ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Charles from Santa Maria, Calif., writes: Mike, great work on tying into Facebook. On another note when are these young players ever going to learn? If you go to a party, fine. However, you have the money -- take a cab, rent a limo but DO NOT DRIVE!!!!!! What the heck are they thinking? Leroy Hill and now Owen Schmitt for the Seahawks and Lofa Tatupu last year. Come on, guys. Wake up and realize if you have the money to find a safe ride home, use it.

Mike Sando: Thanks, Charles. Our Facebook presence has provided another level of interaction, with additional accountability in that people leaving comments generally do so under their real names.

Speaking of accountability as it pertains to more serious matters, I try to see all sides. The lifestyle I lead now, in my late 30s, differs from the one I led when I was in my early 20s. My policy now is to never drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. That is easy now that I hardly drink at all.

Years ago, I worked nights and periodically went out with friends afterward. Did we all hail cabs every time one of us had a drink? No. Is it reasonable to expect young NFL players to do so every time? I think it is, particularly after what happened in the Donte Stallworth situation. Further, there's no excuse for registering grossly inflated blood-alcohol percentages. Schmitt reportedly registered double the legal limit.

Curt from Ripon, Calif., writes: Mike, any substance to the rumors that with Jason Smith at LT and Adam Goldberg at RT, backed up by a host of free-agent signings, that the Rams send Alex Barron to a team expected to finish at the bottom of the standings [top of the draft] for a second-round pick? I'm also hearing TE Joe Klopfenstein being "sent home" to Denver for DE Jarvis Moss, who doesn't fit Denver's new 3-4 D. Any news?

Mike Sando: Can the Rams afford to part with a starting-caliber offensive lineman? I do not think so. Barron was the starting left tackle this offseason. Smith will presumably take that spot before long, but the Rams need as many starting-caliber offensive linemen as they can find. Barron appears to be no worse than their fifth- or sixth-best offensive lineman. Goldberg appears to have more value as a versatile injury replacement than as a long-term starter.

At tight end, Klopfenstein would certainly be a candidate for trade or release. I know nothing about anything involving Jarvis Moss. I do know that Moss' contract counts $1.9 million against the cap in 2009 if he remains with the team. The figure surges past $3.5 million if the Broncos trade or release him.

Andrew from East Lansing, Mich., writes: What are your thoughts on the 49ers starting Shaun Hill and using Alex Smith only in predetermined scenarios? Inserting him only in certain situations with a high chance for success (red zone, etc.) would allow Alex to regain trust from his teammates and his shoulder. This would also minimize the enormous amount of pressure faced when starting. Lastly, Alex and Shaun's friendship makes this even more appealing since they would likely embrace this system and not cause a distraction for the team.

Mike Sando: That sounds OK in theory, but the 49ers' primary obligation is to play the best player in a given situation. I would play the backup situationally only if the backup provided a clear upgrade for the team. Mike Singletary is not running a charity here. He doesn't seem likely to nurture a player at the expense of the team.

Travis from Gilbert, Ariz., writes: Love your blog. Last year, the Cardinals' secondary had a lot of trouble stopping people. Do you think the secondary will be better? I think the additions and having the experience from last year will make it better. Also, do you think the Cards' front seven will play better because the secondary isn't as bad as it was and they don't have to worry about someone beating them through the air?

Mike Sando: The front seven generally affects the secondary more than vice versa. I do think the secondary will be improved over the course of the season. Bryant McFadden's addition should help. I do have questions about the front seven as Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry get older. Both were good players last season. They missed a combined 23 games in 2007. Antonio Smith is gone. Gabe Watson has had knee problems. Alan Branch has not developed.

The Cardinals really liked their defense heading into last season. I'm interested in seeing whether more consistent commitment to offensive balance helps the defense.