ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Steve from parts unknown writes: hey mike -- thanks for answering my email last time. I am a Rams fan since 1979. I love what Dick Vermeil did to get us our only Super Bowl win and will always respect that. That being said, do you really think he deserves to be honored on the Ring of Honor for winning ONE Super Bowl? I mean, let's be honest, his record as Rams coach wasn't anything that special. I know a lot of my fellow Ram fans will probably have harsh words & but I'm just thinking of the actual Honor itself and how many productive years usually go into that honor, not just one. thanks dude, keep up the great work. steve

Mike Sando: Thanks, Steve. That is a fair question. Vermeil spent three seasons as Rams coach. The team posted records of 5-11, 4-12 and 13-3 during his tenure. The Rams are presumably crediting Vermeil for turning around the franchise in a manner that resonated beyond his tenure. But I think his inclusion does arguably diminish the accomplishments of those who invested much more time and energy in the franchise.

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Kenn from Phoenix writes: Hey Mike, If the Cardinals take the division and do indeed host their first home playoff game since 1947 (and second ever), what are the odds Bill Bidwell will sell the team (buy low, sell high) Please tell me it's 100 percent. Thanks and enjoy the game Sunday!

Mike Sando: Might I detect a slight bit of cynicism? You won't catch me speculating on something that hypothetical, but if owners have egos like the rest of us have egos, perhaps they'll want to experience the success (or at least increased competitiveness) that seems to wait.

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Joe from Davis, Calif., writes: Sando, with the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks currently sitting below .500, things are looking quite grim for the NFC West. Via the Draft, teams can begin to look toward the future. At this point in the season from what you've seen, what are the areas of need for each NFC West team that ought to be addressed via the draft?

Mike Sando: The Seahawks could use help on both lines, at safety and receiver. They also might consider a quarterback better than David Greene at some point. The 49ers need to decide on an identity on defense. If they go 3-4, then look for a nose tackle (good luck finding a great one). They also need help at quarterback, and along the offensive line. The Cardinals and Rams could use help on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. Those are a few areas I might look.

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James from Lincoln, England, writes: Greetings, Mike - Regarding JT O'Sullivan, I know that he's been around the fringes of the NFL for a good few years now, but given his level of experience, isn't he essentially a second-year quarterback at this stage? I'm not excusing his often dreadful mistakes, but I'm inclined to believe that he'd be more reliable if he had seen more playing time prior to this season.

Mike Sando: That makes sense, but the 49ers aren't really in position to spend two or three seasons figuring out whether O'Sullivan is about to hit stride in his 30s. They need to find out this season and they need to see him make improvements over the remaining games.

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Harold from Columbia, Mo., writes: Mike, I think the Monday night SF choice is a good one - and so are the home dates with the Cards and Seahawks - but if the Cardinals can get to 6-3 before the Giants game, that is another can't miss opportunity. I am headed to that one in the desert.

Mike Sando: I would very much like to see the Cardinals and Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium. That's a great test for the Cardinals at home.

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JonSki from Las Vegas writes: I had a terrible dream last night (i find it pretty pathetic i was actually dreaming about this too). What if the Yorks are really trying to destroy the niners? How cruel would it be of them if they fired McGloughan and replaced him with Matt Millen? I wouldn't put it past the Yorks. Suddenly i'm dreading the end of the season.

Mike Sando: You have my sincerest sympathies for dreaming such things. It's probably a reflection on the recent history of the franchise as much as it's a reflection on you, so don't sweat it too much. Perhaps some advanced therapy centered on watching 1980s-era highlights might be enough to restore your nocturnal health.

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Kalen from Naches, Wash., writes: Mike, Why don't NFL teams recruit sumo wrestlers for their offensive line? I think they would make a great left tackle. They are strong and physical -- and sometimes weigh in excess of 400 pounds. In addition, their pushing techniques (not holds of course!) would make for some great pass protection. With Walter Jones retiring in the next year or so, the Seahawks would be wise to look into this. Kalen

Mike Sando: You mean NFL teams aren't recruiting sumo wrestlers? Have you seen Leonard Davis? Seriously, I don't think those guys would have the stamina needed to play 70 snaps or the mobility needed to block Karlos Dansby 10 yards downfield.

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Mike from Seattle writes: what do you think about the seahawks chances against eagles in week 10? Im expecting mcnabb and desesan "the phenom" jackson will have their way with ease.

Mike Sando: I do not see Seattle winning that game.

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Keith from Seattle writes: Hey Sando, any idea who's looking to get more carries out of the Hawks backfield going forward? Morris seemed to be the better back in the preseason, now that he's healthy and Julius Jones having a minor blowup, could he regain the starting role?

Mike Sando: I give Jones the edge for now, but Morris has a chance to overtake him based on performance in the games.

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Zach from Burlington, Vt., writes: Hey Mike! Greetings from the Green Mountain State. All of your work is really great for people like me on the East coast, since I get little to no 49er coverage on this side of the states. Some people might be asking which coaches the 49ers will get rid of after this season. I think the better question is this: What coaches will we KEEP? I see 2 scenarios: The first being that Singletary does not impress and we hire a brand new head coach. He will surely want his own coaching staff, meaning everyone is gone. The second scenario is that Singletary impresses enough to get a shot at being a head coach in San Francisco. He has publicly stated that he has a list of people he would want on his coaching staff, meaning he probably wipes our slate clean anyways. Are all of the 49er coaches in "lame-duck" status right now, regardless of how our season turns out?

Mike Sando: Thanks, Zach. I agree with your general premise but would alter it slightly. Singletary isn't likely to have the clout to wipe clean the slate without approval from management. So if management wants to keep a certain coach, Singletary might have to heed that to remain head coach, at least in theory.

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Jacob from St. Louis writes: With the Rams opening up the passing game with Donnie Avery, I can see the possibility of them scoring a lot against the Patriots weak secondary especially if SJax has a decent showing. With the Panthers being the only team so far to stop Drew Brees, Kurt Warner is looking under pressure already. If the Rams win this week, and the Cardinals lose, what do you think the chances of the Rams winning the division become? Would the Rams suddenly become the favorites to win the division with a favorable second half schedule?

Mike Sando: I still like the Cardinals to win the division, but I can't fault you for entertaining that thought. I'm not convinced the Rams will function so well against the Patriots at New England. I'll be curious to see how the Rams' offensive line holds up, particularly in the middle.