ESPN Mosley: NFC East Chat Wrap - 08/04/09

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Craig G. (Fairfield, California)




Hey Matt, can you update on Colt Brennan's progression and current status with the Commanders?
Mosley (12:23 PM)





Sorry bout that guys. Hope everyone's doing OK. Brennan's been solid so far in camp. I'll give him a good look when I get up there next week. I'll be at that preseason game on the 13th.
Kevin Ryan (Austin, Texas)



With the news of indictment what are the chances Plaxico is able to play in the NFL this year?
Mosley (12:24 PM)




I don't think will be clamoring to have a guy who's in this type situation. For now, folks will wait and see what the commissioner will do. He'll be in sort of awkward spot, but he can still suspend Burress if he wants to. He's shown that he doesn't always wait on the courts.

Justin (Queens)



can you rank the 4 starting QB's in the NFC East in order of who will perfom the best this season?
Mosley (12:25 PM)




1. Peyton Manning:confused: 2. Donovan McNabb3. Tony Romo4. Jason Campbell

Chad (Las Vegas)



Seems to me there is A LOT of parody in the NFL, which is a good thing. That being said is the biggest factor in making the playoffs your schedule? I mean the teams that play vs the AFC and NFC West have an advantage over other teams, don't they?
Mosley (12:26 PM)




I think you're looking for the word "parity," but nonetheless you're correct to say the schedule plays a role in things. The Dolphins used a relatively easy schedule last season to make the playoffs. Now, they have one of the toughest in the league. Playing the AFC West is a great thing for teams.

yatin (LA)



the rosters of the skins, giants and cowboys all indicate run-heavy offenses...how crushing is the loss of Bradley to the Birds' chances of winning the division?
Mosley (12:27 PM)




It's a tough loss, but I wouldn't go with "crushing." Omar Gaither was a starter for the Eagles heading into last season. Perhaps he'll seize this opportunity and actually play up to his potential. He was certainly a disappointment last season.

Corey (D.C.)



How close is Kenny Phillips to becoming the best Safety in the NFC? How does he look so far in camp?
Mosley (12:28 PM)




I'm told he's off to a strong start. I'm not sure he's a better player than LaRon Landry at this point, but he's making up ground on some players. Quintin Mikell is also poised to have a big season in Philly.

Mike (Allentown)



Forget about Gaither. I'll wager any amount that Joe Mays is their starter and will play very well.
Mosley (12:29 PM)




We'll see what happens, Mike. I know Mays is in the mix. That would be pretty heady stuff for a late-round guy like him to be elevated to starter.

Fiona (Miami)



Why did the Commanders draft Fred Davis last year when they have a great receiving TE in Cooley?
Mosley (12:31 PM)




same reason the Cowboys drafted Martellus Bennett. It puts a lot of pressure on a defense to have two athletic tight ends who can make plays in the passing game. It's no longer about having one athlete and one glorified offensive tackle.

Matt (Philly)



Can we quote you on Eli being the best QB in the division this year? After all he does have a 76.8 rating for his career and has no receivers, and lost his safety valve in Ward out of the backfield.
Mosley (12:31 PM)




I said he would be the best quarterback this season. Just a prediction. But yes, feel free to quote me.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)



Hey Matt, I enjoy your insight and columns. Which rookie receiver in the NFC East is being depended on the most? Macklin because of D-Jack's absence? Hakeem Nicks maybe?
Mosley (12:33 PM)




I think Maclin and Nicks are right there together. But neither guy will be asked to start immediately. Something tells me Nicks will contribute a little earlier than Maclin. But both guys can play.

Luis (Santa Barbara, CA)



Matt, Party Passes on me this season. You in?
Mosley (12:33 PM)




Count me in, Luis.

Kevin Ryan (Austin, Texas)



Could Matt Jones be a nice pick up for the Cowboys as a WR and a wildcat QB option?
Mosley (12:35 PM)




I saw the report where the Cowboys had talked to him. But then the Cowboys shot that down. I don't think they need a guy with Jones' history in the locker room. With Williams, Crayton, Austin and Hurd, you have enough guys to choose from. No reason Matt Jones needs to come in. Leave that to a truly desperate team.

Luke (DC)



What do you think the skins can expect from Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas this year?
Mosley (12:36 PM)




I think Kelly's still a work in progress. I think Devin Thomas could be the No. 2 receiver by the end of the season. If he could come close to what D. Jackson did for the Eagles last season, that would be a nice second-year.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)



Any word on which Giants receivers have performed well in camp and who has a leg up on a starting role?
Mosley (12:37 PM)




Still really early in Giants training camp since players reported Sunday. I'll be there Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. I'll play close attention.

Scott (DAllas)



You mentioned M.Bennett. Will the Cowboys use more 2 TE sets this year?
Mosley (12:37 PM)




I think you'll see a lot more two tight end looks. Go ahead and basically start thinking of Bennett as a starter.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)



Hey Matt, my brother works in the Cal Poly Athletic Department and would like to know what you think of Ramses Barden's situation in New York.
Mosley (12:39 PM)




Great situation for Barden. He's still raw, but maybe he can help you in the red zone. The Giants liked the fact that Barden elevated his game when Cal Poly played tougher teams. He's not afraid of competition. Now he just needs to get stronger, so that he can get some separation at the line of scrimmage. He didn't see a lot of press coverage in college.

Todd (Scranton)



Luckily for Joe Mays, he has two very good DTs. Where do Bunkley and Patterson rank among their peers?
Mosley (12:40 PM)




Underrated guys for sure. Obviously Haynesworth's probably the best defensive tackle in the division. But the combination of Bunkley and Patterson can stand up next to a lot of teams. Giants have more depth at that position right now, though.

Tim Walker (Portland,NH)



what is your prediction on the rest of Michael Vicks career?
Mosley (12:42 PM)




Tim:He'll eventually become the starter for a team like the Vikings or Raiders. You won't see the same type of unbelievable athleticism because he's been away from the game for so long. But he still has enough mobility to be a difference maker. I think he'll be a lot better than people expect. This guy was an all-out star at one point. He's only about two years removed from that, and it's not like he's going to completely nosedive at age 30.

Derek (China)



Tell us your order of finish for the division. If you feel confident, give us win-loss projections as well.
Mosley (12:43 PM)




Giants 12-4 Eagles 11-5 Cowboys 10-6 Commanders 8-8

Todd (PA)



What is the deal with Shawn Andrews? I am starting to question whether he'll ever fullfill his potential.
Mosley (12:44 PM)




Todd, I'm sort of with you on this one. Everyone just assumed he'd be fine this year and be able to move to right tackle. But he went through a lot last season -- with the depression and the back injury. I'm not sure why everyone thinks it's so automatic for him to simply show up and become a Pro Bowler again.

david (compton ca)



do you think the dodgers will make it past the first round of the playoffs this year
Mosley (12:44 PM)




yes I do.

Big Baby (Mountlake Terrace WA)



Do you think the Cowboys would be wise to more Romo to WR and Kitna to the starting QB? They have no #2 WR and Romo is fast and has good hands.
Mosley (12:45 PM)




That's a good one, Big Baby. Romo would automatically become one of the slowest receivers to ever play the game. And how do you know he has good hands?

Scott (OH)



Can't argue with your W-L predictions; tho I wouldn't be shocked to see Dallas and Washington swap spots. Will both wildcards come from the E?
Mosley (12:46 PM)




You know, I wouldn't be shocked to see that either, Scott. And yes, three teams from the division will go to the playoffs.

kl (philly)



d-jack is missing??? did i miss something? he is in camp
Mosley (12:46 PM)




I think the guys was yanking our chain, K.L. No worries.

Kevin (Jersey)



Hey Matt, now that Maclin is finally signed to the Eagles..how behind will he be missing so many days being a rookie?
Mosley (12:47 PM)




It certainly didn't help his cause -- especially with his background in the spread offense in college. But by the second or third preseason game, he should be ready to go. I'm anxious to see what type of shape he's in.

Derek (China)



Assuming your projections are correct, will we see Mike Shannahan in DC next year?
Mosley (12:48 PM)




There's certainly a chance of that, Derek. Who knows? If the offense has a great year and the Cowboys scratch out a playoff win, this could be Jason Garrett's job. It's hard to imagine a scenario where Phillips is coaching this team in 2010. But let's actually see what happens in '09.

Jeff (DC)



Matt, Did you like the Skins drafting Jarmon in the supp draft? I read he probably would have been a 2nd rdr next april. It was a big need area also.
Mosley (12:49 PM)




If your scouting department believes in a guy that much, then yes, go ahead and grab him. That pick seemed a bit early to me. I seem to recall the Ravens landing Jared Gaither in the fourth or fifth round. But it's not like the Skins dominate the traditional draft. If they loved Jarmon, more power to them.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)



With Bradley getting hurt, do you think we have seen the last of the stupid idea that is "Eagles' Flight Night"? It seems like Reid is furious about it.
Mosley (12:51 PM)




They're saying it happened in a non-contact situation. But I also read that he was in a pile-up. I don't know why you're having full-pad scrimmages away from camp a few days into camp. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I know it's fun for the fans, but can't they wait until the preseason?

Clay (Charlotte)



Have the Skins done any damage control with Campbell after openly courting Cutler or are they in "no harm no foul" mode?
Mosley (12:52 PM)




They've done some things to try and smooth it over. But in the end, their position is that they were simply looking to upgrade the roster -- at the most important position. I hate it for Campbell because he's one of the best guys in the league. But as they say, it's a business.

Chris Canty (Albany)



I'm worried about switching to the inside. Am I gonna be any good at stuffing up the middle and getting inside pressure?
Mosley (12:54 PM)




Having dangerous pass rushers on either side of Canty in Osi and Tuck will help immensely. Canty's always had that huge wing span like the great Too Tall Jones. I think he'll collapse the pocket and knock down a ton of passes. As a DE in a 3-4, he just never made a huge impact. So yes, I think he'll be good at both stuffing the run and getting some pressure.

Clint Sintim (Albany)



Any chance I'm starting games by the end of the season?
Mosley (12:55 PM)




That would surprise me. You have some quality depth at linebacker with Blackburn, Kehl, Wilkinson, etc. I don't think you need Sintim to start. Let him develop as a big special teams guy.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)



MM: Your prediction that both NFC Wild Cards will come from the Beast. The NFC North has a very weak schedule this year and Atlanta, NO, and Carolina might have something to say about that. The Beast might have better teams head-to-head with whichever division sends the other wild card, but its final record, not the "better team" that ends up in the playoffs.
Mosley (12:55 PM)




Thanks for sharing, Shane.

rocky Mc (DC)



do i have pro bowl potential this yr with fat albert in the middle?
Mosley (12:55 PM)




I think McIntosh has a lot to prove. I'm anxious to see if he can stay healthy. The talent's there for sure.

brent (montana)



MATT WHY NO TWITTER MY MAN
Mosley (12:56 PM)




It's a great question. I'm finally ready to give in. I'll start tomorrow if that's cool with you guys.

Kevin Ryan (Austin, Texas)



So with teh Campbell talks and talks some dont think Romo is the answer in Dallas. Will teams ever realize that there are only a hand full of great QBs in teh NFl and even Campbell is a lot better than most. Synder seems to not appreciate what he has like he is only happy if he has a HOF.
Mosley (12:58 PM)




They all covet these guys. Snyder compares Campbell to Romo, Manning and McNabb. And Campbell doesn't come out real well in that comparison. You can see how he becomes obsessed with a big numbers guy. And Romo's has that "it" factor that Snyder craves. He'd like to name a Six Flags ride after a quarterback. Campbell's sort of like the Mini Mine Train at Six Flags Over Arlington.

Scott (DC)



Yeah, and at least Campbell has an excuse. He's had five different OCs in as many years. What's Romo's excuse.
Mosley (12:59 PM)




I'm a BIG TIME Campbell fan -- but let's stop trotting out that five different OCs line. It's so tired at this point. This is the second full season with Zorn. Let's see what happens.

Luis (Santa Barbara, CA)



Matt, I really enjoy your camp notes from the Alamodome (the place you speak volumes about). Especially the note you made about Scandrick and his desire to constantly challenge RW. Does he really have the skills to beat out Jenkins? If you ask me, the lack of depth at CB couldn't play out any better with those two constantly challenging each other to win out the #2 spot
Mosley (1:00 PM)




Thanks, Luis. I miss seeing you in Oxnard, man. I think it's a perfect situation, too. Ultimately, I think Scandrick will play the all-important nickel. So technically, Jenkins will be the starter. But the competition can't hurt one bit.

Dan Snyder (DC)



That's it! I'm gonna name my Mini Mine Train "Mosley." You're a great inspiration.
Mosley (1:00 PM)




I've heard worse ideas.

Todd (PA)



Should we believe the LeSean McCoy. I seem to remember the same buzz around Booker last August and he never saw the field in the regular season.
Mosley (1:02 PM)




McCoy has more pedigree than Booker. I watched Booker in college and had a hard time projecting him as solid NFL player. The guy can't be trusted to pick up blitzes or carry out his assignments. If I'm Andy Reid, I'd get the guy out of camp. McCoy's a great fit for the Eagles' blocking scheme. Very instinctive runner. Booker's instincts haven't gotten him anywhere in this league.

Marc (Malden, MA)



Are the Commanders still moving Orakpo to SAM? Ugh...
Mosley (1:02 PM)




That's the plan, Marc.

Mike (Allentown)



How's Sheldon Brown performed so far? Or is he still sulking.
Mosley (1:03 PM)




I think he's actually shown up with a pretty good attitude. He and Andy Reid are on the page. Now, the other members of management may be a different story. I think Brown realized he was overplaying his hand.

Dave (Chicago)



Matt, what is the latest on Derrick Brooks? Is there no team out there that can use him?
Mosley (1:04 PM)




You would think someone could use a veteran leader such as Brooks. But a lot of scouts think he's done. They just don't see the speed anymore. And they don't want to use a roster spot on a older, backup type. Could he help the Eagles right now?

Jonathan (Northern VA)



What's the deal on the DeMarcus Ware deal?
Mosley (1:05 PM)




It'll happen, Jonathan. Just give it time. Maybe right before that first game. But probably during the preseason. And it will be HUGE.

Dave (Scranton)



Brooks to the Eagles? Does it sound asinine?
Mosley (1:06 PM)




For what the Eagles are trying to do in terms of attacking and flying to the ball, I'm not sure Brooks is a great fit.

Jason (Calgary, AB)



Did you see Pro Football Outsiders positive words about Scandrick (via Peter King's MMQB)? You were on top of things again in your training camp observations Matt
Mosley (1:07 PM)




Well that's mighty kind of you. I'm also a Football Outsiders disciple -- at least the part that makes sense to me. Some of the adjusted numbers make my head spin. But they're efforts in charting games are really groundbreaking. Bill and Aaron and those guys do a phenomenal job. And plus, there huge fans of the NFC Beast.

Jose (Texas)



Will the Superbowl ever leave the USA
Mosley (1:08 PM)




Never say never -- but no.

doug (wilmington)



Please stop complimenting Mosley. He's going to rest on his laurels even more than he already does
Mosley (1:08 PM)




Very nice! :)

Jessica Simpson (via mobile)



Football, football, football. You guys are always talking about football. I think the Utah Jazz will win the national league central this year.
Mosley (1:08 PM)




Glad to hear things are going OK, Jess.

Jonathan (Northern VA)



As a Dallas fan, how nervous should I be about the lack of both talent and depth at the D-Line
Mosley (1:10 PM)




Ratliff's having a superb camp. Same goes for Stephen Bowen. And Spears is quietly having a solid camp. I really wouldn't be overly worried here. I'd worry more about the depth along the offense line. It's terrifying to think what would happen if Flozell Adams or Marc Colombo goes down with an injury. Unless you're an Eagles, Skins or Giants fan.

Jake (VA Beach)



Bradshaw was hyped a lot last year, but seems to be not as highly regarded this year. Will he fill in as well as Ward or does he risk serious competition for the #2 role?
Mosley (1:11 PM)




There will definitely be stiff competition. Danny Ware's grown up a lot and he'll be pushing Bradshaw. But ability wise, Bradshaw's the obvious choice as Ward's replacement. When he hits the hole after Brandon Jacobs has been banging around, he's a destructive force.

Larry (Montreal)



Which players from the Beast do you find to be the funniest?
Mosley (1:13 PM)




Martellus Bennett is funny in a very odd way. Chris Cooley is obviously a go-to guy when it comes to blogging and videos. He may cross the line at times, but that's OK in my book. I get a kick out of DeSean Jackson. Cocky, but in a charming sort of way. My guy Mat McBriar has a wry sense of humor that works really well. And in the coaching ranks, Zorn always makes me laugh -- sometimes without trying. Very cerebral. Very odd.

doug (wilmington)



Tweet from Mosley: hanging out at practice. some guy just caught a pass. waiting for the snow cone guy.
Mosley (1:16 PM)




I'll be in San Antonio tomorrow through Friday and then in Philly starting on Sunday. I'll try to fire up the Tweets -- if that's what you guys want. OK, we went a little overtime today since I was running late from a speaking engagement (Wilshire Baptist kids sports camp!). Thanks for waiting around. We cranked it up and nearly reached 400 questions. I'm willing to do a bonus chat Friday if anyone's interested.

tim yonkers ny [via mobile]



What kinda D do u think the eagles will show now that coach johnson has passed away..and how much of an impact will macklin have now that he is signed?
Mosley (1:18 PM)




I wanted to reward Tim for being first in line today. Thanks man. I think Maclin will make more of an impact in the return game than at receiver early in the season. And I think McDermott learned a lot of Johnson. The Bradley injury is a setback, but stuff like that happens. Either Gaither or Mays will step in there and play well.
 

adbutcher

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Some of our fans make me feel so ashamed.

Big Baby (Mountlake Terrace WA)



Do you think the Cowboys would be wise to more Romo to WR and Kitna to the starting QB? They have no #2 WR and Romo is fast and has good hands.
Mosley (12:45 PM)
 

Rampage

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what is mosley smoking to think Eli will play the best out of the NFCE qbs?
 

TheRat

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WoodysGirl;2866790 said:
I'd worry more about the depth along the offense line. It's terrifying to think what would happen if Flozell Adams or Marc Colombo goes down with an injury.

Lovely. Really, why is it so hard for us to draft a lineman?!
 

speedkilz88

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Rampage;2866800 said:
what is mosley smoking to think Eli will play the best out of the NFCE qbs?
You should know enough about him already to know he's a tool. There are a lot of idiotic comments in this chat.
 

Primetime42

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I can't help but wonder if Mosley was high or drunk as he was doing this.

He's all over the place.
 

CIWhitefish

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adbutcher;2866798 said:
Some of our fans make me feel so ashamed.

I was actually thinking this was a dumb Eagles/Skins/Giants fan. The use of "they" instead of "we" made me think this.
 

DCBoysfan

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adbutcher;2866798 said:
Some of our fans make me feel so ashamed.


:lmao2: :lmao2: :lmao2: he couldn't be serious with that, Romo to WR???? I had to read that twice to make sure it was not a joke question
 

Wrangler87

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I cannot get over how down on us everyone is. How down on Romo everyone seems to be. What's Romo's excuse? Not that he needs one, but how about playing two games with a cast on, and still outplaying Campbell.

I just cannot understand why these so-called experts seems to have us closer to 8-8 than 12-4. Last in our division? Are you serious?

Wow. I guess I must be really drinking the Kool Aid because I think this is going to be the best team we have fielded in 13 years.

Last in the division? Really?
 

speedkilz88

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Wrangler87;2866855 said:
I cannot get over how down on us everyone is. How down on Romo everyone seems to be. What's Romo's excuse? Not that he needs one, but how about playing two games with a cast on, and still outplaying Campbell.

I just cannot understand why these so-called experts seems to have us closer to 8-8 than 12-4. Last in our division? Are you serious?

Wow. I guess I must be really drinking the Kool Aid because I think this is going to be the best team we have fielded in 13 years.

Last in the division? Really?
I agree, I think they finally put all the pieces together.
 

Sonny#9

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Wrangler87;2866855 said:
Last in the division? Really?

Who has the Cowboys as last? Ever single "expert" has the Skins as last. Moseley even had the Skins defense as the worst in the division...

I can't wait for real football to start -- this is going to be an interesting year!

Jessica Simpson (via mobile)
Football, football, football. You guys are always talking about football. I think the Utah Jazz will win the national league central this year.

This was just plain funny.
 

Stash

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Rampage;2866800 said:
what is mosley smoking to think Eli will play the best out of the NFCE qbs?

Plenty of dumb comments from Mosley to choose from, but this one seems the worst.

Eli Manning?

Seriously?

How 'good' did he look after he lost Burress?

3 TD's and 3 INT's in 5 games?

Sorry, doesn't look impressive to me...

I continue to be amazed at how prognosticators gloss over the fact that the Giants lost both starting receivers and are trying to replace them with unproven commodities.
 

Wrangler87

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Sonny#9;2866869 said:
Who has the Cowboys as last? Ever single "expert" has the Skins as last. Moseley even had the Skins defense as the worst in the division...

I can't wait for real football to start -- this is going to be an interesting year!



This was just plain funny.



He said, somewhere in this article, that he could see the Cowboys and Commanders switching places.
 

AsthmaField

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CIWhitefish;2866828 said:
I was actually thinking this was a dumb Eagles/Skins/Giants fan. The use of "they" instead of "we" made me think this.


Bingo. I don't think it was a Dallas fan saying that. If it was, then he isn't a serious fan like most of us here.
 

tyke1doe

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adbutcher;2866798 said:
Some of our fans make me feel so ashamed.

I'm hesitant to call any question stupid especially when one is legitimately seeking an answer. But that had to be the stupidest football question I've read on the Internet.
 
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