Buzzmaster: Kidder should be here any minute! Send in your questions NOW!
Keith Kidd: Hey guys, it's great to be back talking NFL football with SportsNation. Training camps are up and rolling as we get closer to the start of the NFL preseason. Let's get rolling with your questions.
Adam (Mpls, MN): How do you think Edgerrin James will do in the new run oriented offense?
Keith Kidd: I think he'll be fine, based on the strong supporting cast around him and the heavy emphasis that Whisenhunt will incorporate in the running game. Unfortunately, the offensive line still needs to play at an extremely high level. I think it will be much improved under Russ Grimm.
Matt (Little D): Will Wade Phillips be able to keep everyone happy long enough to make a serious run at the superbowl? The Def. has a ton of talent but will it actually reach that top 5 status?
Keith Kidd: Yes, this team is fully loaded in my opinion, to compete not only for the NFC East championship, but to get deep into the playoffs. With that said, there will be a tremendous amount of pressure on Phillips and his staff to win now. Or it could be a one and done in Dallas.
Pat (Atl): Keith, has there been any talk about the Vikings picking up a veteran QB? Maybe Chris Simms? Mark Brunell?
Keith Kidd: I haven't heard that. However, most teams are studying other teams as far as the current depth on their team as we get closer to roster cut downs. But I think this team is set with Jackson and Bollinger as the possible starting QBs in Week 1.
Keith Kidd: Let's not forget this team signed Drew Henson in the offseason. But for me, this team is going to really rely heavily on the running game, in order to take pressure off the QB and I'm not sold on the QB situation at all.
Rufus, Montana: Hey Double K, with Corey Simon, Tank Johnson, Simeon Rice or even a trade for Strahan available do you think the Commanders will address their obvious needs across the D-Line by making a play for any of these guys?
Keith Kidd: In order for the Commanders to improve on defense, they have to create ways to put pressure on the QB. I think Rice would make sense in Washington. Remember, Tank can't play for the first eight games of the season. There are medical concerns with Simon and I would be shocked if the Giants would consider sending Strahan to an NFC East opponent.
Justin (Queens, NY): Hey Keith, I was at the Jets camp and D'Brickashaw looks much bigger and stronger than last year. With TJ running behind a hopefully improved O-Line, how much of an impact will that combo help the Jets?
Keith Kidd: There's no doubt that the Jets running game will be much improved with RB Thomas Jones. I really like what I saw last year in the ways that OC Brian Schottenheimer attacked opposing defenses. I think in Year 2 of his system, this offense should be much improved. However, their schedule is a lot more difficult this season.
John (Cincinnati): Keith, how good do you think the Brown's O-line be this year if they stay healthy?
Also, can you tell all the Cowboy fans that there is NO WAY the pick they get from Cleveland will be high enough to get McFadden, even with their tough schedule. Thanks.
Keith Kidd: Based on the amount of money the Browns have invested into the o-line, it has to be an improvement from a year ago. From the reports I've heard from Cleveland, Jamaal Lewis has been very impressive. They will need him in a big time way because the QB situation is scary.
Chris (Asheboro, NC): Hey Keith, who do think is to blame in the Panthers/Beason holdout? Thanks.
Keith Kidd: I'm going to place it on the agent. There's no doubt in my mind that the Panthers have always been fair in the way they do contracts. I think a lot of times when agents hold out players, it's more about the agents and his recruitment of the upcoming NFL draft class. This holdout makes no sense to me, nor does Brady Quinn's holdout.
John (Kingston, ON): How big a year do you see Reggie Bush having in NO? Will this be his "breakout" year? Project him for the rest of his career...M. Faulk type or simply skilled 3rd down back?
Keith Kidd: I think he'll have a phenomenal year. Under QB Drew Brees and Sean Payton, this offense is one of the most explosive in the NFL. The amount of pressure he places on opposing defenses is unbelievable.
Sean: Does Hester have a legit shot at being a pro-bowl caliber wideout this season? Or do you believe he will be a work in progress, that will get better each year.
Keith Kidd: Highly unlikely. Based on the way and the amount of touches he should receive in this offense. But he is a legit Pro Bowler as a return specialist and should be really fun to watch this season in the way the Bears use him on offense.
Brian ( Boston , MA ): good afternoon Keith , whats going on with Donte Stallworth? he still hasnt practiced and the Patriots arent saying whats wrong with him . Thanks
Keith Kidd: Good question, Brian. The way the Patriots control the information on medical concerns, it could be anything. But remember, he's had a history of hamstring problems. But I wouldn't worry anything about that until the regular season gets here.
Willie (Portland, OR): Keith, I would like to send my condolences for those in the Twin Cities. Do you prefer two-back systems, or the traditional one man show?
Keith Kidd: Without a doubt a two-man system. I was born and raised under a coach that believed you had to run the ball effectively to win games. I think that revolves around any level of football.
Derik (Jamestown, TN): Hey Keith! What effect do the retirement of Tarik Glenn and the release of Corey Simon have on the Colts salary cap situation?
Keith Kidd: Good question. With Glenn, I don't think the team gets cap relief until he officially retires with the league. Then the NFL can grant them the relief. As for Simon, I really won't know until the player is officially terminated by the club.
James (Silent Hill): Reggie Bush phenomenal? With his 3.4 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per catch? Has there EVER been another player who got so much praise for putting up such mediocre numbers? Joseph Addai, Laurence Maroney and Maurice Jones-Drew were all far better players than Bush last year. Shouldn't we wait until Reggie actually does something on the field before labeling him the next big thing?
Keith Kidd: You make a good point about Addai, Maroney and Jones-Drew. However, even though all four players place a tremendous amount of pressure on a team, none of those guys can do the things Bush can do in the passing game. With that said, I would easily take any of the four on my team.
Brian (NC): Keith, what can we expect from Brandon Jacobs this year? He's done so well in limited duty, why do so many people doubt his ability to be a full time back?
Keith Kidd: A much more physical presence in the way that the Giants will attack teams between the tackles. He's a much bigger and stronger back than Barber as far as running the ball, but he's not nearly as elusive and has yet to prove his value in the passing game. You're taking away about 1,600 total yards that Barber contributed to the offense last season.
Devin (NY,NY): Keith - what should a fan expect from the Jets this season? What are your opinions on David Harris and Darrele Revis?
Keith Kidd: An exciting team to watch. I don't know if they can get back to the record they finished with a year ago, because their schedule is much more extremely difficult. As for Harris and Revis, I think both will be impact players and very good frontline starters in the NFL before their careers ends. Although Revis needs to hurry up and get into camp. Let's face it the Jets need a No. 1 CB in camp, which this team doesn't have right now.
Keith Kidd: Remember, like I said from Day 1 when they hired Mangini - this team has positioned itself to be very good in future years. I can't wait for the Jets-Pats rivalry to crank up this season.
Turk (NYC): Will the cadillac bounce back this year? What do you expect out of him this year with Garcia taking the pressure off.
Keith Kidd: I expect a much more versatile offense under Jeff Garcia than in years past. I do think that Williams will bounce back this year after a subpar season last year. But to me, offensively, this offensive line still has a lot of question marks. The slogan in Tampa this year should be, just like in the Super Bowl year - Just pound the rock!
Tui (philadelphia): All the talk out of Pittsburg is saying the offense is going to be wide open this year, do you think Big Ben is ready to be "the man" in the offense?
Keith Kidd: I do. I think he'll have more flexibility in what they ask him to do from an offensive standpoint.
Kyle (Milwaukee, WI): What have you heard about Grossman and how he is doing in camp? Is a transfermation into a pro bowler out of the questions?
Keith Kidd: I think he'll be much improved in Year 2 in Ron Turner's system. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt from the stand point that he's healthier than he was in years past. That will pay huge dividends for him in this offense. But he still needs to play with lots more consistency and improve his decision making ability this season.
Sikander ( Brooklyn, NY): Hey Keith...can you finally show some love to my man Terrance Newman...do you think he is the best corner in the NFC?
Keith Kidd: I've always thought that Newman was easily one of the best corners in the league, behind Champ Bailey, ahead of Hall and Mathis.
jason (grand rapids, mi): Do you see the Lions getting their act together this year and at least be respectible?
Keith Kidd: I'm not buying into that stuff in Detroit. However, I think they'll be better on the field based on them playing in the NFC North, but I don't think it will show a lot at the end of the season. If they can finish at 7-9 I think that's a great season for them.
TiM (Pittsburgh): Timmons or Woodley? I hear Woodley is packing the punch to the RB's in the backers vs backs drill. Your thoughts on the two rookies?
Keith Kidd: You've got to put Woodley ahead of Timmons right now, based on the health of Timmons. But when healthy, I think these players will have a huge impact on the Steelers defense.
Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): Rex Grossman was quoted as saying something to the effect that he expects the Bears offense to jump into the top 5 to 8 in the league statistically. How realistic is this for Chicago this season?
Keith Kidd: I think it's realistic. I think this team will be improved, however, I still have some concerns about Cedric Benson and his health. Can he play a full 16 games? I think this offense got a lot better on the perimeter with the addition of Greg Olsen and there are some talented receivers on this team. That should create some explosive plays on offense.
Robert, Albuquerque NM: Keith- if you are a fan of the two RB system, how do you think Carolina's Foster and Williams will do this year with changes to their system?
Keith Kidd: To me, this was the most intriguing camp battle of any team in the NFL. If both Foster and Williams can stay healthy, this will pay huge dividends in the production of QB Jake Delhomme. This team has to improve offensively if it wants to be in the hunt in the NFC South.
Majeed: DeAngelo Hall is very overrated. Just ask KC Joyner if you don't believe me.
Adam: (Miami, FL): If Trent Green can bounce back this season does Miami have a shot at the wildcard? Everyone says their defense is great, but their offense will struggle, but they can't be any worse than they were last year, and Cam Cameron's system should make the unit better even if they are being re-built right?
Keith Kidd: Adam, that's a big, big if. I agree with you that defensively this team is very good. But I do think it will be a work in progress of the offense adapting to Cameron's offense. Based on what I saw last year of Trent Green, he was very, very disappointing after coming back from a big time injury. Hopefully he'll be much improved this season. But at 37, there are obvious declining skills.
Lee (Dallas, TX): With the return of Chad Greenway, Erasmus James, and Tank Williams from injury (plus the addition of Mike Doss) do you see the Vikes pass D improving this year?
Keith Kidd: The only way that the Vikings pass defense improves is they must find ways to create pressure off the edge. They need a big season out of Udeze and James to make it easier on the back end in critical third-down situations. THIS TEAM MUST FIND A WAY TO CREATE PRESSURE ON THE QB.
Mike (Reno): I'm rollin with Nolan!!!! I like what Hostler's doing with the merge of the west coast and the vertical attack from Norv Turner's book. Do you think this helps Alex Smith? Also, do you see Pro Bowls in his future?
Keith Kidd: I think where Smith will miss Norv Turner the most will be on game day with play seleciton. But other than Gore and Davis, I don't see a legit No. 1 receiver on this offense, which I think will hinder Alex Smith somewhat in his development. To me, the jury is still out on whether or not this guy can be a future Pro Bowler. But it only takes one great season.
Curtis (Mississauga, Ontario: Kidd, personally I see thh Bills as having on of the best offseason this year, and I want to know where you think they stand and how you think the development of them will lead to their success.
Keith Kidd: I don't know how you can say this team had a great offseason, with the loses this team has suffered by losing guys like Nate Clements, London Fletcher-Baker, McGahee, Spikes. The interesting thing to me is can JP Losman put up back-to-back good years? He has to make a huge jump this year to be the QB in Buffalo. With all that said, there will be some growing pains. This team is young and is building for the future. And they play in the tougher conference in the AFC.
Clay (Long Beach, CA): How do you think the Rams D will fare this year? I personally like the depth additions (while not eye-popping) of Chris Draft, James Hall and Todd Johnson not to mention Adam Carriker. If our defense can be in the top 20 we should have a chance to make the playoffs with our high powered offense. Thoughts?
Keith Kidd: I think they'll be improved in Jim Haslett's second year. I love the way he gives defenses multiple looks and is pretty unpredictable. However, this team must improve against the run and get off the field and allow their offense to make plays. The NFC West could be the most explosive division in football with scoring points. Get ready West Coast fans, there could be some 4 hour games this year.
Steve (Dallas, TX): Does signing Culpepper put pressure on Russell to sign a contract?
Keith Kidd: No. I don't envision Russell playing until midseason based on the time he's missed in training camp. Defensively the Raiders are very good. Offensively is where they have to improve this year if they're going to make any kind of move in the AFC West.
jay (syracuse): Do you think Mike Walker will take over the number 1 reciever spot in JAcksonville
Keith Kidd: This team is yet to overcome the loss of Jimmy Smith. Maybe in the near future Walker may develop into the No. 1, but right now he's not. This team needs Jones and Williams to step up this year and assume that role, which I don't think is going to happen.
Richard (FL): Does Joey Porter make a big impact? The Steeler linebackers tend to flop after leaving.
Keith Kidd: Yes, how could he not, playing opposite Jason Taylor?
Jon (DC): Realistic expectations for Jason Campbell's development this season?
Keith Kidd: I think he'll be much improved in Year 2 of Al Saunders offensive system. But this team is going to need both Portis and Betts to stay healthy. I think that will take the pressure off of Campbell this seaon. This team has very good players. But Campbell needs to play with more consistency and accuracy when throwing the ball down field.
Chris (GA): How do you think Joey Harrington will perform in ATL, and what do you see as the best, realistic outcome for this season.
Keith Kidd: I don't get the feeling, based on what I've seen since Harrington entered this league, that he will make that big of an impact this season in Atlanta. My expectations are way down, based on the things that have taken place this offseason. I, like everyone else, suspect that the Falcons' future QB is playing in college this season.
TiM (Pittsburgh): Do you see the Culpepper kind of in the same situation as Garcia was in last year? Played a horrible season before and now is his chance to show whether he still has it or not? HOwever, I would say Culpepper is in a disadvantage since 1) he's probably still somewhat injured 2) he's playin for the Raiders...
Keith Kidd: Absolutely, although I don't think Culpepper has the same supporting cast Garcia had in Philly last season. To me, Culpepper is playing for his future this season, whether it be for Oakland or somewhere else in 2008. For me, I've got to see him play in the preseason. I don't know how healthy he is.
Keith (Vista, CA): Kidder, what kind of year do you see Rivers having in SD? Also, after the season Brees had last year do you think the Chargers kept the right guy?
Keith Kidd: I think he'll have a great year because he's not learning a whole new system. Remember, Norv Turner put this system in place in 2001. I think this kid is going to continue to get better and better. Let's face it, this guy is a football junky. He loves to practice and prepare to play on Sunday.
Charles (Baltimore): Hey Keith, no Ravens questions? What do you think of the Ravens chances of getting to the super bowl this year? We lost AD on defense but I think that can be negated by playing a more conservative scheme. Plus the offense is looking a whole lot better with mcgahee and clayton and williams emerging. Tell me we got a chance.
Keith Kidd: Don't even worry about the Ravens defensively under Rex Ryan. They will find a creative way to replace AD. Offensively, my biggest concern is QB Steve McNair's inability to attack vertically down the field. There is no doubt this team has the offensive playmakers in place with Clayton, Heap, Williams, McGahee. But I think the o-line will be a work in progress.
john(greenbay): how do you see the packers doin this yr.? and do you see rodgers bein the starter next yr if favre doesnt return? WHat do u think of brandon jackson?
Keith Kidd: Defensively, the Packers will be improved based on the growth they made last season. But I don't know what they were doing in the offseason in putting players around Favre. This team HAS to run the ball. Has to. I don't think this team has made enough improvement to even have a chance to overtake the Bears in the NFC North. I don't think Rodgers is the future for them. They'll still have some questions to answer once Favre retires.
Bear (Cincy): Is the often dinged up Brian Westbrooks healthy coming into camp? Do you think he can take the load off McNabb in the running game?
Keith Kidd: As far as I know, he is. I think he has to take the load off. The Eagles have to get back to the way they run the offense without McNabb in the lineup last season, as far as the run-pass ratio. I think McNabb will be somewhat limited as far as the things that he can do outside of the pocket, because of the time it takes to get over an injury like that.
Mike (Reno): What do you think of the Niners D this year? How improved are we talkin? Top half of the league? Top 10? Or...just better than last year?
Keith Kidd: I think it's much improved as far as the additions they made in the offseason with guys like Nate Clements, Mike Lewis, Cain. Obviously the drafting of Willis in the first round should make this team much improved. I think they're headed int he right direction under Mike Nolan, but I still don't think this team has done enought to overtake the Seahawks in the NFC West. I think you'll see a team much improved from a year ago, but still building for a possible NFC wild card in 2008.
Keith Kidd: Hey, it's been awesome, fun, fast talking ball. I will be back Aug. 13. Don't forget when the regular season starts, we'll be chatting every Thursday about the NFL right here on my national show.
