or not it could work. I was wondering if they could have a rule to take highschool players, that want to get paid openly (as opposed to behind the scenes with boosters) and have them play there for three years before going to the pros. In that sense they could have a very potent group of young players to jump start their league
Kipp (Erie PA): Matt, just wondering if all those people who said Brady Quinn had accuracy problems where right, or is he just a rookie in a new system??
