Matt Williamson: Hey Everyone-MW here. Let's get rolling on this chat and then I want you all to have an outstanding holiday weekend.
Jim(NC): Why is everyone so high on the Giants? They barely made the playoffs & Manning hasn't proven much over a full season. Thanks.
Matt Williamson: I believe that many people are high on the Giants because they won the Super Bowl. Remember them beating an undefeated Patriots' team? Remember their run through the NFC to reach the big game? Pretty impressive stuff. Do I think they are the best team in the league right now? No, but give credit where it is due.
Goodie (Tampa): Is 8 and 8 a realistic out for Miami next year? Better coaching... Much upgraded line... Healty starting backs... Secondary and Lb's healthy? We lost 11 starters to injury last season and still only lost 6 games by 3 or less.
Matt Williamson: All good points, but this isn't a deep football team and trust me, they will not avoid injuries all year in 2008 either. Also, they still have some glaring holes on that team. 8-8 is not realistic and I am not sure that I would judge their season as a success/failure completly on their record.
Dave: What do you see happening with the Jason Taylor situation, and what could Miami realistically expect to get for him at this point?
Matt Williamson: Funny you should ask, as I just completed an article on that exact subject late last night. They will not get a first rounder or a second rounder from a floundering team. At best, and this seems steep at this point, a second rounder from a contender. Check out the article. I go into detail about why certain teams would want to add JT.
Jim (Waupaca, WI): Are the Packers out to their mind staying with just Rodgers and two rookies. I would bet the house Rodgers who I think is good will not last a month with some kind of injury. He could not even make it through practice last year. He has started no games and been injured more and missed more time than the legend. Please make me feel better about this. Tell me Thompson and McCarthy have some secret aggreement with Brett to come back in case of injury.
Matt Williamson: I hear what you are saying, but who would you have suggested that they went out and got? Culpepper? There wasn't a lot of quality veteran QB talent to chose from and obviously they believe in Rodgers. Sure, it is risky, but life usually doesn't go real smoothly after a Hall of Fame QB hangs it up.
Cristian (NYC): Do the Niners have a chance @ the NFC West? With Gore and the improved defense, 8-8 should be good enough right?
Matt Williamson: That division is very winnable for any of the 4 teams. However, I am picking Zona to win it and SF to finish last. Real tough division to call and I do think that Martz will revive A Smith's career and Gore should also have a big campaign. I just don't trust the pass catchers or OL and I can't see why you think the D will be majorly improved. I guess getting Lawson back in addition to J Smith and Balmer is note worthy, but so is losing B Young and it isn't a very deep group at all once an injury or two sets in. Not real into SF this year.
Zac (MN): Hey Matt, would the Vikings be interested in Taylor at all for maybe a 3rd rounder? I think they have the cap room and how good would that Dline be with him? Or is this just a pipe dream?
Matt Williamson: Seems like a pipe dream to me and Minny isn't one of the teams I listed as potential suitors. Wow, that would be a heck of a DL though! Just doesn't add up and I think the combination of Robison, James and Edwards will do fine opposite Allen.
Tori (Dallas, Texas): How do you see Zach Thomas fitting in the Wade Phillips 3-4?
Matt Williamson: Well, if they can properly protect him. You don't want Thomas taking on guards and centers all day, but I have little doubt that he will find the football consistently and make a quick mental transition to the scheme. Dallas (like SD) is more penetrating/downhill than the traditional 3-4 schemes and that should help him adjust. I know Ratliff did a nice job last year, but I do have some slight conerns about their NT positon.
Jared ( Denver CO): Hi Matt! All the Broncos players are talking about Clady's foot work and how fast his feet are, they have actually nicknamed him sweet feet. What kind of carrer do you think Clady will have? Will he be a better LT than Long (who will move to RT in my opinion)? Thanks!!
Matt Williamson: I have said all along that Clady has the more natural LT skill set. He is what you are looking for in that regard and honestly, I was shocked that he lasted all the way until Denver's pick. He will fit that system very well, both as a blind side protector of Cutler and in the running game. My concerns are mental with him. How quickly will he adjust? Boise State is a fine program, but he didn't face pass rushers like Merriman and Phillips on a week to week basis.
Kevin, Cleveland: Matt -- Love your chats. How much is Daven Holly's injury going to hurt the Browns? How much will their weak secondary hurt their playoff chances?
Matt Williamson: It is a substantial loss and Holly was a find for them. I hear what you are saying, but I also think that secondary is vastly underrated overall. It is young, but dripping with talent. You might not know him yet but E Wright will be a star in this league if he keeps his nose clean. The safeties are also potential stars and they found another steal in McDonald. The problem is youth leads to mistakes and the bigger problem was that Clev couldn't get after QBs. Now with Rogers and Williams bringing interior pressure, the secondary and K Wimbley will all greatly benefit. But...one more CB injury could be critical.
Steve (Rochester, NY): Will Michael Huff's move to free safety ultimately lead to him living up to his pre-draft billing?
Matt Williamson: FS is his best position. No doubt in my mind. Having those big time CBs around him will lighten his load as well. Same with G Wilson. Great secondary. Yes, I expect Huff to emerge this year. However, can Oak get after the QB with consistency? I have my doubts and included them as a team who should touch base with the Phins about JT.
Chaps (Alaska): I want to see Brady Quinn on the field as a starter. What's your best guess as to when that might happen????
Matt Williamson: Chaps, I am in the minority, but I am saying it now: Quinn will take that job by mid season. I am not a believer in DA at all and am quite high on Quinn. Mark it down.
Travis, SLC: What's your prediction on how the AFC West will shake out with three not so good teams in that division?
Matt Williamson: Interesting division and I am with everyone else in believing that SD wins it going away. However, that group plays very weak schedules. For that reason, I am going out on a limb and predicting Denver to sneak into that last Wild Card spot in the AFC. Look around the AFC. Who do you like better? I can't see two teams coming from the North, as they havae to play the AFC South and NFC East-brutal. I do think Indy and Jax will go, but am not a believer in Tenn or Hous. Not buying Buff or NYJ either and I think NE has their division wrapped up by Week 12 or so. That leaves Denver. Cutler will be better. Mark that down as well.
TK (brooklyn): Do you think the Bills and Dick Jauron can get over the hump and finish above 7-9?
Matt Williamson: Not really. They could get four wins in their division and that certainly helps, so I guess 8-8 isn't out of the question, but I don't see them as a playoff team. They are improving, but is Edwards the real deal? The jury is still out. I like the Hardy pick, but I still don't yet see a proven pass catcher to help out Evans. Jauron impressed me though last year.
Mark (NC): If Dehlomme stays healthy and Peppers returns to form what do you see the Panthers doing?
Matt Williamson: I love this offense for next year-IF Delhomme plays the entire season. They FINALLY went out and got weapons to lighten the load on S Smith. Smith could just explode this year. I like what they did with the OL as well and the selection of Stewart. FF players, draft Panthers! BUT, the D is worse. Shootouts. This is a team that I think should be aggressive with J Taylor. Keep Peppers at LDE and put JT at RDE. That would make a lot of D problems go away. But right now, 3rd in the NFC South.
Justin (SD): Would the Fins go for a 3rd rounder from the Raiders for Taylor?
Matt Williamson: Hard to say. Read that article when it comes out. I came up with quite a few teams who should at least consider trading for Taylor. That is good news for Miami if I have any clue what I am talking about. Therefore, maybe they can get a #2 out of him. Conditional draft pick also makes a lot of sense in this instance.
doug (LBC): How many wins does it take for kiff to keep his job?
Matt Williamson: Predicting things like that in that organization is an act in futility. Not going to even attempt it.
Gill (Boston, MA): Dallas 15-1...they are loaded from top to bottom....Cleveland will fire Romeo, and offer Jason Garrett top shelf money...you heard it first. I can't believe "the experts" dont have the boys #1 on the power rankings
Matt Williamson: They will not be 15-1 in that division. Plus, playing the AFC North isn't a cake walk. However, I agree to a point. They are the best team in the NFC. That D should be great....esp against the pass. How many extremely talented DBs do they need? Wow
Josh (DC): Matty Matt, how do the Steelers use Sweed this year? Will he see any throws behind Ward, Holmes, Washington and Miller? Thanks.
Matt Williamson: Sweed will move past Washington before long and be the #3 WR by Week 6 or so at the latest. I don't expect big numbers, but I do expect a high % of TD catches. This O is really exciting in that they can attack a defense with any personnel grouping and still find mismatches.
Goggles, NYC: Matt, do you think the Giants will sign Brandon Jacobs to a long term contract despite his injury proneness? Do you think Jacobs is the long-term solution in that backfield? Thank you! "Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter"
Matt Williamson: I would not sign him long term. No chance. Obviously he does some things that you rarely see at that position, but I think he is an injury waiting to happen. HUGE target. Doesn't get out of the way of hits. Average vision and lateral agility. Destined for a short career and I would be shocked if he played 16 games this year.
JaQuay(South Carolina): Who will be ROY's. Offense and Defense.
Matt Williamson: Mayo really jumps out at me as DROY. When picking that award, often it goes to a player like Willis or Ryan-good LBs on bad teams that make a ton of tackles since they are always on the field. C Lofton makes sense in that regard. As for O-much tougher. J Stewart really comes to mind. Someone like K Smith or Forte could surprise, since they both should have an excellent chance to get a lot of carries. I don't see a WR or QB winning it.
JaQuay(SC): The team with the best set of recievers?
Matt Williamson: Tough one. Gotta take Indy though if I can project Marvin to be 90% of the Marvin we all have become accustomed to.
Gill (Boston, MA): : Ray Rice and Keith Rivers (he'll be forced to do alot, and his stats will show)
Matt Williamson: Rivers qualifies for sure. I love Rice. Ravens fans will love Rice. But, unless McGahee gets hurt, he isn't winning it.
Joe, Minnesota: Hi Matt. Everyone talks about breakout rookies but normally rookies do not shine. What second year players do you expect to make solid names for themselves this year?
Matt Williamson: Once again funny that you would mention that. JG is doing an article today about some rookies that could breakout this year. I suggested that we do the same with second year players as a follow up down the road. I am not talking about J Thomas, M Lynch or A Peterson, but a few names that I thought of were Paul Poz, E Wright, B Quinn, L Woodley. Could end up being a long list. Calvin Johnson certainly comes to mind, although he was a very high pick and high profile guy.
Brad(NM): So do you think New England will be as good or even better than last season? You must if you won't give Buffalo even a chance to beat them once. While their offense is still young, their D is very much improved and I'm calling for at least a 9-7 record.
Matt Williamson: I said Buff could win four games in their division. One possibly could be against NE. No, I don't think they will be better than last year and I think they will lose more than one game during the 2008 season. Still, clearly the Pats are the class of the division.
Anthony (NYC): Matt the idea of adding a 17th game will be draining to the players, they should leave it as is & cut the preseason to 3 games. Guys are still recovering from injuries now & camp is around the corner.
Matt Williamson: Hard to argue with that, esp cutting down the presesaon games. Would have to expand the roster, but are there enough good football players to go around? Just think of what the rookie class has done since their training camp started going into their senior seasons in college until now. They have never stopped and then will be asked to play a bigger faster tougher schedule that is nearly double the length that they played in college!
Jim(PDX, Oregon): If the Rams shake the injury bug this year do you think there is a chance for an 8-8 season? First half of their schedule is brutal but the second half has possibilities.
Matt Williamson: I do think that is possible and I also think that Bulger is not done. Still a high quality starter. That OL will be VASTLY better and C Long should make an immediate impact. I worry about the #2 WR.
brent(montana): What will Balmers future position be for hte niners. will he be a better DE or DT?THANKS
Matt Williamson: DE in the 3-4 and hopefully an everydown player who can push the pocket as a DT on throwing downs. Will need work and more consistency to his overall game.
Tyler (Delaware): Taylor obviously wants to play for the Pats but I can't imagine Parcells ever trading him to them. Is there any way he winds up there? Would the Fins ever just release him?
Matt Williamson: No reason to flat out release him. Teams will be interested. As for NE, I guess they would like to have him and surely he would like to go there, but they have Vrabel and A Thomas to play OLB. That aint so shabby.
Jack (Toronto): Everyone is decrying the Bears horrible offense, however, their defense has not played up to its reputation the past couple of years after Tommie Harris has gone down with injury. To me he is the real MVP of that D who allows Urlacher and Briggs to do their thing. The question is, has he completely recovered from his injuries and can the Bears keep him healthy for an entire season?
Matt Williamson: Not sure what I can add to that. You nailed it and I couldn't agree more. That team really has some serious issues.
Jeremy (New Orleans): No love for the saints... aren't they the class of the division??? Only team with a Franchise QB! Garcia is in a contract dispute and Delhomme is coming off tommy-john
Matt Williamson: Just haven't been asked about NO yet. I think they win that division and very well could earn a first week rest for the playoffs. I like the Saints a lot this year.
Sean (Washington DC): Matt, Jets picking up Taylor so he can stop killing us?
Matt Williamson: Would be worth it just to keep him on the bench so he can't play against you? LOL NYJ has enough 3-4 OLBs now with Gholston, Pace and Thomas.
David Fairborn, OH: What are the odds that Cincinnati releases Chris Perry? Rudi Johnson, Perry, Kenny Watson, DeDe Dorsey, Kenny Irons (recovering from ACL)...that's a crowded backfield.
Matt Williamson: It is, but Irons looks like he will probably be a PUP guy to start the season. Dorsey isn't anything special. I do like Watson as a role player, but have little faith in Rudi any more-he could be done. Perry might be #1 of that entire group! Of course, health is a huge worry, but don't count him out.
Travis, SLC: Is Jackson going to add anything to the receiving position for the Broncos? I hate that they even picked him up. They have two solid WR's and Marshall could be Pro Bowl material if he stops slipping on fast food bags...
Matt Williamson: Agree on Marshall. I don't love any of the other WRs they have, but out of that big group, someone will step up. Quantity of quality, but decent risks to take all around for Denver. Scheffler will be a weapon as well.
Jared (Denver CO): Matt while you are peaking into the crystal ball who wins it all this year? By Far the best chat in the last 2 months, Matt W is the MAN!!!!
Matt Williamson: Thanks for the kind words...much appreciated. Not getting into Super Bowl picks yet-just came up with my playoff teams a few days ago! Sorry, still a great chat?
Zac (Oakland): Why hasn't Lamont "happy feet" Jordan been released yet?
Matt Williamson: Any minute now
Anthony (NYC): Matt in which season do you think Matt Ryan will actually begin to earn the salary he's making off that contract? Also if I'm Brady I'm at the Pats office renegoiating on a new deal.
Matt Williamson: The rookie salaries are crazy and something must be done about it. I do like Ryan though, but I also have no faith in that OL. He is going to take a beating and that D will let up a lot of points.
Matt Williamson: Okay everyone. This was a lot of fun. Enjoy this holiday weekend and look us up next Friday.
