Eric Edholm: Hey everyone ... I'll be back in a few minutes to kick this thing up. Think of some sweet questions ...
Mike (philly): What do you think of the Trotter release? Do you think Gaither and the other young guys can replace what he brings to the team?
Eric Edholm: Good way to start it off. I guess I was not as shocked as everyone else is, if for no other reason that he was so bad last season. Go back and watch. He was heavy and slow. Yes, he had lost weight and there were reports he looked decent through camp, but he was a 1.5-down player who no longer contributed on special teams. Andy Reid struggled with this one, but he thought to do his player a service by letting him go early to get a jump on finding a new team.
Eric Edholm: And Gaither I think will be good, but don't be shocked if Stewart Bradley is a factor inside. Spikes can play MIKE if needed, too. The Eagles are OK there. Chris Gocong has had a good camp.
Sean (CA): The Patriots seem a little thin at the RB position. Do you think they need another ball carrier? And do you think they'll get one (and who would it be)?
Eric Edholm: I agree. Sammy Morris is an ideal No. 3. Kevin Faulk, too, more of a change of pace. I doubt they'll make a major move there, not with Maroney taking the red jersey off.
Andy (Columbus, OH): If you want a true sleeper this year, look out for the Minnesota Vikings. Their defense will be swarming (remember the name Ray Edwards), and no one's giving Adrian Peterson any respect, but he may be as good as any RB prospect ever. Your thoughts?
Eric Edholm: I agree with you on Edwards, who has been tenacious all summer. He has that starting job locked up, it appears, and could be a 7-8 sack guy with good run support. But the Vikings have far too many offensive questions -- receiver is a mess, the QBs are so-so and the right side of the line has not been good to date -- that I must hold off from anything more than 8-8. Agree with you on Peterson, though. Superb talent. Can he average 4.5 yards against eight-man fronts? We'll see.
Heavy (Keokuk, IA): Eric, Please sort out the Titan Running Backs for us. Who is going to get the carries?
Eric Edholm: Chris Henry looks a little outmatched right now. He's going to have to contribute on special teams. LenDale White is the guy the coaches want to win the job, and other than some knee and ankle trouble, he has looked pretty solid. Chris Brown is a gifted runner who will see time, but he's been hurt every season he has played significant snaps. I think White might surprise early.
M. McCarthy (Green Bay): Eric: What would it take to pry Michael Turner away from the Chargers?
Eric Edholm: A change of heart, I think. Last time I talked to AJ Smith, he said they shopped Turner to see what they could get but that he was off the market. Now, the Chargers plan on using him more often. He'll enter free agency as the top RB option next spring, I think. And the Packers likely won't enter that spending derby ...
Brady Quinn Dublin ohio: with my performance last game, how long do you think it will be before my first start. And do you think Romeo is a little scared to start me because his job is on the line.
Eric Edholm: Brady: No offense, but I wasn't impressed. Come on, you guys. Quinn faces a Lions defense that was playing practice-squad caliber guys in a prevent defense. Quinn threw underneath a few times, and he got away with a short-armed slant in the red zone that a good DB picks off. For a first performance, he was fine, but it was not the kind of thing we can judge him on without more to look at. If anything, playing Quinn might save Crennel. He can go to the owner and say, "We were 6-10 because I had a rookie QB out there for 13 games" or what have you ...
paul (richmond): what a stinker for Da bears last night in the performance of Sexy Rexy. While loyalty is great, will Lovie seriously consider Griese as a starter for the regular system or is Rex guaranteed at least a few starts
Eric Edholm: I didn't see the entire performance, but I really think Rex is going to have a good season. The turnovers scare me, sure. But I see him make some really good throws, and I know he has the talent to make it. Last season really was his first full crack, and the passing game should be better with Olsen, Wolfe, healthy Bradley, etc. Plus, Berrian has improved; he's not just a deep guy anymore. I think Rex will cut down on those turnovers on a very good Bears team.
Mark (NC): The Panthers are a mess is there anyone out there floating around that could come in and help fix things?
Eric Edholm: A week ago, Panthers fans were very happy with the 13-play, 81-yard drive vs. NYG. Now, they are on suicide watch. I'll say this: I will be in Charlotte on Friday, and I expect a far more diverse attack offensively against the Patriots. Use that as a measuring stick more than the first two games.
Steve (Baltimore, MD): What is going on with Clinton Portis. Is this all a cover up to keep him from being hurt in the pre season again?
Eric Edholm: You know, I am told over and over by folks close to the Skins that everything is cool. If it was a regular-season game, CP would have played this weekend. That's all fine and good, but we want to see him. I think he starts opening day, and Portis' people say he's more motivated this season than ever. I just think at some point, he's going to be running hurt, and that means Ladell Betts will see his load increase.
chauncey (teaneck): Will Mike vick ever play in the NFL again?
Eric Edholm: I have gone back and forth on this, but the more people I talk to, the more I think he will. Maybe as a receiver or returner, too. But some team, desperate or otherwise, will take a chance on him in a year or two or three. Just a gut feeling, of course. My take: The great irony is that the league will use him as a symbol of what not to do in regards to the personal conduct rules, and they'll suspend him accordingly. And once he's allowed back in the league and some team gives him a chance, the league will use Vick -- assuming he's contrite, etc. -- as the poster boy of how the league's policies can help rehabilitate a tarnished player's character. Again, just a guess.
WM: What do you think of the Lemar Marshall release today by the Commanders. Why would they release a former starter that has significantly contributed to them over the last couple years and instead sign a journeyman to replace him. With all due respect to Godfrey, I think hes on the downside of his career compared to Marshall. What do you think?
Eric Edholm: What having a good safety does for Williams is allow him to change his coverages. There was way too much cover-2 and Tampa-2 in Washington last season because he couldn't trust his DBs to man-cover anyone. Plus, Sean Taylor really lost confidence. The defensive speed looks MUCH better with Fletcher, McIntosh, Landry, Smoot, Macklin, etc. I think you'll see more single-high safety with Landry in the box. The line, of course, must improve. Carter should be better, and Salave'a, Griffin and Wynn look like they have staved off time so far.
Eric Edholm: sorry, wrong question
Ryan (DC): The Commanders had a terrible D-Line in 2005, but still had a great defense. Early results would indicate they are headed back there. Archuletta is terrible and his safety position is crucial in Greg Williams scheme (see Lawyer Milloy). Despite what you experts say...they'll be back.
Eric Edholm: OK, now the Marshall response: Not a shock because he was a fourth LB, and he wasn't on the nickel defense.
Jim (NY City): Lets talk some JETS! Brady's kid will be coming right in time for week 1 vs NYJ. Maybe we steal a win there on our way to the division?
Eric Edholm: I don't believe the child is due then. I think it is due in a week or so. Brady is expected to play a lot on Friday, and perhaps leave the team after that to be with his (reportedly) future wife. As for Week One, that's a great matchup. We'll see if Thomas Jones can play, as expected. I worry a little about the Jets' DBs against the Patriots' pass catchers.
Eric Edholm: must take a 2-minute timeout ... be right back
Scott (Dallas, TX): Do you think the 49ers have any shot to get out of the cellar this year? Please tell me no so I can quiet the wife.
Eric Edholm: I think they are improved, but there are questions with the D-line. So far, the push has not been great up front. They like the linebackers, and Willis just was named the starter. Dashon Goldson was a nice rookie surprise at safety before getting hurt, but he'll be back. Offensively, they are deep at WR but maybe not super-talented. I think they are in the 8-9 win range on the cusp of the playoffs.
Franco (Philly): I think you got that mixed up. Brady is reportedly gonna marry Gisele Bundchen not Bridget (his baby momma) this winter.
Eric Edholm: Absolutely right.
shawn tn : what no love for BIG D??? ... 
I know you have some Dallas questions in there... hook us Dallas fans up Please
Eric Edholm: I saw a Romo question, so I'll go there. So far, he has passed every test. I think he'll have a Jake Delhomme 2005-like season: 3400-3500 yards, 20-25 TDs and some real head-scratching throws along the way. He's a gambler, like Delhomme. Also, Romo is 6-foot-2 and subject to having a few passes batted down, especially with what reverts to a three-quarters delivery, especially late in games and late in the season last year.
Jason (Calgary, Alberta): Hey Eric. Give us your predictions for division winners
Eric Edholm: Patriots, Ravens, Colts and Chargers in the AFC with wild cards of Steelers and Jaguars. In the NFC:
Eagles, Bears, Panthers and Rams with wild cards of Saints and Seahawks. I was tempted to call a sleeper like the Lions, but I'll play it safely.
Chris (MI): Do you know the ins and outs of the Falcons' financial situation with Vick? What if they cut him? What if they keep him? Could the NFL give them extra cap relief for tis highly unusual situation?
Eric Edholm: The most likely situation would be for the Falcons to cut him next June, which means Vick will be behind bars at the time, most likely.
Brian Oliveira MA: i have a 4th pick in this year draft in a 12 man league who do i go with
Eric Edholm: Manning
Brandon (Washington, DC): Over or Under for Phillip Rivers: 3,800 Yards. 24 touchdowns.
Eric Edholm: easy on those yards, but I could see 24 TDs in that offense
Larry Johnson (Chiefs Camp): With my hold out behind me, what kind of year can I truly have in KC?
Eric Edholm: A lot like last year: a lot of yards and a lot of carries, but not a ton of big plays like before. I think he's a workhorse according to Hoyle, but I wonder if he's not a bit beat up. Other than one long reception last season, Johnson was more of a medium-run kind of guy. That offense has a long way to go. Croyle has struggled a good bit.
Jeremy (Bellevue): Rams as the West Winner? No concerns over that D?
Eric Edholm: Yes, I do worry. But I think they'll win some shootouts. The hardest division, in my eyes, is the NFC West. I think every team but the Cardinals could win it.
Champ Bailey (Broncos): Eric my man, why are you dissin' our team? We're not a playoff team in 2007?!
Eric Edholm: Like I told you last week, Champ, it's not personal. Maybe I underrate you guys every year, and it's not because I don't like Shanny. I just think the team is a bit overhyped. Remind me of my statements when they go 11-5 ...
John (Denver, CO): If th Vikings are in limbo at QB, why dont they look at Kelly Holcomb?
Eric Edholm: Kelly Holcomb, nice as he is, should never be anyone's savior.
Eric Edholm: Guys, no offense, but scroll down before you ask questions. I have already talked about the Titans' RBs, Romo and Larry Johnson.
egami (iowa): Eric, does Eli ditch the "hung dog" look and become a leader this year or do Giants start thinking about a possible trade after another marginal, at best, season?
Eric Edholm: OK, this wins for post of the week. "Hung Dog" is my new Fantasy team name. Thanks Egami.
Chad (Salt Lake City): Dallas not a playoff team! I'm officially logging out of this chat.
Eric Edholm: We will miss you dearly.
dave green bay: what about aaron rodgers
Eric Edholm: I have never been all that impressed by him. What about him?
Joseph (Suffolk): Why is Ronnie Brown returning kicks in Miami? Didn't they draft a kick returner at #9 overall?
Eric Edholm: I asked Ronnie this same question last week, and he said they wanted another guy back there in case of injury. He has never returned kickoffs -- not in college or HS.
Jonathan (Chicago): You might want to go easy on "Hung Dog" in light of the Vick mess...
Eric Edholm: Excellent point, and I never even thought of that. My mind was elsewhere. Pardon my misstep here.
Chris(Sioux Falls): What do the talent evaluators in SD know that most do not. They traded Vick for LT and Bress in 2000 and in 2004 traded Manning for Rivers and Merriman...HUGE Winner in both trades
Eric Edholm: Not entirely true. The Chargers traded down to five, where they got LT, and that allowed them to take Brees with the first pick in the second round. But, yes, one trade parlayed the next pick. John Butler, rest in peace. He had some great draft picks in his day.
JC (Chi-town): Just so we know how much stock to put into your predictions...what did you predict for division winners last year?
Eric Edholm: I will dig them up right now! Fun experiment.
Eric Edholm: One more Ronnie Brown thing: He hasn't had a great camp, and there is talk that Cameron has fallen in love with Jesse Chatman -- maybe enough to bounce Brown as a starter at some point, but I doubt right away.
Eric Edholm: And on Eli ... I think he'll be better, and considering that he has a worse supporting cast, that must be seen as improvement. As far as his demeanor, Eli never will be Peyton. He'll never bark at his linemen and get in guys' faces. He's not that guy. But he can be a leader by standing up for his mistakes, which he typically does, and continues to work hard.
Gabriel (Illinois): Really? You see the Rams and Seahawks beating out the 49ers? I can't say I agree Eric, but I respect you because you are a scholar and a gentleman.
Eric Edholm: Secret: I really am neither. And you might be right.
Omar (Eagle Pass, TX): With Green at QB in Miami, are the Dolphins capable of having the type of season that will bring them back to the perenial playoff team they used to be?
Eric Edholm: I am going to say no. He has adapted slowly -- so much so that he had to be named the starter over Cleo Lemon, and people I have talked to say that Lemon has looked consistently better to date.
brandon (CA): Will staley beat out kwame harris for the starting ROT spot by the beginning of the regular season?
Eric Edholm: So far, Harris is holding him off. Niners are in a tricky spot here because they expect to contend this season and have to go with the guy they think is best now. Eventually, count on Staley getting the nod. They gave up next year's No. 1 to get him.
Cliff (Braintree, MA): No Pats player has had 10 or more sacks since Willie McGinest (1995), will A. Thomas break that skid?
Eric Edholm: Doubt it. The Pats have him playing primarily over the guard as the "middle" linebacker in the 3-4. Not a big pass-rush position in that defense. That said, he'll have a nice season, I think. It allows other guys to rush more freely without sacrificing the run support. Don't be shocked if Colvin breaks that streak, though; he was in the top five in the NFL in pressures last season and teams often keyed on him.
Eric Edholm: As I dig up my predictions from last season, I'll tell you I can take one or two more ...
Eric Edholm: Ooh, you guys are going to enjoy this. My 2006 predictions: Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Broncos as division winners with Chargers and Steelers as wild cards in the AFC. In the NFC, I had
Cowboys, Bears, Panthers, Seahawks with Vikings (ouch) and Giants as my wild cards. I picked the Saints last (who didn't?) and had the Bengals in the Super Bowl. My, my.
John (Denver, CO): Does Tavaris Jackson just need experience to become the cornerstone of the vikings O? or is he just not that caliber of player?
Eric Edholm: We must wait before we say he's the franchise just yet. I need to see he can complete 60 percent of his passes, direct a two-minute drive down in the fourth quarter and throw more TDs than interceptions. Then we can talk about whether he's the answer.
Steve: Man it must suck to be such a tool
Eric Edholm: You have no idea.
Sean (CA): Just a tip, the two "Middle Linebackers" in a 3-4 are called "Inside Linebackers" (or more specfically Mike, Will, Jack, etc...)
Eric Edholm: The Patriots call the one inside spot their middle, or MIKE, backer and the other is the JACK, the weak-side inside guy. Sorry I didn't make that clear.
Lucas (Buffalo, NY): Whatever happened to the much talked about extension for Jeff Fisher?
Eric Edholm: I have been told it will come at season's end. But this is a big season for the Titans. I have them taking a step backwards.
Eric Edholm: Thanks, guys. It has been fun.
