Rodd Newhouse: (1:01 PM ET ) How's it going Sports Nation!?!? A little slow around the NFL right now, but I am sure you guys have plenty toa talk about as we fill the next hour. Let's call this one "Chatter's Choice". Roll Call!
Marcus W (Truxton, Tx): Rodd, do you think that the media makes too big a deal about players miss OTA's?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:05 PM ET ) Thanks for getting us started M-Dub! To answer your question confusingly...yes and no. I think players should be around as many mini-camps as possible to help build the team, but the seaon is long and players do need time off. You need time ot let your body and mind rest and just get away from the game. Players like Brett Favre who admitted that after 17 years he just did not want to be there has some merit. I do not look at it from a monetary factor, because even the lay person needs some time away from the job to recharge his batteries. But I DO think the media makes too much of it.
Dan (Tulsa): Real projection for the Cowboys in 07? Is 12 wins and a Superbowl legit or am I dreaming?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:09 PM ET ) Dan, not only are you dreaming, you are having a nightmare! HA HA I do not see the Boys winning 12 games in 07. And NO where near a Super Bowl. While I like the talent on this team, and a playoff run is warranted, I still am not sold on Romo at the helm. I know I am the unfavorable end withthis one, but I still think he cannot lead a team for the long term. IF he is surrounded by a great run game, they may be able to win a few more games than they should have. 9-10 wins seems more real.
Brian (Folsom, CA): Hello Newhouse, big fan of yours. At 23y/o Alex Smith is still the youngest starting QB in the league and already has 2 seasons under his belt. Whats the general feeling around the league about Smith?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:12 PM ET ) Thanks Brian! Glad you keep stopping by. As for Smith, He had a great run game behind him in 06 and I think as teams put more players in the box in 07 to stop Gore, Smith will be asked to step up his play. I think this year will be the true test for where he has really developed. The signs are good and positive for 07 and Smith.
RJ the Intern (Richmond): Hi, Rodd! I was hoping you could tell me how Randy McMichael's replacement in Miami is going to fare. I was a fan of Randy's play on the field (and in Madden!).
Rodd Newhouse: (1:15 PM ET ) Big shoes to fill in Miami. McMichael was able to stretch the field and create mismatches for LBs. Cam likes to incorparate the TE heavily into the offense, so I am sure there will not be too much of a drop off even though they lost a good player
Matt, Raleigh: Hey Rodd...Was Vernon Davis's injury last year just a fluke kinda thing or something to be a bit more concerned about?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:18 PM ET ) I would not be too overly concerned yet. I think his head was filled with all of the hype about him being a "specimen" and relaized that he has to work a bit harder in the NFL where the talents level is obviously much greater. His time out just set him back in terms of getting comfotable, so he will need to do a lot of work in the off-season to get caught up.
Jim (Ocean City, NJ): What Up Rodd? Do you envision Cadillac Williams returning to his stats of two years ago? In a realistic view, when do you see Kevin Kolb (QB PHILLY) getting into a game this year?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:22 PM ET ) What up J? The Caddy should be rolling a lot better in 2007. Gruden is on the hot seat and will need to use the run game to help set up the pass since he is not sold on a QB yet. And do not expect Kolb to be in the plans to play anytime soon this year. If/when McNabb gets injured this year is when we will see Kolb. I do not know why everyone is concerned about the Kolb/McNabb saga. I see it as a smart move for the Eagles in terms of investing in the future. Now I am surprised at the reach of Kolb in that spot, but c'mon, McNabb can't play forever. Expect Kolb to get paid to ride the pine in 07 and be ready as a backup in 08, and take over in 09.
Josh (Irvine, CA): Rodd, we all know that the RAMS offense added a few more weapons to an already loaded artillery, but will the additions of Carriker/Draft/Hall be enough of an improvement on last year's poor defense to challenge for the NFC West crown?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:26 PM ET ) Hey Josh! The Rams biggest supporter here on Sports Nation! Have not heard from you in a while. The selections the Rams made will definitley help, but they need more help inside to sure up that porous d-line and sustain a 16-game season. They were missing depth last year and Carriker will help fill that void. As for the NFC West Crown. Rigth now I go SEA, SF, ARZ, SL.
David (Ft. Myers, FL): Rodd, how are you? I remember you for sure, being a big Commanders going back to your playing days. I have a couple of question, one historical. Back in the 79 game, where Staubach led you guys back from a 13 points down, was the feeling in the stadium that Thiesmann did or did not get the time out called in time? Forget the ruling, I am wondering what the team truly thought (btw, who did send that wreath to your locker). My other question is current about the Commanders. Do you see Campbell having a strong year, and will Greg Williams be able to shore up that defense? Thanks again for your time.
Rodd Newhouse: (1:31 PM ET ) Well, first of all Dave, I was only a young kid in 79, so I can't remembr what I said to Staubach (Jeff, Roger's son). You are thinking of my father. You can reach him in Texas still working for the Dallas Cowboys! HA HA I had to give you a hard time on that one. I will ask him about the wreath though. Anyway, I am still not sure what the Commanders are doing in Ashburn. I wish they would have gone out and gotten some more picks in 07 for the draft, and give Campbell some weapons to grow with. Campbell is a solid talent, but I do not think he can lead the Commanders back to the dominance they used to have.
Chris (Broadview Heights, OH): With a potential roster including Brady Quinn, Jamal Lewis, Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicious and Kellen Winslow Jr. the Browns have to be improved, right?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:33 PM ET ) Improved...Yes. Cohesive...No.
The have other issues beside talent that are plaguing them in turning the corner.
David (Upland, Ca): Rodd, as a huge Raiders fan it is hard for me to have an unbiased opinion as for what to expect this season from the Silver & Black. Can you help me out? Can we at least win 8 games this year?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:34 PM ET ) I see 6 or 7 wins this year. McCown has not shown that he can be the leader many have him pegged to be and there is a huge learning curve for Russell. The defense will carry this team again in 07.
David (Fort Myers, FL): GOOD One!! Yeah, I was twelve when that game happend and cried for an hour!! Thanks for the post. I had hoped that the Skins could have gotten more picks too, but it seems that nobody wanted to deal for the number six pick? Take it easy, and thanks again.
Rodd Newhouse: (1:35 PM ET ) You're welcome!
Kevin (Manassas): Hey Rodd, you said you think the Skins need to give Campbell more weapons?? He has Portis, Betts, Moss, Randle El, Cooley, and Lloyd, how many more weapond does he need? It was obvious that the Skins problem was on the defensive side of the ball, and while they did not address the D-Line, they have improved their secondary, and Laron Landry is going to be a beast along with Sean Taylor.
Rodd Newhouse: (1:41 PM ET ) Portis-hurt, Betts-high priced backup, Moss-I'll give you that one, Randle El-WAY over paid, Cooley-I'll give you credit for what he brings as an H-back, and Lloyd-a good #2 WR. Yes the Skiins need defensive help and help in other areas too. I was refering to the previous question in regards to the Skins not trading for more picks to build this team through the draft. You CANNOT build through free-agency! If not for the pick of Landry when they selected, I would have given the Skins an "F" for their draft. They had the entire off-season to try and move some picks around and did nothing. Oh let's not forget about the bad trade for Duckett.
paul (lake tahoe): Is michael bush going to be a steal for the raiders, or will he just be ruined after breaking is leg?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:43 PM ET ) I referred to this as one of, if not the steals of the draft. Bush may not be full speed in 07, but if he can get back on track by 08, look out for a the vastly improved run game in OAK.
Non-Regular: What's good Rodd. Have you heard anything about the rumor of a McNabb for Briggs deal? I think that would be great for the Bears but I just can't see the Eagles letting McNabb go. Thoughts?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:46 PM ET ) Thanks for stopping by, Mr. Non-Regular! Horrible deal for the Eagles. Great deal for the Bears, but do not ever look for this to happen. This was some rumor fabricated in the off-season by some sports writer to get us talking about something during this slow time of the year. It is WAY too bad of a deal for Philly, because it does not address a need for them. Make sure to come back on the "regular" now.
Jon (DC): Rodd, respectfully I think you are off in criticizing the players around Campbell. Portis is healthy now. It's not like he blew out he knee last year, he had a shoulder separation. Not many teams can say they have a Portis-Moss-Cooley combo around a QB. The defense is suspect, I give you that, and Campbell is still a question mark, but the players around Campbell should not give anyone reservations about the upcoming season.
Rodd Newhouse: (1:49 PM ET ) Yeah, but who/what/where is the rebuilding or simple building for that matter. This team tries year after year to build through free-agency and charge ridiculous ticket prices to the fans without getting a qaulity product. 80,000 tickets if a lot of scratch, but when the fans figure it out I think the Skins will change their ways.
Jonathan (Toronto, Canada): Rodd, you insulted me twice! I'm the biggest Ram supporter here and even though the NFC West has improved dramatically I can't believe you call them to land in the basement. They are improved in every area they needed to be with the exception of run defense but Sam Adams has been in town for a look. Could he be the difference if he signs? What other area do you see as a weakness on this team?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:52 PM ET ) Jonathan, sorry man, but Josh is pretty vocal 'round these parts! HA HA Well, let me show som luv 2 ya now. It is not that I see the Rams as a bad team, I Just thik the others are a bit more solid at this time. Now as the rosters set themselve after training camp, I will have a better feel, so your Rams could still move up. Sam Adams does not fit the style of defensive linemen haslett looks for. Adams is a run stuffer who really just takes up space and is not a player who presses the pocket. If used on short yardage and in rotation, he may be a fit, but I doubt it.
Richard Pratt Orlando FL: Hey Rodd, love your stuff! What do you think of the Titans this off season? They didn't sign any WR or RB and with Young being, well, young, how do you think they will fair this year? I smell a #1 draft pick...
Rodd Newhouse: (1:55 PM ET ) This is a team that is rebuilding and will have some struggles ahead of them in 07. Some questionable picks, but they will be competitive in 08, but there is still time in the off-season to make some trade and get some quality players in training camp.
jeff (iowa): How about a non-raiders,rams,skins question...is Cleo Lemon going to end up being the starter for Miami? Have they given up on getting the deal done w/ KC?
Rodd Newhouse: (1:58 PM ET ) No, Cleo will be a backup. Green will be in MIA, and whter via trade or flat out release, T. Green will not be in KC at the start of the 07 season. He called the Chiefs out by refering to his salry being too much for the team to carry him as a backup, and the team knows it too. They will not keep him on the roster for that pay nad what they just paid Huard. It will be done in time. T. Green can go ahead and start looking for his house in MIA. The Chiefs just don't want another AFC team to have a jump on them in the offseason, that is why this thing is being held up.
Tom (Chicago): How much do you think Devin Hester will contribute to the Bears offense? I imagine him catching balls out of the backfield and running slant routes, occasionally breaking them for big gains; maybe 3-4 offensive TDs. Your thoughts?
Rodd Newhouse: (2:00 PM ET ) Hester is an athlete. Not a DB and not a WR. He will get the ball on short swing routes and reverse plays to keep defenses off balance. 3-4 TDS in this role is realistic.
Rodd Newhouse: (2:02 PM ET ) Guys, I wish we had more time, but my time is up! Keep 'em coming next week when JG is in the house! Great stuff as always. Until...I'm out!
uke:
