Matt Williamson

  (1:00 PM)

MW here-Lets get rolling on today's chat

rob buffalo ny

will the bills win a wildcad?

Matt Williamson

  (1:01 PM)

Before the season, I didn't pick them. Instead I picked the Jets. But...I do really like what I have seen from Buff (albeit one week's worth) and they are much better from a personnel standpoint. I picked Buff and Jax-but have little faith in Jax right now for that WC spot and I expect the Bills to win this upcoming weekend in Jax.

Mike (Boca Raton)

Matt, glad to see you are still around. i was getting worried since i haven't seen/read/heard from you. let's chat...

Matt Williamson

  (1:02 PM)

I've been here Bro! This will be my regular spot, plus I do an hour chat before MNF and on game day Sunday. Bring it on.

Dan (Buffalo, NY)

MW, Sean Jones is now out for several weeks, the secondary sucks, the linebackers can't tackle and the D-Line is overworked. Does Phil Savage know he can pick up free agents or maybe make a trade? Ty Law? Lito Sheppard? Anyone?

Matt Williamson

  (1:04 PM)

Everyone talks about Lito and that is great and all, but it takes two to tango. If I were running the Eagles, I would look at myself as a contender right now and looking at what Dallas has at WR, the Depth that NYG has at WR and Wash's new trend of throwing heavily, I wouldn't be overly excited about moving Lito for a draft pick next year. Win now.

Stewart (Charlotte)

Is there any chance that by Week 3 the Panthers are wondering if they are a better "team" without Steve Smith? A lot of distractions through the years..

Matt Williamson

  (1:05 PM)

He can be a distraction and I do see where you are coming from on this, but No. Great player who is extremely competitive and really wants to win. That O can be really something when he comes back.

Eamon (C-Town)

Matt, looks like the Browns are in need of some secondary help. Is there anyone available who's worth signing?

Matt Williamson

  (1:06 PM)

Ty Law was also brought up a few questions ago. Eeeehhhh. Hmmmm. Doesn't excite me either. Was a shell of himself last year and why hasn't another team jumped on signing him? He is probably done.

Dan (Portland)

Matty, do you think JAX can still have an effective run game with their beat-up O-Line? thanks.

Matt Williamson

  (1:07 PM)

I don't. They are AWFULLY short on the interior of that OL and even before the injuries, they didn't have the outside fire power to scare D's off the ball. I don't feel good at all about that O whatsoever.

TONY(Floyd,VA)

Will Branden Marshall have a better year than Roy Williams, I know the Lions look terrible, I just see Roy putting up huge numbers in his contract year?

Matt Williamson

  (1:08 PM)

Yes, Marshall will exceed Williams' production this year and will do it in one less game. Calvin J will eat into Roy's numbers and Brandon is simply the better WR with a far better QB getting him the ball. Marshall is a big time guy.

Ryan (Morgan City, LA)

Do you think that Pierre Thomas has the potential to become a featured back for the Saints? After his performance at the end of '07 and Sunday, it looks like he could be a star in the making. He averaged over 5 yards a carry (granted w/ just 10 carries) and he seems fearless and really finishes his runs. Your thoughts?

Matt Williamson

  (1:10 PM)

Remember, this is the guy who kept Rashard Mendenhall on the bench at Illinois. Yes, I like him a lot and I expect him to out-produve Duece and get more and more touches going forward. Why wouldn't you give him the ball more? All he does is produce-like you said.

Kevin (Glen Rock, NJ)

What should we expect out of the Pats offense on Sunday? Pounding the ball with Maroney and Morris or does Bill let the kid throw it 30+ times.

Matt Williamson

  (1:11 PM)

More running for sure. Less shotgun. More screens and easy throws. Will hold the ball longer, be less accurate and will misread coverages. Still, they have to use the deep ball to Moss. It will change, but not by a ton-he just won't do it nearly as well as Brady.

Chad (Cascade, MD)

How many games will the ravens will this year?

Matt Williamson

  (1:12 PM)

Five or Six. Good D. Actually real good D, but I question the D depth and an injury or two could derail it as it did a year ago. The O will struggle to put up enough points to win. Very good special teams. Will play a lot of close games.

Andre (Germany)

Matt, Chargers fan from germany calling in ... how do you see the Chargers' D (Jammer, Cro, Cason - NO Merriman...) fare against Cutler, Royal, Marshall next we? That game huge already for who'll win AFC West?

Matt Williamson

  (1:14 PM)

I am proof reading my game preview of that matchup right now-check it out when it hits the net. I favor SD here from a WR vs. CB matchup standpoint, but not by a ton. I mentioned that Marshall is a stud and I also expect Scheffler to have a big game. This is a huge game and is also a good time for Den to play SD, as the Chargers are pretty banged up.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Have the giants had the best depth at RB in the league the last 2 years? Even Danny Ware is supposed to be something special, some people think hes Ryan Grant redux

Matt Williamson

  (1:15 PM)

Pretty darn impressive. Nice issue to have. Also...it does make you appreciate those big guys doing the blocking!

Baltimore, MD

Do you think Henderson will step up in No now that Colston is out for a couple of weeks?

Matt Williamson

  (1:16 PM)

I think Brees can make average players into very good players, but I am not a beliver in Henderson. All or nothing. So inconsistent. This could be the opportunity that Meachum jumps on-layed out on a silver platter.

Mark (Wisconsin)

Rodgers looked pretty good against a good Viking D, should we expect an even better performance against Detroit D-less team?

Matt Williamson

  (1:16 PM)

He will torture that D this week. Really liked what I saw out of Rodgers. He is a crisp passer and a very good athlete. GB is going to be fine and will win the North.

Scott (Indy)

How does the Steelers/Brownies game play out this Sunday? Another W for the Steelers? Should be a good game, right?

Matt Williamson

  (1:18 PM)

This is another game I was in charge of writing up. The Browns need to show me much more before I can pick them over a team like PGH-esp since PGH has destroyed them year after year. I do think it will be close, but the Steelers win this game.

Andy (Tampa)

Can you give me a scout's point of view on Matt Forte and Devin Hester? Can both of them be legitimate long term offensive weapons?

Matt Williamson

  (1:19 PM)

Forte-Yes-no doubt in my mind. Hester-No-playing WR at this level is just not something you pick up on a whim. His ability to sell his routes, fend off coverage and most importantly-catch the football-are serious questions to me. Can he read coverages on the fly? His hands as a returner are also very average and you get all day to see the ball come down to you. As for Forte-this guy can play. Great vision. Runs hard and shows excellent lateral agility.

Scott (Indy)

Should I be cautiously optimistic about the Steeler's O-line right now? I know it was only one game, but that was a lot of yardage for Fast Willie.

Matt Williamson

  (1:20 PM)

Cautiously optimistic is a good way to put it. This OL only needs to be average, but there will be some games (esp with their schedule) that the five up front are simply overmatched. Still, having all those weapons, a good D and esp Big Ben makes many woes go away.

Adam (Jersey)

Jeff Garcia looked... bad. He was battling injuries and didn't have a 3rd down conversion until the 4th quarter. Rust from no presason snaps, improved Saints defense, or trouble?

Matt Williamson

  (1:21 PM)

I would say all of the above. Not a believer in Garcia here and I do think NO improved dramatically on D. Rust? Sure. But this guy's cieling is awfully low.

Peter (Quahog, RI)

The Colts looked awful in week 1 against the Bears. Will they turn it around when the O-line gets healthy or are there bigger problems here?

Matt Williamson

  (1:23 PM)

I still like the Colts and I expect Howard Mudd to coach that OL up to be servicable. Still, they got killed at OC. Manning will also get much more comfortable, which will be huge. The biggest worry here for me is their D-I am not sold at all that they can stop the run. That D might have to play with a lead to succeed.

rob buffalo ny

who wins the afc east?

Matt Williamson

  (1:23 PM)

I still have NE.

Jason (Chicago)

Can the Bears contend for the division?

Matt Williamson

  (1:24 PM)

I really don't think so. D is back to being very tough and their special teams are fantastic. But, I have zero faith in any aspect of their O except Forte and their TE play-that isn't enough. GB wins the North.

Mike (Boca Raton)

is this whole vince young thing overblown or does this guy have some serious issues? it occurs to me if it was as much of a non-issue as the titans are making it out to be then we never would have found out about it.

Matt Williamson

  (1:25 PM)

Smoke....Fire. Could be? You do have to question his toughness. Not an uncommon trait from U of Texas players by the way.

Jack (Toronto)

Are the Titans a better team with Collins under center?

Matt Williamson

  (1:26 PM)

For sure. The guy can throw with accuracy. That is an important aspect of playing that position. Hand off, Hand off, 3rd and 1, throw. Occasionally throw on early downs, but at least he can throw the deep ball.

John (LA)

Cowboys-Eagles on monday night...thots?

Matt Williamson

  (1:26 PM)

REALLY looking forward to it. Haven't broken it down heavily, but I am picking Dallas to win the whole thing and Philly to finish 2nd in that division. Give me the Boys.

Alex (New York)

Dwight Lowery, real deal?

Matt Williamson

  (1:27 PM)

I need to see more, but this guy made a ton of plays in college. Didn't test well at the Combine, so his stock plummeted, but if he is the real deal, NYJ fans should do cartwheels.

Matt Cassel (New England)

Can't I just throw the ball near Randy Moss and be ok? When will Randy quit on me?

Matt Williamson

  (1:28 PM)

Matt, you can do exactly that, but do it deep downfield. Yeah, he might quit though...

Chuck (Little Rock)

think Forte averages 20 carries a game

Matt Williamson

  (1:28 PM)

In that neighborhood.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

The 49ers have killed Alex Smith much like the Texans did with Carr and the Browns with Couch, but unlike those two can he resurrect his career with another team?

Matt Williamson

  (1:28 PM)

In the right system. Maybe go to a team with an older vet, let him sit a year to learn and clear his head. Not a big armed downfield passer.

Mike( Big D)

Who has the better secondary? The Eagles with Sheppard, Samuel and Brown or the Boys trio of Pacman, Newman, and Henry?

Matt Williamson

  (1:29 PM)

Dallas. Throw in Jenkins (a first round pick by the way) and their safeties and I don't think it is close. Not a knock on Philly's-it is excellent, but Pac Man and Newman are both capable of being Top 5 CBs in this league.

Brandon (Austin)

That was the last straw. Where did you go to school? What makes you an expert? UT is one of the best programs on the planet.

Matt Williamson

  (1:31 PM)

Fantastic program. Elite program. But-and this is true with several schools including USC-their kids are babied to an an extent. That is fine for college life and winning the Big 12, etc. But, transitioning to the NFL and becoming a "Man" of sorts doesn't usually go as smoothly for kids out of that progrram. Just the facts-unbiased as can be here-from Pittsburgh.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Don't knock the giants secondary, by the end of the season ours might be the best in the division. Webster looked shut down against the redskins, ross is a stud, and Phillips will be rookie of the year.

Matt Williamson

  (1:32 PM)

Those guys are good-very good. Dallas' is much better.

Adam (Jersey)

Follow-up on the Bucs -- Do you think they'd be better off with Griese/McCown? Again, low ceiling for Greise, but has proven he can move the ball in Gruden's offense

Matt Williamson

  (1:32 PM)

McCown is last for sure on that list for me. Greise vs. Garcia? I guess I take Garcia-more mobile, etc. Still, Josh Johnson will be the guy down the road. He is someone that I really like.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Tell Brandon that USC is a better program than UT, and scouts still question the toughness of their players too. Some great college programs produce talented yet soft players who lack the makeup to get it down in the pros.

Matt Williamson

  (1:33 PM)

You're dead on Bro. Well known in NFL War Rooms and scouting circles.

Matt Williamson

  (1:34 PM)

However....those two schools also have incredibly talented football players.

BC (Texas)

Any update on Dallas Clark's knee? Would you take him over Cooley?

Matt Williamson

  (1:35 PM)

Been real tough to get good info on that injury. With him watching in street clothes, I assumed the worst. Tough to say. Don't love either of those TEs this year.

DR T Bradenton, FL

What do you think of the Buc's young offensive line? How many years to peak maturity?

Matt Williamson

  (1:35 PM)

LOVE it-but I love it with D Joseph. He is the best player on that line-and whole offense really. They need him back. Should gel very quickly-with Joseph.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

There is absolutely NO way that the Den/SD WR vs CB matchup goes in SD's way! Jammer is a chump that either gets burned or flagged for PI. Den's WR are going to have a field day, you heard it here first!!!

Matt Williamson

  (1:36 PM)

LOVE it-but I love it with D Joseph. He is the best player on that line-and whole offense really. They need him back. Should gel very quickly-with Joseph.

Matt (Grand Rapids)

Does Michigan have that rep? It seems like a few players left when the new coaching staff took over and didn't baby them.

Matt Williamson

  (1:36 PM)

I don't think so. That happens often when a new coach/offensive system comes around. Eligible juniors take off.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

There is absolutely NO way that the Den/SD WR vs CB matchup goes in SD's favor! Jammer is a chump that either gets burned or flagged for PI. Den's WR are going to have a field day, you heard it here first!!!

Matt Williamson

  (1:37 PM)

Jammer is one of the very most underrated players in this league. Watch him closer.

Chioke Hassan, Baltimore,Md

Dear Matt Could you see Morton Anderson retireing?

Matt Williamson

  (1:37 PM)

Never

Tony(Floyd,VA)

Is this season already over for the Rams, or will Steven Jackson and T Holt rebound to put up solid numbers?

Matt Williamson

  (1:38 PM)

It's over. I expect more from Jackson than Holt going forward. Holt looks old and they have no one to lighten his load. Ugly situation that very well could lead to a mid-year coaching change.

max (MD)

The Eagles did look good, but c'mon it was the rams. How will they fare against the Cowboys this week?

Matt Williamson

  (1:38 PM)

Like I said, I like both teams, but give me Dallas. Exactly-it was the Rams!

Mike

Hey Matt, the Indy Star is now reporting that Colts DT Ed Johnson got busted for possession of pot. Dungy says he won't play on Sunday. Looks like that porous run D just got a little worse.

Matt Williamson

  (1:39 PM)

First I heard that-thanks for the update. Yikes.

Adam (Jersey)

How will Jyles Tucker do replacing Merriman?

Matt Williamson

  (1:39 PM)

Better than people realize. Strong supporting cast-esp at CB. Very good upfield player. Will struggle in coverage and maybe vs. the run. S Phillips is the one whose production will tail off.

Mike (Boca Raton)

is me-angelo hall on a short leash in oakland. i didn't see it, but his 2 personal fouls and antimated discussion with kiffin can't be sitting well with the coaching staff...of course, who knows how the shots are being called out there.

Matt Williamson

  (1:40 PM)

Hall is as overrated as Jammer is underrated and Hall will get tortured all year long. No one will throw at Asomugha. We know who is calling the shots there-it isn't Kiffin.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Why is everybody calling out Lane Kiffin after the Raiders humiliating loss to the Broncos. Wasn't Rob Ryan the one calling those atrocious defensive plays?

Matt Williamson

  (1:41 PM)

He was, but the O was equally as bad. That team is a train wreck.

rob buffalo ny

if NE loses and buff wins in JAX were do u stan in the afc east

Matt Williamson

  (1:42 PM)

Sticking with NE, but it obviously depends on how both teams look. Right now, I think NE, Buff and NYJ are all pretty close. Just leaning towards BB, Moss, the D and big game experience from NE.

Jim (Wilmington)

Did you see Otah and Kalil Sunday? Both were excellent and Fox has to be ecstatic.

Matt Williamson

  (1:42 PM)

Without question.

Ryan (Morgan City, LA)

If you had to pick a D/ST unit to shine in a week 2 match-up, who would you take? I'm thinking Tennessee beating up on the Bengals handicapped O.

Matt Williamson

  (1:43 PM)

That is a fine choice and another gaame that I wrote up. Tenn is going to crush them.

Matt Williamson

  (1:44 PM)

Buff's D/ST isn't a terrible choise either. Stroud is going to be a mad man-Ever see Fast Times at Ridgemont High? They screwed up his car and turned him loose on the rival high school-that is Stroud on Sunday against replacement OGs and OC.

Mark (Peshtigo, WI)

How bad is Nolan looking in SF after Rodgers looking good on Monday?

Matt Williamson

  (1:44 PM)

Doesn't help. Doesn't help.

Keith (NYC)

Who will Hasselbeck throw to now? Are they holding open tryouts

Matt Williamson

  (1:45 PM)

They have to get Branch healthy in a huge way. That is another O (like Jax and STL) that is in big trouble. Zero weapons.

John (LA)

if Kiffin is fired - who in their right mind would take the Oakland job as long as Davis is still in charge? Maybe Denny Green???

Matt Williamson

  (1:46 PM)

Can't speak for Coach Green, but that seems like an awful job to me. Awful.

Mike (Boca Raton)

how long until marvin lewis quits/is fired/goes on a gun firing rampage?

Matt Williamson

  (1:46 PM)

Just a few more weeks now. Cincy is another O that gives off awful vibes.

Jim (Westerville,OH)

Why was everyone gushing over the Vikes going into this season when they still had a terrible QB and no legit weapons to throw to (sorry Bernard Berrian).

Matt Williamson

  (1:47 PM)

And a LT with a suspension. I love the D. I love Peterson. But I picked Minny to miss the playoffs. With ya.

Zac (MN)

I know it's only one game (and all last season), but if Tarvaris Jackson keeps playing the same way (horribly), how long before Chilli puts in Gus? Will he wait until it's too late to save the season?

Matt Williamson

  (1:48 PM)

Is Gus the answer? Yikes. Still, I do bet he is better than TJax. Shocked me that they didn't draft a guy higher.

Nate (Detroit)

Thanks again Millen. Cherilus over Otah. Another great decision.

Matt Williamson

  (1:48 PM)

He's really something. You are lucky to have him.

Eric (Sioux City)

I know they've only played one week and it will sound like I've fallen from atop the hyperbole tree, but this will be the best offensive rookie class ever. McFadden, Stewart, Jones, Mendenhall, Forte, Charles, Rice, Slaton, Smith, Hillis, Keller, Otah, Clady, Long, Albert, Royal, Jackson. Wow.

Matt Williamson

  (1:49 PM)

I live it as well. Love all the RBs. Don't forget Matt Ryan.

Ryan (Morgan City, LA)

Eddie Royal - a one shot wonder that will fade into the background with Marshall's return this week or a star that will continue with solid production (even against D's better than Oakland's)?

Matt Williamson

  (1:50 PM)

Young budding star. VTech's WRs (Royal and Morgan) both did much better in their short NFL stints so far than they did at VTech. Hmmm. However, Royal's numbers will not keep up. Marshall is getting a ton of action from here on out.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Millen first 2 draft picks both had arrests that Millen knew nothing about. Now that as the guiness commercials would say is, GENIUS!

Matt Williamson

  (1:51 PM)

Will let that post speak for itself.

john, atl

I havent seen any Falcons questions. Realistically, how long before they contend for the SuperBowl? If not next year, must be the year after, no? thx.

Matt Williamson

  (1:51 PM)

I can't answer that now. We have to see what moves they make this upcoming offseason. They will need DT help in a big way and those guys don't grow on trees. Secondary is suspect.

Benjamin Plattsburgh

Roayl's burst in his routes tells me hes the real deal, he flys off the line and out of his cuts like a veteran. He might be rookie of the year because Cutler loves him and Defenses will role their coverage towards Masrhall.

Matt Williamson

  (1:52 PM)

Benjamin-you know your stuff

Bob

Will Kiffin become the next Mike Shannahan, that will get fired and go to a team within the same division and begin to tear it up?

Matt Williamson

  (1:52 PM)

Perhaps, I don't kill the guy for not performing well where he is right now.

Anthony (Brooklyn NY)

You STILL have the Patriots winning the East?! Not happening. The world is about to find out just how valuable Brady is to the franchise. Jets win the division via tiebreaker...or the Bills

Matt Williamson

  (1:53 PM)

What you are saying is not outlandish. When you lose a QB in the prime of his career that very well could go down as the best QB to ever play the game-there will be a drop off. The cupboard isn't bare in NE though. Remember how many games they won a year ago.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

I've watched every game Jammer has played in and he has not once impressed me.

Matt Williamson

  (1:54 PM)

Offenses do not like throwing his way any more. When he entered the league, the guy struggled, but he is a new man now. Take another unbiased look. I bet your tone changes.

Cole (Kansas City, MO)

MW, I'm so sick of people whining about Pollard's hit on Brady comparing it to Wilfork's hit on J.P. Losman. What's your take on the whole incident?

Matt Williamson

  (1:55 PM)

Pollard's hit was fine. Legal. Football. Nothing more.

Brent Baltimore

do you see playoffs for the ravens and do they re-sign T.Suggs

Matt Williamson

  (1:56 PM)

With Lewis and Pryce's age, I don't know how on Earth they could let Suggs leave. His sack numbers last year were a fluke. Still a great-and versatile-player who fits exactly what Rex Ryan wants from that spot in his D.

Dan (Philadelphia)

With the banged up o-line in Jax do you think they will turn to MJD ith the majority of carries over Fred Taylor in the run game?

Matt Williamson

  (1:56 PM)

Not sure that will matter. I do think they will put far more pressure on Garrard-which as evidenced by his INTs last week, might not be a great situation at all. Ugly.

john, ellington ct

If you were Tony Romo---Jessica Simpson or Carrie Underwood?

Matt Williamson

  (1:57 PM)

Jessica. That isn't even close. She might be the first pick overall. Big signing bonus.

Steve (Houston)

Eric Winston's extension puts him among the top 3 highest paid RTs. Does he deserve that?

Matt Williamson

  (1:58 PM)

No, but most players when they sign a big new deal deserve to be amongst the best at their position. That is just how the system works. Two years from now we might think he is underpaid. He is someone that they needed to keep though. Bright future.

Eric (Sioux City)

You're absolutely right about Jammer. I was a big basher until a couple years ago. Now, he's a top 7-12 CB.

Matt Williamson

  (1:59 PM)

Dead on. Which is why Cromartie got all those chances to make those INTs. That CB threesome is exceptional.

Matt Williamson

  (2:00 PM)

Guys, this was a great chat-not just saying that. Stop back this time next week and we will get after it once again. Enjoy the games and the rest of your week. -MW