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Lots of good questions in Friday’s NFC South chat. Let’s take a look at the highlights:

ac (Orlando, FL): how big of a hole are the saints in after losing Olin Kruetz?

Pat Yasinskas: It's gotta hurt some. I mean they're going with Brian de la Puente because Matt Tennant apparently isn't ready. But the good news is their center is kind of hidden between Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks.

Andy (Lenoir): Is there any chance the panthers D turns it around this season or are we going to have to wait for everyone to heal and the draft? I know Rivera has a great reputation so can we expect him to work some magic?

Pat Yasinskas: Unfortunately, I think you're going to have to wait for the offseason to repair that defense.

Jessie (Raleigh NC): Do you feel that the bucs could win the game over in london and making a run at the best NFC South team at the end of the season?

Pat Yasinskas: Sure, it’s possible they could beat the Bears. If they play like they did against the Saints, they can beat almost anyone. But this is a young team and I think there still will be some ups and downs.

Randy (CT): I don't get it! No love for the Birds this weekend? Defense is starting to gel, Edwards has arrived, Babineaux is getting healthy, coaches believing the way to win is the way of Turner...Detroits got no run game and can't stop the run! Load up on Megatron and we win...right?????

Pat Yasinskas: If your offense shows up, you've got a chance.

Ken (NY): Is Steve Smith the greatest Carolina Panther ever?

Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, I'd give him the nod over Pep.

Jeff (Huntsville): Speaking of Abe, you know how he always follows a productive season with an unproductive one? That sure seems to be the case so far this season. Do you think he will turn it around before the season ends or is this a good sign for next year?

Pat Yasinskas: At Abe's age, I wouldn't be taking a quiet year as a good sign.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

As usual, we covered all sorts of ground in Friday’s NFC South chat. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Eric (Raleigh, N.C.): Pat, Any chance the Panthers' running game gets going anytime soon? I am loving the Cam Newton show but I don't think we are going to win many games without some balance on offense.

Pat Yasinskas: I suspect you'll see more of it very soon. Panthers realize they need more balance in their offense. Plus, with the linebacker situation, they need to be able to sustain some drives and keep the defense off the field. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are too good not to get some carries.

Jason (Land O Lakes): Any news on Tanard Jackson?

Pat Yasinskas: Nothing yet. Commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't have to act right away and we don't know if Jackson met all the conditions of the things he was supposed to do (and not do) during the suspension. Stay tuned.

KMan94 (Atlanta): How much should Atlanta be concerned about Matt Ryan's knee?

Pat Yasinskas: I believe it's minor. He's practiced on a limited basis the last two days. I don't think it's an issue.

Nick (Melbourne, Fla.): Any reason you can think of that the Bucs did not pursue Darren Sproles? Their 3rd down back situation has 200 year old Earnest Graham there with Kregg Lumpkin a relative no name and surely the Bucs could have outbid the Saints. Please don't talk about their youth movement. Us fans are sick of the Glazers penny pinching ways.

Pat Yasinskas: From what I know, the Bucs at least did pursue Sproles (and Reggie Bush) a little bit. But they didn't like the price tag on either.

Adam (Raleigh, N.C.): You're building a team for the long term and have your choice of the four South QBs who do you take?

Pat Yasinskas: Personally, I'd take Freeman if I could pair him with Atlanta's skill-position players.

Joel (NC): Pat, I agree with you taking Freeman as the long term guy right now, but if Newton continues as he has, it may be up for debate next year don't you think?

Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, but it's only two games for Newton. Two excellent games, but only two.

Tim (Alexandria): Have you heard anything about Jonathan Vilma's availabilty this Sunday?

Pat Yasinskas: Should have a better idea when the injury report comes out later this afternoon. But he's sat out the last two days, which isn't a great sign. But Vilma's one of those guys that doesn't have to practice. If he wakes up Sunday and feels OK, they'll throw him out there.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga.): Falcons should of never let go of Koenen, even if it meant more money. We were willing to trade up for Julio and pay big for Edwards. Now our season could be jeopardized because of a rookie and a division rival acquired Koenen!

Pat Yasinskas: True, but it was a conscious decision by Dimitroff, who doesn't believe in paying big money to specialists. If you re-signed Koenen, you might not have gotten Edwards. It was a calculated gamble and it's not looking good so far. But Falcons did their homework on Bosher and haven't given up on him yet, so they must have some hope that things can straighten out quickly.

Noah (Wimberly): What are your thoughts on the Saints Linebackers corp? Seems like Gregg Williams is having fun mixing up formations with those guys.

Pat Yasinskas: Think it's better than it’s been in recent years. Really like the way they're mixing guys in and they've got more speed at LB than they've had in past.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Friday’s NFC South chat.

Tyler (Athens, GA): Pat How important is this game for Atlanta coming up vs PHI? I know its very very early but I think its a big game?
Pat Yasinskas: It's a huge game for Falcons. Can't afford to start 0-2. If you do that, the snow-ball effect starts rolling and season can get out of hand in a hurry.

Shane Maddux (Atlanta, Georgia): The Falcons acquired a starting quality DB in Kelvin Hayden, why didn't they put him in the nickel?
Pat Yasinskas: Think you may see more of him and James Sanders this week. They needed a little time to catch up on the scheme, but I think Falcons might get them more involved this week.

GurS (Edgware, UK): I'm convinced the person at most to blame for the Bucs' loss to the Lions last week is Greg Olson. Agree or disagree?
Pat Yasinskas: I'd have to agree with you there.

Ken (NY): Can we put Steve Smith back in the top 10 recievers in the NFL?
Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, now that he's got a real QB.

G. Lewis (Albany , Georgia): Do you think the Saints will ever take fixing the defense seriously because playing teams like chicago and greenbay they will lose.Also there offensive line is bad.
Pat Yasinskas: They better fix it and fix it quickly. They don't have to be dominant. They just have to make a play from time to time and produce some turnovers.

andy (hickory, nc): the bucs had the lowest ticket sales of any team last week, a home opener can’t sell out, i wish the Glazers would sell the bucs to someone who cares and focus on alienation the manchester united fans
Pat Yasinskas: All right, I'm curious, why are you and so many fans so down on the Glazers? I don't understand that thinking. They're not bad owners. They won you a Super Bowl and got you a great stadium. Not saying they're the best owners in the league, but they're WAY better than what Bucs had in the old days.

Sean (Las Vegas): With Colston out, I think the NFCS will be introduced to a new big time receiver on the Saints. Adrian Arrington has the same skill set as Colston and will be needed against the Bears cover 2.
Pat Yasinskas: You might be right. He's the one WR on that team whose skill set is similar to Colston's.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

With the preseason over, roster cuts already taking place and the start of the regular season only days away, we were able to cover all sorts of ground in Friday’s NFC South chat.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Kent (Melbourne): Pat- Should the Bucs be looking for a running back with speed. Do you think they could use a change of pace back.

Pat Yasinskas: If I were them, I'd be keeping a close eye on what New Orleans does with Joique Bell. If he's available, grab him.

Jacob (Michigan): Any surprise to Kyle Moore and Tyrone Mckenzie being cut?

Pat Yasinskas: More surprised at McKenzie. He was real popular with his teammates, but I guess coaches didn't share the same view.

coached (couched): Can Cam win the job? And remain starter?

Pat Yasinskas: He already won the job. They'll keep him as the starter unless he gets hurt or is just flat-out horrible. There may be some ups and downs, but they're prepared for that and just want to see him grow as the season goes on.

Eliot (NY, NY): Do you think Matt Ryan will put up career numbers or do you think 'taking the gloves off' is too big of a step?

Pat Yasinskas: Yes, I think they really will let him do more this year. Plus, he has more to work with.

Nate (Anchorage, AK): Armanti Edwards? I know you say it's a long shot, but what makes you say it at all? Where does he stand right now?

Pat Yasinskas: He needs to catch the football. Like I said, it's a long shot. They've got a high draft pick invested in him. But it's shaping up to be like Dexter Jackson (the receiver, not the safety) with the Buccaneers. But Hurney probably gives Edwards one more year.

Brock (Boulder, CO): Is Jacquizz Rodgers going to be a factor this year?

Pat Yasinskas: Yes, you'll see him worked in as a change-of-pace back. They're hoping he can be what Norwood never could become because of the injuries.

Dwayne (Who Dat Nation): I think it would be in the SAINTS best interest to place Chris Ivory on PUP. That way, Ingram, Thomas, Sproles, and Bell can carry the running game for the first six weeks. In week seven they'd get Ivory back with fresh legs for the stretch run. Agreed?

Pat Yasinskas: I suspect that's how it will play out.

Daniel (Nashville): Who ends up with more yards rushing Ingram or Thomas?

Pat Yasinskas: Ingram.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

I generally post some highlights and the complete transcript of the NFC South soon after we finish it each Friday. I didn’t get a chance to do that this week because I had to rush to Orlando to tend to some family business.

So let’s do it now. Here are some of the highlights from Friday’s chat.

CC (Atlanta): Ron Rivera needs to be careful about giving the job to Cam given how bad he has looked. The vets want to win and automatically giving the job to Cam from day 1 given how "not ready" he looks might cause some dissension. Secondly, the last thing you want to have happen is to bench Cam in week 2/3 if he performs poorly. Wouldn't Rivera much rather start out with Clausen and have Cam be the savior (hopefully) once Clausen fails?

Pat Yasinskas: See your points. But how happy do you think Steve Smith would be if they hand Jimmy Clausen the starting job? After Clausen's performance last season, starting him now wouldn't exactly be sending a message that you want to win.

CP (Brooklyn, NY): What are the chances that Chauncey Davis doesn't make the cut in ATL? They signed him to a relatively sizable deal for a backup and with the Ray Edwards coming in, Biermann still around, the rookie Matthews getting some love from the coaches, I think that leaves Sidbury and Davis as the 5th DE, no way ATL keeps 6 DEs...

Pat Yasinskas: Think that's very possible. Chauncey's cap figure is either $3 million or $3.5 million. That's a lot for a backup.

Michael (SC): Have the Falcons said what type of knee injury Edwards had?

Pat Yasinskas: No, only that it was a "minor" procedure. Like a lot of teams, they're very guarded about injury info. Heck, they never have officially said what Peria Jerry's knee injury was exactly.

Dwayne (Who Dat Nation): Hey Pat. Realistically, what are your expectations for Jimmy Graham? Most people in SAINTS circles point to the production of the Brees/Gates combo in SD. Should we expect similar production from Brees/Graham?

Pat Yasinskas: Might want to give him a year or two to grow into something closer to Gates. But Payton knows what he's doing and he cut Shockey to clear the way for Graham.

Mike Trye (myrtle beach): Is Danny Morrison a good Team President (Panthers)? i feel like he hasnt done much.... i could be very wrong.

Pat Yasinskas: Oh, I think he's done a lot more than people realize. He's been a driving force in making them more fan friendly and making the owner and coach more open in the media. Richardson's still involved, don't get me wrong, but Morrison is running the day-to-day business operations and Hurney runs the football side.

FormerlyStShockey (Jakcson, MS): What are the Saints going to do with the scary T position? Bushrod was horrendous against the Texans. One play he didn't even touch his man and face-planted. I'm somewhat concerned at this point.

Pat Yasinskas: I think the concern is justified. But, hey, they've won with Bushrod the last two seasons. Strief is still getting used to things, but they wouldn't have let Stinchcomb go if they didn't believe Strief would be an upgrade over the long haul.

Mike (55129): What is the likelihood Talib gets suspended and if so how long?

Pat Yasinskas: Don't want to speculate on that one. Think we'll hear from the commissioner soon on that one.

Here's the complete transcript of Friday's NFC South chat.

After completing our rounds of the NFC South training camps, we were able to cover all sorts of ground in Friday’s NFC South chat. We talked plenty about all four teams. Here are some of the highlights.

Max Mahlke (Fayetteville): I've been reading reports of Clausen playing very good in practice and finally throwing downfield and not just short stuff. Is there any chance he wins and keeps the starting job long term. What percent would you guess of this happening 1% 10% 30%?

Pat Yasinskas: My guess is Cam wins the job if he's even half-way decent in the preseason games. Panthers want to go with Cam.

Watts (Lafayette, LA): How well do you think Darren Sproles will fit into the Saints offense? Also, what team do you think will win the division?

Pat Yasinskas: I honestly think he'll be an upgrade over Reggie.

Scott M (Greensboro, NC): Hey Pat I'm a die heart Tampa Bay fan and I was wondering why didn't the Bucs make a splash in free agency? We had the most money to spend in the league and need help in certain positions (safety, linebacker, back-up running back etc) what gives? I was proud and a little surprised how well we did last season but with the money available it seems like we could have made our team a lot better a lot faster, your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas: Their plan is to keep the team good for the long term. That's why they spent big money to keep Davin Joseph and Quincy Black and I think you'll see them extend contracts of some of their other young players so that they never even get close to hitting free agency.

DiMaggio (Atlanta, GA): Great column Pat...What’s the real deal with Ray Edwards knee surgery? Why did the Falcons coaching staff keep it under wraps? Will he be productive as other or will this hinder him in the regular season?

Pat Yasinskas: All I know is I talked to someone with Falcons after Smith revealed it and this person swore it was really minor and they're just being cautious with it.

Here’s the transcript of the entire NFC South chat.

TAMPA, Fla. -- I’m about to make my way over to One Buccaneer Place to catch the Bucs practicing later this afternoon.

I’ll set up shop in the media room there and do some pre-practice posts. As I’m making the drive, keep your eyes on our headlines section on the main NFL page.

Also, apologies that I had to cut out of the NFC South chat early. But word about Ray Edwards' agreement with Atlanta broke and my marching orders are that news takes precedence. You can check out the transcript of our abbreviated chat.

As always, lots of great questions and we covered lots of ground in Friday’s NFC South chat. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Greg (Watertown): You gave the Kittens the best overall draft grade, saying - effectively - there are still questions about Bowers and what the Falcons gave up to get Jones. How are there not still a ton of questions about Newton? And why has a new regime with a first time head coach and a GM who drafted Clausen get the "benefit of the doubt"?

Pat Yasinskas: I said there are questions about every draft pick. You can't judge a draft until at least 2 years down the road. My point was, let's go on the assumption that all these guys turn out to be what the teams think they can be. In that situation, Carolina wins because they got a franchise QB. ATL won 2008 draft because they got Ryan. TB won 2009 because they got Freeman. If you do indeed get a franchise QB, that's huge.

Justin (Atlanta): Is Ray Edwards the guy in FA for the Falcons or are there other "big" names you see the Falcons possibly making a run at?

Pat Yasinskas: Think he'd be at top of list. Carolina's Charles Johnson could be possibility depending on rules of free agency. But he's probably going to be restricted free agent with the highest tender on him, so that could eliminate him. Then again, the draft shows the Falcons are going for it, so I wouldn't rule anything out.

Jasper (Comanche Station): Pat, I want to buy a Bush jersey. Will I have to wait until the lockout is lifted to know for what team he will play?

Pat Yasinskas: I still think he stays in New Orleans. Just my best guess.

Joe (Atlanta): Hey Pat, the Atlanta Falcons now have Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Jacquizz Rodgers, Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez heading their offense. Is this even fair for the rest of the NFC South?

Pat Yasinskas: Pretty impressive collection, no doubt. But I think your friends in New Orleans and Tampa Bay might put up a bit of an argument.

James R (Atlanta): Do you think Arthur Blank appreciates Thomas Dimitroff putting him back into the single digits?

Pat Yasinskas: Great line! In this case, I think Blank might have encouraged TD to get back into single digits.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s chat.

Friday’s NFC South chat was filled with some great questions. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Michael from Warner Robins, Ga.: I was very excited to hear that William Moore will be starting a second straight game. Last week he thumped Derek Anderson and caught one of two possible inteceptions. I have been told that he hits as hard at John Lynch, and the look on Derek Anderson's face reenforced that idea. What are your thoughts about Moore and his abilities?

Pat Yasinskas: Think Moore's a player. Falcons are high on him and have been waiting anxiously for him to get on the field. Now, he's getting his chance.

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John from Raleigh, N.C.: Do you really think that Jimmy Clausen is the solution to the Panthers QB problems? He hasn't had much time on the field in the regular season, but when he has been on the field he hasn't looked too impressive. What are your thoughts on Tony Pike?

Pat Yasinskas: Carolina fans calling for Pike already??? Give Clausen a chance. He's not going to save the world. But he's your best chance. You really don't want to see Pike playing any time soon. He's a project.

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Christian from Portland, Ore.: Hi Pat - hope I'm not too early to get in. Anyway, what does Cody Grimm's start on Sunday say about Sabby Piscitelli's current status and/or future in the Bucs' secondary?

Pat Yasinskas: Says the Bucs see Sabby as a backup strong safety and special-teams player. Says they at least think Grimm has the tools to be a good free safety. With Pittsburgh's QB situation, he might be able to get through this week and get some experience without really getting tested. Then he'll have the bye week to get some more first-team work.

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Greg from Salisbury, N.C.: Everyone continues to call Jarrett a bust. His stats argue that point perfectly. What they don't show is how many of those catches were clutch receptions on 3rd and long. I would love to see the numbers on how many of his few receptions were on 3rd down. When the pass is thrown his way, he catches it. Only pass I remember him dropping was a couple years back when it was thrown behind him by Jake and he nearly made an impossible catch. So I ask, why is labeled such an incredible bust with no turnaround in sight? Give him a chance, he will produce.

Pat Yasinskas: Come on, man. I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt. But it's year four for him and Panthers started a sixth-round rookie ahead of him last week. I think that says it all.

Here's the entire transcript of Friday's NFC South chat.

We finished the NFC South chat a little bit ago. As always, we covered a lot of ground. I’ll throw out one highlight per team here.

Ryan (Tampa): Josh Freeman will definitely be 100% by opening day?

Pat Yasinskas: Every indication I have is Freeman will be ready for the opener.

nisarg (tarboro, nc): Who is the one guy on thePanthers we don't know of on the roster but should?

Pat Yasinskas: Greg Hardy, but the word's kind of already out on him. Trent Guy would be another one.

Eric (Atlanta): Please give us your thoughts on John Parker Wilson's performance last game. I thought he looked pretty good. Does the brass think he will ever be able to "rise up" to # 2 QB?

Pat Yasinskas: Thought he looked good in last game. But I wasn't impressed with him when I saw him in practice a couple weeks ago. But he wouldn't be on the roster if Falcons didn't think there was potential for him to grow into No. 2 job. Not sure if he's there yet, though.

Jane (NOLA ): Pat, the news on the Saints has been really quiet. Is this the calm before the September 9 storm?

Pat Yasinskas: Yep, quiet and calm is good right now. The injuries aren't piling up -- to key players anyway and everyone seems happy. So I think Saints are in a good spot. Things certainly will heat up as we get closer to Sept. 9. But Saints have to like the fact they're stress free right now. Vikings can't say that.

For the complete transcript of the NFC South chat, click here.

Lots of great stuff in Friday’s NFC South chat.

We had the obligatory question on Terrell Owens:

Wesley Rhodes (Grove Hill, AL): Is there any chance that the Panthers will sign T.O.?

Pat Yasinskas: Absolutely NO chance.

We talked some more about Peria Jerry’s injury:

Phillip (A-T-L):What exactly was Peria Jerry's injury? ACL? MCL? Bone ailment? How can this be such a mystery?

Pat Yasinskas:I can tell you I have had two Falcons officials swear to me that it was not an ACL. Some sort of ligament tear, but not an ACL. They say he'll be ready for camp -- might not go every session because they'll bring him along cautiously, but it sounds like they expect him to be ready for the season.

We cleared up some confusion about Carolina general manager Marty Hurney’s contract situation:

Ryan (Charlotte): I thought his contract was set to expire on June 30th and I haven't heard anything otherwise about an extension. I assume he still is with the team because it seems like it would be big news if he wasn't, but you yourself have said he keeps his business out of the media most of the time.

Pat Yasinskas:I don't know who was feeding the rumor about his contract being up, but they didn't have all the facts. Hurney is a guy that doesn't like to talk about himself, which I really respect. He wouldn't announce that he got an extension. But the fact is, something got done. He's still there and will be there this season. If they were making a move at GM, it would have been back in February. Also, Hurney is probably a lot safer than John Fox in the long term.

If you’d like to see the entire transcript, click here.

I went to the gym following Friday’s NFC South chat (and here’s the complete transcript). When I came out my cell phone looked like I hadn’t seen it for two weeks.

In just about two hours, there were literally dozens of voicemails and e-mails. The Carolina Panthers had cut running back DeAngelo Williams, the early messages said. That made me check the calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1.

Teams just don’t cut one of their best players for no apparent reason. Williams is one of the league’s top running backs and a guy who never has any off-field issues.

This one made no sense and that was because it wasn’t at all true. NFL.com somehow listed Williams’ release on a transaction list. It was supposed to be Cincinnati cornerback DeAngelo Willingham. That change now has been made.

And Williams remains very much a member of the Panthers.

As always, thanks to all who participated in Friday's NFC South chat. For those who couldn't make it, here's the complete transcript.

If you've got more questions for the weekend, fire away. I've got no big plans for the holiday and plan to be doing a mailbag (or two) over the weekend.

Sorry I had to cut the NFC South chat a bit short Friday. But this is the time of year when I'm working on some projects for the draft.

I had a call out to one of the bigger-name players in the draft and he returned it in the middle of the chat. At a time when the top players are flying around visiting different teams and working out, you have to grab them while you can.

Anyway, we still managed to chat for 45 minutes or so. Here's the transcript.

Thanks to all who participated in Friday's NFC South chat. For those unable to attend, here's the complete transcript. Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.