Keith Kidd: (12:30 PM ET ) Hey guys, congratulations to all the winners, and I think we're welcoming the Falcons and Bills in here for the first time. Let's get rollin' with your NFL questions!
Matt (WA): How bout that Chiefs D. They haven't given up a second half TD all year.
Keith Kidd: (12:31 PM ET ) Very impressive. They bend but don't break and force offenses to stop themselves or make a critical game-changing mistake. Their defense will have to keep them in games, because their offense is not very good.
Trevor (GATORCOUNTRY, FLORIDA): What do you think are the Bucs chances of winning a surprisingly weak NFC South division, even with the loss of Cadillac?
Keith Kidd: (12:32 PM ET ) It's very good because the division is so weak. I was impressed with how they shut down the Panthers' offensive gameplan. Maybe they can get Ronde to talk his brother out of retirement and fill Cadillac's spot.
jeremy(ohio): whats your take on the browns? they should be 3-1 after the cheap timeout vs oakland
Keith Kidd: (12:33 PM ET ) To me, it's a tremendous credit to Romeo and his staff. after the Pittsburgh game, this team could have thrown in the towel, but they didn't. They have some explosive playmakers on offense, but the defense must get fixed, which is hard to do during the season. Regardless of how the Browns end up, they need to be patient with Romeo; let him have his full five years.
Matt (Iowa): How legit are the Cowboys? I know the offense is rolling, but will our secondary prove to be our achilles heel? I have a feeling we might get exploited by the pats potent passing game
Keith Kidd: (12:34 PM ET ) We'll finfd out, obviously, but I wouldn't worry right now. The Cowboys will fine-tune their weaknesses. They're the only team in the NFC that looks totally dominating, not unlike the Pats and Colts in the AFC.
Chad (Ftl): Hey, Kidder! Great chats, I am sure this will do the same. Give it to me straight...is Trent Edwards for real? Or is the Jets D that bad? He looked extremely poised for a rookie in his first start.
Keith Kidd: (12:36 PM ET ) I'm not one of those guys that favors playing rookie QBs in the first year. I wouldn't buy a whole lot into it. It does give you hope for the future for a possible franchise guy, but they did play a very bad Jets defense. They relied on the run and put Edwards in a position to make plays on the back end. No team in the league has overcome their spate of injuries. Edwards has upside, but there will be growing pains.
Jake (VA Beach): Giants turning the corner? Or did they just equal half of their '08 win total?
Keith Kidd: (12:38 PM ET ) I don't know about turning the corner because a lot of things we as fans and analysts put on in the first few games. Starters take time to gel, and the end of the first month is a good indicator of that. Manning needs to play more consistently, and defensively, they seem to have gotten things going.
Brandon (Seattle, Wa): What do you think the Seahawks chances of having a 12+ win season this year? Don't forget they haven't even played their best football yet.
Keith Kidd: (12:39 PM ET ) The West may be a little bit worse than I thought. The Cardinals will likely be the team to compete with them. they need to stay healthy and continue to improve. It looks to me that they've addressed their defensive needs, with the pass rush and secondary. A great matchup this week will be Marcus Truffaunt against Hines Ward, if Ward plays.
John (Cleveland, OH): Seriously how good is Winslow? This guy ties a franchise record in receptions last year with a bum knee an inept offensive scheme and a horrid team. Look at him this year... He gets little respect from the media outside of Cleveland, always see him ranked lower then less other TEs on ESPN. I mean come on what does this guy have to do, he had one good arm yesterday and still got 100. And show Braylon some love too... These 2 are legitimate playmakers.
Keith Kidd: (12:41 PM ET ) No doubt. If it wasn't for the injury in his first year, his development wouldn't have been injured. That's why the Browns took him so high. He's an explosive, explosive playmaker along with Edwards. They have an O-line that's starting to gel, an improving Jamal Lewis, Edwards, and Joe Jurevicius.
Tony, CT: Whatever happened to Devin Hester being this dominant receiver (1 rec 3 yds this year)?? Being a saints (aints) fan, I warned everyone before the year he is nothing but another Michael Lewis; great returner, but will never be a good receiver...
Keith Kidd: (12:42 PM ET ) They obviously moved him over there for a reason, to design packages to involve him in the gameplan. this offense has struggled so badly that they've had to move away from those packages to try to get whoever's playing QB in sync. I don't compare him to Michael Lewis myself.
Casey (Phoenix): You said the Bucs should talk Tiki out of retirement, but don't the Giants still own his rights, or was his contract completed?
Keith Kidd: (12:43 PM ET ) I was being sarcastic about the Tiki thing! His rights are still owned by the Giants.
Steve (Denver): Is it too early to talk Patriots football in the winners chat yet?
Do you think the Pats hang another 38 on Cincy tonight?
Keith Kidd: (12:44 PM ET ) I wouldn't bet against them right now. They're obviously the best team in the NFL right now. It will be a bit difficult for them in the jungle. There's nothing like scoring quick and often to take a home crowd out of the game. I don't know how the Bengals will slow them down, and how the Bengals will attack a good Pats D without Rudi Johnson. The Patriots basically exposed this team to the rest of the league last year, and they haven't recovered since.
Jack ( Detroit ) : How boy those LIONS !!! 34 points in the 4th Quarter on the so called great Bears defens ?? your thoughts ??
Keith Kidd: (12:46 PM ET ) Great Bears D yes, but it was depleted as well. 34 is a lot on anybody in the fourth quarter. Not to take anything away from the Lions, but the Bears had a lot of good players missing yesterday. Mike Martz finally got the offense in rythym, and big plays started to happen. I don't have any doubts that they will gel in Chicago, but that was a huge win for Detroit.
Nick (Smithfield, UT): Who is the biggest suprise this year?
Keith Kidd: (12:47 PM ET ) The biggest surprise to me are the Chargers; how they could push Schottenheimer out the door, bring Norv Turner in, and turn this team into a beatable one, even though they're one of the most talented. It just goes to show you how critical coaching is in this business, especially from the head coaching position.
David Garrard (Jax): I know I've got my team rolling, but this bye week gave me some time to think about my pal Byron. When will he get a shot to start in Atlanta?
Keith Kidd: (12:48 PM ET ) I don't think he will get a shot as long as Joey Harrington continues to play like he's playing. Obviously the Falcons are still in the hunt, but if they continue to struggle, they will put Leftwich in there to evaluate him in the future for this organization.
Ron (Hoboken NJ): How about the emergence of Ronnie Brown with two 200 + Total yards games in a row. Is he for real or were the last two weeks a Fluke?
Keith Kidd: (12:50 PM ET ) My question is, where was he in the first two weeks? To me, Cam Cameron has done one of the worst jobs of any first year head coach in the NFL. The defense is in place, and it was the offense that needed to be figured out, and that's what he was supposed to do! This is a bad, bad team. You can't tell me that Nick Saban tore them down that badly!
Peyton Manning: Keith you may think the Patriots are the best team in the NFL right, but don't count us out and remember they have to come to our house this year.
Keith Kidd: (12:51 PM ET ) I said the Pats are the best in the NFL right now, but it does change from week to week. Not to discredit the Colts because I have questions about them defensively, but they will be tough to beat as long as Peyton is in charge. One loss could cost you homefield right now, so this game could be critical.
Erik wisconsin: How about those packers!! Are they for real?
Keith Kidd: (12:52 PM ET ) Without a doubt. To me, they're very good in two phases of the game--defensively and special teams. If Favre plays at the level he's been playing at, they will remain good, but they will have to run the football at some point, and if they can't, it'll catch up to them. You have to give Mike McCarthy credit for growing Brett Favre within this offense.
HOuston: When will Kolb start for philly?
Keith Kidd: (12:53 PM ET ) This is Donovan McNabb's team, so I don't see that happening this year, unless McNabb suffers an injury. He was awesome two weeks ago--he went into last night without Westbrook, which caused this offense to stutter. I'm not putting it on McNabb right now, although that's the easy thing to do.
Willie (Portland, OR): Keith, Derek Anderson has played relatively pretty good football this season. Do you think he'll be their QB next season, or will they switch to Quinn.
Keith Kidd: (12:55 PM ET ) To me, you gotta have two QBs to be able to win in the league today. With that said, he will be in Cleveland next year, and if he keeps it up, it'll open up his advantage over Quinn next year. But I do think Quinn is ultimately a franchise QB.
Zach, KC MO: The Chargers had no answer for D-Bowe yesterday. Do the Chiefs finally have a passing threat other then Gonzo, or is it still to early to tell?
Keith Kidd: (12:56 PM ET ) I don't think it is. They definitely have a threat with Bowe outside. You have to be impressed with his ability to perform. From what I've seen, he looks to be well on his way. The O-line looks to be thr problem with this offense
Katelyn (Syracuse, NY): I know it was against the Jets, but the Bills offense looked good and the defense played well for having a number of injured players. Can they keep it up against Dallas next Monday night?
Keith Kidd: (12:58 PM ET ) I don't see it happening unless Dallas comes in there and is extremely flat and turns the ball over offensively, which creates a shorter field for Buffalo's offense. They will still have to make some explosive plays on offense, which they could still do. You see crazy stuff happening every weekend.
Matt (Philly): How much better is Dallas than the rest of the teams in the NFC East? The other three seem to be very inconsistent.
Keith Kidd: (12:58 PM ET ) There's a big gap, but Seattle can creep closer if they win vs. Pittsburgh on the road this week.
Keith Kidd: (12:59 PM ET ) Hey guys, congratulations. For those of you that are winners this week, tune in and let's talk some ball on my national show at noon Thursday!
Matt Williamson: (1:00 PM ET ) Williamson here-let's get going!
Drew(Vegas): The dual-qb system worked for the cards this week, but only because of great special teams, and crushing defense. Is Ken Whisenhunt making a mistake, it seems like he is not letting Leinart throw the ball down the field that much compared to Warner. Or is it that Leinart simply needs to gain more confidence in his probowl recievers ability to go up and get a ball like Fitz did on sunday.
Matt Williamson: (1:01 PM ET ) Drew, I am with you and would worry how this will all turn out for the long haul. The dual QB idea is not why they won that football game. He does have both players doing what they are good at, but I think you need one and only one QB.
Daniel (Athens, Ga): Do you think the Bucs are one of the
top four teams in the NFC?
Matt Williamson: (1:02 PM ET ) Deep down, I really don't, but you have to give Gruden a ton of credit for what they have done so far this year. Who is better though? GB for sure.
Dallas for sure. Wash? Seattle? Gotta think they are the favorite to win the NFC South....which is a mess.
Brian (NC): Let's see, two BAD early losses and the Giants didn't implode, turn on their coach or mouth off to the media (unless AP's air horn stunt counts). The heavily criticized move of letting Petitgout go and moving Diehl to LOT has worked out beautifully. The pass rush is coming on and covering up some of the deficiencies in the secondary and the young DBs are playing well. I gotta ask, Matt, do you still "hate the Giants"? If this team stays reasonably healthy, is there any reason they can't contend for the priviledge of being beaten by NE or IND in the superbowl?
Matt Williamson: (1:05 PM ET ) Surprised that it took all of three minutes for you to find me! Nice work. Gotta admit-boy, was I wrong about the Philly/Giants game! New York is better than I thought and I put too much credence in their first two games. Since then, Osi is healthy and Strahan is finally Strahan. Adding Ross into the CB mix has done wonders and Ward has far exceeded expectations. Eli is for real. They are finally using Kiwi much better. The LBs are not as exposed in coverage with a better pass rush. The DC is doing a great job of using his D talent. Are they a playoff team? I still doubt it, but they are pretty good. Wrong here and not afraid to admit it. As for Philly-this is NOT an excues, but they are a mess without Westbrook and injuries are really hurting that team. Still, they are not as good as I thought. Happy?
Dan (SD): Can we include the Chargers in this chat because I think they are winners? This loss makes them one step closer to firing Norv and Teddy.
Matt Williamson: (1:06 PM ET ) No we may not. Norv is far from a winner.
Scott (Palm City Florida): why arent u answering my questions
Matt Williamson: (1:06 PM ET ) Answered.
Jon (Mad-town): Give me some hope for the Bears...
Matt Williamson: (1:07 PM ET ) Hmmm...Greise will improve with more time as the top guy. Eventually, their plethora of huge injuries will heal. Still, they are in big trouble and in a huge hole in the North. Not a playoff team.
Tony (Brooklyn, NY): Giants defense masked a really horrible offensive performance last night. What's leading Manning to audible to plays that won't possibly lead to a first down?
Matt Williamson: (1:08 PM ET ) I hear ya on the O's performance, but I also think that Philly's D is better than often given credit for. Eli is coming along-he has made giant strides from this time last year.
Brian (NC): Thrilled, Matt. Thanks. Credit given, but not jumping on the bandwagon...yet.
Matt Williamson: (1:08 PM ET ) Fair enough. Friends again?
Rick, Albany, NY: I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but can you tell me how the Dallas/Patriots match up for their big game? I'm concerned cause Randy Moss always has a great game against the Cowboys...
Matt Williamson: (1:10 PM ET ) Yeah, that is a ways away, but I would expcet NE to handle them. FAR too many way to attack Dallas' D. It will be real interesting to see how they limit/deal with 85 and Housh tonight. Might take a simiilar approach with TO when the time comes. NE is the superior team though on all levels. Especially coaching.
Vic (Boston, MA): Do you think tonight's Pat's/Bengals game will be a shoot-out or do you think both teams will try to slow the game down? Will it be a repeat of last year?
Matt Williamson: (1:11 PM ET ) Don't have a great feel for how each will attack the other, but I do think that NE makes a statement once again on national TV and spanks the Bengals. More Maroney tonight than in previous weeks. Cincy's O is too one dimensional right now. It is a GREAT dimension (Palmer to top 2 WRs), but it seems to me that BB will figure out a way to take it away to some point.
Daniel (Los Angeles, CA): How would you rate the play of the Steelers O Line yesterday and can they bounce back this week?
Matt Williamson: (1:11 PM ET ) D+...yeah, they can improve, but I do see this as the biggest weakness on this team.
Jarric (Kansas): Chiefs D is for real! LJ took a step forward as well as Bowe and Gonzalez. Kennison will only help things right? This team may end up being better then we all thought.
Matt Williamson: (1:12 PM ET ) It is possible. Don't want to admit it, as I have bashed them all year, but Bowe is a difference maker. I still don't trust the QBs and OL. 6 wins?
Majeed: M-Dub, Miami should be mentioned in this chat since they will be the "winner" of the 1st overall pick in the 2008 draft!
Matt Williamson: (1:13 PM ET ) You very well could be right, but there are a LOT of bad teams in the league right now. STL?
steve (ny): Any way JP rides the pine the rest of the way?
Matt Williamson: (1:14 PM ET ) For sure. Would sorta be a shame, as I don't think he is completely to blame. That OL wasn't gelling. Still, Edwards looked good. Could be his job from here on out. Buff is going to lose a lot of games though.
Drew(Vegas): Matt, everyone is making a big deal about the cowboys using two backs, when barber is clearly the better rusher. Although it sucks for fantasy owners, myself included, I think it is a great move, they are winning football games and do not have the problem of over working Jones or Barber, which bodes well for the playoffs and seasons to come, thoughts?
Matt Williamson: (1:14 PM ET ) I think you nailed it. Barber is better, but it is a very long year and they are thinking SB.
Denny (ATL): How about that Browns O-line....no sacks the last 2 weeks and Joe Thomas owned T. Suggs yesterday.
Matt Williamson: (1:16 PM ET ) Huge reason for their success. J Thomas looks like the real deal and the left side of their OL is very impressive. Remember, Tucker should be back as well.
Eric Mangini NY: Maybe I should worry more about my team instead of the opposing teams sideline. Do you think Bill will hire me back at the end of this season?
Matt Williamson: (1:16 PM ET ) You may have burned that bridge...
ben albany: how can osi not be getting more pub? he plays in NY and gets 6 sacks and im barely hearing anything. If this was merriman we would never be hearing the end of it...is his name to complicated or something....give Osi some love!
Matt Williamson: (1:17 PM ET ) He surely deserves it, but give it a little time-it only happened 14 hours ago or so!
SprungOnSports (Long Island): Tampa Bay had a big win over the Panthers, but are they contenders or pretenders?
Matt Williamson: (1:18 PM ET ) First off, the Panthers are dissapointing and Carr isn't the answer! TBay is good. How good? I think a nine win team at most in a poor division. The D is for real. Curious how the Caddy and Petigout injuries affect things. Grude for Coach of the Year? Saving his job.
Shawn (Toronto): Do the Raiders or Chiefs have a shot at the AFC West this year? Broncos appear to have a swiss cheese run defense.
Matt Williamson: (1:19 PM ET ) They sure do and they were my early pick to win the division. I still don't think Oak and KC are able to win it, but it sure doesn't look like SD or Den wants it either. Den's run D HAS to improve. Messy division.
Marty Schottenheimer , SD: Can I have my job back?
Matt Williamson: (1:19 PM ET ) Never should have lost it
Brandon Phoenix, AZ: How good do you see Dewayne Bowe down the line? Can be be the next Boldin with his size and toughness or will he be the next Michael Clayton who was a flash in the pan?
Matt Williamson: (1:20 PM ET ) Obvioulsy too early to tell, but I like him a lot. Tough as nails. Very hard worker. Big. Strong. Good red zone guy. Enough speed. I would say more like Boldin, but it is very early. Reminds me a little of Colston as well.
Tony (Brooklyn, NY): Is James Butler a viable long-term starter at FS, or does he just not have the instincts? Do he and Gibril Wilson complement eachother at all?
Matt Williamson: (1:21 PM ET ) Not a huge fan of NYG's safety situation at all and wouldn't be shocked if their first round pick was at that position. Good enough if the pass rush keeps up, but that is lofty standards.
Matt (CT): Does AJ get fired if SD does make the playoffs?
Matt Williamson: (1:22 PM ET ) No-he has built a fantastic roster. Did his job extremely well.
SprungOnSports (Long Island): How flawed are the Bears and Chargers? Which of the two teams would you say has the best chance of recovering?
Matt Williamson: (1:22 PM ET ) SD for sure. Both can recover, but Chi has injury issues on top of poor execution. SD's roster is more talented.
Mike (Chicago): All this talk about the G'men, where do you see Jacobs fitting in, does TC have a dual stable of steeds or does he "Not lose his job to an injury?"
Matt Williamson: (1:23 PM ET ) I would use them in tandem. I bet TC gives Jacobs his job back. Not sure why I say that, just a hunch. They are better off with Ward getting at least 50% of the carries. Not a Jacobs guy here.
Josh (KY): How good is the AFC South? Who do you see giving Indy the most trouble?
Matt Williamson: (1:25 PM ET ) The South is good. Very good. Houston is coming back to earth with the Andre J injury and I don't see them as a contender. Tenn is tough. Jax is a bit underrated. Both will give Indy trouble, but I would say Jax is the better team of the two.
Patrick (Seattle, WA): Shaun Alexander had another lackluster day despite the Seahawks' win. I watched the game and the O-Line looked pretty solid. Is this a long-term concern for them?
Matt Williamson: (1:26 PM ET ) Absolutly. A LOT of tread off those tires. They need to draft a RB rather high. Alexander's arrow is pointing down.
SprungOnSports (Long Island): Sporting News is reporting that Caddilac and Petitgout are both done for the season.
Matt Williamson: (1:26 PM ET ) I heard that as well. Huge blows to that O. Still, that division isn't tough at all.
Matt (Grand Rapids): Alot of people have said Kitna is just an average QB but he is looking good this season. I know they are throwing a ton and Martz's system are inflating his numbers but Kitna still has to make the plays. He is the unquestioned leader in that locker room and seems to be making the other players lose the losing mentality that has been in Detroit for years. Will Kitna get some respect for his play and leadership?
Matt Williamson: (1:27 PM ET ) You're right and he deserves it. Yes, that system and those WRs are bound to result in huge numbers, but he is doing it and winning games. Leader.
Nick (St. Joseph, MO): What team does Jared Allen play for next year? Also, why does he get very little press?
Matt Williamson: (1:28 PM ET ) Good question-one of the very best DEs in the game today. Has changed the KC D with his return. Who knows which team-many would love to have him.
Tim (Cleveland,OH): Do you think Derick Anderson will be able to hold on to the starting job, or will the Browns give Brady Quinn the nod at the first sign of trouble?
Matt Williamson: (1:29 PM ET ) They can't make the move while they are contenders for a playoff spot, although I don't believe in DA one bit and do think that Quinn will be a very good long term QB.
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Doesn't Jared Allen have some character issues?
Matt Williamson: (1:29 PM ET ) Was suspended. Yup.
Matt Williamson: (1:30 PM ET ) Okay everyone, I am out. Have fun. We'll talk soon.
Doug Kretz: (1:31 PM ET ) Thanks Matt.. Lets continue this winner's chat.. Lots of upsets this weekend.. Seems like there are very few great teams and a lot of pretenders that win one week and loose the next.. How about it?
Scott (Dayton Ohio): Most people picked the Bears to beat the Lions. Now it is Monday and the Lions won a game they should lost (according to vegas odds and ?the experts?) and I here little about them even after setting a NFL record for points scored in the 4th quarter of a game. Detroit Beat Dallas the last game of the season last year with 16 people on IR. The Lions have won 4 of the last 5 games they played. Yet the experts give the Bears the benefit of the doubt with all their injuries. If I of told ANY of you talking heads (or maybe I should say empty heads) Detroit would be 3-1 in their 1st 3 games I?d be laughed at and ridiculed. Now that the lions are 3-1 all the ?experts? can do is makes excuses for the why the Lions are winning and belittle their accomplishments. Going into week 5 and there are only 2 teams in the NFC with a better record than the lions. How about giving some real credit to a team that is making come back wins that they would have lost just a year ago. The team is 4th in the NFL in Sacks and 1st in Int?s 1st in forced Fumbles and 5th in overall O. Still no talk about what these guys are doing right only what they do wrong. I mean for god sakes ya took a bears question in the Winners chat but no lions talk.
Doug Kretz: (1:33 PM ET ) Scott.. You are right on a lot of your points.. Chicago was picked primarily because of their history as well as what is still a strong suit, defense. Detroit is probably the surprise team of the NFL, in a lot of ways.. But in a lot of ways they SHOULD be winning.. With all the number one picks (that's number one in the draft, not first round picks). They should be great, especially on offense.. Their issue has been, as of late, that they just didn't know HOW to win.. Now that they seem to be learnig how to win you can expect them to start receiving more love..
Jesse (Jacksonville, FL): Hey Doug. I know Gruden said he would go with Graham and Pittman. If the Bucs choose to make a move, who could you see them getting?
Doug Kretz: (1:35 PM ET ) Jesse.. there has been a lot of speculation over Tiki.. It could happen as Gruden is a players coach and that could be enough to draw him out of retirement.. Otherwise, I'm not sure there is anyone out there that Jon would be all that excited about.. He is still winning with his defense and Garcia's abillity to run the 'west coast offense'
BK (SJ,CA): Should AJ Smith fire Norv Turner? Honestly, we know it was a bad hire from the start, why let it get any worse?
Doug Kretz: (1:36 PM ET ) BK.. Smith is not apt to fire him anywhere near this soon.. He is Smith's pick and AJ will have to live with him for a while.. He (AJ) wanted someone that he could control and he got him
Katelyn (Syracuse, NY): The biggest winner yesterday was Brett Favre. It is obvious that no one in the league has a passion for the game the way that he does; its not about the money or the legacy, its about playing football - the same as it has been since he was a kid. Is their anyone more fun to watch or to root for?
Doug Kretz: (1:37 PM ET ) Katelyn.. You are right.. He was, and is, the biggest winner.. Even his opponents love the guy.. No great player may have the amount of respenct that he has from his opponents.
mike (az): "help me doug Kretz your my only hope" THe rest of your scouts inc. buddies thought they only thing worth mentioning about the cardinals great victory yesterday was the fact taht the 2 qb system wont work for too much longer. HOw bout the amazing D (37 yrds for parker on 1.9 avrge, 4 sacks and 2 ints) or maybe the punt return that a player wearing cardinals red hasnt done for 14 years. NOt only was this the hardest 'quarter' of the cards schedule, but one of the hardest around the league as a whole and they came out of it 2-2 and came very close to winning the ones they lost. show some love for a team that has bought into a coaching staff and has started to turn a corner. Matt will improve when he isnt playing such complicated D's and eventually will be able to handle more and we will see kurt less. BUt until then, WHiz is handling the qb situation perfectly and should be getting credit for that!!! Please doug, suceed where you coworkers have failed!
Doug Kretz: (1:39 PM ET ) Mike.. You are right.. There defense is one of the big stories of the NFL, so far.. They are playing lights out and once Matt regains his confidence and learns how to prepare better he will be the present, not the future of that franchise..
Ken (Evansville, IN): Talk about the unbeatens. Who loses first?
Doug Kretz: (1:41 PM ET ) Dallas, in two weeks when they host N.E.
Paul (Portland, OR): Two straight solid games for Joey Harrington. Is he finally in the right system to shine somewhat, or are the last two games a fluke?
Doug Kretz: (1:43 PM ET ) Paul.. Joey has posted a QB rating of over 100 for the past two games (since they signed Leftwich) and it appears that he is becoming comfortable with the system and his receivers.. I don't know that he will be going to the pro-bowl this year, but he is thriving, at this point.. I look for his trend of good play to continue..
Trevor (Ocala, Fl): Would you give the Bucs a shot against Indy this sunday, considering the Bucs D normally gives the Colts trouble?
Doug Kretz: (1:44 PM ET ) It will be VERY difficult for the Bucs in Indy.. The colts play excellent at home..
Patrick (Ocala, FL): So Dallas loses first does that make them the least best of the unbeatens?
Doug Kretz: (1:45 PM ET ) No, just not as good as N.E. right now.. The Pats are playing lights out and no one seems to be able to stop Randy.. He is developing great chemestry with Brady and they are killing secondaries..
Ryan (WI): do you see GB going into the bye week at 6-0? If so, with the schedule, they have a chance at an 11-5 or so record? Assuming of course they can start to run in games with poor weather.
Doug Kretz: (1:46 PM ET ) Ryan.. That will be the key.. They will simply have to develop a run game before the winter settles in..
Ed (J'ville): I know some people can nitpick with the Packers' running game and the big plays they gave up to A. Peterson (who is a freak, by the way), but one thing that I think can't really be understated is the importance and difficulty of winning a divisional game against a rival, on the road, when the opposing team is desperate for a win. They'll be facing that next week against the Bears, and if the Packers win, I think we have to seriously consider the Packers as being a legitimate contender to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Doug Kretz: (1:48 PM ET ) Ed.. I'd have to agree with you.. Beating the Bears at Lambeau would be a huge statement for the Pack.. (btw, it's a home game for GB)..
PJ (AZ): Doug - what's going to happen in AZ with the QB situation. I'm happy with our two wins but I wonder about the effect of the QA platoon over the whole year.
Doug Kretz: (1:50 PM ET ) PJ.. They will eventually have to settle on a single QB, and it should be Leinart once he regains his confidence. The receivers need to know where the ball is coming out and how fast.. That can't be done when a lefty is throwing to them one week and a righty the next.
Doug (Dallas, TX): Even if Dallas can't stop Moss, couldn't Romo, TO, and company turn this into a shoot out? I think after the emergence of Crayton and Witten really stepping up the offense may be able to win a shootout with anyone.
Doug Kretz: (1:51 PM ET ) Yes, it will probably turn into a shoot out.. However I have more faith in N.E.'s defense when it comes down to nut crunching time..
John (Dallas): Ed....just wait until 11/29 when the Packers come to Dallas. We'll see who's better. Doug...do you not agree that the Cowboys will beat the Packers?
Doug Kretz: (1:52 PM ET ) John.. That will be a HUGE game, and I'd have to go with the 'Boys in Dallas for that game..
Trevor (Ocala, Fl): How would you say this year's version of the Bucs' D compares to that of the 2002 super bowl team?
Doug Kretz: (1:52 PM ET ) Trevor, I figured you meant that but wanted to clarify for the others out there..
Doug Kretz: (1:53 PM ET ) Sorry, Trevor.. Wrong question.. No, I don't think this Bucs defense is quite as good as the '02 super bowl team.. Close but they are not as stout on the defensive line..
Drew (Pittsburg, KS): I know everybody is still knocking the Chiefs offense, but its hard to argue with what they did against SD in the second half. They have the weapons at receiver and running back, and Huard does a good job of managing the game. So do you think 10 wins could be possible, especially with the supposedly top two teams in that division playing so poorly?
Doug Kretz: (1:55 PM ET ) Drew.. You are right about the Chief's defense, but I'm sorry, I can't see 10 wins.. Oakland is improving, Denver is still strong and S.D. has to find themselves pretty soon..
John (Cincinnati): He Doug, Considering how well the Brown's O-line is playing can you see an 8 win season? They are 2-2 after a brutal first 4 games and still have games against Jets, Bills, Dolphins, Texans, the entire NFC west.
Doug Kretz: (1:57 PM ET ) John... They are winning, but not real pretty.. I don't see 8 wins.. They have to play Pitt, Balt & Cincy away, yet and I just don't see them as being that consistent, yet..
Geron (B-More, MD): Doug...why does everyone keep saying the Chargers "will find themselves"? Why can't we just say "the Chargers suck this year"?
Doug Kretz: (1:58 PM ET ) Geron.. Because they have too much physical talent to be labeled a bad team.. It's too early to give up on anyone, especially a talent laden team..
Adam (Spokane): Seattle is 3-1 and their offense is still sputtering a bit. IF the running game gets going the only team that will be able to compete with them in the NFC is Dallas. However I think Seattle is a more complete team (based on the secondaries) than Dallas. Thoughts?
Doug Kretz: (1:59 PM ET ) Adam.. Seattle does appear to be the sleeper among many of the experts.. However I don't really see their secondary as being better than Dallas, though..
Rob RI: Doug, who's the better team Patriots or Indy?
Doug Kretz: (2:00 PM ET ) I'd have to go with the Pats, at this point... They can score in so many ways (I know, so can Indy) and their defense is really stout...
Geron (B-More, MD): All this Cowboy and Packer talk...the boys are going to lose to N.E. in a couple of weeks and they'll lose to the Giants on 11/11 the week before they play the Pack!!!
Doug Kretz: (2:01 PM ET ) Hope you don't have to swallow those words, Geron..
PaulieP (Scottsdale): Why does everyone count the NFC West among the bad teams? The Niners stayed close and the Cards just beat the team that many considered to be the third best in the league, and neither of those teams are as good as Seattle, who is the best in the division.
Doug Kretz: (2:02 PM ET ) Paulie.. That just goes to prove that the whole league is pretty evenly matched.. Yes, the defense has awaken in the NFL West and Seattle appears to be the leader in that division..
John (Dallas): Hey Doug, can you remind Adam that we are getting Newman back full-time and Hamlin replaced the Free Safety hole. Not the same secondary as last year and Newman's return will prove it (as long as Henry didn't hurt his ankle too bad)...
Doug Kretz: (2:03 PM ET ) How about if you do it??
Doug Kretz: (2:03 PM ET ) Thanks for the questions, guys... Have a great week and lets hear from some of you on Friday as we talk within divisions..
