Matt Williamson: Williamson here. Let's get started early on this chat today!
ABRAM ALEX LAS VEGAS ,NV: DO YOU LIKE THE YOUNGSTERS ON THE D- LINE AND WILL THE BRONCOS BE OK IF HENRY GOES DOWN
Matt Williamson: Henry would be a loss, but not catostrophic. Young shows promise and Bell at least has some experience, but I wouldn't get too excited with either. It sounds like Henry will not be suspended at least for a few weeks if at all. As for the DLinemen, yes, I do think the three draft picks can become good players. Moss has been better against the run than I expected. The other two should become solid two way guys. Still, DL takes time to feel pressure, recognize blocking patterns and to simply compete with NFL OLinemen from a strength and maturity perspective.
washington, dc: Randy Moss and Pats receivers versus Commanders secondary, what's your thoughts???
Matt Williamson: Gotta favor the Pats-which isn't a knock on the Skins' DBs. Their CBs cannot contain Moss one on one for sure, but this is one of the best secondaries that NE has faced-maybe the best. Not sure how I would try to match up with the Pats' weapons, but no matter what, you leave one of their top 3 WRs in a favorable spot for Brady.
Jason (Tampa): How many years will it take the Fins to rebuild?
Matt Williamson: Could be a while Bro. Teams can turn around quickly in this league, but looking at Miami's roster, they need almost an entire defensive overhaul, at least one high quality OLineman and one more pass catcher. That is assuming (which is FAR too early to do) that Beck can be a starting NFL QB. SO many questions.
Travis, SLC: Have a fantasy question for you. I have Romo at QB and also Leftwich. There is not much on the waiver wire. I am deep at RB - Jordan, Edge, Rudi, and K Jones. What kind of value should I get out of these guys? Should I get more than a QB? I'm not sure what to do... or should I pick up a QB on waivers and keep my depth at RB solid? My top three picks of QB on waivers would be Trent Edwards, Carr, and Huard. What would you do?
Matt Williamson: I don't love those free agent QBs, but cutting Leftwich doesn't hurt you at all. Huard is probably the most attractive. RBs are hard to find and you have a good stable. I would not deal one for just a one week starter at QB, but if you can put together a big package to trade two of those RBs for an even better RB that might make sense-have the guy throw in a QB as his 2nd player.
Ryan (Baltimore): If the Dolphins get the number 1 pick as they are on track to do, Who do you see them taking?
Matt Williamson: Glenn Dorsey makes the most sense to me. Jake Long would be hard to argue with as well. Ideally, trading down would probably be best, but teams are reluctant to move up to #1 because it just costs so much $$$. But, someone might really want a QB like Brohm.
Rory (NYC): Is Osi Umenyiora the most dominating and athletic DE in football? The only other DE who I could picture doing that is Julius Peppers and he has not played nearly as well as Osi. Also how good can Justin Tuck be?
Matt Williamson: Peppers was the first who came to my mind as well, but like you said, this has been a bad year for him. Don't forget that Osi benefits quite a bit from having Strahan on the other side of him. J Allen is a beast as well. Tuck is a very good #3 DE who can eventually replace Strahan.
Larry (New York): Hey Matt, the pats won't score 30 on the Skins...if Brady throws to moss in double coverage against springs and taylor, who comes up with the ball?...here's a hint...it won't be moss
Matt Williamson: I hear ya, but you sell Moss short. What would worry me from the Skins' perspective is on the other side of the ball. I think Wash will have a hard time keeping Brady on the sidelines. That is bad news.
Jake (VA Beach): Since you were so down on the Giants at the start, have you turned the corner, or are you still a bit hesitant like I am?
Matt Williamson: I hated them after the first two games....and they deserved it. I have turned the corner, but certainly do not see them as an elite team. Eli has improved. The OL and DL have played great. Plex is a beast. The running game is strong. Obviously they can really get after the passer.
Mike(Philly): Is Kolb the starting QB next year and does he have Philip Rivers upside?
Matt Williamson: Yes, he has great upside. No, he isn't starting-at least not over McNabb.
Ray (Detroit): what do you like the lions chances against the bears? Kevin Jones and TJ Duckett seem to be healthy and that's the big plus for the lions offense, what do you think??
Matt Williamson: That is a huge plus. T Bell is no good and Detroit just chose not to run the ball rather than giving it to Bell. I do like Det's chances against Chicago, but still really worry about their pass pro and D as a whole. Where has Roy W been?
Tommy(TheStatPack): Please explain to me why people are jumping on the Giants bandwagon. Their last 4 opponents(Eagles,Jets,Falcons,Niners) are 6-20 and 3 outta the 4 games were in Jersey.
Matt Williamson: I touched on some reasons why people are on that bandwagon, but yes-those four teams are pretty terrible. Excellent point and I should have brought that up earlier. I want to see them beat someone. Still, they look like a playoff team.
Jimmy (KC,Kansas): Is it me or is Larry Johnson not running as hard as last year, I know the o-line is down, but he looks complaciant to me.
Matt Williamson: Agreed. Signed a big contract. Does he want it as bad? Sat out and still might not be in great playing shape. His body took a real beating last year. But yes, I agree.
Jamaal (Washington Twp, NJ): Ok Matt, lay it on me...are the Bengals going to get murdered this weekend? A win would make this divsion awful tight at the top!
Matt Williamson: It sure would. I am writing that game up for Scouts, Inc as we speak. I like Pittsburgh, but only have them winning 23-20. Tight divisional rivalry game. Pittsburgh should just be able to run the ball and stop the run much better than Cincy.
Mike, OH: Matt, How do you see Drew Brees doing against San Fransisco? Does he get a couple tds?
Matt Williamson: I like the matchup in SF's favor with their CBs over NO's WRs. E Johnson could have a nice day, as could Bush out of the backfield. SF's O is just so awful, they always put their D in tough spots and the D is always on the field. That has to lead to some points for the Saints.
Marcus (Detroit): So, you rather give the ball to Kevin Jones and TJ Duckett than Tatum Bell??
Matt Williamson: Absolutly-especially Jones. Those other two are very ordinary RBs who do not have very good lateral agility. Jones' isn't great, but he brings much more to the table than Duckett or Bell.
Dave (Indy): When do you see Marvin Harrison getting back on track, tough start for him!
Matt Williamson: He started slow last year too. He will be fine. He couldn't have been 100% last night, plus he had a tough matchup against Mathis. Of course-like usual, Manning just went another direction-to Wayne. That O can beat you in so many ways. Marvin will get his.
http://bncsportsblog.blogspot.com/: Do you think that Jesse Chatman will have anywhere close to the fantasy production as Ronnie did?
Matt Williamson: No-not as well rounded as a pass catcher and runner. Not as quick, fast or elusive. Still, he will get a ton of touches and touches goes a long way for fantasy. I would say that his production should be about 2/3 of what Brown would do.
Joey (Rochester, New York): Is this Steve McNair's last year in the NFL?
Matt Williamson: I think it should be. He just isn't the same from a physical standpoint and has taken a beating over his impressive career. I would go with Boller from here on out-although I don't think BB will do that. McNair could be perfect coming off the bench. Yeah, last year.
Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ): Why is Mangini so stubborn to go to Clemens now? Might as well see what he has in the future. No?
Matt Williamson: I have mixed feelings on this. Clemens surely has more upside than Pennington and Pennington is limited with an average arm, but Pennington is not the reason why the Jets are so bad. They have far greater problems and MANY teams would love to have Pennington. IF you bench him, it pretty much has to be for good. Tough to say if that is the right long term move right now. Could argue either way.
Jake (VA Beach): Just FYI - might want to edit out that URL posted with the Chatman question - I know that's been a no-no before
Matt Williamson: Didn't know what that was about. Saw it after I posted. Thanks for the tip though.
Luis (SB, CA): Now that the Cowboys are on Bye, do you see a Romo deal finally being worked out? Seems to me this is a good time to lock him in for the long-haul
Matt Williamson: As good of a time as ever I suppose. He won't reach free agency-don't worry.
James (Jacksonville) : What do you think of Reuben Droughns' production possibilities this week, with both Ward and Jacobs banged up?
Matt Williamson: Risky. Monitor those two for sure, but if they play, all will touch the ball.
Mike (Beverly, Ma): Hey Matt, I have a fantasy question for you. Do I trade McGahee for Owens? While I am weak at WR I have LT and Peterson as my starters. Do you think I am getting enough in return for Willis? Thanks again for another fast pace chat!
Matt Williamson: Yes. With LT and Peterson as your starters? Those are the best two RBs in the league! You are stacked! TO will keep catching TDs in bunches-that is what he does. Do it!
Sam (Columbus, OH): I dont think Brady Quinn makes one start in 2007, do you agree?
Matt Williamson: I do agree now.
Ron (Hoboken NJ): Is Braylon Edwards for real or was the 1st few weeks just a fluke?
Matt Williamson: He is for real and is now one of the best WRs in the NFL. Great player. For real.
Josh(New Mexico): will adrian peterson pass benson on the depth chart this year?
Matt Williamson: Perhaps. What I would do is start by giving Peterson an additional five carries this week and see how it helps/hurts the running game. If it helps, keep upping that number.
Nick (Smithfield, UT): Will Adrian Peterson be an elite back in the league by the end of this year?
Matt Williamson: Already is
Frank (Tampa, FL): Does Cam Cameron get fired, especially for trying to justify the Ted Ginn selection?
Matt Williamson: Not yet. Can't say that I have been impressed with Cameron-they have not won a game! But, gotta give him another year.
Randy (Wyoming): Hey Matt love your insight! Has Tony Dungy de-throwned Shannahan as The Devil of Fantasy Football? Seriously is there a time share in Indy, or were they just being carefull with Addai returning from injury?
Matt Williamson: I think they were just being careful. It worked. Addai should see 75% of the carries from here on out.
Mike (Boca Raton): Despite the abundance of talented TEs in the AFC, do you think Heath Miller is emerging as one of the most complete at the position? In addition to being a solid blocker, he catches extremely well, and is durable. Where does he rank among the TEs in the league?
Matt Williamson: I do think so. Turning into an excellent TE. There are quite a few very good ones though. I would put these guys ahead of him off the top of my head: Gates, Winslow, Gonzo, Cooley, Watson,
Witten. Heap and Crump are too injury prone. Cooley and Watson are not as well rounded as Miller, but are great fits in their O. I could be missing a TE.
Adam (OH): Is 8-8 a realistic guess for the Browns this season? If not then what?
Matt Williamson: That is realistic. Should beat STL without a ton of problems this week. I think 9 wins is steep though.
Roger (Saginaw, MI): Is the reason Jeff Garcia has yet to throw an INT mainly due to the dink and dunk style the Bucs play?
Matt Williamson: That certainly doesn't hurt. How many times did he throw to Graham last week? Wow. But still, he thrown a lot of passes and not throwing one to the other team is still quite impressive. He is playing well.
Ken (Tarzana, CA): What are you thoughts on Darnell Dockett? The guy has been a beast in the 3-4 D for the Cards.
Matt Williamson: Sure has. Penetrator with great quickness and upfield ability. Pro Bowl type of season. Future is bright.
Roger Goodell (NYC): Give me Brady's address so I can mail him the MVP trophy!
Matt Williamson: Rog,
Hard to argue with that, but Peyton sill might have something to say about that. Manning is playing incredible.
Mike (Cleveland): Given Big Ben's record when he has to pass more than 30 times why dont more teams put 8 in the box to take away the run from Pittsburgh?
Matt Williamson: That record when he throws a lot is a bit misleading to me. I think he is a far better passer and this O is much different than it was during the Cowher years. I don't see them as a strict run-first team, but I do feel ya. Denver put 8 in the box and blitzed Ben heavy and it really worked. PGH's OL is bad and they can't protect. They also are not running as well as in previous years. I understand that Parker has a ton of yardage, but PGH has also been winning by a large margin in many of their games.
Marcus (Ruston, LA): Is Reggie Bush closer to Roger Craig than Gayle Sayers, Barry Sanders?
Matt Williamson: None of the above. Those three guys you mentioned are FAR better players than Bush. Of the three, Sayers makes the most sense I guess. Bush can be great, but he isn't yet.
Ryan (Los Angeles): Why did Wisenhunt take Edge out of the game at the end and hand it to Arrington at the goal line? That was his first carry of the game
Matt Williamson: Yeah, that coaching move went unnoticed since he did that crazy Boldin pass for the 2 pt conversion. Can't agree with either.
gary-new brunswick,nj: I KNOW THAT THERE IS NO SIMPLE ANSWER BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK THE ANSWER IS FOR MY JETS GET RID OF THE CURRENT REGIME AND START ALL OVER OR FINE TUNE WHAT WE HAVE? WE LOOK LIKE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT TEAM FROM LAST YEAR I THINK MANGINI HAS TO TAKE HIS FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND I WOULD BRING IN A NEW OC AND DC AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
Matt Williamson: I would not blow it up but I would play a 4-3 on D. The personnel is still better suited for it. If they stick with the 3-4 (which they will), they still need three legit starters who really fit that scheme. Both of their lines need the most work. Can live with the skills guys and QB on O.
Jon (Mad-town): Can Hester become a pro-bowl caliber receiver in the mold of Steve Smith after learning the position or will he be a slot receiver for his career?
Matt Williamson: SO far from S Smith now that I can't sit here and say that he gets to that level. Obviously he does some things that few players in recent memory can do with the ball in their hands but becoming an all around WR is a major project. Hands, routes, blocking, breaking tackles, reading coverages, etc.
Danny (Atlanta): And the best D is...?
Matt Williamson: Best D in the league right now? Hmm, NE keeps popping in my head but they sure do get a lot of help from having such a great O. Tenn's is real strong. PGH is good, but not the best. Balt is still good-but have dropped and are banged up. Wash and the Giants come to mind. Indy is really well coached. Jax is strong. Give me the Pats I guess, but not real strong on that over here.
Robert (New Mexico): Who will be the starting RB at Greeen Bay come next year?
Matt Williamson: Someone who is not on the roster. Michael Turner?!?
Paul (Denver): Do you believe the outcome of the SB would have been different with Griese at QB?
Matt Williamson: Yes. Chicago would have lost still though. Just not as badly.
Dustin (Dayton, OH): If the Bengals win Sunday do you see them competing for the division? They play the Steelers.
Matt Williamson: Yes. That would be a giant win. Cincy will be getting more healthy in the coming weeks and C Henry comes back-which is HUGE. Still, PGH is better than Cincy regardless of the outcome of Sunday's game and they will be tough to beat in the AFC North.
Jon (DC): Other than NE and Indy, the NFC is better than the AFC.
Matt Williamson: Are you saying that if we took the Colts and Pats away and the top two teams in the NFC away that the NFC would be better? I guess that can be argued, but I am not buying it. BTW, Indy and NE are FAR better than any other team in the league, let alone the NFC or AFC.
Gary (Atlanta): Seriously when is Petrino gonna figure out the QB is not the problem and that the O-line is the worst in the NFL?
Matt Williamson: It is horrible, but what is Petrino going to do about it right now? That is an offseason project. He obviously recognizes it.
Jay(Los Angeles): AFC north has to considered one of the toughest divisions in football. The good but under achieving Bengals could be the worst team in the division
Matt Williamson: Agreed. Don't sleep on the Ravens either. Just look at their injury list-a LOT of Pro Bowls on that injury list.
David (Jersey): Who drafts Brian Brohm? The Jets or Atl?
Matt Williamson: NOT the Jets. They have one too many QBs already!
JEFF (Anaheim): With all the talk about Peterson, isn't it possible for Calvin Johnson to comeback and win Offensive ROY? What a WR.
Matt Williamson: Of course. He is a future superstar and mark my words-he will be one of the best WRs in the league by this time next year. Still, Peterson is well ahead of him for the ROY race right now.
Sean Taylor & Laron Landry (DC): To Randy Moss: No free passes in this secondary, you come over the middle you are getting "straight jacked homey!"
Matt Williamson: He doesn't go over the middle...
Bob(Pittsburgh): Who wrote up that game plan for the Steelers. Why wouldnt they just play to their strength until Denver showed they could stop it?
Matt Williamson: Didn't understand that either, but in PGH's defense, they came out throwing and walked right down the field for an early TD. Also, Den always had a safety in the box. But, back in the day, PGH would have still run on that 8-man front. That is the differnce in this rushing attack from previous years. No FB. No Bettis type RB (not a knock on Parker). And most importantly, they cannot count on their five big guys to dominate the LOS. This is becoming a finesse O. I am from PGH and saying that actually kinda sends a shiver up my spine.
Randy Moss (NE): Hey Sean and Laron - I won't go over the middle, I'll blow by you over the top when you both bite on the play fake like always.
Matt Williamson: Indeed
ben plattsburgh: pick a tandem now and for the future, osi and tuck or merriman and phillips
Matt Williamson: SD's guys. LOVE Merriman. And I would take Phillips over Tuck. Still, not exactly the same position.
Patrick (San Francisco): Whats your take on the NFL taking regular season games overseas? It seems to be nothing more than a way for the NFL to fatten their already deep pockets.
Matt Williamson: Couldn't agree more. Makes little sense to me and seems very unfair to those teams.
Jim (Oshkosh, WI): Is the reason Bush isnt successful running the ball right now because of his O-line or is it his running style?
Matt Williamson: Several reasons. The OL hasn't come close to what they did last year. Nor has the passing attack. These all go hand in hand. Brees has been off-but is getting better. Bush is never going to be a workhorse-I firmly believe that. Look at Westbrook-who is great. He can't stay healthy and is bigger and stronger than Bush. Playing RB in this league isn't good for one's body. Bush's explosion and great strengths to his game will quickly disappear if he is forced into a workhorse role. He needs Deuce or someone like him. Bush also does dance to much and doesn't just hit it up in there.
Gary (Atlanta): Do you think the NFL would let the Bills move to Toronto? I think teams in Canada and Mexico make more sense than going to Europe.
Matt Williamson: Anything makes more sense than going to Europe. Such a long flight, etc. Still, Buff should always stay in Buff-GREAT fan base.
TK (brooklyn): Will Fairchild be back in Buffalo next year? His play calling is so predictable and he calls plays to lose in the 4th quarter.
Matt Williamson: I agree with that. Not sure if he will keep his job or not though. Those instructions could be coming from Jauron.
Max (Buffalo, NY): If Marshawn Lynch had a better OL, he would be tearing it up, agree?
Matt Williamson: Yes. He is a stud in the making. That OL will come around, but he is always facing 8 man fronts. Buff has one pass catcher (Evans) who scares anyone. Too easy to defend and a QB that is unproven. Plus, the D struggles to get off the field...but has played better of late.
Rick (Memphis, TN): Is this TO's last year in Dallas?
Matt Williamson: WHY?
Tom Brady (Championship Town USA): Am I playing the same Commanders team that needed to eeck out a win this past weekend ? Yawn, maybe I'll just trot in for a quarter and take the rest of the day off.
Matt Williamson: Play most of the game, put up monster numbers, hang on the sidelines and then come in very late in the game when you guys are up by 3 TDs for one play and throw another TD. That is how you roll.
Tony Ellsworth, Papillion NE: Broncos were struggling in the red zone until Shanahan let Cutler pass. The result was 3 red zone TD's & a win. Trend to continue?
Matt Williamson: It should. That OL isn't dominant or overpowering. Tougher to operate in tight quarters for the running game. Cutler played great last week. He is going to be a good one.
Jimmy (SC): Here's a good one, order these guys 1-3 in toughness. Polamalu, Hines Ward,
Marion Barber.
Matt Williamson: 1. Barber. 2. Ward. 3. Polamalu....but #43 is the best player of the group for sure.
Mike (NY): Is Michael Turner a top 12 rb next year?
Matt Williamson: Depends where he goes! RB production is as much to do about his surroundings as anything.
Bob (Moon, PA): I bet if you cut Marion Barber open, he bleeds Black and Yellow. That man runs like a Steeler.
Matt Williamson: Dude, you are from Moon-20 minutes from me. It is Black and GOLD. Black and GOLD. Come on Bro.
Norv Turner (SD): Am I going to be a coordinator next yr?
Matt Williamson: That is where you belong.
Jason (baltimore): Is Ed Reed the best all around safty you've ever seen?
Matt Williamson: Right up there. I like Troy P a little better, but that is a very tough call. Wilson is great. As is Sanders when healthy. Reed is special though-no doubt about that. S Taylor could get to that level as well.
Fred (Santa Fe, NM): Does big Jon Ogden retire this yr>?
Matt Williamson: Gotta think so. He strongly considered it before this year and this season certainly could not do much to inspire his return.
Joe (SF): Alex Smith is a bust? y/n?
Matt Williamson: Not yet...but maybe soon. He will never be the type of QB who puts his team on his shoulders, but if they continue to build that D and running game, they can win with Smith. Still, SF fans should worry.
Matt Williamson: Okay guys, I am out. It was fun, but I gotta run.
