Chat LIVE from Super Bowl XLII!
We'll be bringing you all the info you need, leading up to the big game. We'll have NFL analysts, writers and many other special guests throughout the week.
Send your questions and comments now for anything and everything Super Bowl!
Wednesday's chat guests include:
1 p.m. ET - Buzz from undisclosed Scottsdale locale
1:30 p.m. - BetUS.com oddsmaker Damon Durante
2 p.m. - Scouts Inc.'s Jeremy Green
3:30 p.m. - NFL draft guru Mel Kiper
4:30 p.m. - Subway spokesman Jared
5 p.m. - ESPN.com's Mike Sando
MORE on Super Bowl XLII
Super Bowl week daily chats: Monday | Tuesday | Thursday | Friday
Buzzmaster (1:00 PM)
We're kicking it Super Bowl XLII, Phoenix style.
Godish (Chicago)
The Jared Fogle will be on hand? Will he be hawkin' Subway?
RAY GORDONREIDSCOTSDALE ARIZONA 85257
QUESTION FOR BUZZY MASTER HOW;S MIKE WILBON
Buzzmaster (1:01 PM)
He's doing all right, from all reports.
Matt (Grand Rapids)
"Undisclosed Scottsdale locale".... Are you trying to keep RGR off your trail Buzz?
Buzzmaster (1:01 PM)
Yes.
Buzzmaster (1:02 PM)
We'll be chatting here for about 30 minutes before Damon Durante of Bet US.com stops to chat about some Super Bowl prop bets.
Sean (Philly)
You really got Jared? I am going to have to read the transcripts tomorrow to see what people ask him. So do you like the BLT Melt? Why doesn't Subway bring back the Angus Burger Sub?
rerun (su)
buzz man, tell us a funny story from AZ
evan (fort lauderdale)
goood morning errr afternoon buzz!!!
Joe (Huntsville,AL)
Buzz got Jared on so he could finagle all of his old fat guy pants after his 2 week food binge on the road.
evan (fort lauderdale)
it will be awesome if jared is munching on a pop tart while chatting
Justin (Ohio)
Just saw a commercial for a Shamwow. I have to get some of those.
Greg(boston)
what are those of us in the 49 other states going to do since we aren't allowed to gamble???
evan (fort lauderdale)
buzz, my grandma called me yesterday and said some man from arizona called her and tried to get her credit card number from her
Buzzmaster (1:05 PM)
That would be me.
Paulie (Philly)
Jared: The only other guy who would refuse a trip to a steakhouse
Greg(boston)
So Buzz, i just read that top QB picks and I must say, the people who can even put Peyton in the same accuracy category as Brady are completely off their rocker...Manning is an unbelievable QB specimen, but when it comes to placing the ball in the perfect spot, Brady is like Monet and Manning is like my 3 year old niece
Jordan (Peoria)
Funny story? Is Buzz here to entertain us? Is he here to make us laugh like some clown? Oh wait he is
Buzzmaster (1:06 PM)
I'm not sure how funny it is, but I went walking down the street to the ESPN TV set a little while ago and the building across the way had some roofers working on, well, the roof. They had put police tape up across all the parking spots on that side of the street and wrapped the cars in plastic. Guess where Buzz parked this morning.
Chad (Savannah, GA)
They sell Pizza at Subway! I don't know how good it is but I know they sell it.
evan (fort lauderdale)
i just read this morning's transcript....we need an over/under on how many slices of pizza buzz eats on sunday....i go with 6.5
Buzzmaster (1:08 PM)
Check this out to see all the best - http://www.betus.com/sportsbook
Justin (Ohio)
Is everyone from Boston as silly as Greg? A 3 year old girl?
RAY GORDON REID (SCOTSDALE ARIZONA 85257)
COMMENT NUMBER.5 AT 1.15 PM NOW GIANTS 35 PATROITS 27
rerun (su)
run buzz, rgr is on your trail...
Everybody else (Boston)
No, the rest of us know Manning is only slightly behind Brady.
Joe (Huntsville,AL)
Also, we need to know where you can buy pizza by the acre.
Bob Swarski (Ditkas, Chicago)
I forsee da Bears being called upon to play dee Pats and defeat them 46-10 my friends.
Buzzmaster (1:10 PM)
According to BetUS.com, the 07 Pats and 85 Bears is a pick 'em.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Am I being punished for missing the morning chat? I can bring a note to prove it was a work-related absence if needed. I'd offer you a steak dinner but that would be pointless.
Jordan (Peoria)
Greg, Brady is great and I wouldnt argue with where they put him but come one all he has to do with Moss is get it in the general vicinity.
Greg(boston)
Since RGR seems to move as he chats, does this mean he's training it, driving it or hitchhiking it?
Greg(boston)
I aim to amuse Justin...otherwise I would have to do work
Josh (Asheville, NC)
Buzz, here is the ultimate Super Bowl question: are the women hotter there in Arizona for Super Bowl XLII or were they hotter in Miami for Super Bowl XLI? Thanks.
Buzzmaster (1:12 PM)
That's unfair, because everything is so spread out out here. Everything was concentrated into a couple of areas in Miami, so it was easier to notice.
Jimmy (Cleveland)
Looking back, what Brady did last season with awful WR's is almost as impressive as what he did this year.
Chad (Savannah, GA)
RGR is like that crazy astronaut. He is diapering it.
Buzzmaster (1:14 PM)
It's also 100/1 Michael Jackson will sing a duet with Tom Petty. 5/1 Tom Petty will French kiss a fan. And 25/1 Tom Petty smokes a joint during half time show.
Lady Buzz (Bristol, CT)
Good safe answer sweetie.
Joe (Huntsville,AL)
You know what the best part of this year's Super Bowl location is? Will Smith never wrote a song about it.
Jonh (NY)
Go giant the will stop the pats
Buzzmaster (1:15 PM)
Bud Light has it at 2/3 for the first beer commercial.
Greg(boston)
based on those prop bets you mention Buzz, they really don't like addicted gamblers...
Brandon (Minnesota)
And 75/1 there will be a snowstorm
Buzzmaster (1:16 PM)
Wow. The Giants fans have been betting the line down. It's down to 11.5.
swish (detroit rock city)
1000/1 Ric Flair runs on stage and takes the mic from tom Petty and yells "Whoooooooo!"
Chad (Savannah, GA)
5/1 on Tom Petty french kissing a fan. I might have to get me some money down on that one. He always tries to make out with someone.
Jason (New Orleans)
what ever happened to the BUD BOWLS?
Buzzmaster (1:16 PM)
I think it's coming back this year.
Joe (Huntsville,AL)
Coincidence that you follow a guy that spelled his own name wrong with a Bud Light post?
Eli Manning (AZ)
Everyone does realize I am nothing but a glorified Rex Grossman, right?
Chris O'Donnell
What are the odds that I'm in a decent movie again?
Jimmy (Cleveland)
1/3 that the first person interviewed after the game will thank God.
Geo (anaheim, CA)
i hope the giants can pull a huge upset against the patriots!
Buzzmaster (1:17 PM)
It's 150/1 that the first person to score will moon the crowd for a TD celebration. So, I guess they don't think Randy Moss will score first.
Jeff Feagles
I'm going to Disney World!
Gabe Phoenix,Az
Do you really think the Giants have a slim chance of beating the Patriots? The way they have been playing as of late I would say they have an equal chance it can go either way
Merlin (Meriden, MN)
It's -6 degrees here with windchills of -35 degrees.I heard the Super Bowl forecast is "chilly" at about 60 degrees.Do you need an intern for the weekend?
Greg(boston)
Actually Buzz, that's Pats fans trying to come back, the Pats haven't covered a lin since November if I remember correctly
Jordan (Peoria)
Side note, did you see the comments from Poulter? I love in golf when guys say if they only played to their potential they could beat Tiger? Well if I only hit the best shot possible every time, I would beat Tiget too
Godish (Chicago)
Odds are 1000/1 that George Brett gets reinstated to MLB.
Chad (Savannah, GA)
It's not necessarily the Giants fans. I took the G-Men when it was at 14 just because I knew that the line would go down as the week went on and those 3-4 pts might make a HUGE difference.
Brother Buzz (CA on the way AZ)
what up bro. you should be on at this time every day instead of that 7a pacific time "Morning Buzz" thing.
Buzzmaster (1:19 PM)
After spending a few days in AZ, I'm seeing more to this whole East Coast bias thing.
Sean (Philly)
"Go giant the will stop the pats", thanks Jonh, we are all now dumber for having read that.
evan (fort lauderdale)
buzz needing an intern? that is the sign of the apoclypse upon us
Kevin Garnett (Boston)
The Pats will win 56-0.
Colin Mattos (DC)
If the patroits do win I wonder how long there win streak will go
Chad (Savannah, GA)
Eli is 1000 X's better than Grossman. Too bad grossman would probably be the 6,978th ranked QB of all time.
Buzzmaster (1:20 PM)
The first fast food commercial during halftime is Pizza Hut at 6/5.
Jack (Chicago)
Just now seeing the East Coast bias? Tough to see the forest through the many trees in Bristol?
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Odds are 10,000/1 that Ryan from San Diego makes it through the remainder of the week without claiming the Pats cheated to get to the Super Bowl.
abdul(seattle, wa)
this year is patriots' year.so they will go all the way and win the super bowl. go tom brady and the patriots!!!!!!!!!!!! u are number 1.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Odds are 50,000/1 that Buzz's fish will recognize him when he comes home. The odds are 60,000/1 that Ms. Buzz will care.
Dru (Indy)
A) why are we talking about Jared??B) Peyton doesnt have Randy Moss to throw to, he's just as good as Tom... your telling me those throws in the TD that Randy caught were accurately thrown?? haha, in an accurate vicinity is more like it... Pat's o-line is definitely better than the Colts too, we were starting 2 rooks at many times
Brandon (Minnesota)
34887/1 The bears cut hester then the patriots sign them,He returns a opening kickoff for a touchdown.
Greg(boston)
I don't understand all these prop bets like the Tom Petty ones, somebody knows exactly the performance Tom Petty will put on, it's not like these aren't rehearsed???
Kaleb (Richmond, IN)
So many people seem to think that the Giants can win. But with such a high powered team how can they stop that great offense of New England, not to mention the defensive attack that will be coming from all sides on Eli?
John (Cloquet, MN)
strahan is the greatest tackler since joe montegna!!!!
Eli Manning (AZ)
I am buying a new car if we win the Super Bowl and i will put "Buzz" on the sides!
Greg(boston)
I'm not sure but i seem to remember Brady doing just fine with Reche Caldwell and Jabar gaffney as his starters last year???? Both guys were droppedby other teams and Brady led them to the AFC Title game for crying out loud
David (Indy)
Odds: 10 Trillion to one that Belichick will go coach indy when dungy is done
Dave(vt)
Maybe Manning has better precision but Brady is more accurate.
Rex Grossman (Chicago)
My stats 2006 - 23 TD, 20 INT, 73.9 QB Rating...Eli in 2007 23 TD, 20 INT, 73.9 QB rating.
Erik (Kissimmee,FL)
I would like to see the Patriots go down, just to show that they are human after all.
Sean (Philly)
No, poor Peyton doesn't have Randy Moss, he only has Reggie Wayne, and prior to this year he had Marvin Harrison. That must have been rough on him.
Jimmy (Cleveland)
People say the Giants are hot...the Patriots have won 18 in a row...who's hotter?
Drew Bledsoe
Can you please refer to me as the $100 Million Dollar Quarterback.
Brother Buzz (CA on the way AZ)
I hear the ribs are great at Bandera's. Dinner, tomorrow night, on me.
Buzzmaster (1:26 PM)
SportsNation knows I am unauthorized to refuse free dinners any more. So anyone offering anything, I must accept.
Rob (Stamford)
Buzz- No one is putting money on the Pats yet. That will happen over the weekend.
Andrew (Bettendorf,IA)
this is getting stupid
Gus (NY)
hey buzz, where in the world is simmons? isn't he a pats fan?
Buzzmaster (1:26 PM)
Maybe he's doing everything he can not to jinx them. So perhaps he's gone mum's the word.
Mike (Boston)
Patriots fans deserve this. Our team was so bad for so long. Just like Bengals fans, Cardinals fans, and all other laughing stocks deserve it...we finally got our turn.
Sean (Philly)
I can't believe I forgot to add "and may God have mercy on your soul" to my last post.
clayton (jacksonvill,FL)
Jabar Gaffney has really turned things around coming from UF. He's def. representin'!
Devin Hester (Chicago)
Shut up Rex!! You're embarrasing us again.
Steve (NJ)
Buzz, that's dangerous. What if we're offering raw squid?
Buzz (Zona)
No thanks bro I just had a bunch of tacos
Joe (Huntsville,AL)
Getting stupid? We've been there pal.
Greg(boston)
Buzz, we'll mail you some free buffet tix to the local vegan establishment then, remember, you can't refuse...enjoy the twigs
Buzzmaster (1:28 PM)
Just a couple of minutes before we get Damon from BetUS.com on here to chat some bets. Be sure to get your questions in.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
I propose a new rule Buzz: No fan is allowed to say that they deserve anything. Fans don't play the games, they watch them. Too much me in fandom anymore. Are you with me?
John (Cloquet, MN)
I could go for a big ol batch o' tacos
Terrell Owens
If the Pats win the super bowl it's really unfair...it's really unfair *wipes away tears*
Gray (Chicago)
Are those Rex and Eli stats real? Why hasn't ESPN ripped into Eli as much as they ripped into Rex last year?
Buzzmaster (1:30 PM)
We've got Damon!!
evan (fort lauderdale)
i heard that you can bet what color the gatoraid will be that is dumped on the winning coach...i put $50 on orange
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:32 PM)
You totally can. Two years ago, there was a controversy if it was white or clear or transparant. We had to go back to the booth. We needed a booth review. We were freaking out. Transparant - 3/1; Green - 5/1; Yellow - 3/1; Orange - 2/1; Red - 3/1; Blue - 10/1; Purple - 16/1.
Joe (Huntsville,AL)
In your opinion, what is the best bet you guys offer?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:34 PM)
Stay away from the 50/50 coin toss, garbage ones. That's the worst one. You have no control over that. The best ones are ones that actually have evidence that you can base your bet on. Statistics. A matchup in the secondary that you don't like. Sacks. We have hundreds of them. Picking the single one is tough.
Dave(vt)
What prop bet has the largest odds this year and can i put $1 on it?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:34 PM)
Our minimum is $10. I think your best money is Brittney Spears streaking, it's 100/1. $10, that's a grand. Ohhhh, actually, the biggest one is if Tom Pretty streaks during his halftime show at 500/1. And then there's if he actually streaks during a play.
Mike, NY
What's the craziest odds you've seen BetUS.com post in regards to the Super Bowl? How about the largest amount of money wagered on the coin toss?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:37 PM)
First off, the crazy stuff, since Janet Jackson officially set the bar, nothing is without limits. Everything is off the charts. It didn't go to BetUS.com unfortunately, but Janet Gretzky put $10,000 on the coin toss.
bill (ga)
How do you come up with all the different funny prop bets - like the Gatorade?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:38 PM)
A lot of it is from our players, really and people like yourselves and e-mail stuff. We're always looking for wacky things to wager on. We don't feel challenged, I guess with what we have already.
John (Cloquet, MN)
What are the odds that Tom Petty's halftime show stinks?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:40 PM)
Dude. I think it's an even line on that one. It's up there with ''will it be way too long.'' I'm going even, but that's not an official line.
Daniel (Maine)
The Patriots haven't covered the spread in a while, why is the spread still so large?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:43 PM)
That's a great question. After they covered eight of the first nine games, oddsmakers were losing their butts, essentially. 50% on the field and 50% what the public thinks. The Patriots are a public team. We want 50% of the money on either side. We wanted to keep the money even. That's why it was so big, because if it were lower, no one would bet on the Giants and that would not be good for oddsmakers.
Brandon (Chicago)
What are the odds Rex Grossman throws another interception?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:43 PM)
That's great! Probably even on that for sure.
Taylor (PA)
if someone bet yo that the giants would hold the pats under 35 would you take it
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:45 PM)
Nope, I probably wouldn't take it.
Pete, New York
Did the betting spread move once Brady was seen walking with a brace? How do you think that will effect his play?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:46 PM)
Not at all, actually. But the line did move. This is interesting. It opened at 14, which was a very public line and it moved immediately. I'm talking hours after being posted. It was a big line. You never see a line move extreme with an injury, unless it's catastrophic. But what moved it was all the money going to the Giants immediately after it was posted. But you're already seeing it squeak back up with some money coming in on the Patriots.
Brendan (Boston)
The New York money has been pouring in now that the line is under 12. Where do you think it will end up before kickoff?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:47 PM)
I'm predicting closer to 13, 14. I think it will sneak back up. All those people piling into Arizona and the Patriots fans coming in. All those crazy New Englanders coming in an putting their houses on the Pats.
Dan (Nutley, NJ)
After the Superbowl, what's the 2nd biggest betting event of the year? March Madness?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:48 PM)
Yeah, March Madness. The Triple Crown. That's really, really big. Football is the top five.
Godish (Chicago)
What are the odds that Burger King brings the Whopper back?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:49 PM)
You already lost your money on that. I'll take your money on it right now!
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Have you ever seen money being bet that you felt was going to lead to the oddsmakers taking a beating?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:50 PM)
Every week that I think that way, but they prove you wrong really fast. Lots of times I see lines that make me think, you're ridiculous.
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:51 PM)
Even the Pats, when they went up against Philly and it was 24.5 you still thought, heck, it's still the Pats. You never think like that. You get it out of your mind. There are rarely one-sided blowouts like that.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
What prop bets out there now are getting little or no play?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:52 PM)
In all honesty, some of the goofy ones that are there just to be silly. People really aren't putting action on Tom Petty giving the finger at halftime. It's more just to talk about. No one's laying the farm on whether McDonald's will be the first fast food restaurant commercial.
Ryan (Silver Spring, MD)
What are the odds on Belichick's outfit?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:53 PM)
On what? Whether he'll wear on inside out sweatshirt with the arms cut off? That's his uniform! What is he going to come out in, a tutu?
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
What was the highest line on the Giants making it to the Super Bowl this season?
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:55 PM)
I don't have the exact figure in front of me, but I'm sure it was in the 40-50/1 range. You would have made a boatload of money.
Damon Durante, BetUS.com oddsmaker (1:57 PM)
Check me out at BetUS Sports Radio where we handicap all sorts of sports, from MMA to football.
Buzzmaster (1:57 PM)
Thanks Damon!
Buzzmaster (1:58 PM)
We've got Jeremy Green coming up next!
Jordan (Peoria)
JG, Buzz said you will get no play this weekend and he related a story to us about you skipping a free steak or something.
Jeremy Green (2:03 PM)
Yes I must skip out on the dinner this evening with .com. Last year there was a certain Senorita in Miami that was very flirtatious. I have a friend coming in for the big game so I will be making an airport run. As for me getting no play? Well that just is not true.
Mike Gilbert (Missouri)
If Usi and Michael put pressure on Tom Brady the game is over if not expect the spread to be upheld
Jeremy Green (2:04 PM)
Pressure will be key for the Giants defense. They did not get any in the first meeting and look how Brady picked them apart. I think the Giants will play much more aggressive on the outside though as they have all post-season.
Adam (lansing, MI)
im sorry i dont know if anyone was watching ESPN NEWS yesterday during the media day interweiws, but i lost all respect for Tom Brady after he said his favorite band of all time...is "gasp" U2.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
Is Brady's ankle a concern?
Jeremy Green (2:06 PM)
I don't think it will be a concern. He is going to play about 905 of the game from the shot-gun where he completes 80% of this passes. It is so hard to get to him because he has one of the quickest releases of any QB in the NFL.
Jordan (Peoria)
If your Coughlin how do you not go balls to the wall in this game in terms of pressure and taking risks on offense? (i.e. going for it on fourth instead of taking field goals)
Jeremy Green (2:07 PM)
I think it depends on the flow of the game bt the Giants should be the team taking the most risks. They should be the loose team as they have nothing to lose.
Kate (Boston)
In the first Giants game the Patriots were without the right side of their starting OL. FYI
Jeremy Green (2:09 PM)
Yes they were and Strahan could not get pressure on O'Callaghan. Light and Kaczur are very good players and made into even better pass protectors because Brady gets rid of the ball so quickly.
Sam (Chicago)
JG, my man, with all of the Lane Kiffin talk going around, it was nice to see your Dad as the lead candidate for the job. Would he really take it if it was offered to him?
Jeremy Green (2:10 PM)
I don't see that happening. First of all Al Davis won't pay him and secondly this team is now being run like it does not belong in the NFL. It is sad to see Al Davis' legacy as one of the best there ever was go through this. That program is pretty embarrrasing at this point in terms of the way it is run.
Tom, NY
Jeremy, I know Ahmed Bradshaw has gotten some notice since he came onto the scene a few weeks ago. But I think he's going to play a HUGE part in this game. Thoughts?
Jeremy Green (2:12 PM)
I think he will split the carries with Jacobs but I don't know about a huge role. he does not catch the ball out of the back field - only 2 catches I think. I like the change up he gives to Jacobs though because Bradshaw has that speed element to get outside vs. a slower Patriots LB group.
tom* (parkville, md)
I hope your dad doesn't take the Raiders' job. I really enjoy hearing him broadcast games on the radio.
Joe Southaven, Mississippi
Who is the corner that will be assigned to guard Moss and what D formation do you think the Giants be in for most of the game?
Jeremy Green (2:16 PM)
I think Madison. I think they will play him in an man outside technique and funnel Moss inside where he will trail but run him into LB and inside safety help. They can't let Moss get an outside release. If they do Brady will take them over the top. They have to funnell him inside where he does not want to go. The GIants will play a lot of man coverage with blitz pressure. If they don't they will have no chance because Brady is too good and will pick them apart.
Steve (NJ)
Can anyone defend Plaxico Burress in New England? He's the key to Manning's 'effectiveness' of late. Manning's inaccurate passes look better when Buress makes a circus catch 27 times a game...
Jeremy Green (2:17 PM)
They don't have anyone that can handle him one on one all game... not even Asante Samuel.
mike hunt
what does tom brady's ankle have anything to do with the redskins 08 championship run?
Jeremy Green (2:18 PM)
Now that is some dellusional talk from the 2nd most dellusional franchise in the NFL.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Mr. Green: What players do you see as X-Factors in this game? I mentioned in the SportsNation chat yesterday that Bradshaw for the G-Men and Stallworth for the Pats would be my picks.
Jeremy Green (2:20 PM)
For the Giants I would go with Jacobs. His ability to pound the ball and control the tempo and time of possesion is the best defense vs. the Pats. For the Pats I would go with Faulk. The Giants will be in a lot of tigh man coverage kind of like the Chargers were and that should open up Faulk underneath.
Stubbs (Idaho)
Do you see Eli Manning riding this wave all the way to the biggest upset win of all time? Or pulling a Rex Grossman and handing the Vince Lombardi trophy to the Pats?
Jeremy Green (2:21 PM)
Well I think the Pats will win but I would not say that means Eli pulled a Rex... Eli has been and is a better QB then Rex ever dreamt of being.
Josh (Asheville, NC)
JG, what is your favorite food at a Super Bowl party? A giant sub sandwich? Hot wings? Pizza? Lil' smokies? Nachos? I love me some lil' smokies, but nothing beats hot wings with a cold brewskie while watching football. Just asking since my buddies, their wives, and myself are debating the issue before Super Sunday. Thoughts?
Jeremy Green (2:23 PM)
Hot wings.... more hot wings,... and even more hot wings... of course with a nice cold beverage. I am also a fan of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers and bacon wraped scalops. I am pretty much a fan of anything wrapped in Bacon.
Jimmy (Cleveland)
Who's the most famous person you've seen out there?
Jeremy Green (2:24 PM)
So far it has been Michael Jordan. My parties pretty much don't start until tomorrow though. Tomorrow night I am in a suite for the Spurs-Suns and then to the Players Inc party. The next party is Friday night and then Saturday I am going to the Playboy party where I will be in search of the man himself Hugh Heffner
Joe (Whitefish, MT)
Do you see Gerris Wilkerson playing a lot more in this game? His speed would really help in trying to cover extra WR and Faulk out of the backfield.
Jeremy Green (2:26 PM)
I do. He played quite a bit in the first meeting after Mitchell got hurt. I think they will get him on the field more with both Mitchell and Pierce in this game. They need his AA in this game.
AL MASS
WILL THE PATS O CORDINATOR TAKE THE SKINS JOB IF THE PATS WIN
Jeremy Green (2:28 PM)
NO.. Belichick would talk him out that and rightly so. Why would any coach want to be the Head Coach of a team whose Owner has alredy hired the staff. The next coach of the Redskins is nothing but a puppet.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
What is up with the Patriots' rediculously easy schedule next season?
Jeremy Green (2:32 PM)
The schedules are done for about the next five years. You play your divsion that is 6 games and then a divsion in the AFC and the NFC so that is 14 and then from then sine the Pats were 1st a top team from two other divisons. There is no way to predict it is easy. Teams that got the AFC South this past season would have been happy and then the AFC South ended up being a great division. The AFC North was supposed to be grreat and it was mediocre until the Browns went on a late run. You can't predict it. However it will be easier if the AFC EAST does not improve because that is 6 games right there.
Rex Grossman
Eli's numbers this year match mine from last year. I'm just saying you shouldn't be that stupid.
Jeremy Green (2:34 PM)
Numbers tell about half the story... first of all Rex's were piled up in September when he was the NFC player of the month. Eli is more consistent then Rex. Rex played like a "dog" down the stretch... numbers lie.
Stubbs (Idaho)
In your very respected opinion is Belichick the greatst football coach of all time?
Jeremy Green (2:37 PM)
I would say and I have been around some great ones including Bill Walsh. The win, the SB tittles, the drafting of players? Belichick is #1 for me and I would put Walsh #2.
Jeremy Green (2:37 PM)
I would say and I have been around some great ones including Bill Walsh. The win, the SB tittles, the drafting of players? Belichick is #1 for me and I would put Walsh #2.
Peyton Manning
If my brother wins this Superbowl will he finally get the respect I have?
Jeremy Green (2:38 PM)
Well Eli got to one quicker with less talent. Take away big brothers title last season and is there a mover over-hyped team this decade then the Colts who have choked away numerous SB opportunites under Peyton's watch.
Stubbs (Idaho)
If the Cowboys didnt CHOKE, and were in the Superbowl do you think they would have a better shot than the Giants?
Jeremy Green (2:39 PM)
No because the Giants have a better pass rush and I would take their over-achieving seconddary over the underachieving Cowboys secondary that would get picked apart by Brady.
Ryan (Bristol, CT)
Don't you think its about time everyone stops hating on the Giant's secondary? It seems as if it would be very suspect, but after good showings in 5 straight weeks I think they are up the the challenge. Your thoughts?
Jeremy Green (2:41 PM)
I would agree. They are playing very well. They are underappreicated. They play hard and in your face kind of like thier coach Spagnulo coaches. They will need some pressure though... they just like any other secondary in the NFL can't be left out their to survive vs. the Pats offense with no pressure.
Brett (DC)
Five straight weeks? Does Ryan really think the Giants secondary had all that good of a showing last time against the Patriots?
Jeremy Green (2:42 PM)
good call there... three strsight is a little more accurate.
Ben (Brooklyn)
Do you really think taking risks is the best route for the Giants? There recent success has come from pounding the rung and good clock management. I think that's the key, no? And... Final score prediciton?
Jeremy Green (2:43 PM)
I think they have to take risks on defense. They can't sit back and get dinked and dunked all day or they will lose the Time of possession battle. They can't win if that happens so I say very aggressive on defense and less aggressive on offense. I have the Patriots 27-Giants 23.
Will, Wyoming
Do you think the giants have any chanch at winning this game?
Jeremy Green (2:45 PM)
Sure or there would be no point on playing. They have to avoid falling behind, control the clock by running the ball, force two turnovers and not turn it over themselves. THey can win. it will take almost the perfect game and the Pats not playing very well. I thought the Pats played about as poorly as they could play vs. San Diego and the Chargers still were never really a threat in that game.
Majeed
JG, Thank you! I keep on telling everyone the Colts with Peyton and Dungy have underachieved big time. Five straight seasons of 12+ wins and only 1 SB title to show for it with all that talent on O. Not to mention the choke jobs vs SD this year and Pitt 2 years ago, both at home. Call em the Atlanta Braves!
George Halas
I didn't win 6 NFL Championships or anything. Nor did I win 318 games. I guess I was just lucky.
Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)
Do you think Eli Manning ever gets sick of hearing interview questions about his brother? I know if I was a #1 overall pick and I heard constant questions in every interview about whether my older brother is watching the game, I'd get bothered by it. Seems like the media is more interested in where Peyton is watching the game at than how Eli is doing.
Jeremy Green (2:47 PM)
I agree, Eli is the most overanalyzed player in the game because he plays in a great market in New York, was the #1 overall pick and is the son of Archie and the brother of Peyton.
mike (az)
jeremy,welcome to my neck of the woods. Please do me a favor while your in town and go say high to ken and rod and let them know that terrance holt needs to go asap! Other than that enjoy the game tomorrow when we make tim duncan look like the lame cry baby that he is
Jeremy Green (2:47 PM)
Will do Mike.
Hugh Heffner (Playboy mansion)
You're going to a playboy party and you want to see me?
Jeremy Green (2:48 PM)
Of course... everyone knows you control the action Hugh.
Franky (Chicago)
Playboy Party!!!! Is there anything not in this world???? By the way, tell Hugh if he needs any help for some odd reason, holla at me!
Donnie (985(Louisiana))
Hell No the pats will win no question asked!!!
Jordan (Slinger)
As far as PlayBoy is concerned: Take your pick: Holley or Kendra?
Jeremy Green (2:49 PM)
Kendra
Eric (MA)
Green! You predicted that the Jags would upset the Pats with their running attack; are you seeing the same problems and a possible upset this SB? I don't see it - I think the Pats will play to stop the run and jam Burress over the line with safety help. The key is making Boss, Toomer and Steve Smith try to beat you. If that happens, which I think it will, G-men will lose by 10+
Jeremy Green (2:51 PM)
I agree. The Giants won't win this game in a shootout. I think the Pats look at the GIants as they did Jax and San Diego. Stop the run... force the other team to air oit out and they will win. I agree with that.
Anthony (NYC)
JG bottom line is that if the Giants don't consistently(not 1 or 3 times), consistently apply pressure to Brady they won't stand a chance. And the Pats awesome offensive line has alot of say in that.
Jeremy Green (2:51 PM)
I agree.
Bob Graham (Calif)
As a fan of Bay Area teams I have seen the great years of the Raiders and the Forty-Niners. For this reason it has been enjoyable to watch the rise of the Pats over the past few years. It's good for football in general as well as a new feel for greatness by the everyday fan.
Dave (Mt. Pleasant, MI)
How many interceptions will Eli throw in the game? He hasn't thrown any in the playoffs, but he hasn't seen a defense like New England's.
Jeremy Green (2:54 PM)
I say two this week. Not because he is going to choke. Not because he is not a solid starter. Because this is his first SB appearance and it will be a learning experience that he will be able to build on when he leads the Giants back to the big game in the future.
Jim (Auburn, MA)
What happened to your guarantee that the Jags would beat the Pats?
Jeremy Green (2:55 PM)
Wow Jim... that was like 3 weeks ago... you have not gotten over that yet? Let me see... I was wrong!
Mike Bridgewater, NJ
JG, if everyone is saying that the Pats will mostly be in the shotgun, does that kill Maroney's use. He has been above 100 yrds the last 2 games. Thanks!
Jeremy Green (2:57 PM)
No because they have actually been running him more out of the shotgun in recent weeks. Plus if they get the lead, they will play less out of the shot gun and get to their run game some.
Nick (pa)
What will be the deciding factor in the super bowl.Offense,defense or special teams
Jeremy Green (2:57 PM)
Offense... Tom Brady will be the difference. The best player in the game will shine in the big spotlight.
Jeremy Green (2:58 PM)
OK guys. I am taking the Pats 27-23. I am taking Brady as the MVP
Anthony (NYC)
JG I agree with Majeed's statement on Peyton and the Colts they're choke artist. What some folks don't realize is that the MVP should've gone to the offensive line or the running backs last year.
Jeremy Green (2:58 PM)
good call there.
Ted
Your predictions dont mean crap after your Jags pick. Go join your dad in the unemployment line.
Jeremy Green (3:00 PM)
Unemployment doing Coors light commercials must be tough... he is roughing it I know.
Jeremy Green (3:00 PM)
OK guys here comes Buzz.... I think I might have to take Buzz with me to the Playboy party so he can fill all of you in on Monday.
Buzzmaster (3:01 PM)
Ooooh! Oooohhh! Yes please JG! Please....puhhhhhh-leeeeeze!
Waldo Pittsburgh,Pa
moroney wont run on giants
Godish (Chicago)
Did you take a nap Buzz?
Buzzmaster (3:02 PM)
Lunch break. Grabbed some pizza from a place across the street.
Todd (Philly)
I don't think Mrs. Buzz would appreciate that very much.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Just don't offer him a steak Jeremy.
Jack (NB Canada)
Buzz would offer the Playmates Pop-Tarts and steak!
Sam (N. Providence RI)
I'll take the Giants 31 Pats 24, cheaters and steriod users always lose in the end.
San Diego, California
I hate the Patty cakes! Go Giants! Hey, I also hate Eli Manning, Go Patty Cakes! Shoot, I hate this years SB.
Mike Bridgewater NJ
Maroney +42 yards second half on betus......take it!
D (MI)
Do you think there could be a legit argument that Eli might actually be a better playoff QB than his brother?
Xander (Philly)
I agree the Pats will win (man it hurts to say that), but isnt there some concern after Brady throws 3 picks last week against SD?
Buzzmaster (3:04 PM)
I don't think so.
Jack (NB Canada)
Almost Supper chat here!
Buzzmaster (3:05 PM)
Oh yeah! Before I forget. I've used my connections to secure tickets to Curtis Jackson tomorrow night....Wait, what's that? Oh yeah, I mean 50 Cent.
Ryan (San Diego)
Hey San Diego, quit stealing my material
Sam (N. Providence RI)
Yes, he's working outdoors and with lesser talent. Eli could be better.
Buzzmaster (3:08 PM)
And, while I got distracted there and was talking about tickets. I'm still working on getting into Velvet Revolver on Saturday night.
Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)
I am overwhelmed by how many people are completely shutting out the G-Men! Don't sleep on the Giants, I'm just saying.......
Ryan (San Diego)
Okay, someone go to the 50 cent concert tomorrow night and look for the guy getting his laptop stolen lol
Dave(vt)
Buzz's connection was paying twice as much as the ticket is worth.
Joe (Madison)
Buzz, it's "Fiddy" not Fifty.
Buzzmaster (50 cent concert)
Note to self, dont get shot.
Vanilla Ice (scaring Chris Kattan)
50 Cent? Have you turned your back on me Buzz?
Buzzmaster (3:09 PM)
No. You and MC Hammer are still my favorites.
Brian (Madison, WI)
Good luck Buzz the only rap concert I've in person that was any good was Snoop in Vegas at the Hard Rock.
Buzzmaster (3:10 PM)
LL Cool J at last year's Super Bowl was pretty good.
kiran(philly)
Have to root for the giants. it makes me queasy. But Ill never forgive Rodney Harrison and Vrabel for flapping their wings to mock Philly in SB XXXIX.
Lady Buzz (Bristol)
Does anyone have Matt Damon's phone number?
Buzzmaster (3:10 PM)
Just as long as he's gone before I get home, hon.
Godish (Chicago)
Did Mama say knock you out?
Matt (Grand Rapids)
Buzz if you get backstage at the Velvet Revolver concert challenge Slash to a game of Guitar Hero.
Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)
Tell Lloyd Banks I said what up!
Tony (Boise, ID)
I thought you were going with the Chicago dog for lunch...the pizza took you over, huh?
Buzzmaster (3:12 PM)
Yeah. What can I say. I'll have to try to get to the Chicago dog place tomorrow.
Sam (N. Providence RI)
Big Ben was a little nervous in his first SB, but he had a running game and a great defense to pick him up. (Does this sound familar?)
Buzzmaster (3:12 PM)
Ummmm, no. It sounds like when Big Ben won the Super Bowl.
Jeff (Iowa)
Buzz, make sure you ask Hugh Hefner if he could help you locate some girls next door.
Matt Damon
Well I got LadyBuzz's number, how you like them apples?
Neal (Philly)
After this morning's MB, how could Buzz not eat pizza?
Buzzmaster (3:13 PM)
I tell you what. I don't know if it's because this Super Bowl is spread out, but there's definitely a lot less buzz out here in Scottsdale. I'm sure it's different elsewhere, perhaps, and it's only Wednesday, but this place isn't hopping yet.
Randy Moss (Phoenix, Az.)
Straight Cash Homey, 1 AM ET. ESPN every Thursday morning.
Buzz (at the gate of 50 Cent concert with his fake bootleg ticke
Come on, I'm a member of G-Unit.... Let me in!
Thomas (Florida)
Buzz, have you met Plaixco, and is he really that tall?
Buzzmaster (3:14 PM)
Yes and yes.
Jack (NB Canada)
Any celebrity sightings today Buzz?
Buzzmaster (3:14 PM)
Other than ESPN folks, no.
Dave(vt)
Well played with the Matt Damon thing Buzz, now you can run wild at the Playboy party.
Glenn (NJ)
Buzz, im on my way to glendale in a little over 24 hours...can you hook me up and get me into some parties...maxim would be sweet
Buzzmaster (3:15 PM)
Right, I'll be right on that. Instead of scrounging up a ticket for me, I'll get one for you.
Matt (Schenectady, NY)
Yeah any chance you get to see Velvet Revolver you have to take it. You never know when Scott Weiland is going back to jail.
Chacko (Denver, CO)
Pats by 17 without a doubt. It's Phoenix, not Foxboro. We're back to September ball for Brady and Moss.
Tony Romo (Dallas, Texas)
I wish I was Tom Brady
Brian (Madison, WI)
Does it get any bigger of a celebrity than Jeremy Green?
Buzzmaster (3:16 PM)
Not in my book. Anyone that can have women throwing themselves at him, he's A-1 in my book.
Wolmah (Stockton, CA)
Do you think if NE wins the SB, would the media grant Brady the MVP or give it to Moss just because he made Brady look good all season?
Matt Leinart
I hope to play in Arizona someday.
ELO/ORLANDO
Buzz, what are the players doing today?
Buzzmaster (3:16 PM)
Practicing. Holding their mandatory press conferences then hiding in their hotel rooms.
Mike (NJ)
Buzz, to make this superbowl wkend even better, I'm scheduled to resign from my job on Fri. Only prob is my boss isn't going to be here, is it appropriate to leave the letter on her chair or send an email??
Buzzmaster (3:17 PM)
Why not just quit right now? Then you can spend the rest of the week in our Super Bowl chat.
Chacko (Denver, CO)
Oh yeah, Brady didn't look good until this season Wolmah...
Buzzmaster (3:18 PM)
Scheduling alert - Mel Kiper at 3:30 p.m. ET (that's 1:30 p.m. Phoenix time).
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Buzz if you do it right, you don't need to resign from your job to enjoy the SB chat.
Jeff (Iowa)
Buzz, make sure you ask Holly, Kendra and Bridget if they ever partake of the MB? Or, if they would consent to a chat.
Brady Quinn (Cleveland, Ohio)
Buzz am I every going to play? Or just keep doing protein shake commercials
Buzzmaster (3:18 PM)
Either way you're getting paid, so who cares.
Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)
Why does everyone think the weather is gonna help NE more than NY? That is the most ridiculous thing I've heard yet! The Giants played in sunny TB, won...they played indoors at Dallas, won...and they played in the tundra, won....enough said!
Dave(vt)
How would you rank Hef's ladies buzz?
Buzzmaster (3:19 PM)
Hot, hot, hot.
Sub Prime Scam
Buzz, when you're done calling the old people for money, can you make some calls offering people homes they can't afford?
Ben (Brooklyn)
Everyone here is working AND enjoying the chat :)
Thomas (Florida)
buzz, will you guys have a signing day special?
Buzzmaster (3:20 PM)
Yes. We're putting together the details now.
Sean (Boston MA.)
How long will the Patriots go till they lose? Their 08-09 schedule seems quite easy. Will they lose at the SB or sometime in the regular season, or..never?!
Nick (Pa)
I got fired from my job on friday what a start to the weekend ...Now i can egin my presidential run
Buzzmaster (3:20 PM)
If that's true, that stinks. On both fronts.
Mike (NJ)
But I'm in your chat right now and still getting paid!
Kiran(philly)
Who has Insider? Can someone tell me who the Eagles are taking in Mel's mock? I want to ask appropriate followups.
ryan (melrose,ma)
Buzz is using his urban dictionary fame to meet chicks at the super bowl.
mike (az)
buzz, can you force mel to answer multiple cardinals questions as to continue with an az dominated scene. also are you making it over to the suns game tomorrow night?
Sean (Philly)
I love all of these Moss made Brady look good posts. Take away Moss's numbers from Brady, and he still had a better than average statistical year. That is impressive.
Adrian Peterson (Minnesota)
Buzz, I'll see you at the Super Bowl next year. Can you say AD for Super Bowl MVP?
Buzzmaster (3:22 PM)
OK. I'll talk to your people about setting up a chat Super Bowl week, because that's the only way you'll be here.
Eugene Robinson (Atlanta)
Wait, I was supposed to hide in my hotel room?
Nick (Pa)
wjhat about welker I think he had more oof am impact on brady's numbers
Hughly (Tempe, AZ)
Hot rumor: Tom Brady will miss the Superbowl! Too tired after visit to Playboy party.
Tom (Chicago)
Hey Kiran. Pay for a subscription to ESPN the Magazine and get the info yourself, since you get Insider with it.
Mike's boss (NJ)
Things can change, slacker.
Buzz's Mom
I don't approve of you hanging out with that Heff character! He's a bad influence.
Jack (NB Canada)
Is Tiger Wood's gonna be at the game?
tom* (parkville, md)
What do you miss most about Bristol?
Buzzmaster (3:23 PM)
The snow.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Randy Moss: Two post season grabs thus far. Yeah, Brady is nothing without him.
Peyton Manning (New Orleans)
I wish I looked like Brady.
Jeff (Iowa)
Now Buzz, be nice to Vikings fans. We are no where near as pathetically optimistic as Cub fans.
evan (fort lauderdale)
i just hope they dont kidnap the pats mascot before the game...ace ventura is on the prowl!!
Jeff (Iowa)
So Buzz, have you found any of the people they paid just to hang around and look pretty?
Buzzmaster (3:25 PM)
Yeah, me. No, wait. That's not right.
Brad (Cleveland)
I want in this chat! Let me in!
Paul (Columbus, Ohio)
Buzz who would you rather be, Tom Brady or Tiger Woods?
Buzzmaster (3:26 PM)
Are you kidding me? Woods by a long shot. He'll be able to walk when he's 50 and still be richer than God.
evan (fort lauderdale)
crazy fact...the winning team of my fantasy football league the last 3 yrs had eli manning on his roster...2 of those 3 yrs, he was the primary starter
Neal (Philly)
This is bad. I'm too tired to even type.
Sean (Boston MA.)
Donte' Stallworth is like the a human joystick. Spinning, juking, stiff arming like the players do in Madden 08!
tom* (parkville, md)
I start to laugh at the Vikings' fans. Then I remember: I'm a Lions' fan.
Buzzmaster (3:26 PM)
Bwahahahahahaha!
ryan (melrose,ma)
Buzz, Can I ask Jared From Subway if he likes Quiznoes?
Buzzmaster (3:26 PM)
Go for it.
Jeff (Iowa)
Doesn't Brady have to get hit first to have bad knees?
Chris (Gail force winds LA CA)
Buzz, is it windy and cold in AZ? get ready cause its coming!
Jeff (Iowa)
tom* is the president and vice president of the Lions fan club.
Paul (Columbus, Ohio)
Thats what i wanted to hear Buzz, I play collegiate golf. Tiger basically is a God
Buzzmaster (3:27 PM)
Tiger is the God of being richer than God.
Jeff (Iowa)
Gail Goodrich is causing the wind to blow?
Rob (Seattle Washington)
G-Men and Pats had a good game back in week 17. Will SB XLII be as good as the last time these two teams met?
Buzzmaster (3:28 PM)
For Fox's, the fans' and the commericals' sake, I hope so.
Sean (Philly)
Tom Brady does have that whole being Single thing going on...
Ryan (San Diego)
I would just like to take this time to thank my hands for being so great at typing in this chat
Jack (NB Canada)
Sylvester Stallone says he used human growth hormone to get buff for the new "Rambo" movie, and defends its use.
Brett Favre (Hunting in his back 40)
Actually, I am like a God. Just ask John Madden.
Jimbo Slice (NC)
How come Jeff in Iowa gets posted every other post? Is he your relative?
Buzzmaster (3:29 PM)
Perhaps he's the only one sending in informative posts......Nahhhhhh.
God (Heaven)
I'll be darned...I just did the math and Tiger is richer than me.
Buzzmaster (3:29 PM)
We've got Mel Kiper here in a couple of minutes!
God
Every time I try to talk to someone it's sorry this and forgive me that and I'm not worthy.
Jason (East Lansing)
Live from Super Bowl XLII? I wasn't aware Sportsnation had the power to hold chats from the future.
Christian (High Point, NC)
Being married to a swedish nanny-model trumps being single any day of the week.
Jeff (Iowa)
DirectTV guy is here, Buzz. Gotta go. Peace out.
D (MI)
Wait a second you have Jared from Subway here to talk?!!?! Wow way to get someone extremely relevant ESPN.
Buzzmaster (3:30 PM)
No problem. Glad I could improve your day.
Buzzmaster (3:33 PM)
Mel's here!
Mel Kiper (3:33 PM)
Senior Bowl week is over. Now the Combine begins Feb. 20. We have a little bit of a break in the action now. A little bit of a dead period now.
Jamie (Utica, NY)
Hey Mel. How much did Chad Henne improve his stock at the Senior Bowl? Any chance the Bears take him in the Second Round?
Mel Kiper (3:35 PM)
I thought going into the Senior Bowl, he was a 2-3 round pick. He's in the second tier after Matt Ryan. Brian Brohm wasn't at the Bowl, but I still have him as the second ranked QB. But Henne is still right there. There's no clear cut second first round guy after Matt Ryan. He was a little inconsistent at the Senior Bowl and he was a little inconsistent in his career. He's got a great arm, but he's not real mobile. He'll throw some balls and miss some open receivers that leave you scracthing your head. If he were more consistent, he'd be a top 10 pick.
Mel Kiper (3:35 PM)
Right now he's trying to solidfy a spot in the second round.
Justin (Baltimore)
Limas Sweed dropped a lot of passes at the Senior Bowl and didn?t impress me, so why does every still rank him so highly?
Mel Kiper (3:36 PM)
Limas Sweed had a wrist injury and was out since Oct. 6. When you talk about all that inactivity, you have to look at him the rest of his career in Texas. He separates quickly. I think he's still got a chance to go between 25 and 45.
Ken (Chicago)
So who do the Bears take in round 1?
Mel Kiper (3:37 PM)
I think they could look at an OL or a RB. If you look at the OTs that could be there, maybe Ryan Clady, Sam Baker, Chris Williams. For RBs, Jonathan Stewart or Felix Jones. They also could look at WR. Mario Manningham is a possibility there.
Thomas (Florida)
Who should the Vikings take in the 1st round?
Mel Kiper (3:38 PM)
You look at the positional need areas, you look at the quality WR. They need a top flight WR to work opposite Rice. I have them taking DeSean Jackson. They have another need at DE. They need a sack guy and don't have him right now. They need a pass catching TE and a young safety.
Jimmy (Chicago)
This is for Mel, I have wondered for awhile: What you think of Indiana's James Hardy? How high could you see him going in the draft and what do you think about a comparison between him and Plaxico Burress ?
Mel Kiper (3:39 PM)
He's one of those guys. He's a late first, early second rounder. Maybe to San Francisco. He's a 29-40 guy. He's got great height - 6-6. He's got good hand-eye coordination. He has a lot of TD receptions in his career. The only thing that he has to show at the combine is speed.
ryan (cleveland, ohio)
does mendenhall slip to the second round, or is he the obvious second running back off the board after mcfadden?
Mel Kiper (3:40 PM)
No, he's not the obvious one. The second one is Stewart. The third RB is Felix Jones, because he has great versatility. Then you would think Mendenhall fourth. The fifth one is Chris Johnson from East Carolina. Mendenhall could be of interest to Dallas.
Chris (Philly)
Good afternoon from everybody here from the city of brotherly love!!!
John (Norman, OK)
What the scouting report for Curtis Lofton. Kinda surprised to see him come out.
Mel Kiper (3:42 PM)
He's coming out in a year that's not strong on LBs. I don't think there will be a LB off the board in the first round. The problem is that in the ILB position, there is Jerod Mayo that came out early. When I look at Lofton, he made his mark on special teams early in his career. This year, he became a huge presence. He's the Big 12 DPOY this year. He's tremendously tough. Fast to the football.
Stubbs (Idaho)
Do you think the Cowboys have a chance to get Darren McFadden in the first round?
Mel Kiper (3:44 PM)
To have that happen there is they pick in the late first - 22 and 28. I don't think a team will want to drop down that far. They'll have to throw in a good football player. You're talking a Marion Barber type player. But if you're Atlanta or Oakland and you're going to lose out on McFadden, you want a Barber in return. Atlanta and Oakland, do they want to lose out on McFadden?
Andy (Ann Arbor, MI)
Which Long is taken first? Jake or Howie's boy?
Mel Kiper (3:44 PM)
Right now, it's Chris Long going slightly ahead of Jake. But Jake Long has to be in the discussion for St. Louis. If Miami traded down a little bit, they could look at Jake.
Mel Kiper (3:44 PM)
Right now it's still too close to call.
Brandon (Chicago)
Mel, last year guys like Kevin Kolb and John Beck went early in the second round. Will we see a QB run in the early part of the 2nd round with the abundance of second tier quarterbacks such as Brian Brohm, Andre Woodson, Joe Flacco, Chad Henne, John David Booty, etc.? Teams like Miami, Atlanta, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Chicago need a quarterback?
Mel Kiper (3:46 PM)
Yeah, I think you could see that. I think you'll see a good prospect pushed into a third or fourth round. Brohm, Flacco, Henne could go in the second. Woodson, Booty could go in the third. There could be some sleepers. Colt Brennan has dropped. He could be there in the fifth-seventh round.
Mel Kiper (3:47 PM)
A guy that you can't forget about is Dennis Dixon of Oregon.
Cody Philly
Mel, with the success of Adrian Peterson will teams focus less on injuries in College, major ones aside. AP at 7 was a steal for Minn.
Mel Kiper (3:48 PM)
I don't think that whole thing has an impact one way or another. Peterson still had an injury this year. With his violent running style, durability will always be a concern. But he dropped because he is a RB. Good RBs drop every year and they should. There are only 4-5 teams that prioritize RB in the draft.
Mel Kiper (3:48 PM)
Injuries are always an individual thing. You have to go player to player.
Nick (Pa)
who's the best linebacker in the draft...is it gino hayes
Mel Kiper (3:50 PM)
I'd say right now, right this second, you still say Dan Connor from PSU. Keith Rivers is right there. And there are some juniors there as well. A couple of guys - Erin Henderson and Jerod Mayo - could move up with good workouts. They're second rounders, but they're in the discussion.
Aaron (Baltimore)
If you had the number 1 pick who would you pick? Not who you think they would pick?
Mel Kiper (3:51 PM)
McFadden is No. 1 and Dorsey is No. 2. Then Jake Long and Chris Long. Matt Ryan and then Sedrick Ellis, in that order. McFadden is the best player in this draft and Dorsey is the best defensive player.
Adam (Philly)
Who is the top cb/kr/pr combo player available in the draft?
Mel Kiper (3:53 PM)
Leodis McKelvin from Troy. I think he goes at 10 to New Orleans or at 15 to Detroit. The best pure CB is Aqib Talib from Kansas. He could go as high as No. 7 to the Patriots. Two CBs that are moving up are Chevis Jackson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out of Tenn. St. He did a good job at the I-AA level. He showed he could play at the Senior Bowl.
Bill (Denver, CO via Knoxville)
Can Eric Ainge play in the NFL? He had a nice senior bowl, did he improve his chances?
Mel Kiper (3:54 PM)
I think he could definitley be a starting QB in the NFL. He checks in at 6-5, 221. He has great height. When you watch him play, he makes all the throws. He rarely gets sacked. He doesn't have great mobility so to not get sacked much is good. He's not the kind of guy that doesn't have a great arm, but you put him in the game and he moves the ball. He won't wow you over in a workout. He is in the second tier as well. I don't think I mentioned him before.
Curt (Denver)
Is Kenny Phillips going to slip out of the first round?
Mel Kiper (3:56 PM)
He's a borderline first. I personally like Kenny Phillips. As you watched him last season, you really liked him and thought he could go in the top 15. This year, he looked like a fourth rounder. There's a middle ground there. If he can revert back to his sophomore form, you have a good safety, in a year where the safety position is not strong.
D (MI)
Don't you feel Ryan's high stock is more of a product of a weak QB than Ryan's actual ability?
Mel Kiper (3:58 PM)
No. You don't grade kids based on the class. Every grade you give is not based on the class. When I grade QBs, I look back to see how I graded QBs from past classes. I see a career for Matt Ryan and a grade similar to Eli Manning, Big Ben, Phillip Rivers. All three QBs didn't look great coming out, but they all looked very very good. They all went in the top of the first round and they've all done a very good job so far.
Martin (Missouri)
Which of these tight ends will be drafted the highest? Mich St.'s Kellen Davis, Kentucky's Jacob Tamme, or Mizzou's Martin Rucker?
Mel Kiper (3:59 PM)
The first TE drafted is going to be Fred Davis. Of these three, I'd say right now it's between Rucker and Tamme. If you made me choose, I'd say Tamme with Rucker second.
Matt (Morgantown, WV)
Owen Shcmitt the next Alsott?
Mel Kiper (4:00 PM)
Alstott was more of a HB/FB. Schmitt is kind of in that mold. He's very versatile. I think his running ability will give you a little dimension. He's tough, rugged. When you look at that spot, very few teams are using that position. They're using a TE in that spot, an H-back.
Mel Kiper (4:01 PM)
If you are one of those teams that prioritize a FB, you'll be thinking about Schmitt very early in the draft.
AJ (Dick Chaney's America)
How did Connor do at the senior bowl? Did he eliminate any of the "overrated" talk that seems to be lowing his stock to Puz's last year.
Mel Kiper (4:03 PM)
People always talk about who is overrated and underrated prematurely. It's hard to say going in, but we have to do that. Your ratings determine who is over/under rated. Those O/U lists are overrated. They change from analyst to analyst. I have some lists and it also depends on where a guy goes in the draft. If a guy goes in the first round, he might be overrated, but if he goes in the third, it's a solid pick.
Mike (Boca Raton)
were there any interior olineman that set themselves apart at the senior bowl?
Mel Kiper (4:04 PM)
I think the best interior OL are juniors. No seniors are on that list. Chilo Rachal from USC is the best guard in the country. Also, Branden Albert from Virginia is a G/T will be a late first/early second. Those are your best interior OL.
Jack (Toronto)
Nobody seems to be talking about Flacco to Chicago as a natural fit. Isn't this a logical choice for them in the second round?
Mel Kiper (4:05 PM)
Yeah, I think so. In the second round you want a kid that can flick the ball. He has the best arm in the draft. The ball just jumps off his hand. You didn't see anything at the Senior Bowl practices that you didn't see at Delaware. All this talk about him not playing under the center, well, when you're passing the ball, you're in the shotgun. This is a passing league right now. Flacco will be a second round pick and it wouldn't shock me if the Bears take him.
Mel Kiper (4:06 PM)
I could see the Bears picking a QB in the second round. Flacco, Henne, even Brohm.
Richard (Music City)
Which running back in the draft would be an ideal 3rd down back, quick with good hands out of the backfield?
Mel Kiper (4:07 PM)
Steve Slaton from WVU would fit that mold. Chris Johnson. Those are two guys that would fit that mold.
Jon V. (Cleveland, OH)
Is Jake Long as good as Joe Thomas?
Mel Kiper (4:08 PM)
Yes. But they're totally different style of players. Joe Thomas, excellent pass blocker and average run blocker. It's the opposite for Jake Long. Both will have a similar grade, but for different style of players. Some may look at Jake Long as a better RT prospect than LT prospect.
RK (Motown)
Mel, You see the lions drafting a Defensive back, Middle Linebacker, and Defensive End in the first three rounds?
Mel Kiper (4:11 PM)
I think these are their needs: CB. They have major needs at CB at both positions. They could look at Leodis McKelvin. No. 2, DE is a need. This Rod Marinelli scheme needs a great pass rusher. At Tampa, he had Simeon Rice. They don't have a big time DE. No. 3, I would say RB. They're going to run the ball a lot more this year. The pass happy offense is gone. No. 4, OT. The RT position was a disaster. They also need a MLB. They don't have a huge identity on the defensive side. Paris Lenon is OK, not a great player. The MLB sets the identity of the defense. He wants to upgrade the defense. So, I go, CB, DE, RB, RT, MLB.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
Is John David Booty's stock rising or falling?
Mel Kiper (4:13 PM)
I think it's maintained. He's a guy that goes about his business by managing his game. It's the cliche of the 2000s - managing a game. He takes advantage of the talent around him. They did not develop a consistent group of WRs this year. He's been a QB that has taken advantage of the talent around him. He had that injury that I think cost USC a shot at a national title. He kind of reminds me of Chad Pennington. He doesn't muscle throws, but he doesn't have to.
Gloria (Mesabi)
Mel, don't you wish all this Super Bowl nonsense was over so we could just focus on the draft and the upcomng combine?
Mel Kiper (4:16 PM)
Well, we do all this to help teams better themselves to get to the Super Bowl. So it's an ongoing process. We look at the draft to help teams get to the Super Bowl. Look at the Patriots - the draft that brought them Wilfork, Faulk, Brady, Mankins, Seymour, Samuel. Then they augmented the team with free agents. The same thing with the Giants - drafts that brought in Manning, Bradshaw, Sneed, Strahan, Umeniyora, Ross, Wilson. You get to the Super Bowl because you draft well.
Mel Kiper (4:16 PM)
We watch with great interest to see if the Patriots can go 19-0 and make history. We have a dead period between now and the combine on Feb. 20.
Ken (Trenton, NJ)
Who declared for the draft that you wish would have stayed one more year?
Mel Kiper (4:19 PM)
Good question. I was happy to see a James Davis go back to Clemson. I was happy to see him go back for another year. Mario Urrutia, WR from Louisville didn't have a good year. They have a good QB returning. He could have been the No. 1 guy and there are a lot of WRs coming out this year. Other guys, Justin King from PSU. Great athlete, great talent. But he didn't have a great year at CB. I think he could have been a top guy if he went back. Kenny Phillips is gambling. He's taking a little bit of a risk and hoping that people look at his sophomore year and not this year.
Andy (Ann Arbor, MI)
Who didn't delcare that should have come out?
Mel Kiper (4:21 PM)
The one that shocked me was James Laurinaitis, the MLB from OSU. After the year he had, 121 tackles, 5 INTs, even though he didn't have a great year against LSU, if he came out, he could have been a top 10 pick. There are no super LBs coming out. Also Ray Maualuga. He had three sacks against Illinois in the Rose Bowl. I still thought he would have been a high pick. Dary Beckwith, I thought he was going to come out. Laurinaitis was the one that surprised me.
Mel Kiper (4:23 PM)
I thought Travis Beckum the TE from Wisconsin would come out. In a league that really clamors for pass catching TEs, I thought he would take advantage of that. I was surprised that Duke Robinson didn't come out. I was surprised that Alex Mack, the center out of Cal. He would have been the best center in this draft.
Mel Kiper (4:23 PM)
Malcom Jenkins, the CB from OSU is another one.
Stubbs (Idaho)
Who is the best saftey in the draft?
Mel Kiper (4:24 PM)
I think it's between two guys - Kenny Phillips and Reggie Smith, who is a CB/S from Oklahoma.
Mel Kiper (4:25 PM)
We covered a lot of bases today, a ton of draft questions. We'll be back next Wednesday at the regular time of 1 p.m. ET.
Buzzmaster (4:26 PM)
Thanks Mel!
Buzzmaster (4:26 PM)
Boy, he sure knows his stuff, eh?
Buzzmaster (4:27 PM)
Next up is Jared from Subway!
Buzzmaster (4:28 PM)
He's a big Colts fan!
Bob (Canada)
Yeah, he really does, eh!The real Jared from Subway, eh?
Buzzmaster (4:30 PM)
We've got Jared!
Chris (Gail force winds LA CA)
How is it working with reggie bush?
Jared (4:30 PM)
It was great. I've got to do two different ads with Reggie. One we shot about a year ago and then we shot another one down in New Orleans. He's a great guy. It was a lot of fun for me.
Joseph (Dublin, Georgia)
Jared the Subway Man, would would Subway do if you had a Big Mac?
Jared (4:31 PM)
Well, hopefully they won't worry about that. I haven't had McD's in about 9 years. I don't think we'll have to worry about it.
Aaron (Baltimore)
Hey Jared did Reggie give you any football tips? hahahahaha
Jared (4:32 PM)
Not really. We had a lot of fun on the set, though. We spent a couple of days together. We were talking, hanging out a little bit. We shot the last commerical when the Colts beat the Saints this year. He wasn't too happy.
John (Cloquet, MN)
Jared, so how long before Subway names a sandwich after you?
Jared (4:33 PM)
I don't know when I'll have sandwich named after me, but I do have my picture on a lot of menus. It's the Fresh Fit menu and it's weird to see my face up there.
Kevin (Virginia)
Do you get free Subway food?
Jared (4:33 PM)
I haven't had to pay for Subway since I started making the commercials. It's a nice perk.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
How do the athletes react when they meet you?
Jared (4:34 PM)
It's funny, because they know me just as well as I know them. It's a very surreal feeling. It's guys that I've grown up watching and they're excited to meet me back. It's a very humbling feeling.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
What sub is your favorite?
Jared (4:35 PM)
I would say nowadays the sweet onion chicken terriyaki on the Fresh Fit menu. It's the one I've been eating a lot lately.
John (SC)
Has Quizno's tried to steal you from Subway?
Jared (4:35 PM)
No, they haven't. I'm definitely loyal to Subway, that's for sure. I'm going to stick with Subway.
Eric (Philly)
Did you enjoy working Reggie more or R. Howard more for the Subway commercials?
Jared (4:36 PM)
Hmmm. Good question. I liked working with both of them. I don't know if I have a favorite. The one I had the most fun with period was with Strahan, that was our first with an athlete.
John (Cloquet, MN)
What's the usual reaction when you go into Subway?
Jared (4:37 PM)
It depends on if they're expecting me or not. If they don't know I'm coming, they usually flip out a bit. They'll do double takes or whatever and get a kick out of it.
Kip Meler (NPSE)
Does anyone ever ask you what your last name is? If not: What's your last name?
Jared (4:37 PM)
Yeah, occasionally. Most people know me as Jared from Subway. More people know me just by Jared. It's Madonna, Cher, Prince and Jared.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
How did Subway originally find out about you?
Jared (4:38 PM)
They found out through some articles that were written about me while I was in college. They were picked up and were put into Subway's hands.
Zac (MN)
You don't even need a last name. That's how you know you really made it big. Like Madonna and Prince.
Chris (gail force winds LA CA)
How many times a week do you eat subway? is that all you eat?
Jared (4:38 PM)
These days, I probably eat there 2-3 times a week in general. I travel so much. That year that I lost weight, I ate there 7 days a week.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
Do you ever get autograph requests?
Jared (4:39 PM)
Oh yeah. People are always asking about autographs and pictures.
Shaun (South Windsor, CT)
Being a Colts fan, and having worked with Strahan in the past, you MUST be rooting for the Giants on Sunday right?
Jared (4:40 PM)
Oh yes, big time. My prediction is 31-24 Giants.
Jared (4:40 PM)
Brady better watch out because Strahan is going to knock him down.
evan (fort lauderdale)
whats your favorite thing to eat that you know that you shouldnt eat?
Jared (4:40 PM)
Good question. It's got to still be pizza. When I do eat it, I make sure I don't eat the entire pizza any more.
Rob (NY)
I was working in Indy for about a mouth in 04, Do you hate the Pats as much as they do in Indy?
Jared (4:41 PM)
Well, the Patriots frustrate me because they're too good. I'm definitely a huge Colts fan and our biggest rival is definitely the Pats.
Sean (Boston, MA.)
Do you have any more athletes in mind that you would want to do a commercial with?
Jared (4:42 PM)
To be from Indy, I would love to do one with Peyton Manning. He's a really good guy. But I'd be up for whatever. I'm a huge sports fan so any athlete would be a good opportunity.
John (Cloquet, MN)
What other big events have you gone to? The Grammys, The Academy Awards?
Jared (4:43 PM)
I haven't done any of those yet. I've done the Super Bowl. I got to run the Olympic torch for Salt Lake, that was cool. This year I'll be going to the Final Four, I think. Lots of sports things.
Justin (Ohio)
The Colts biggest rival is Peyton Manning. Choker.
Jared (4:43 PM)
Wow! No way! Everyone has an off day here and there, but Manning is a huge role in where we are as a team right now.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
What advice would you give to those trying to lose weight?
Jared (4:44 PM)
I think you have to want to do. That's the bottom line. You have to do what it takes to change. Hang in there and do what works for you. Talk to a doctor, talk to a nutritionist and find out what works best for you.
Jared (4:45 PM)
And Subway sandwiches, you don't have to eat them every day like I did, but they can certainly help some people.
Joe (Whitefish, MT)
Do you get to cut in line at Subways? I would.
Jared (4:45 PM)
I can take it one step further, I've actually been able to go behind the counter and make my own!
Will (ABQ)
Who is your favorite no-recognition Colts player that you would like to pimp to the world?
Jared (4:46 PM)
Jeff Saturday, our center. He's a pro bowl caliber player. He's a really good decent person. Centers don't get too much attention, but he deserves it.
Thomas (Florida)
Have you seen any celebrity's?
Jared (4:47 PM)
Oh yeah. We've already seen a ton of people. Chad Johnson, Archie Manning, Mike Ditka, Phil Simms, Deion Sanders. Lots of them. When your around here, you never know who you're going to see.
Joe (New York)
Do you even like Subway any more? You've eaten like a trillion of them by now, right?
Jared (4:47 PM)
I still do. I don't eat it every single day any more. I still like it today. The variety keeps it good for me. And it helps keep the weight off thats for sure.
Jared (4:50 PM)
I'm doing radio row here and one of the reasons they sent me out here was to talk about eating during Super Bowl parties. Some surveys were done about Super Bowl Sunday and how everyone eats poorly during the game and ruins their New Year's resolutions. So, take it in moderation. The surveys said 8 or 10 people want to eat healthier, so try to keep that in mind when you're planning your Super Bowl parties.
Buzzmaster (4:50 PM)
Thanks Jared!
Buzzmaster (4:50 PM)
A little different type of chat here for Super Bowl week, but that was fun.
Buzzmaster (4:51 PM)
Now we have Mike Sando coming up next at 5 p.m. ET/3 p.m. Phoenix time.
Buzzmaster (4:51 PM)
But we've got a few minutes here.
Godish (Chicago)
Whatever Buzz. Ask him for his old pants, you'll need them soon.
douglas long beach california
is it weird that im 15 and know more about sports than grown men
evan (fort lauderdale)
ironic how buzz is eating in n out burger, sonic, insert heart attack here, but yet he has jared from subway on his chat
Buzzmaster (4:52 PM)
Yeah, I guess that is kind of ironic, isn't it?
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Buzz you may have finally found someone who won't berate you for skipping out on a free steak dinner.
Buzzmaster (4:54 PM)
Mike Sando has been working on our NFL QBs package. Check out the story and chat - http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/columns/story?columnist=sando_mikeandid=3209882
Joseph (Georgia)
That cut in line question was funny.
Tim (USA)
Is the super bowl over yet? This is getting SO old. They have to stop this extra week off from the conference games and the super bowl.
Buzzmaster (4:55 PM)
Who is the best QB of all time?
James (Timonium)
Elvis Grbac.. oops read the question wrong thought it said the worst
Captain Ron
Joe Montana no question He was a winner
Brad (Cleveland)
I read that and was really surprised to see Otto Graham in the top 10. No analyst on tv now mentions his name at all when talking about the best QBs of all-time. But all the old guys know he's up there. 7 Championships in 10 years! Brady, eat your heart out.
Buzzmaster (4:57 PM)
Is Tom Brady the best ever? Will he be? Those are some of the questions Mike tackled.
Tom (Chicago)
If anyone says Peyton Manning, they should be banned from chatting.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
Best of all time? I think this is a question that should be broken down by the different decades. I'm picking Montana even though I despised the 49ers back in the day.
Thomas (florida)
John ELway by far!!!
Captain Ron
Marino is up there he gets a bum rap for not winning the super bowl but the people around him were horrible
Jordan (Slinger , WI)
If New England wins on Sunday, Tom Brady may fit into the "best QB ever" category
Will (ABQ)
I still say Elway. He did so much with so little for much of his career.
Mike Sando (4:58 PM)
The hardest part of this project might have been trying to evaluate long-ago passers who played when the game was so different. Graham held up by so many measures. The analysts considered him way, way ahead of his time. The championships speak for themselves. Passer rating is overrated, of course, but his was up there pretty high (around 87, as I recall) in an era when they weren't throwing so many short passes.
Tom (Chicago)
As far as my lifetime, the best are Marino, Elway, Favre, Brady, Montana.
John (Cloquet, MN)
Joe Namath is the best QB of all time, he sealed the deal when he asked Suzy Kolber for a kiss during a Jets game.
Eric (Boston MA)
Tom Brady has to be the best after this weekend, 4 championships by age 30. Nuff said!
John Madden (On the bus)
Now here's a question that can only be answered with one name and that's Brett Favre... I mean who else can spell his name wrong on all his jersey's and still throw like that I mean heh uh... ha uh...
Bryan (Dayton)
Does anyone else beleive that Tom Brady is really one of the 10 best QB's ever?
Mike Sando (4:59 PM)
There was a feeling that Brady could take that top spot by the time he finishes up. Unlike some of the others -- Montana, Bradshaw -- he has won championships without all-stars around him on the offensive side of the ball. The analysts loved his accuracy, too.
Mark (New York):
Why has it taken this year to show that Tom Brady is better than Peyton Manning. Last time I checked Tom has 3 superbowl rings with two MVPs deserved, compared to Manning's one ring an undeserved MVP. Brady's postseason record is much better than Manning's and he had a losing postseason record before last year. Brady is much better when it matters.
Mike Sando (5:02 PM)
I think a couple things could be at work here. Manning was drafted higher, so people assumed he had better physical skills. And then Bill Belichick gets so much credit for being a great coach that we sometimes discount the players. The analysts say Brady is no less gifted physically than most of the greats.
Madden (Knawing Turkey Leg)
I mean, uh, the answer to every question is Brett Favre. Greatest American: Favre, Greatest Human Alive: Favre, my first choice for adopted son: Favre...
Mike Sando (5:03 PM)
Favre was a little lower on the list than I might have expected going into the project. That might not be a huge surprise in retrospect. Coaches in particular get nervous when they see guys throw the ball into coverage for interceptions. Favre has been willing to do that more than some quarterbacks of this era. But the production is obviously there. It's tough to make a case for dropping him very far.
Aaron (KY)
Mike, did you know that Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Trent Dilfer all have the same amount of Super Bowl rings? Who is really better?
Mike Sando (5:04 PM)
They are tied with Jeff Hostetler, as I recall. But of course the analysts didn't look only at Super Bowls.
Brad (Cleveland)
Someone has to throw it out there, did Spygate have anything to do with his Super Bowl victories? The evidence was destroyed and the league won't talk about it. Makes you wonder, regardless of his amazing talent.
Mike Sando (5:05 PM)
That seems pretty unlikely unless you think spying was a factor all season. The guy had his best season after the league (by all accounts) stopped them from taping against the rules.
Jeffy D (Feeding Hills MA)
How much credit does Belichick get for benching Bledsoe in 01 after he was cleared to play...people gave him heat for that at the time, but it sure worked out!
Mike Sando (5:07 PM)
The Patriots lucked into Brady on draft day, at least to a degree, but they probably had a very good idea about his potential by the time they benched Bledsoe. Another coach I spoke with (not for this story) said he thought Brady was the most fundamentally sound quarterback in his draft class and worthy of a third-round pick. He also said he liked Cade McNown that year, so you never really know until they play.
Joseph (Dublin, Georgia)
Also, whoever says Brady wouldn't be in the SuperBowl without Randy Moss just hasnt been watching football in the 21st Century. Brady is a winner(with 3 rings to prove it), makes those around him better, and is simiply the ultimate team player. Mike Sando, please agree or disagree if Peyton Manning has these same qualities.
Mike Sando (5:08 PM)
We don't have to debate whether Manning has these qualities. Brady has done it, period, and he gets credit for that. He has led game-winning fourth-quarter drives in three Super Bowls. That is impressive.
Rashard: Joppatowne
I wanted to see Peyton vs. Eli, but we might need to wait till next year, huh?
Mike Sando (5:10 PM)
Eli's development has surprised scouts. We wrote about young QBs early in the season and none of the established starters with fewer than four seasons of experience ranked lower in the scouts' and coaches' eyes. They thought he got nervous when you hit him, and left yards on the field. Manning is proving people wrong now. I'll be interested to see if he sustains it next season.
Benny (CT)
Thanks for the chat, Mike! Here's my question: It's silly to compare Eli and Peyton in style, but it's not too late for Eli to have the better career. True or false? Explain.
Mike Sando (5:11 PM)
Manning has done so many things so well that it's premature to make those comparisons. But if we measure quarterbacks by winning -- and we do, to a large degree -- Eli certainly has a chance to pad his championship resume. His improved play over the last month or so has proved we shouldn't write off guys prematurely.
Eric (Tampa)
The best QB of all-time IMO is definitely John Elway. He carried some horrible teams to Super Bowls. No other QB can make that claim, even Brady, because even when the Patriots offense wasn't great the defense always was.
Mike Sando (5:13 PM)
The analysts we spoke with loved Elway too. They loved talking about quarterbacks but had a hard time ranking some below others. Ken Meyer, who coached Namath and Stabler at Alabama, would take those guys any day. You would not be alone in preferring Elway. Talk about a guy with size, arm strength, scrambling ability and overall playmaking ability. Wow.
james (timonium)
MY impression is that we heralded Joe Montana as the best ever for a very long time. we did that because he was accurate and consistent and a leader, he didnt have thos insurmountable statistics but he was simply the best guy to have ont he field when u wanted to win. Tom Brady has become that guy.
Mike Sando (5:15 PM)
Montana also had Jerry Rice, John Taylor and Roger Craig, among others, for long stretches of his career. Brady's ability to win without that kind of supporting cast gives his candidacy great credibility in any debate.
Christian (High Point, NC)
Peyton Manning probably breaks many of the records Favre now has. Do you think he breaks the consecutive start streak?
Mike Sando (5:17 PM)
I think he has a very good chance because he's still relatively young and he gets rid of the football. That is a huge key in staying healthy. Favre has also been hard to sack. Mike Sherman once told me he thought quarterbacks were the key to sack avoidance, more than offensive lines. Manning has avoided punishment much of his career, and he has shown an ability to weather huge hits when necessary. He took a shot this season in the Carolina game (from Kris Jenkins?) that looked like it could have ended a quarterback's season.
Dale (Cleveland)
Tom Brady is good, we know. Let's give sone credit to the situation he was presented though. In his book Brady's dad made reference to how mad Tom was when he was passed over by childhood hero (and then Browns GM) Dwight Clark for Spugeon Wynn. There is no way on earth Tom Brady is who he is if he goes to Cleveland. I give Belichick (God help me) a lot of credit for developing Brady. I mean this is a guy who couldn't even win the starting job in college!
Mike Sando (5:19 PM)
The one thing people have told me about Brady is that his mechanics were off-the-charts good from the beginning. That tells me he has been well coached, and he works at it. We have subsequently learned that Brady is also a very hard worker. Put those two things together and he probably had a better chance than anyone realized, no matter where he played.
Zach (Auburn, WA)
Mike, with Moss being held in check thus far in the playoffs, do you think he'll break out for a big game in the Super Bowl?
Mike Sando (5:21 PM)
The coverage dictates that to a large degree. Moss made some plays against the Giants in the last game, however, and he is due. I would expect him to have much better numbers unless the Giants are willing to watch Welker catch every pass.
Jason (Clarksville, TN)
I was glad to see Fouts on the list. I always thought the '82 AFC Championship was tragic because of the weather. The -9 degree temperature and 35mph winds were not made for Air Coryell.Aikman was a great QB but I always thought their offensive line was better than any other part of that team.
Mike Sando (5:22 PM)
Fouts ranked higher than I would have anticipated going into the project. People absolutely LOVED how he played the game. Very tough, very aggressive and blessed with an outstanding feel for the game and situations. They marveled at his ability to put down the hammer on an opponent.
Christian (High Point, NC)
How much does the poor start in their respective careers hurt Aikman and Peyton when evaluating them (I think they both started 1-15 or similar)?
Mike Sando (5:25 PM)
I don't think their poor starts played a role at all. None of the evaluators raised that subject. Aikman's great supporting cast probably robbed him of the numbers that help quarterbacks climb these lists sometimes. The Cowboys simply did not have to rely on him to win games with his arm when they were at their best. But when you talk about quarterbacks who can make every throw accurately, Aikman's name comes up right away.
Dale (Cleveland)
Mike, then let me ask....If his mechanics were THAT good, then why is he a 6th round pick? What is the point of Todd McShay, or Mel Kiper, or NFL scouts. I'd say it is unacceptable that Brady falls to the sixth round. Do you see anyone in this year's class who does not have the hype but has a great chance to succeed?
Mike Sando (5:26 PM)
Great question. Scouts are embarrassed that he slipped that far. Bottom line, probably, was that he hadn't played as much as other guys. People hadn't seen it on the field over time. I'm not as familiar with his career at Michigan and why he did not play more.
Will (ABQ)
I think a QB's success is largely dictated by the opportunities that are provided for him. Talent gets you in the door, but the right organization and coaches take you to the next level.
Mike Sando (5:27 PM)
That is a fair statement. Steve Young brings up that point repeatedly when asked to analyze quarterbacks. And he would know. He went from Tampa Bay to the 49ers. Good career move!
Nick (Boston)
Mike, how on EARTH can Chadiha say that Manning is the QB of the 00's when Brady is in his fourth Super Bowl of the decade and just broke all of Manning's single season records? How? Isn't that like saying that the Braves were the team of the 90s over the Yankees?
Mike Sando (5:29 PM)
You might need to ask Jeff about that one. He wrote his story independently. His story did rely on the insights of the evaluators I cited in the story. Manning has had the better stats until this season, but that is only part of the equation.
Dale (Cleveland)
Wonderboy Drew Henson was why. Brady did win when he played at Michigan. Maybe we can blame Lloyd Carr!
Mike Sando (5:31 PM)
Sometimes you wonder about the politics involved in which players start at the college and even professional levels. I say that not in reference to anything that happened at Michigan involving Brady. I simply do not know enough about that situation to say one way or the other. But sometimes the wrong guys starts for the wrong reasons. We see it with first-round picks. Bet we have a nice debate in Arizona heading into next season. Leinart or Warner?
Jon (Boston,MA)
what impact do you think plax comment when he said the pats will only score 17 point against them?
Mike Sando (5:32 PM)
I tend to think those comments come into play after the game is decided. If the Patriots win, they'll feel great about shutting up Burress. But unless a guy just flat-out disrespects an opponent -- and I do not think Burress has done that -- it's hard for me to think a comment like that is going to influence the outcome of a Super Bowl.
James (Milwaukee, WI)
Doesn't Brady get the edge simply from his arm candy? I mean which other QB on that list has a Giselle at their side? And to the poster above who said Brady couldn't even hold a college starting job - it was quite the opposite as he held off Drew Henson for 2 years when everybody except Llyod Carr was screaming for the kid. Go Brady! Go Pats! GO BLUE!
Mike Sando (5:34 PM)
Perhaps surprisingly, the analysts we spoke with did not raise the girlfriend angle. We might need to incorporate that into future analyses. Accuracy, velocity, work ethic, dating ability ...
Keren (Maui)
The stars lined up perfectly for Brady to end up on the team he did with the coach and GM he has. With any other team he might be a male model by now. Not discounting his abilities yet starting with some of the other teams out there with the various coaching staffs they have had - Cardinals and Raiders come to mind - he might have been long gone by now.
Mike Sando (5:35 PM)
The people we spoke with -- guys who have been getting paid to evaluate players for decades -- do not speak that way. Instead, they kick themselves for whiffing on a guy they ranking among the very best quarterbacks in league history.
Steve (Seattle)
Mike, which young QBs are in the right situations to take it to the next level?
Mike Sando (5:37 PM)
Ben Roethlisberger is with the right organization. Jay Cutler might be with the right organization, depending on how they build around him. Philip Rivers is in a good situation. Those three come to mind.
Santa Barbara (but from BEANTOWN)
If Eli looses, which he most likely will (lets be honest here people), do you still think he has shaken his "Choker" reputation. Is a new more confident and mature Eli imerging, despite the outcome on Sunday?
Mike Sando (5:38 PM)
The outcome won't matter as much as how Eli Manning plays. If he throws five interceptions and the Giants get blown out, we'll surely hear that kind of talk.
Steven Ford (Oklahoma City) OK
Where does Troy Aikman rank among QB's with mutliple rings? He doesn't seem to get much talk from the media.
Mike Sando (5:38 PM)
Aikman was very, very close to cracking the top 10 list.
Chris (Baltimore, MD)
I am totally in shock that nobody realizes John Unitas was the best ever. This man is the definition of a Field General - all of the current QB's mimic what he started. He revolutionized the game at that position, and I am only 40 and I realize that.
Mike Sando (5:39 PM)
The analysts we spoke with start with Unitas and go from there when they speak about quarterbacking. IN the end, Unitas ranked among the top three in just every ranking we solicited. That's why he was No. 1 on our list.
Keren (Maui)
Oops what I meant was with a bad team he could have been beat up and injured by now. And that would take him out of the league - and he does have male model looks trust a woman on that issue.
Mike Sando (5:40 PM)
Fair enough.
Larry (Pasco, WA)
Who is a better QB right now. P. Rivers or E. Manning?
Mike Sando (5:43 PM)
Great question. Rivers greatly impressed with his performance in the AFC title game. As great as the Patriots have proven to be this season, you could make the case that a healthy Rivers might -- repeat, might -- have led an upset in the AFC title game. He simply could not drive the ball down the field or move well enough to buy much time. I think his injury led directly to the one interception on the deep ball, and it probably contributed to the Chargers' problems in the red zone. Rivers has had a better career to this point, but Manning has a huge chance to take the undisputed lead Sunday.
BIGHEARN (Wichita Falls, TX )
How does Farve not rank number one of all time at this point? He has the ring, records and most of all...he's America's quarterback!!
Mike Sando (5:45 PM)
I was surprised he did not rank higher. I think it came down to his tendency to throw game-changing interceptions like the one that hurt in the NFC title game (although our research was completed before that game). Surely Favre belongs in the top 10, though.
Hurricane Jeff (Byesville, OH)
Mike, does this Super Bowl have the potential to create lifelong memories and bring a few tears to the eyes of football fans around the world?
Mike Sando (5:45 PM)
For some reason I found this post to be hilarious.
Ed (LA)
Bottom Line: If Derek Anderson or David Gerrard or even Matt Leinart were with the Patriots right now, they'd still be in the Super Bowl.
Mike Sando (5:46 PM)
You might have lost me on Leinart after the season he just endured. Garrard is very highly regarded among scouts I've spoken with this season. He's another young quarterback with a chance to join the elite.
Chris (Baltimore, MD)
Ah, but Mike I was not talking about you all that made the correct selections int he article. I am talking about everyone else that has not brought up Unitas. Personally I think Montana ranks second (and can argue first) because of his domination of the league.Do you think Moon should have been mentioned?
Mike Sando (5:48 PM)
I wonder how high Moon might rank if he hadn't spent so much time playing in Canada. Had he played five or six more years in the NFL, he might have gotten a shot at the Super Bowl. From a pure skills standpoint, Moon could throw with anyone. He ranked first on our list of guys who throw the purest passes. He could spin it, as the coaches like to say.
Brad (Cleveland)
Are these the same scouts (about Garrard) who let Tom Brady fall to the 6th round? His running game and defense wins him games.
Mike Sando (5:49 PM)
Scouts like his leadership and intelligence.
Bill (La Jolla)
If it wasn't near impossible for people to accept a black quarterback in the NFL at that time Warren Moon might have stats that are untouchable. In my opinion the most underrated QB EVER!
Mike Sando (5:51 PM)
I recently watched the NFL Network replay of that Bills comeback against the Oilers. So many things had to happen for Buffalo to win that game, including a blatant no-call on an obvious hold that allowed the Bills to pick off Moon late and win the game. If he wins that game, perhaps we're speaking about him in another light.
Jordan (WI)
Of the teams that missed the playoffs, which one do you believe has the best chance at making the playoffs in 08?
Mike Sando (5:53 PM)
Houston and Philadelphia stand out a little. I expected much more from the Eagles this past season.
Clint: (Tyler, Texas)
So you don't think Romo is in a good position with the Cowboys? Where would you rank him among young QB's by the way? I think he did pretty good for a first year starter.
Mike Sando (5:54 PM)
Yeah, Romo is in good position, no question. Scouts love the way he keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling, keeping the deeper passes in play. Add him to the list.
Sade (Lagos, Nigeria)
Stop the presses but I think Favre is a tad bit overrated, has anyother "great" QB killed his teams chances of winning games more than Favre, I firmly believe this year that GB won "inspite" of him and not beacause of him
Mike Sando (5:55 PM)
I do not think Favre was overrated on our list. But if you ranked him first overall, you would get more debate.
D (MI)
Mike how is Peyton Manning on that list? Are you just counting regular season, then if so I agree.
Mike Sando (5:56 PM)
We were pretty clear on the criteria. Manning probably would have been lower had he not won a Super Bowl last season.
Chris: (Bloomington, IN)
I've heard a lot of talk about how New England lets receivers go and how Randy Moss will be a free agent. He took a pay cut to go there, there's no way he leaves right?
Mike Sando (5:57 PM)
"No way" is a bit strong. He hit the jackpot this season in terms of production. We'll have to see what he expects in return.
Mike Sando (5:58 PM)
That's it for today. Thanks for joining me over the last hour. I'm going to monitor a press conference with a few NFL players.
Buzzmaster (6:01 PM)
Thanks Mike!
Buzzmaster (6:01 PM)
It really is a good package of stories. Check out Mike's story and the other stuff on our NFL page.
Buttmaster
I like you Buzzmaster.
Buzzmaster (6:02 PM)
Our time is just about up here for the Wednesday before the Super Bowl. How's everyone doing out there?
Buzzmaster (6:02 PM)
Just for a preview for tomorrow, we've got Keith Kidd, DJ Gallo, Matt Hesselbeck, Wright Thompson, KC Joyner and Skip Bayless all lined up so far.
Godish (Chicago)
I'm a bit tired Buzz. I'm off to a focus group later. $100 for it though.
Jordan (Slinger , WI)
i'm fine. thankz, buzz
Buzzmaster (6:03 PM)
Glad to hear it.
Ted Dibiase
Everyone's got a price Godish.
Voice (whisper)
Take the Steak...Take the Steak
Buzzmaster (6:05 PM)
Good tip for the ESPN.com dinner tonight.
Jody Putnam CT
I believe that the Game will be close in the 1st half- but as the Patriots Spread the receivers and score a bunch of points the Giants will be forced to abandon the Run and pass a lot- forcing Manning to win the game and the Pats will win 37- 27
God (Heaven)
So, before I let you stay, why did you pass up a free steak during the Super Bowl week?
Buzzmaster (6:05 PM)
*putting head down* Because I was full.
jon (boston)
Thanx buzz your the best
adam (lansing)
good talk today buzz, good talk
T T Boyyd -- Hollywood, CA
Brady is gunna own the Giants D
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
Buzz brought his A game today.
Buzzmaster (6:08 PM)
I'm glad. I'm getting paid, afterall, to keep you guys informed on the goings on and, hopefully entertained.
jon (boston)
patriots are gonna make a joke of this game..gints have no shot
D (MI)
How much of a downer would it be if you heard JG brought Jared to the playboy party instead of yourself?
adam (lansing)
go all out and get the surf and turf buzz
Buzzmaster (6:09 PM)
I had a good mahi mahi last year. We'll see what this place is all about. You'll get a full report tomorrow morning.
Mike (Detroit, MI)
Is Eli Manning really as good as he has been playing the last couple of weeks
Buzzmaster (6:10 PM)
He's one of life's enigma's.
Chris (City of angels)
Buzz if this wind hits the Valley of the Sun watch out..i can hear my building shaking from it..im on the 16th floor. kinda scary!
HACK (BEAUMONT,TX)
WHY IS THE PRESS SO IN LOVE WITH THE HIGHLY OVERRATED NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS??
Buzzmaster (6:11 PM)
Possibly because they're not overrated.
Chris (City of angels)
you found a Tommy's burgrer yet? just to let you know...Jared dont eat Tommy's..
adam (lansing)
negative Boyyd if the giants secondary plays it right they have a chance, sometimes the recivers from NE are just a little to passive
jon (boston)
Hey we talking to anybody else or are we done here haha
Buzzmaster (6:12 PM)
Yeah, I think we're done here. Thanks for stopping by today, my SportsNation people. Without all of you slackers at work, well, I'd be out of a job! We'll be back here tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. ET for The Morning Buzz and then at noon ET will start our Super Bowl chat with Keith Kidd!
Buzzmaster (6:12 PM)
Until then, stay classy, SportsNation.
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