Matt Williamson: (12:59 PM ET ) Matt Williamson here. Let's get rolling!
Robert - Las Vegas: Matt! I'm a realist, so I know Norv won't get fired this season (and I don't think he should-yet) but Teddy Cottrell is a different story. Coordinators get fired mid-season every year and sometimes for the better (i.e. Fassel @ BAL in 06). So will the Chargers fans see Ron Rivera become D-Coordinator by seasons end? Remember this is AJ's call not Norv's, since Teddy is AJ's pal.
Matt Williamson: (1:00 PM ET ) Hey, I don't see why not! If it keeps up for a few more weeks-it might be time. Good call. Ugly.
Tim (brooklyn): What should we expect out of Buffalo in their return MNF against Dallas?
Matt Williamson: (1:00 PM ET ) A lot of points against
JT (Miami): Matt - I think Cameron & Mueller have done a horrible job with the dolphins so far. Giving up on culpepper, harrington, drafting Ginn, etc. Is there a chance of a coaching/GM change following the season?
Matt Williamson: (1:01 PM ET ) I dout it. Too early to say that. I hear where you are coming from, but I think that is a little harsh so far. That was a huge project-probably a bigger project than many realize-that Cameron took on in Miami. They are not close.
SprungOnSports (Long Island): Any truth to the rumors that Pete Carroll would jump at the opportunity to take the San Diego job if given full control? Is there any way that this would happen after this season?
Matt Williamson: (1:03 PM ET ) I don't have any inside info and I heard that on Mike and Mike this morning. Still, it doesn't really add up to me. Why get rid of AJ Smith? He has done a fantastic job of putting together a great roster. Well, I guess Carroll could just come in and use what is there, but I wouldn't trust him on the personnel end of things, especially over Smith.
Ben (Baton Rouge, LA): Will this season be just a hiccup for the Bears, or are they on the way to another rebuilding era?
Matt Williamson: (1:04 PM ET ) All depends on the QB position. Assume that they let Grossman walk and go into camp with Orton and Griese. You still need one more guy, which would either be someone in the first two rounds or (longshot) maybe McNabb. Should have signed Leftwich.
Jason (OH): Why is everyone acting like they knew Arizona was going to beat Pittsburgh? Don't you think people are over reacting? Pittsburgh was without Hines Ward AND Troy Polamalu. Not too mention Big Ben throws a pick in the endzone and then Arizona returns a punt for a TD for the first time in fourteen years. Fluky.
Matt Williamson: (1:05 PM ET ) Zona played great and remember, they didn't have Boldin either. Which is huge. They also didn't have RT Levi Brown-another big loss. I hear ya though, I think PGH wins that game 7 out of 10, but their inability to run the ball should worry you and without a rushing attack, that O becomes very ordinary. The OL was outplayed as well. The Troy P loss changed the game.
Xander (Philly): Care to give an intelligent answer on the Buffalo/Dallas question?
Matt Williamson: (1:07 PM ET ) I suppose. The Bills' defense is really bad. Littered with injuries. Undersized. Vastly inexperienced. Dallas' offense is really good. Exceptional QB play. A strong running game. TO! A big physical OL. Therefore, I expect the Bills' defense to let up a TON of points on Monday Night.
chauncey (teaneck): Can the Pats go undefeated?
Matt Williamson: (1:08 PM ET ) They can. I don't think it will happen, but it could. Do you think they are a favorite in Indy if the game were played this week? I do. Not a huge favorite, but I would think they are favored...which would make them the favorite in every game this year...if they stay healthy. Someone will get them though. Bad bounces. Turnovers. 14-2.
Damian (Pasadena, MD): Hey Matt, huge Chiefs Fans here...There offense looked ok and there defense is much better than in past years. Is there anyway we can expect an 8-8 season??? Thanks...
Matt Williamson: (1:10 PM ET ) That seems too optomistic, but the division isn't overly challenging right now and KC could possibly win 3 games in the division. Still, I am not a believer in that O at all. Bowe looks great and Gonzo is still oustanding, but the OL and QB really worries me. I agree with the D though. 6-10.
Hans(Texas): With Thomas Howards nfl leading 3 interceptions, is he aiming for a pro bowl berth?
Matt Williamson: (1:10 PM ET ) That seems extreme, but he is a super talented young playmaker.
Mike (Cincinnati): It seems like the Browns are getting better every week. The first round picks from the previous three drafts are starting to pay dividends. Can they really make some noise in the AFC North this year?
Matt Williamson: (1:12 PM ET ) They will be contenders next year-especially if they dont go switching coaches. As for this year, Yes, they have improved and have a solid nucleus to build around, but I still think Anderson is a lifetime backup and will eventually need to be replaced. The DL is very old and they need at least one big addition there. I feel ya, but doubt they get to .500 when it is all said and done.
Joe (Huntsville,AL): Not to sound insensitive, but how much do you see Caddilac's injury hurting the Bucs? Graham and Pittman seem like a good enough 1 2 punch to get the job done.
Matt Williamson: (1:13 PM ET ) The Petigout injury might hurt them more. The OL was starting to really gel and there is a lot of talent in that group. Now, they have to reshuffle. I am not a huge fan or Pittman or Graham, but you are right, they are good enough. Caddy breaks your heart, but they will be okay. They might actually win that division.
Paul (Seattle): Are the Seahawks the 2nd best in the NFC?
Matt Williamson: (1:14 PM ET ) No-
behind at least Dallas and GBay
Scott (Anchorage, AK): Greeetings from the far north! What is your take on the Seahawks? They manhandled SF on sunday.
Matt Williamson: (1:15 PM ET ) From Anchorage? Wow....cool. Literally. Anyways, Seattle is solid. I don't trust Alexander to be a workhorse anymore. They have a lot of D playmakers in the back 7. Real interested to see how they fare in PGH this weekend to see if they are for real. I am on the fence right now.
Joe (NYC): The Giants next four games are against the Jets, Falcons, Niners and Dolphins before the bye week. What do you expect their record to be going into the bye?
Matt Williamson: (1:16 PM ET ) Gotta think they will be 3-1 in that stretch. Someone will get them, but 3-1 would be very respectable. I really misjudged this team from their first two games and wrote a blog yesterday more or less apologizing to all the Giants fans out there. They are pretty good-not great-don't get too excited, but they might compete for a Wild Card spot. 8-8 or 7-9.
James, CA: Matt, what do you think the chances are for Bowe to win ROY?
Matt Williamson: (1:18 PM ET ) I would put him 3rd right now off the top of my head behind Peterson and Lynch. Who else is out there? Joe Thomas has played well, but it won't go to a LT. T Edwards? Not yet, but he will get involved possibly. OROY has to be Peterson though. He is the entire Vikings O.
Nick (Hamilton): Can you comment on RB's the Bucs might look for in a trade? Turner, C. Taylor,
J.Jones, M. Moore?
Matt Williamson: (1:20 PM ET ) Can't see Dallas moving JJ, as they are contenders and can't afford to lose depth. Think SD would move Turner? It could be the smart move in a few weeks if they keep losing. I hadn't thought of that. TBay would love to get that guy, but he would be expensive to sign long term. Not sure that Moore would be an upgrade. Good all around RB, but nothing special. Taylor is probably the best fit. Catches the ball well. Tough. Gruden and him could get along. What would you want if you were in Minny's shoes? They paid him a lot, so you would get good cap relief. Go with AP and Moore. 4th rounder? Maybe a 3rd? Could work for both teams.
Rob Cary NC: Matt a lot teams spot rush the bears when they play them and rex was always in that spot because he doesnt have pocket presence. How would signing leftwhich have been any different?
Matt Williamson: (1:22 PM ET ) That is a very good point and Leftwhich's negatives are not to be taken lightly. I think he is a far better decision maker and passer than Rex though-by far. That team's philosophy is to play great D, don't turn it over, run the ball well (which isn't working) and spend money on OL. The OL is failing a bit, as is the D due to injury. Leftwich may have struggled as well, but I like him as a cheap answer for the next year or so. Upgrade.
Otto (CA): Do you think there is a pretty decent shot of the 49ers having to start all over again at GM, Head Coach and QB? I just don't see these guys turning it around.
Matt Williamson: (1:22 PM ET ) I like the GM and Head Coach...
Paul (El Paso, Texas): I've heard a lot people say the Raiders are under rated wut is your say in this topic.
Matt Williamson: (1:24 PM ET ) Their D might actually be overrated-really isn't playing like last year on that side of the ball. But, they also are not playing like they did on the O side of the ball like they did last year...which is a good thing. The OL is playing much better. Jordan has been a stud-hopefully he isnt' hurt badly. Underrated overall? I don't think so. 6 win team or so.
Cory (Ohio): Chances of a Colts repeat???????
Matt Williamson: (1:24 PM ET ) I don't like it. The Pats!
Jimmy (Springer (nm)): Is the AFC west the weakest in football the Broncos could easily be 0-4 if you think about it and who wins this Division
Matt Williamson: (1:25 PM ET ) I picked Denver to start the season, but their run D is just horrible. I still think it will be Den or SD though. The NFC South might be worse.
Jeff (Cleveland): Speaking of the Vikings, is there any chance that they pull it together this year? And is T-Jack a mistake as a starter in this league?
Matt Williamson: (1:26 PM ET ) I do think that T Jax is a mistake as a starter and could eventually cost Childress his job. The QB/Passing Game are no where up to snuff, so No, they will not compete this year. Peterson will maske a lot of problems, but they need to find a QB in a big way. Looks bad.
Jim (Detroit): Do you think the Lions can make the playoffs?
Matt Williamson: (1:27 PM ET ) Yeah, I do. Not betting the mortgage on it, as their D is pretty rough at times. Still, how many NFC teams would you put over them right now? Not THAT many. Calvin J will be back.
Glen (Suprise, AZ): Do you think Leinhart and Warner will be sharing the QB role the entire season?
Matt Williamson: (1:28 PM ET ) No. Not sure who takes the job and I do think that Wiz has handled it pretty well so far all things considered, but QB by committee just doesn't work. I am not buying it for the long term at all.
jj(ch): What is wrong with Julius Peppers he has been completley unproductive, speculation is that he has an illness
Matt Williamson: (1:28 PM ET ) I have no idea if he is ill, but his play isn't CLOSE to where it was one year ago. That team is a wreck.
Jon(Ossian, IN): Randy Moss is on pace to have a huge year. 124 catches, over 2000 yards and 28 TD's. I know at some time he will fall off this pace. What kind of numbers to you see him putting up this year?
Matt Williamson: (1:30 PM ET ) If those are the Over/Under...give me the UNDER! Still, he is a monster and is close to uncoverable right now. If you double him consistently, he still makes plays and the rest of the Pats' O goes off. How about 1500 yards and 17 TDs. Not too shabby.
CJ (Phoenix, Arizona): How many more seasons do you think Favre will play beyond this one? There are so many variables I would imagine.
Matt Williamson: (1:30 PM ET ) Hard to say. He can still get it done. Assuming they don't win it all this year, he has to feel good about coming back to GB next year, as they will be a contender.
Mike (Annapolis, MD): Matt, what do you make of the fact that the AFC is now 7-8 against the NFC? Can we forget about the supposed "dominance" of the AFC?
Matt Williamson: (1:31 PM ET ) Don't look too much into it. The AFC has better teams. No question in my mind.
tim, Arizona: What do you think of the comments by Leinhart that they should just play him and live with his ridiculous bad play because he's the franchise QB and that it will be better long term. I wouldn't want to follow a guy that's obviously in it for himself and not the success of the team.
Matt Williamson: (1:31 PM ET ) Not the smartest thing to say. Rocking the boat after a big win? Come on!
Jon V. (Cleveland,OH): Is missing Trveor Pryce that big of deal or did Thomas and Steinbach just own Suggs this past weekend?
Matt Williamson: (1:32 PM ET ) Losing Pryce is huge and it makes concentrating on Suggs much more difficult. Still, Steinbach and Thomas are for real.
Ryan (WI): I think ya still gotta be careful of Denver. Look at last year, Indy had a horrible run defense, then just put it together in the playoffs. Is that possible for Denver too?
Matt Williamson: (1:33 PM ET ) They had better do it WELL before the playoffs or they will watch them from the Rockies. With all the new faces on their DL and with a new DCoordinator, I am wanting to dismiss it as new people, but it has just been SO awful. Worry.
Mike(The Ohio State University): how much do u think injuries on teams like the bengals and rams have to do with their losing vs poor coaching.
Matt Williamson: (1:34 PM ET ) Has a ton to do with it. The Rams are playing with a complete makeshift OL. Cincy's D is shredded by injury. Coaches can only do so much in these cases. Remember, the guys on the other side of the ball are pretty darn good as well.
Jimmy (Springer (nm)): Is Dallas a bigger challenge for NE then Indy
Matt Williamson: (1:35 PM ET ) I don't think so, just because of experience and Peyton. Not a knock on Dallas, but there is something to having been there before.
allan (philadelphia): Are the CArdinals capable of winning 9-10 games
Matt Williamson: (1:37 PM ET ) Not 10. 9 even seems steep to me. They are better than last year and are running the ball well. Good D-not great. I think they played their best game last Sunday for Wiz. Not yet sold. Qb issues.
Norman (NY): Who would win right now in a battle between Chuck Norris and Tony Romo?
Matt Williamson: (1:38 PM ET ) Hard to bet against Romo right now. Everything he touches turns to gold.
David (Houston, TX): How do you think the Texas will hold up with all the injuries at WR and RB?
Matt Williamson: (1:38 PM ET ) It is the beginnning of the end. Shaub is excellent, but it is time to come back to earth.
Ali: (richmond): OSi leading the league in sacks... no surprise cuase of his outstanding game...you think he finishes with 16 sacks and pro bowl ?
Matt Williamson: (1:39 PM ET ) Quite possibly. Doing that on prime time helps with the Pro Bowl as well. Having Strahan on the other side goes a long way. Peppers shouldn't go this year-opens a spot.
Vince (Los Angeles): What should I do with Mcnabb on my fantasy team?
Matt Williamson: (1:40 PM ET ) That is a tough call. If Westbrook doesnt play, McNabb's numbers will really suffer. Getting LT Thomas back would be nice too! I don't blame McNabb for the performance last week-his team didn't help him at all. Play the matchup and see what is going on with the rest of their O players.
Mike (Beverly, Ma): Can the Niners win the following games to end up at 9-7? Saints, @Falcons, Rams, @Cards, Vikings, Buccaneers, @Browns?
Matt Williamson: (1:42 PM ET ) @ Cards doesn't look easy, nor does the Bucs or @ Browns. Of that list, I bet the go 5-2 at the best.
Earley (Hamden): what should i do with westbrook on my fantasy team?
Matt Williamson: (1:42 PM ET ) Keep him! Wait until he gets healthy. Stud. Still could have a giant year.
John (Cincinnati): Matt how much of the success for the Browns can be attributed to the O-line? It doesn't feel normal seeing a Browns QB standing after a pass play. Also, any chance they trade Schaffer to TB?
Matt Williamson: (1:43 PM ET ) Shaffer to TBay makes some sense with Tucker coming back. They would be happy to get rid of his contract I would think. The OL has everything to do with their success. It wasn't ready for prime time in the Steelers game, but has improved since. Imagine if they had LeCharles Bentley.
Devon (Cleveland): browns over patriots sun. you heard it here first!!!!
Matt Williamson: (1:44 PM ET ) Wow Devon....wishful thinking!
Matt,MPLS : Huge Vikes fan, but they are finishing 2-14 at best. Fist pick in the draft and a new coach. Ugh....
Matt Williamson: (1:45 PM ET ) It will be better than that! Still, pick a QB early in the first round and build a passing game!
Hans(Texas): Is Robert Gallery still considered a bust or has he bounced back?
Matt Williamson: (1:45 PM ET ) Playing much better now at OG. Short arms for OT and was moved around so much that he never got comfortable. Better coaching and scheme now too.
Blake (Stamford, CT): Brandon Jacobs back this weekend against the Jets?
Matt Williamson: (1:46 PM ET ) Sounds like it. Still, I would give Ward more carries than Jacobs at this point.
Steve (Orlando, FL): Gaines Adams got pancaked by a Tight End, what a joke!
Matt Williamson: (1:46 PM ET ) Yeah, he is struggling. Doesn't look strong enough to hold the point. Very athletic though. Still, not an everydown player now at all.
Norman (NY): Fill in the blank:
Next season Darren McFadden will be playing for the.....
Matt Williamson: (1:47 PM ET ) Hmmm.....most of the real bad teams are okay at RB.
Maybe Dallas trades their two #1s? Doubtful. ATL? Can't come up with a good team right now.
Freddie (Tulsa, OK): Is Marvin Lewis going to be fired? So much for defensive genius?
Matt Williamson: (1:48 PM ET ) He should be worried. The wheels might start to fall off now. I like Lewis though and I think he deserves a ton of credit for simply changing the expectations in Cincy. Still, it isn't pretty right now. Injuries have a ton to do with it though.
DJ (Pitt): Any updates to the injuries on Harrison, Addai, Heap, Ahman Green or Andre Johnson?
Matt Williamson: (1:49 PM ET ) Will obviously know more later in the week, but Andre, Heap and Marvin are probably not going to play from what I have heard.
Craig (Boston): As far as the Vikings giving up on T Jackson, when did Atlanta give up on Brett Favre - end of year 2?
Matt Williamson: (1:50 PM ET ) Exception. Not the rule. Live by that philosophy and it will get you fired as a GM.
Mark (NC): Kris Jenkins called out everybody on the Panthers team as having "No Heart!". Is that what this team needs or just another nail in the coffin?
Matt Williamson: (1:50 PM ET ) Not sure that it can hurt at this point. Someone needs to step up.
Matt,MPLS : Would Leftwhich have made any sense for the Vikes to go after?
Matt Williamson: (1:51 PM ET ) Yes and No. Better player than what they have at QB, but isn't a quick throwing guy and takes a long time to get rid of the ball. Not a great fit in the O.
Matt (Grand Forks, ND): What will the Bucs do with Trotter since Barrett Ruud is playing so well?
Matt Williamson: (1:51 PM ET ) Never understood why they picked him up. Doesn't fit the Tampa 2 at all. Can't cover deep down the middle.
Phil Savage (Berea, OH): Is Derek Anderson a tradable asset for me come off season? Remember we dont have a 1st rounder in 2008!
Matt Williamson: (1:52 PM ET ) While that is true, you also need a backup!
Aaron Brooks (Unemployed): Might a team want to sign me?
Matt Williamson: (1:52 PM ET ) Sure doesn't appear so...
Liam (Scotland): Greetings Matt. Please answer my fantasy question. Who do you like for the rest of the year. Wayne or Housh? Holt or Holmes? Thanks!
Matt Williamson: (1:53 PM ET ) Wayne over Housh. Don't have a ton to back that up, but he is just my preference. Santonio over Holt? Wow, but yes, I guess so. Stay far away from the Rams. Holt is great, but probaby isnt' 100% and that team is just a mess.
Mike, NJ: You don't give any credence to the "let Jacobs pound the defense in the 4th quarter" theory?
Matt Williamson: (1:54 PM ET ) Sorta. I just don't think he is a feature RB. No vision. Heavy feet. No wiggle. He has a place, but limit it.
Dana (Prescott, AZ): Matt Leinart, a good college QB who is an average/mediocre NFL QB, agree?
Matt Williamson: (1:55 PM ET ) Agree for now. Not ready to give up on him though. Still, he doesn't have big physical tools like Big Ben (thinking about through Wiz's eyes). Not sure that he willl ever be the deep passer that Wiz wants, but in a WCO, I think Leinhart could be very succesful in time.
Sunil (Pompton Lakes, NJ): I am getting a feeling that Chad Pennington will not be back in 2008, do you concur?
Matt Williamson: (1:56 PM ET ) Clemens should start now. Maybe he will be gone. Would be an excellent backup though.
Alan (VA): Matt, is DeShaun Foster carrying the ball funny or what? That guy sure is fumbling alot this year.
Matt Williamson: (1:56 PM ET ) Yeah, that needs to stop. DeAngelo is waiting.
Greg (Baltimore, MD): Ravens still a playoff team?
Matt Williamson: (1:57 PM ET ) Wow, Not sure. They have a VERY easy schedule the next few weeks and better dominate. They really need a healthy Ogden. Team is looking old all of a sudden.
Andrew (VA): My team is stacked at WR. Do I trade Reggie Wayne for Brett Favre?
Matt Williamson: (1:58 PM ET ) There is a bit of a QB shortage around the league right now. That seems like a steep price however. You might have to do it, but start with someone a little less attractive than Wayne.
dan : rank these young qbs for future consideration, who you would build with. Alex smith, leinart, young, cutler, romo, rivers, eli, big ben, shaub.
Matt Williamson: (2:00 PM ET ) You couldn't come up with any more names for me to rank? Geez. Smith is last.
Romo is first. I guess: 1. Romo 2. Young 3. Ben 4. Schaub 5. Cutler 6. Eli 7. Rivers 8. Leinhart 9. Smith. Still, this is a much more difficult task than I have time for right now and could use about 1000 words to make the proper comparisons.
Matt Williamson: (2:00 PM ET ) Okay everyone, I am out. It was a lot of fun. We shall do it again.
