Chat with Scouts Inc.'s Keith Kidd
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Kidd spent 14 years in NFL front offices before joining Scouts Inc., including eight years with the Arizona Cardinals, three as the director of pro personnel for the Cleveland Browns and three as the assistant director of pro scouting for the New England Patriots, where he was a part of two Super Bowl championship teams (2003 and 2004).
Send your questions now and join Keith on Friday at noon ET for all the answers.
Buzzmaster (1:00 PM)
We're getting Keith Kidd right now!
Keith Kidd (1:04 PM)
There's lots to talk about. Let's get rolling with the NFL questions. I hope everyone's looking forward to a great Week 2 of NFL games.
SprungOnSports (Long Island)
The Colts couldn't stop the run last week, can they curtail AP? Can Indy's offensive line hold up against the Vikes?
Keith Kidd (1:06 PM)
Remember now, a couple of years ago, this team was pretty bad against the run. They ended up putting it all together for the playoff run and the Super Bowl. With the release of Ed Johnson, they don't want to face the Vikings this week.
Matt (Pottstown, PA)
So i was looking at the Scouts preview of the Eagles/Cowboys game and saw that the Eagles were given the advantage at receiver. Is that a typo or is it because of the Cowboys depth issues due to injury?
Keith Kidd (1:07 PM)
I don't know if it was a typo, but clearly the advantage in my mind is with the Cowboys. The one thing about the Eagles last week was Donovan McNabb's ability to spray the ball around and get it to all of his receivers.
Mike (East Lansing)
Are the Lions the worst team/organization in the League?
Keith Kidd (1:08 PM)
Obviously Mike, you've tuned into my show a lot over the years. I appreciate that. I wouldn't say they're the worst, but they have to be one of the most loyal in sticking with Matt Millen this long. I don't know how many coaches and assistants that he can continue to blame.
ben (oakland)
Keith, Do you think Nolan has a clue about coaching? His on-field decisions are mind boggling and his handling of Smith deplorable.
Keith Kidd (1:09 PM)
I do think Mike Nolan is a good coach. However, I have not been impressed at all with him being a head coach. Let's keep this in mind though, this the second week of the season and there's a lot of football to be played. You can't have five turnovers and win the game.
CC (ATLANTA)
Is a 2-0 start for the Falcons actually possible? The Bucs seem very vulnerable.
Keith Kidd (1:10 PM)
I see that coming to an end. I don't think they match up well against the Bucs. I dont' see the Bucs starting the season 0-2.
Shawn (Jamestown, NY)
With the injury to Tom Brady do you beleive the Bills are the best team in the AFC East?
Keith Kidd (1:11 PM)
No, I still think the Patriots are still the best team in the East, but I think the Jets and Bills have gained a lot of ground.
Ryan (Blacksburg)
Eddie Royal was a standout last week against the Raiders...but it was the Raiders and Brandon Marshall wasn't in the equation. Is he going to play a significant role in the Bronco's offense this year? Or was he just a fill-in for the absent Marshall?
Keith Kidd (1:12 PM)
I think you'll see him play a very significant role in this offense. This offense, with Jay Cutler and his ability to now take over games, is going to be huge this season. There are a lot of weapons offensively that are somewhat unknown. They were very impressive on Monday night.
Todd (Tucson)
Will Warner, Fitzgerald and Boldin have their way with the Miami secondary?
Keith Kidd (1:13 PM)
Yes. Unless Miami can rely heavily on the running game and put their offense in more manageable situations for Chad Pennington. They're going to have to keep the ball away from that offense. They can't give that offense a short field. Pennington has to manage the game. And defensively, they need turnovers, or else it will be a long day.
Eric (Long Island, NY)
I saw your matchup on the Bills-Jags and you gave a slight edge to the Bills. Long-term do you see the Bills making a playoff run ?
Keith Kidd (1:14 PM)
I do have an edge in this game to the Bills, because of the injuries to Jacksonville. However, I've said it before, I think the Bills are one of the most underrated teams in the league. They're very well coached with Dick Jauron and they easily have one of the best special teams in the league.
Ryan (Denver)
Keith - The Broncos offense looked terrific Monday night, and I doubt we'll have trouble scoring. Did you see anything that should give us hope that the defense will be improved?
Keith Kidd (1:15 PM)
I did see a better interior run defense. Denver stalemated the Raiders in the first half. The key this weekend will be their ability to matchup against a very good San Diego running game in LT. That will be a great test for them.
Matt (Baltimore)
Are the Redskins really as bad as they played in week 1? And do you think that could pull off a win against the Colston-less Saints this week?
Keith Kidd (1:18 PM)
No. This team has a lot of experience on it. This team will be a work in progress under Jim Zorn. He's never been a head coach or a coordinator. It will take some time for him to figure out how to run a game. Like you, I was not impressed with their game against the Giants. I'm anxious to see how their defense matches up this weekend. I think the Redskins are the fourth best team in the NFC East and I think they'll stay there all year.
Jason (Indiana)
Got to admit the Bears looked better than people thought they would, Any chance they will make a playoff push?
Keith Kidd (1:19 PM)
Jason, if the Bears can stay healthy defensively and can continue to stay strong in the kicking game, they'll have a chance -- a chance -- in the NFC North. But the key word is can they stay healthy? Their offense is not going to carry them this season. They're going to have to be in it in the fourth quarter to have a chance.
PT (Franklin, NC)
Will Lane Kiffin get fired before the season is up, and who will take over if it happens?
Keith Kidd (1:20 PM)
Yes. Because he's trying every which way possible to get Mr. Davis to fire him. However, Mr. Davis might just keep him to spite him. His job is to run the offense, let Rob Ryan run the defense.
Patrick(Hoboken, NJ)
Steelers-Browns...who ya got and what is the score?
Keith Kidd (1:21 PM)
Without a doubt, Pittsburgh. I don't know how the Browns, defensively, especially on the back end, can match up with Ben Roethlisberger. They need to stop the run and pressure Roethlisberger.
john (ellington, ct)
Cowboys gonna crush the Eagles, or do you think Jessica's words will fire up the Eagles?
Keith Kidd (1:23 PM)
Who cares. Whatever you're doing Monday, make sure you're tuning in on Monday. This game will be lights out. This is a rivalry and the Eagles are better than people think.. It will be fun to see how Jason Garrett adjusts his offense to how Jim Johnson attacks him.
Jeff (East Bay, CA)
True or false...the Jets are underrated? Yes...Favre gets all the attention, but their new oline and running game, not to mention the pass rush they are getting look great!
Keith Kidd (1:23 PM)
False. I don't see how you can say any QB that Brett Favre is on is underrated. When they made that trade, that label left.
Keith Kidd (1:24 PM)
This team spent a lot of money this offseason with the idea of gaining on the Patriots. With the injury to Brady and the Jets having Favre, let's see what you have on Sunday.
Jason (Chicago, IL)
Keith, is Matt Forte everything people saying he is? Or was he one big run and a 3 yard average otherwise? Do you see him making the season, even in a tandem with Jones, having that upright style and those long legs? I see leg injury and some big hits derailing his progress.
Keith Kidd (1:24 PM)
Let's don't put him in the pro bowl after one game. But he has great feet, vision and instincts. I'm anxious to see how he plays Sunday against a pretty good Carolina defense.
Cosmo (Anytown, USA)
Kidder, not many upsets last week. Can you give us a couple of potential upsets for the weekend?
Keith Kidd (1:26 PM)
The Patriots over the Jets. Raiders over the Chiefs. Chicago over Carolina.
Igor (Brooklyn)
Is Baltimore defense for real?
Keith Kidd (1:27 PM)
Igor, hasn't Baltimore's defense always carried this offense? If they can stay healthy, they are very, very, very much for real.
Mark (Wisconsin)
Will the Pack run all over Detroit or do you feel they be pass happy since Rodgers looked good?
Keith Kidd (1:28 PM)
I don't think they'll run all over them, but I think they'll use the pass to set up the run. The Lions were embarrassed last week. I think they'll be more ready against the run. But if Aaron Rodgers can get into it, he'll put up some big numbers against their back end.
quentin (wilmington, nc)
Raiders over Chiefs not much of an upset and u r wrong about Bears
quentin (wilmington, nc)
Do u see Atlanta beating Tampa and how effective do u think Griese will be?
Keith Kidd (1:29 PM)
I don't see Atlanta beating Tampa and I do think Griese will be a lot more effective. Jon Gruden has to do a better job in his play selection and do a little bit more in the running game this week. I like what I saw from Earnest Graham, but he needs to show some more.
Chris (Houston)
Weren't the Texans supposed to be a playoff contender? Hilarious. As a realistic fan I sum them up like this...Mario, AJ, Daniels, and Winston are all very good to pro-bowl caliber; Bennett and Okoye have talent; everyone else sucks.
Keith Kidd (1:30 PM)
Yes and they got absolutley embarrassed last week against the Steelers. However, I will give them the benefit of the doubt because it was Week 1. But I'm anxious to see what Matt Schaub can do against the exotic blitz schemes of Rex Ryan.
John (Cinci)
What has happened to Carson Palmer? He has really regressed.
Keith Kidd (1:32 PM)
I have not seen him regress. I saw him run into a buzzsaw last week against that Ravens defense. This team continues to have its issues in the interior of the defense. Since Marvin Lewis has taken over, they can not stop the run. The offense has a lot of potential, but the defense needs to get fixed. But it won't be easy this week offensively or defensively.
Dan (Buffalo, NY)
Kidder, Please explain Phil Savage's reasoning behind not making any trades/free agent signings this week? The secondary (before Sean Jones had surgery) was garbage, the LB's can't tackle and their WR's are all hurt (Cribbs, Stallworth, Jurevisius) or can't catch (Edwards). Thanks. By the way, any chance this weekend against the steelers?
Keith Kidd (1:33 PM)
First of all, there has to be a market for players being shopped. During the season it's not that type of market like it is in the offseason. There aren't players on the streets that can come in and help you right now. It takes time. You've already had training camp and have your roster. You go to war with those guys. You have to hope that your young players continue to grow up and your veteran players play well.
Matt (Santa Monica, Cali)
Who will have a better day Sunday, Felix Jones or Jamal Lewis?
Keith Kidd (1:34 PM)
Great question. Felix Jones plays on Monday night. The Browns need Lewis to have a big game Sunday. Obviously Felix Jones won't get as many opportunities as Lewis because he has Barber in front of him.
Frank (Hartford, CT)
Matt Cassell will prove to be a(n): A)above-average QB, B) average QB, C) Below Average QB, or D) not a QB by season's end. Can you also offer a comparable QBs/seasons?
Keith Kidd (1:35 PM)
If he's going to make his money - future earnings - then he's got a great opportunity with a great supporting cast to make it right now. He's an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt until I see more. It's not fair to him to put him in a category yet.
quentin (wilmington, nc)
How hurt is Big Ben, enought to affect his effectiveness?
Keith Kidd (1:37 PM)
Regardless of his health, he will play on Sunday night. I expect him to have a big night under the lights.
Taylor (Nebraska)
Is Peyton Manning going to bounce back from a "not so good" first game?
Keith Kidd (1:38 PM)
I had no problem with Peyton Manning last week. I thought his timing was off. The biggest problem I had with their offense was with their interior. If they can get Jeff Saturday back, maybe they can stabilize. This game against Minnesota is going to be put on the defense of Indianapolis.
Paul (Denver)
Keith is the AFC's dominance coming to an end? Bears, Panthers, and Cowboys all won very tough road games.
Keith Kidd (1:39 PM)
I don't see it coming to an end, but I see it balancing out a little bit. The best team in the league right now is the Dallas Cowboys. But, as we all know, there is a lot, lot, lot more ball to be played.
Brandon Pittsburgh
If the Steelers defense can play at that level week in and week out, what type of record do you see them ending up with and how far do you think they will go?
Keith Kidd (1:40 PM)
12-4.
Tony (Boston)
One more question, Jim Zorn looked out of his league against the Giants. The offense looked as bad as any I've seen since the Art Shell Raiders. Does he have any grace period in Washington?
Keith Kidd (1:41 PM)
As long as Dan Snyder is the Owner there, I don't know if any coach has a grace period unless his name is Joe Gibbs.
robbie (Pound Ridge, NY)
How about some respect for Ryan Clady?! Jay Cutler and Eddie Royal put up the big stats, but the Raiders pass rush didn't get close to Cutler all game.
Keith Kidd (1:42 PM)
Ryan Clady, I saw in the preseason. He was a great draft choice by the Broncos. Cutler is at the point now where he can carry this offense. Eddie Royal was a WR they felt could come in and help this offense. He was their #1 rated receiver on their draft board.
PT (Franklin, NC)
I understand that Kiffin is upset with Al Davis and probably Rob Ryan, but is he begging to be fired with some of the things he is saying about the organization?
Keith Kidd (1:43 PM)
No doubt. We all know the replacement on the staff is in place and it will come from the offensive side.
Brian (LA)
Colts have a tough schedule. How do you see it playing out for them with all the injuries/rust?
Keith Kidd (1:44 PM)
I still think the Colts are the team to beat in the AFC South. We saw that Houston has a ways to go. The Colts will be a lot better. This is a very talented team. It takes time early in the season to get things going.
Chris (scott,la.)
Mr. Kidd,Do you feel the Saints have a chance to be in the NFC Championship with teams knowing Reggie will get the ball 50% of time. Are do you feel the Saints will do more on OFF.
Keith Kidd (1:45 PM)
Yes, because their offense is very very explosive. They'll get Duece McAllister back to 100%. Losing Colston was a blow, but I think their defense right now is a lot better than it was a year ago, which will be the key.
Braylon Edwards - Cleveland
I just dropped my glass of water
Keith Kidd (1:46 PM)
Hey Braylon, you're an amazingly, amazingly talented player. However, I've seen you drop a lot of critical balls not just in Cleveland but all the way back to Michigan. Concentrate, concentrate and look those balls in. The Browns need you to come up big.
Pete C (Newark DE)
Matty Ice looked sharp and the running game great, was it the team has improved or a bad opponent?
Keith Kidd (1:48 PM)
Their GM and head coach have changed the culture. This team is still a work in progress. They're going to be competitive this year. That's the key. I look for this team to continue to get better in future years. You can't just fix a team overnight. It takes time. You have to love the direction of this organization if you're a Falcons fan right now.
Ryan (America's Finest City)
How in the world did Scouts Inc come to the conclusion that San Diego WRs were better than Denver WRs??? B Marsh is by far the best WR of the two teams, Eddie Royal looks dang good and Stokley is the best slot receiver around! Explain yourselves!
Keith Kidd (1:48 PM)
Great question. We all see things differently. Thanks for reading our stuff, we really appreciate it.
Craig (Glendale, AZ)
Who will turn thier season around? Carson Palmer or Derek Anderson?
Keith Kidd (1:49 PM)
Carson Palmer. He's a proven commodity. I still have some concerns about Derek Anderson. I can not get the poor game he had against the Bengals he had a year ago out of my mind.
Keith Kidd (1:50 PM)
I was amazed at how poorly the Browns' offensive line played on Sunday.
Brad(NM)
Keith, who do you think will be 0-2 after this week..Minn or Indy?
Keith Kidd (1:50 PM)
Minnesota.
sunny (se philly)
do you see this as the last season in philly for #5 regardless of how well he or the team play?
Keith Kidd (1:51 PM)
Great question. The key will be him staying healthy throughout the season and playing at the level he was at last week. What people don't realize is that McNabb is a helluva QB. I'll take him on my team right now. The thing he has had is his injuries. It's tough playing in Philly right now.
Mike (Pgh)
In the Scouts Week 2 report, it listed the Browns as having the advantage in WR over the Steelers. I know Braylon Edwards is good, but that's all they have. The Steelers are much deeper, and ultimately, better at WR. Thoughts?
Keith Kidd (1:53 PM)
In my mind this is easy. Outside of Braylon Edwards, when talking about WRs in Cleveland, there are none. When looking at last week's game, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes...that's an easy one.
Keith Kidd (1:53 PM)
Our matchups are based on how they're currently playing. You don't go on years and years of bodies of work. You go with matchups as of right now.
Andy (Albany)
What's your take on the Alex Smith situation? It's a sad story but the truth is that when he's done rehabbing, he will not have started a game in nearly two seasons. What's the market for a young bust number one pick with bad durability and a bumb shoulder?
Keith Kidd (1:54 PM)
Unfortunately, four coordinators in four years and durability. He will get another opportunity, because it's a QB driven league. I wouldn't be surprised if he hooks up with a system similar to Norv Turners. The big thing with him right now is the confidence factor.
Garry(charlotte)
Keith which rookie tackle impressed you the most week 1
Keith Kidd (1:55 PM)
Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos.
Dan (Ohio)
More likely to win this weekend OSU or the Browns?
Keith Kidd (1:55 PM)
Toss up. I'm drawing out of a hat right now......and I'm selecting....
Pete C (Newark DE)
Looking at GB schedule, it looks like the first big test for Rodgers will be the Cowboys next week? How do you see him fairing under pressure like the Boys can apply and cover?
Keith Kidd (1:56 PM)
I agree. However, I think it's going to be critical in how he plays this week against the Lions. Impressive Monday night, short week and has to go on the road against a team that got humiliated.
The Suits (Bristol)
Psst, Keith. The Worldwide Leader is reporting that Wells is doubtful now for the game. I think its safe to say that USC is going to win
Keith Kidd (1:57 PM)
Nice.
Keith Kidd (1:57 PM)
Who would you have taken?
chris (charlotte)
panthers...to the superbowl?
Keith Kidd (1:58 PM)
I don't see it happening. Possibly. They'll have to stay healthy. You've got to love Jake Delhomme back on the field. The OL is back on the field and more physical. The defense is going to have to get better.
Chad (Savannah, GA)
What will the Saints record be without Colston for 6 games? I say 4-2 without him.
Keith Kidd (1:58 PM)
Good call.
Pete C (Newark DE)
Ohio State University of the NCAA... Isnt that the name now? They get every break when it comes to polling and BCS crap.
Chris (Wilmington)
Overlooked in Carolina's victory was another poor performance by Peppers. I read all offseason how great a season he was going to have, but he couldn't beat a backup LT.
Keith Kidd (1:59 PM)
Chris, I thought Peppers looked good in the preseason. Protection wise, they were worried about that edge. They were hitting him with a back on that side.
Pete C (Newark DE)
Thought on Pennington and what the Fins can accomplish this year?
Keith Kidd (2:00 PM)
They're 3-13 at best. I don't think they have enough weapons offensively. The key is going to have to be defense and be good in the kicking game. Be very efficient managing the ball.
Matt (CT)
Keith, do you have a lock for the week? Giants, Arizona??
Keith Kidd (2:01 PM)
Write them down. My additional lock is the Pats over the Jets.
Tony (Keizer Oregon)
opinion on steven jackson's contract extension,,,,was it deserved, my opinion, new contract, no production
Keith Kidd (2:02 PM)
It was deserved. He has so much versatility in both running and catching the football. He puts a lot of pressure on the defense. He missed so much time in training camp. Give it some time.
Kevin (San Diego)
Based on the film you've seen, does LaMarr Woodley have the skill (as in pass-rushing moves) to be a consistent sack threat?
Keith Kidd (2:02 PM)
Yes. He was the guy that leaped off the tape on Sunday. The Steelers continue to find players that fit their system and they found another one.
dylan (hillman, mn)
i think minnesota can make it to nfc championship or even superbowl if our quarterback gets his feet under him what do u think ?
Keith Kidd (2:03 PM)
I wouldn't put it so much on the QB. He has to play a lot better. This team didn't impress me very much on Monday night.
Keith Kidd (2:04 PM)
Any time you have a QB with that kind of inexperience, it's going to be a work in progress.
Sean (Philly)
The Panthers should take a shot at Ryan, let him sit behind Delhomme next year, learning the playbook etc.
Mark (Denver)
Do you think the fact that Marinelli only let his starters play a few series in the pre-season had to do with the Lions dreadful start? Or, are they really that bad?
Keith Kidd (2:05 PM)
I think you can say that about any team that starts this bad. The true indicator will be how they do against Green Bay this coming week.
James Jones - cleveland, OG
True or false? Hines Ward is over the hill. His two TDs were flukes last week and 30 out of 32 teams wouldn't take him as a 1st receiver.....
Keith Kidd (2:06 PM)
False. There are not 32 No. 1 WRs in the league right now. He is a very good complementary No. 2 and still a very good physical, tough player.
Mark (Denver)
GO LIONS!!!! I may be the one and only fan they have left :(
Pete C (Newark DE)
If the Charger faulter this year with all those expectations, is Norv safe.
Keith Kidd (2:07 PM)
I dont know if anyone's safe in the NFL any more. But yes, I would think he's safe, because he got this team in the AFC championship last season, which I have to think will buy you some time.
Keith Kidd (2:08 PM)
It's been fast, furious and fun. It's always great talking to the Nation. Make sure you tune into the chat every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET. And be sure to check out my Monday Night preview show on the Podcenter page. Let me know what you think.
Keith Kidd (2:08 PM)
Everyone have a great weekend. And be sure to see our live Scouts Inc. chat on Sundays. I'll see you here next week.
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